IT'S summer and the sun is shining - fancy an ice cold drink in one of Mid Cheshire's beer gardens?

Today is International Beer Day - a global occasion that brings beer enthusiasts together - so no better day to enjoy a drink al fresco in the area's outdoor spaces.

Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or simply enjoy a pint now and then, this day is all about friendships, laughter, and, of course, beer.

In June, we crowned The Carriers Inn as Mid Cheshire's Best Beer Garden 2024 - the third year in a row that the popular place has won the title.

As part of our Best of 2024 competition to find the best that Mid Cheshire has to offer in a whole host of categories, we wanted to put together a shortlist of 10 of the area's top beer gardens.

Here is the top 10 - why not give one of them a try on International Beer Day 2024?

OUR 10 BEST BEER GARDEN SHORTLIST:

The Carriers Inn

The Carriers Inn

The Carriers Inn, Hatchmere Lake

One nomination said: “One hundred per cent it’s The Carriers Inn.”

Another said: “Perfect after a stroll around Delamere Forest.”

For more details go to facebook.com/carriersinnhatchmerelake

The Spinner and Bergamot

The Spinner and Bergamot

The Spinner and Bergamot, Warrington Road, Northwich

One review on their Facebook page said: “Happy to call the Spinner our local as it’s a cosy country pub with the best staff who are always welcoming and helpful.

“The food is great and you can sit in the pub, the restaurant or one of their beautiful gardens.

“It’s a perfect place to relax and socialise and it's dog and child friendly too.

“Happy faces whenever we visit.”

For more details go to facebook.com/SpinnerandbergamotComberbach

The Hazel Pear

The Hazel Pear

The Hazel Pear, Hill Top Road, Acton Bridge

Cold drinks in the evening sun and live music to entertain you - what’s not to like?

For more details go to facebook.com/HazelPearAB

Hartford Hall

Hartford Hall

Hartford Hall, School Lane, Hartford

This 16th Century Grade II listed building has numerous spots to enjoy a drink and a relaxing couple of hours with family or friends, none more so than the outside space when the sun is shining.

For more details go to hartfordhallcheshire.co.uk

The White Bear

The White Bear

The White Bear, Knutsford

Come rain or shine this venue has you covered if you’re wanting a drink al fresco.

One review on their Facebook page said: “The outdoor terrace made us feel like we were on holiday!”

For more details go to facebook.com/TheWhiteBearKnutsford

The Kings Lock

The Kings Lock

The Kings Lock, Booth Lane, Middlewich

According to one reviewer, this a “great pup on the canal side with friendly staff and great atmosphere”.

They added: “If you want a quiet drink or old school games of dominoes or chess or you fancy a bit of live music, you can’t go wrong with this little establishment.”

For more details go to facebook.com/thekingslock

The Green Dragon

The Green Dragon

The Green Dragon, Witton Street, Northwich

One review on Facebook said: “Great pub, great people, great atmosphere!”

For more details go to facebook.com/greendragonnorthwich

The Old Star

The Old Star

The Old Star, Swanlow Lane, Darnhall

The open and covered seating in the outside space at this popular place.

It gets five star reviews on Facebook and always has a great atmosphere.

For more details go to facebook.com/theoldstar

The Stanley Arms

The Stanley Arms

The Stanley Arms, Anderton

One happy visitor said: “This is a lovely canal side pub with moorings which is ideal if you’re on the canal.

“We can’t fault it.”

For more details go to facebook.com/moira20102022

The Leigh Arms

The Leigh Arms

Leigh Arms, Acton Bridge

Regulars love the “lovely location by the canal” and say it’s great for enjoying the summer sunshine.

The fact it’s dog friendly is a big plus.

For more details go to facebook.com/theleigharms