Which pubs in North Shields have beer gardens?

The Low Lights Tavern on the Fish Quay has a proper, decent-sized beer garden, and there is plenty of waterside outdoor seating at Salt Market Social, Low Quay Brew Co and Three Tanners Bank, all on the Quay.

Where is the best place to drink outside in North Shields?

The Fish Quay is the place to be on a sunny day, with the river, boats and big coastal sky. The Low Lights Tavern's beer garden and the terraces at Salt Market Social are among the best suntraps.

Can I bring food to the Low Lights Tavern beer garden?

Yes. The Low Lights Tavern famously does not mind you bringing fish and chips to eat in its beer garden, which, on the Fish Quay, is exactly what many people do.

Food & Drink

The Best Beer Gardens in North Shields

When the sun comes out, the Fish Quay is the place to be. A guide to the best beer gardens and outdoor drinking spots in North Shields.

North Shields.live·10 September 2026

There are few better places to catch the sun than the North Shields Fish Quay, where the river, the boats and the big coastal sky make outdoor drinking a proper occasion. When the weather turns fine, here is our guide to the best beer gardens and outdoor drinking spots in North Shields.

The Low Lights Tavern

The oldest pub on the Quay, The Low Lights Tavern has a genuine, decent-sized beer garden, and it is a lovely spot to sit out with a good pint. They famously do not mind you bringing fish and chips to eat outside, which, on the Fish Quay, is exactly what you should do.

Best for: a proper beer garden with centuries of character, and BYO fish and chips.

Salt Market Social

Salt Market Social is the Quay's buzzing street-food hall, and its outdoor terrace is one of the best sunny-day hangouts in town, with a rotating line-up of food traders and drinks to match. Relaxed, family-friendly and right on the water.

Best for: a lively, family-friendly terrace with street food and drinks.

Low Quay Brew Co

For beer lovers, Low Quay Brew Co is a Fish Quay brewery and taproom where you can drink the freshest possible pint just yards from where it is made, with outdoor seating to enjoy it in the sun.

Best for: fresh, locally brewed beer with waterside seating.

Three Tanners Bank

Three Tanners Bank rounds things off with a bar, live music and outdoor space on the Quay, a great place to settle in on a warm afternoon as the day drifts into evening.

Best for: outdoor drinks with live music as the sun goes down.

A few tips

The Fish Quay is a suntrap on a fine day and gets busy, so arrive early for the best spots.
Bring a layer — even in summer the river breeze can pick up in the evening.
Combine a drink with a Quay walk or a plate of fresh seafood to make an afternoon of it.

Know a great beer garden in North Shields we have missed? Get in touch.