The Essex pub with a sun-trap beer garden and its very own annual festival

This pub really has the best of both worlds

A pub in Essex has one of the most fun-filled beer gardens in the county. The Hoop in Stock – near Billericay – is a traditional pub offering an award-winning selection of gastro pub food, real ales and wines from around the world, all served in a pleasant, traditional pub setting.

Inside, there is just the buzz of relaxed chatter amongst family and friends enjoying the calm and peaceful vibes of The Hoop. However, in this pubs beer garden, this definitely changes. The large, enclosed beer garden is complete with an outdoor artisan pizza oven (pizzas are served most Friday evenings in the warmer months).

In addition, there is a “Mini Hoop” area for the kids to play in, while the parents can chill out in the sun or under an umbrella with a cheeky drink. It is not all calm, though, as The Hoop is known in Stock for its brilliant events and get-togethers, solidifying the spot as a hub within the village community.

They host an annual beer festival, complete with live music and food such as a hog roast and fresh pizza. This year, Hoopfest will be taking place on May 25 between 1pm and 9pm, with a beer and cider tent, the Essex wine man, and a cocktail stall.

In addition to all of this, the beer garden is often described as a sun trap, which is definitely a huge plus when it comes to beer gardens in the summer. Its summer events in particular are always buzzing, with fun quirks you can’t always find in a beer garden situated in a city centre, for example.

So for a pub with the best of both worlds, being home to a traditional cosy indoor pub and a busy party vibe beer garden, the Hoop in Stock is definitely worth a trip this summer.