Beer Garden Essentials
Coronavirus restrictions have loosened and socialising is now back on the table. But until May 17th, it’s a case of outdoors only.
Regrettably, temperatures are not yet warming up. It is very nippy in the evenings, but don’t let the May chill put a dampener on your long-awaited fun.
From coats that warm up by themselves to cushions that can transform into quilts, here are the essentials you’ll need to stay toasty during your beer garden and al fresco dining dates.
Women’s Voltera Loft Insulated Quilted Hooded Heated Walking Jacket Black
Best for: the till-last-orders sesh
Your reservation has been hard won and now you’ve got a table, you and your crew are staying put all night long. But to withstand late spring’s terrible temperatures, you’ll need this secret weapon whilst all around you succumb to the chill.
Regatta’s heated jacket plugs into rechargeable battery packs to keep you toasty until last orders. It’s waterproof, with a light synthetic filling that feels like down. to help keep you insulated. The hood and elasticated hems and cuffs also work to keep the cold out. It feels like something out of a spy thriller, so if you’re looking to stay warm without being swaddled in layers of woolly accessories, consider this a mission accomplished.
M&S Collection Quilted Jacket
Best for: a speedy round before the match
In circumstances where the jubilation of seeing your mates is conflicting with an impending kick-off time, you shouldn’t need much in the way of outerwear, if you’re only out for a quick bevvy. M&S’s quilted jacket will keep you snug without weighing you down, and there are plenty of pockets for modern day essentials like hand-san, a mask and your wallet.
Maje Checked Poncho
Best for: throwing on
Perhaps it’s the fact that the entire Ugly Betty back catalogue is available to view on Disney+, but I’ve warmed again to the humble poncho. And the fact that it’s perfect for spring’s transitional weather makes a poncho our hot ticket purchase for beer garden boozing, and beyond. With a vampish red and black check which reminds me of an ultra chic picnic blanket, it manages that fine balance of keeping you warm whilst looking cool.
Angel Woven Throw
Best for: reinventing granny chic
Your Grandma had the right idea bringing a blanket on trips away; this practical item is a lifesaver when the weather turns. Choose one stylish enough, like any from the collection at Fy, and it can double as a scarf or wrap over your coat if it’s particularly cold out. Arty and unconventional, the Angel Woven Throw is a head-turner and offers another delicious layer to keep your catch-ups lasting longer.
Row Pinto Rainbow Stripe Hot Water Bottle
Best for: a hot ticket to long warmth
Yes, I’m absolutely serious about taking a hot water bottle to the pub. There’s nothing worse than feeling cold, and I’m willing to be the mockery of my mates if it means keeping chill at bay. I went to the pub last weekend and we literally waited in desperation for the gas man to arrive with fresh canisters to re-light the outdoor heaters. You’ll probably keep your secret hot water bottle a “secret” for a bit longer with Row Pinto’s bottle. Wrapped stylishly in a rainbow-striped lambswool and cashmere jacket, it’s as far from looking like a traditional hot water bottle as one can get.
Get this extra long hot water bottle (£45) which you can wrap around you, leaving you to socialise hands-free.
IKEA FÄLTMAL Quillow
Best for: the belle of the beer garden
The clever cookies at IKEA have done it again with a new product which I’m sure will achieve cult status by summer’s end. Behold (literally) the FALTMAL, a cushion that unfurls into a sleeping bag/quilt. It’s sheer genius for weekend camping trips, as well as nippy nights at your local. Made with 100 per cent nylon, the innovative wearable quilt features two sleeves, buttons down the back, and a deep fill pocket at the front to take care of the essentials. Let them stare: we love every utilitarian inch. It’s brilliantly ugly – perfection in bad taste.
Rechargeable electric hand warmer
Best for: no fuss heat
No water, no batteries and up to 90min warmth from a three-minute charge, this hand warmer is the eco-friendly accessory you’ll want close to hand when you’re out and about. The double-sided ceramic plates are explosion-proof, radiation-free, shockproof and anti-scald, making them suitable for kids too. What’s more, the built-in intelligent protection system provides effective protection against over-charging, over-heating, over-discharging and short circuit.
Haan Hand sanitiser – set of five
Best for: staying safe on the move
Let’s face it, pub and restaurant hand sanitiser chemicals are some of the harshest around, stripping our skin of germs, yes, but also of our natural hydrating oils. Put some kindness back into your hands with Haan’s hand sanitiser, which comes in a slim spray design that slides easily into pockets. The formula vanquishes 99.9 per cent of bacteria and viruses, and 20 per cent of profits go towards supporting African water projects.
