With summer finally in eyeshot, people are sure to start flocking to beer gardens - and this Hampshire city has been dubbed the second best place in the UK for its offering.

New data by Aqua has revealed that Southend-on-Sea is the best spot in the country for a beer garden trip - with Portsmouth a close second.

The company compared some of the most populated cities across the UK using factors such as the price of drinks, average temperatures, the amount of sunshine and rainfall, and the number of beer gardens.

placeholder image — Portsmouth | My Portsmouth By Drone

With 35 beer gardens per every 100,000 people, 222 hours of sunshine in May, and the average price of a pint costing £4.70, Portsmouth has beaten Blackpool, Dudley and Kingston upon Hull in the ranking.

Scott Yule, commercial director at Aqua, said: “As the weather gets better, Brits tend to make more plans to see friends and family, and to enjoy the variety of events and places the UK has to offer.”

The Old Customs House in Gunwharf Quays, The Still & West, The Eastney Tavern and The Bridge Tavern are among the many pubs with a beer garden perfect for the summer.