Edinburgh

The Outhouse
Tucked into a corner off Broughton Street, theOuthouse boasts a cosy beer garden serving a wide selection of worldbeers. Like other bars in the Broughton area, the Outhouse creates arelaxed vibe. Weekend nights see the chilled atmosphere get a bitraucous, with DJs from Edinburgh's biggest clubs spinning the decks. On Sundays in the summer, 'infamous' Outhouse BBQs reward patronswith burgers on the house. If the weather is being typically Scottish,the beer garden has outdoor heaters to ward off the chills.
12a Broughton Street Lane, 0131 557 6668.

The Cumberland Bar
The secluded beer garden at the back of theCumberland Bar makes it one of the quietest spots in the city to enjoya pint of ale. Circular tables encourage a cosy atmosphere, while pubclassics like steak and kidney pie and sausage and mash provideample sustenance.
1–3 Cumberland Street, 0131 558 3134.

The Pear Tree
One of the capital’s biggest and best beer gardens, The Pear Tree’s large outdoor benches and weekly BBQs make it the perfect watering hole, whether your want is to while away an afternoon or catch a quick pint in the sun, on the way to the Pleasance or Teviot.
34 West Nicolson Street, 0131 667 7533.

The Three Sisters
Smack bang in the middle of the Cowgate, Three Sisters is one of the more energetic beer gardens in the city. People spill out onto the courtyard from inside, where three floors of bars and dance floors ensure the party never stops.
Three Sisters, 139 Cowgate, 0131 622 6801.

Glasgow

West West
brings the German brewery/bar experience to Glasgow. The house beers served in the wide-open expanses of this bar/restaurant have been brewed using the German purity laws, and their St Mungo brew in particular is to be recommended. The Dunkel dark beer has a rich and full flavour, though the coffee-like undertone to it may not be for everyone
4 Binnie Place, Glasgow (H6), 0141 550 0135, www.westbeer.com.

Chinaski's
This beloved hipster bar cultivates a discreet, not-tryingtoo-hard image, appropriately given its subtle theme inspired by Barfly writer Charles Bukowski. Away from the flurry of a Sauchiehall Street weekend, its dark, stylish atmosphere appeals to a 30-something crowd and the pretty outdoor beer garden at the back is popular on summer nights.
239 North Street, Glasgow (D3), 0141 221 0061, www.chinaskis.com

Big Slope
With its quirky Alpine décor complete with antlers, pictures of mountain scenes and fake stove – this small basement bar is a favourite with nearby office workers by day and a studenty crowd at night.
36a Kelvingrove Street, Glasgow (B2), 0141 333 0869.

Brel
Sited just off the West End’s Ashton Lane and within textbookthrowing distance of Glasgow University, the sloped back garden of the Belgian-themed Brel is a popular choice when the sun is shining. Its location means that the regular crowd is a vibrant mix of youngsters and bohemian types. Food is served in the bar, and there are live jazz events at the weekend - as well as semi-regular acoustic music nights.
39–43 Ashton Lane, Glasgow, 0141 342 4966, www.brelbarrestaurant.com