THE shortlist; PUB GARDENS

THE ENGINEER 65 Gloucester Avenue, London NW1: a large south-facing garden with a Tuscan feel, complete with clay pots and exotic shrubbery. Mostly given over to diners on summer evenings when the white table cloths and lanterns come out.

THE SLIP TAVERN Much Marcle, Hereford and Worcester: the landlord used to be a nurseryman so the garden is home to fabulous plant life. Tel: 01531 660246

THE STAR Old Heathfield, nr Eastbourne, East Sussex: a 700-year-old sloping garden once painted by Turner. Formerly renowned for its peacocks (now absent since their over-aggressive behaviour during the rutting season), one has to settle for imaginative plants and home-made solid oak picnic furniture. Tel: 01435 863570

RINGLESTONE INN Ringlestone, nr Maidstone, Kent: a two-acre beautifully landscaped garden adorned with shrubs and rockeries. As if that wasn't enough, check out the cascading waterfalls fed by four picturesque ponds.Tel: 01622 859900

THE HAYCOCK Wansford, nr Peterborough, Cambridgeshire: an award-winning, large, walled garden where customers can play boules or fish in the neighbouring stream. The pub also has its own cricket field.Tel: 01780 782223

THE GEORGE Stamford, Lincolnshire: walled garden nestling by a cobbled courtyard, home to a 400-year-old mulberry tree. Customers can play croquet on a sunken lawn. Tel: 01780 55171

THE ROSE REVIVED Newbridge, Oxfordshire: large Thames-side lawn with willows and colourful herbaceous borders overlooking a quaint bridge. It's nicely lit in the evenings. Tel: 01865 300221

WILLIAM IV Mickleham, nr Leatherhead, Surrey: terraced gardens filled with sweet peas, roses and honeysuckle. A tremendous view of Norbury Park and a path leading to neighbouring woods. Tel: 01372 372590

THE BLACK HORSE Byworth, nr Petworth, West Sussex: splendid informal gardens sheltered by banks of flowering shrubs leading down to a spacious lawn. Tel: 01798 342424.

THE ROYAL OAK Gretton, Glos: a vine-covered pergola covers a flower- filled terrace in a large garden that is safe for children. You can watch steam trains go past the end of the garden at weekends, bank holidays and during the summer holidays.

Tel: 01242 602477.

Compiled by Cayte Williams, with Rob Unsworth of the Good Pub Guide