Outdoors only: outerwear for pub garden meet-ups

At the weekend I joined the masses in going for my first drink of the year. Outdoor venues will be our safe haven for the next few weeks as we creep towards the prospect of no restrictions and the Euros (FYI, it’s coming home). With it being April it is entirely up to chance as to how you’ll fair on the weather front, with some venues more equipped than others. An app which has a filter for ‘bars with adequate outdoor heaters’ is the kind of technology we need right now as we ride through this premature period of outdoor drinking and dining, hopefully avoiding any April showers. I lucked out on Sunday with blue skies, but it could have easily so different. Overcast, friends sat at home drafting up messages of last-minute excuses in favour of warmth and me sat on my own with a cold beer in a cold garden… an idea which I’m not entirely against.

While we are still a couple months away of being able to shed ourselves of all outerwear gear, the nation’s clamour to return to the pubs means jackets and coats are firmly still on the menu. They’ll be those who stand firm sans coat, arms folded and remain adamant that their lips have always been that shade of blue. I can’t say I’ll be doing the same. My current wardrobe should see me through until we return to days where we say things like, “it’s hotter here today than [insert warm Eastern European country]”, but if you are feeling ill prepared to socialise outdoors and sheer optimism and beer jackets isn’t enough, I have put together a few beer garden-friendly items you could turn to for that extra layer when your excitement for meeting with friends in single digit temperatures dissipates and you need not be put off by your weather app.downicon

1/5 ALBAM HENNEK ZIP THROUGH PARKA £239.00

For me, it is the soft lilac shade that first drew me in to include this zip through from Albam, but the more I think about it, the more I reckon it is rather fitting to have a Gallagher approved styled like the parka in the line-up. Two guys who epitomise the British pub scene, whose swagger we will certainly be emulating as we walk into the pub gardens and see our friends for the first time. Far removed from any East is East comparisons this jacket is a much more modern take, ditching the fluffy hood, but with a chest pocket for your considered essentials, as well as waist toggles and elasticated cuffs to keep any windchill at bay. Now, where’s that… *clears throat* sunnnnnnnshine.

2/5 RAEY OVERSIZED HALF-ZIP COTTON-JERSEY TRACK TOP £250.00

Having an easy throw on like a half-zip is definitely pub garden appropriate for sundowners. Raey’s interpretation comes slightly oversized in a thick 100% cotton jersey to keep the wind chill at bay and plays off sporty silhouettes, while sticking to its principles of being a label that creates timeless garments. Matches Fashion’s in-house brand Raey comes with a premium price point, its understated design nods that overlook trends is what appeals to me. In this case, less track and field, more elevated pub golf.

3/5 STORY MFG. FORAGER JACKET £380.00

Made from organic cotton, this jacket is inspired from fishing jackets gone by with STORY mfg. mindfulness. Super slouchy silhouette for the comfort we’ve been used to during lockdown and room for layers should you need them, because let’s face it April is going to serve us up some cold days along the way to the summer we were robbed of last year. While the ecru shade is delectably spring and outdoorsy like, I’d avoid all pub snacks in fear of ketchup related incidents. Instead, fill those two can sized front pockets with your dry snack of choice. Or another drink for the road. Problem sorted.

4/5 PAYNTER JACKET CO. BATCH NO.5 £225.00

If you like the look of this jacket then I’m sorry, but you can’t actually get your hands on this particular model. Paynter Jacket do things differently and sell their much loved jackets on a drop model, announcing particular dates throughout the year on when their newest version goes on sale and is snapped up in a matter of minutes. Literally. Each batch is different, using various materials and colour ways every time - most recently a fun patchwork fabric, but if you follow their socials you’ll know they sweat over the details each time and refine until they get it perfect. Batch no.7 is an organic moleskin variation and will be available next month.

5/5 UNIVERSAL WORKS MW FATIGUE JACKET £139.00

Universal Works popular fatigue jackets come in all types of construction. I myself have a ripstop version of their take on a M65 jacket, but for something sturdier when stationary outside, their twill weave is a better option. Four fuss-free pockets with unfastened flaps and a subtle front placket, ideal for those who like to keep things simple. It is a classic jacket style born out of the trenches but now it’s reserved for less dangerous duties, like pints with friends.jbicon