A Cambridgeshire city has been named the best place in the United Kingdom for outdoor dining and drinking, according to fresh research by consultancy Rosehill. Ely topped the ranking, with Cambridge in second place.
How the ranking was created
Rosehill analysed a set of weather measures across UK cities for the main summer months — May, June, July and August — to identify locations likely to offer the most comfortable conditions for spending time in pub gardens, terraces and cafés.
- Factors included average daytime temperature, wind speed, hours of daylight, humidity and rainfall.
- The study focused on conditions across the summer months rather than single days to indicate broader suitability for outdoor trade.
- Results favoured locations in southern England, though some northern or Scottish towns scored well on particular measures.
Local figures for Ely and Cambridge
The key statistics for the two Cambridgeshire cities were highlighted by Rosehill. Ely recorded an average daytime temperature of 20°C, mean wind speeds of 9.83mph and approximately 15.83 hours of daylight in the summer months examined. Cambridge closely followed with an average daytime temperature of 19.75°C, slightly higher wind speeds at 9.85mph and almost the same hours of daylight.
| City | Avg daytime temp | Wind speed | Hours of daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ely | 20°C | 9.83mph | 15.83 |
| Cambridge | 19.75°C | 9.85mph | Nearly the same |
Top five and practical advice
Rosehill’s top five list was dominated by southern England locations. The other places to make the top five were Chelmsford in Essex, St Albans in Hertfordshire, with Perth in Scotland also featuring due to low wind and humidity combined with long summer daylight hours.
“When looking for the best pub garden to spend time in, we’d recommend revellers look at the furniture as well as the climate,”
The consultancy highlighted practical considerations for outdoor venues, noting that seating materials and availability of shade or parasols will affect how comfortable a space feels even in favourable weather.
For restaurateurs and publicans in Cambridgeshire, the ranking could provide a marketing boost for outdoor offers through the summer. For residents and visitors it underlines that, statistically, Ely and Cambridge are among the most pleasant places in the UK to sit outside during May to August — though individual days can of course vary.
Local councils, businesses and visitors should continue to check up-to-date weather forecasts and venue facilities (for example shaded areas and seating) when planning alfresco meals and events.
