Where are the best pubs to watching *something*?

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Debtcollector1408@reddit

The ferry on the wirral is good to watch ships go up and down the river. It's right on the promenade.

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Key_Nectarine5882@reddit

The Doric Arch at London Euston for a grandstand executive box view of comings and goings at Euston bus station

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imtheorangeycenter@reddit

Any pub overlooking a cricket pitch. Bonus points if it's elevated, so you get a stadium feel.

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EndOne8313@reddit

The White Lion in Bristol has an insane view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge from their beer garden.

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Silver-Arm@reddit

Wherever this pub is.

https://youtube.com/shorts/P5H4xw23RjU?si=1rFiOfeqk7nTfeHm

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Objective_Living_825@reddit (OP)

This is exactly what i'm talking about

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DazzleBMoney@reddit

You sure you don’t wanna another recommendation for pubs to watch boats from instead?

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Lego_Cars_Engineer@reddit

‘The Trout at Tadpole Bridge’ near Bampton Oxfordshire has outdoor seating where you can watch boats/wildlife on a nice bit of the Thames. ‘Ye Olde Swan’ near Clanfield has a similar prospect.

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mattjimf@reddit

There's the Boathouse in Wylam, on the banks of the Tyne, but right next to Wylam train station and the level crossing.

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I love a pub by the water. Sea or river or whatever. So in Portsmouth you have pubs and bars overlooking the harbour, Exeter has some great pubs by the river (or is it a canal?) and near me there is a bar called the Botley tap where people canoe up for a pint.

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Objective_Living_825@reddit (OP)

I'm so invested in that beer pulley system - a strong argument for why I shouldnt be so quick to dismiss boat-based-answers

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Hampshire-UK@reddit

So, you have to go at high tide and a warm day to see this but worth it. Also there is a fox that comes down to the bank and also a Kingfisher. I can’t speak for the beer as I drink cider.

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WorcsBloke@reddit

It's a Spoons so not especially interesting in and of itself, but the Corryvreckan in Oban is right on the town pier, so you can watch the CalMac ferries come into port through the front window. Well, when they don't break down, you can.

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ctesibius@reddit

Just to clarify, that’s the name of the pub, it’s not a pub from which you can watch the Corryvreakan.

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kernowgringo@reddit

Mmmmm Corryvreckan, might have to have a wee dram

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PeteWTF@reddit

Same for the one in Largs

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takesthebiscuit@reddit

It's a Spoons \~\~so not especially interesting in and of itself, but the Corryvreckan in Oban is right on the town pier, so you can watch the CalMac ferries come into port through the front window. Well, when they don't break down, you can.\~\~

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ThingyGoos@reddit

What

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Winston_Carbuncle@reddit

The one in Largs is right on the shoreline as well

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tricks_23@reddit

It's also a Spoons so you can people watch too. Something bound to happen.

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fenaith@reddit

The Saracens Head in Symonds Yatbis good for watching the river traffic (canoeists and paddle boarders).

The Boatman in Windsor, The Swan in Pangbourne and The Ferry at Cookham are good for Thames river traffic

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HotSplitCobra@reddit

The Rose n Bowl holds the annual world gravy wrestling championship if that's your kind of thing.

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CauseOptimal8501@reddit

Has to be up North, SURELY

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HotSplitCobra@reddit

It is, stacksteads, Lancashire. I've never been myself but I'm told it attracts quite a crowd.

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PinItYouFairy@reddit

Feeds the town for weeks afterwards too

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HotSplitCobra@reddit

Its the best.

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liverwool@reddit

Badgers - The Glen Rothay in Ambleside.

Thy used to have a badger cam you could watch the badgers on.

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titusoates@reddit

Spice Island and the Still and West in Old Portsmouth are right on the (very narrow) harbour entrance, there's boats going in and out all day - most spectacularly when one of the carriers is about, but always active

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Objective_Living_825@reddit (OP)

Yes! Cant think of a better offer than 'possible aircraft carrier'

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titusoates@reddit

https://www.reddit.com/r/CasualUK/s/CgWA23JsBM This gives a good impression!

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Calculonx@reddit

I walk around Old Portsmouth at least once a week. I take it for granted until I'm away for a while and realize how nice of an area it is just to walk and relax.

The absolute best place to watch seagulls steal food from people is Brighton Pier. Just grab a seat near the chip shop.

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titusoates@reddit

If I've got visitors from overseas and I'm trying to convince them that Pompey's alright, it's the first place I take them - on a wet winter afternoon you can still sit in the Still and West & watch the boats go by, not bad at all

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JinxThePetRock@reddit

I came to comment these two pubs. The harbour entry is so narrow, some of the ships are so ridiculously big, and the pubs are so perfectly placed that is sometimes seems you're about to get run down by an aircraft carrier as you relax with a drink. There's constant water traffic there, plus a great view of the Spinnaker Tower. It's awesome.

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TululaDaydream@reddit

Not sure if it's what you had in mind... But if you go to any pub on Baron Taylor Street in Inverness, you're likely to see some fights break out outside. And there's a great kebaber (as well as two shit kebabers) on the same street.

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impossiblejane@reddit

The Spoons in Aberystwyth is at the train station. You can people and train watch.

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Amazing-Visual-2919@reddit

There's The Inn in Alloa where you can watch the Pub Olympic Sprint?

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RoyceCoolidge@reddit

Smashing!

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Objective_Living_825@reddit (OP)

Thats a false start.

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PolarLocalCallingSvc@reddit

Pretty much any pub next to a canal! They also tend to serve a good range of beers.

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tscott16@reddit

Admiral Nelson in Braunston - good amount of lock activity and can bring your own food to use on their BBQs!

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Perite@reddit

The ones at Foxton Locks especially

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GabberZZ@reddit

Especially ones by a lock.

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HengeHopper@reddit

Gongoozler: A person who stares for long periods at canal activity but doesn't own a boat. Preferably with a pint in hand

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wybird@reddit

Canalhouse in Nottingham has a canal inside the pub

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CauseOptimal8501@reddit

Or a pub in a barge in the canal! There are a few around the country, but I’be only been to The Apple in Bristol

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nightfire_83@reddit

Somerset boat center. Right next to the canal, good food, and good beers

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Herrad@reddit

That's like 25 minutes away from me. You're right it is good.

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nightfire_83@reddit

Haven't been for a few years, as went with the ex from Taunton. But everytime we went it was lovely.

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thefooleryoftom@reddit

The Founder's Arms, Southwark has a spectacular view of St. Paul's and the City, and you can watch the Thames tides go in and out and all the water traffic.

The Drawbridge Inn in Shirley has a beer garden next to a canal and a drawbridge for the long boats.

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bowlersgrip@reddit

Captain Kidd,Wapping. Watch the boats on the river and planes landing at City.

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thefooleryoftom@reddit

My favourite pub. Superb views of the river, and you can watch the tide go in and out, revealing all the beaches.

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alicatpow@reddit

Inn Deep in Glasgow has seating under the bridge, used to love sitting there and watching the passers by on the canal path. Lots of friendly dogs to admire and greet, and it was always fun to watch cyclists try to manoeuvre around them and pedestrians.

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Mobile-Stomach719@reddit

Pub at the end of the runway at Manchester Airport.

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Even_Jello_624@reddit

Spoons in Hayle is a good one if you're in Cornwall. It's literally on a cliff top overlooking Carbis Bay and St Ives. Good for watching boats, birds, seals, storms etc.

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LegolasleChat@reddit

I used to quite like sitting at one of the pubs next to Gloucester Docks, either Gloucester Brewery or Brewhouse, and watching the canal and other boats go past. Also bonus that I saw a seagull there once who devoured a whole chicken carcass from an empty table.

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Objective_Living_825@reddit (OP)

I'd be there even if it was just for the seagull

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rumour13@reddit

The Aviator at Staverton is pretty cool to watch the planes from too

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panadwithonesugar@reddit

My absolute favourite is to sit on the balcony at 'Punch & Judy' in Covent Garden and watch the street performers below

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Objective_Living_825@reddit (OP)

Ive spent many an afternoon in the punch and judy but sadly my passionate hatred of street performers might ruin it for me. However thats really irrelevant and this remains a 10/10 answer. Gold star!

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TSR2Wingtip@reddit

The Airport Pub near Manchester Airport. The beer garden looks out over the end of Runway 23R.

It can be pretty noisy, but if you are into aviation, it's a great place to enjoy a pint and watching the action.

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Objective_Living_825@reddit (OP)

This, three to five Madris and flight radar on the pub wifi would sort my Sunday right out

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Winston_Carbuncle@reddit

Sounds great but don't fancy the airport taxi prices on the way home!

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knotatwist@reddit

Walk 20 mins to the airport train station and catch the train

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That_Organization901@reddit

There’s plenty to choose from there but the Secret Garden of the bar in the Great Western in Newquay to watch the surfers, especially around October when it’s only the brave ones.

Sailors arms if you want to see the finest tourists Britain has get ambushed by seagulls.

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mattcannon2@reddit

The fistral bar at sunset watching surfers is such a vibe

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OkSun8521@reddit

especially around October when it’s only the brave ones.

Early October is pretty much as warm as the sea gets all year.

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That_Organization901@reddit

I know that, they know that, but most people seem to go in May when it’s freezing.

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JavaRuby2000@reddit

Id say the Chy bar is better for watching the tourists get ambushed.

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vagabond_goat@reddit

I enjoy sitting outside at Hemmingford Arms watching the traffic blatantly disregard the double roundabout.

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Objective_Living_825@reddit (OP)

Now that's what i'm talking about!

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yourefunny@reddit

I have sat out in the 'beer garden' of The Prospect of Whitby many times on the Thames watching boats go past. Also a great historical pub.

Several lovely pubs along the River Cam in Cambridge to watch the rowers and canal boats and wildlife. The Granta and Anchor are good if you enjoy seeing tourists fall off punts from time to time.

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ServerLost@reddit

The Boat House in Wallingford is right on the Thames, has it's own jetty. Not sure about how or why you want a 'show' but it's a glorious view.

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Sure-Recognition-262@reddit

You gave boats as an example, so here's a couple of beer gardens I've enjoyed a pint in:

The Lock Inn in Fort Augustus you can see canal boats working their way up and down the locks on the Caledonian Canal
The Ship Inn in Eyemouth you can see comings & goings at the harbour

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eastkent@reddit

Ramsgate Spoons is right on the beach next to the harbour.

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PinItYouFairy@reddit

The White Lion in Clifton, Bristol is an average pub/bar but the terrace has a spectacular panoramic view of Clifton Suspension Bridge

(Picture from t’internet)

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HauntingOutcome@reddit

Pubs next to small airports and airfields are always a good bet. Watch the comings and goings of small aircraft and helicopters

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mangonel@reddit

The Banker, under Cannon Street Bridge is good for watching the boats go by.

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Mister_Cornetto@reddit

Tamesis Dock, or The Tattershall Castle, both pub boats on the Thames. Great for watching river traffic.

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Icy_March_8166@reddit

Used to be a great pub in London called "the flying Scotsman". Used to watch quite a lot in there

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mangonel@reddit

You can still get a similar view near the other end of Gray's Inn Road in The Griffin.

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Icy_March_8166@reddit

Handy to know. Merci brother

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Sorbicol@reddit

There’s a pub on the quayside in Topsham, just on the mouth of the River Ex down from Exeter.

Many an hour spent during my youth watching the boats come and go on the river. And people buying stuff they can’t fit in their car from the antiques centre opposite.

I’m sure it used to be called The Ship Inn but it might have closed / changed its name. Or I’m just remembering it wrong. It was several decades ago now.

In a similar vein there used to be multiple pubs on the banks of the River Thames in and around Richmond. Posh as fuck, but always plenty to see on the River.

Last but not least any pub in Newcastle’s Bigg markets especially on a Friday / Saturday night. People watching par excellence.

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Realistic-Muffin-165@reddit

Old Dungeon Ghyll in Langdale. Raven crag is literally right above it.

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anderped@reddit

The Bluff Inn - Hayle

Stunning scenery, have a pint and watch the waves roll in.

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Dazz316@reddit

Some of the pubs in South Queensferry have a great view of the forth. 30 knots or the Forth bridges.

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OK_LK@reddit

Best 'bar' is on The Maid of the Forth

Get on, buy a tinnie and enjoy the view as you sail out around the Forth

You may even see the local dolphin following the boat

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AdministrativeShip2@reddit

Where are you

Nearly every city has great places by a river or the sea.

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AvoriazInSummer@reddit

Look for pubs at heritage railways. There's a railway like that where I am with a pub on two of the stops. It's likely you'll see some lovely old steam engines doing their thing (they usually also have diesel engines which are a bit less glamorous, but they still bring back memories, if not always good ones!)

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kingofthepumps@reddit

The Cottage in Bristol is on the harbourside so you can watch various boats and birds knock about on the water.

https://butcombe.com/the-cottage-inn-bristol/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22893265833&utm_term=the%20cottage%20inn%20bristol&utm_keyword=kwd-2436802200858&utm_content=769458408399&utm_adgroup=183952739676&matchtype=e&device=m&network=g&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22893265833&gbraid=0AAAAABzK8OvDdrQcaijHXe5yj2us83aM-&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_IXQBhCkARIsADqELbIhmSsiUPtBXQD2VYejBlRhtEfQmzfPehtfsFjF7FmNvhqknmj5pbUaAlYzEALw_wcB

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