Which of these 12 beer gardens is the best place for a drink outside?

And when the sun is shining on a hot summer’s day, not much beats a cold, refreshing drink in a beer garden.

A drink or two al fresco with family and friends is the perfect way to enjoy the warm weather.

But where is the best beer garden in St Helens?

Which pub, restaurant or café is your favourite place to enjoy a pint or a glass of wine outdoors with a few bar snacks?

Last week, we asked for your beer garden nominations and you sent us your favourite places.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 12 places that are ideal for a drink al fresco in a bid to find St Helens’ Best Beer Garden.

And don’t forget that if you fill in the coupon inside this week’s St Helens Star and email it to us, it gives five votes to your favourite.

There are three ways to vote:

1. Search for the Best Beer Garden post on our St Helens Star Facebook or Twitter pages and comment under the post with the name of your winner = 1 vote

2. Name your favourite in the comments section on this article via our website = 2 votes

3. Purchase a copy of this week’s St Helens Star (August 10 edition) and fill in the entry form = 5 votes

(*NB For newspaper entries, email a screenshot of the completed entry form to heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk - please note that only original copies will be accepted. More than one entry can be submitted per person but you will be asked to provide your own unique reference code for each entry to avoid duplication eg if your name is Smith you may wish to write Smith123 or HS21! as your code. You will need to provide a different code for each different entry submitted. For full terms and conditions go to newsquest.co.uk/terms-conditions).

Voting officially opens today, Thursday, and closes at midnight on Monday, August 14.

We will be announcing the winner next week.

Keep an eye out for our next Best of appeal on our social media pages on Friday.

OUR 12 BEST BEER GARDEN SHORTLIST:

The Griffin Inn

The Griffin Inn, Eccleston

One nomination said: “This is an incredible beer garden with a pizza oven and drinks.

“It’s by far the best in St Helens.”

For more details go to facebook.com/thegriffininnsthelens

The Gerard Arms

The Gerard Arms, St Helens

One happy customer said: “The Gerard Arms’ beer garden is always kept tidy, there is great service and it can get sunshine all day long.”

What’s not to like?

For more details go to greeneking.co.uk/pubs/merseyside/gerard-arms

The Cowley Vaults

Cowley Vaults, St Helens

One nomination said: “It is the most welcoming place I have found in the north west!”

Another loved the “community pub with tonnes of atmosphere”.

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063750063147

The Swan

The Swan, St Helens

The outside space at The Swan is a huge hit with regulars wanting to enjoy a drink outside.

There’s always a warm welcome and positive vibes.

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063593437641

The Dam

The Dam, Carr Mill Dam

This venue won last year’s Best Beer Garden title – can they make it back-to-back wins?

One review on their Facebook page said: “A lovely atmosphere.

“Great outdoor area with lots of benches which are perfect on a sunny day.

“Good food and a great selection of drinks.”

For more details go to facebook.com/TheDamcarrmill

Manor Farm

Manor Farm, Rainhill

If the sun is shining when you visit, make the most of the two extensive outdoor seating areas.

The friendly community atmosphere will make customers feel at home.

For more details go to manorfarmrainhillprescot.co.uk

The Cricketers Arms

The Cricketers Arms, St Helens

One review on their Facebook page said: “This is the perfect place to chill after work.

“A lovely Birchalls pie followed by a gorgeous cheese board in a lovely setting with great company.”

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063707419141

The Golden Lion

The Golden Lion, Rainford

The beer garden at The Golden Lion comes highly recommended by visitors old and young with lots of activities to keep little ones entertained.

For more details go to facebook.com/thegoldenlionrainford

The Boars Head

The Boars Head, St Helens

The invitation is always open to enjoy a nice cold drink in the sunshine and listen to some music at The Boars Head.

One review on their Facebook page said: “Really warm and friendly place and a lovely beer garden too.”

For more details go to facebook.com/theboarshead.sthelens

The Turks Head

The Turks Head, St Helens

This is a popular place to visit any day of the week but especially in the warm weather.

The new pub garden has been going down a storm and customers love the beer garden with “great beers, delicious food and great table service from staff".

For more details ring 01744 751289

Eagle and Child

Eagle and Child, Rainford

This venue is popular with locals who appreciate the “friendly pub with a great atmosphere”.

There’s always a warm welcome waiting for customers who want to meet up with friends or family inside the pub or out in the beer garden.

For more details go to facebook.com/eagleandchildrainford

Tank Bar

Tank Bar, St Helens

From the front, this venue may look unassuming, but once inside and out in the beer garden you've got a cool venue that is very much a favourite haunt of music lovers.

It's always popular when the sun is shining.

For more details go to instagram.com/tankbar39