We asked people where their favourite pub beer gardens were and overwhelmingly the winner was The Belvedere pub in Weymouth.

The ‘narden, as it’s known, at this Weymouth High West Street pub was voted as the most relaxing sunny spot to enjoy a pint in.

Dorset Echo:

So there was really no other option for this week’s Pub of the Week than The Belvedere.

Belevedere means ‘beautiful view’ and the pub once had a commanding view over the harbour.

Landlady Lyne Mackenzie said: “Sadly with redevelopment it has now been obscured so now we boast about our beautiful beer garden. The ‘Narden’ is perhaps one of the town’s most hidden gems.”

Lyn has been running the pub since September 2019 She said: “It’s been a long time since I have run my own venue, I have managed various venues but ultimately the choices are made by the employer of a company so you can only do so much within those limits.

“I took the opportunity to finally create my own vision based on my own experiences.”

Lyn is helped out by bar staff Aaron Grant - Jones, Jamie Pinnow, Emma ‘beans’ Brookes and her son Tyler Parker.

The Belvedere has a rich history, Lyn said.

“Situated at the start of Weymouth’s old high street, it has been providing the community with good beer and great cheer for more than 150 years. As part of this historical setting the pub has many a tale to be told, even its back room reputedly being used as a pursers’ office at the turn of the century.”

Dorset Echo:

During the war the skittle alley was a alley of ill repute full of mattresses, as mentioned in George Melley’s book, Rum Bum & Concertina. The alley itself is said to be one of the oldest alleys in the area and is currently being restored.

The Dorset Echo is backing pubs in the area as they get back on their feet after lockdown. Nominate your pub for Pub of the Week here.

Since reopening after the coronavirus situation, the kitchen is yet to reopen at the Belvedere but it is hoped this will be achieved very soon.

The pub supports smaller brewers and its range of real ales is very popular with drinkers.

Although it is not able to put on live entertainment at the moment, it is a popular part of Belvedere life and always brings a great atmosphere for people to mingle and enjoy, Lyn said.

She added: “Whether it’s respectfully listening to musicians play their own music or a well known band filling the pub and watching everyone bounce, having a great time.”

Prior to lockdown the Belvedere hosted a weekly open mic, regular songwriters’ event, solo, duo and bands from across Dorset and beyond as well as a Sunday jam session.

Lyn said the Covid crisis is quite possibly the biggest challenge ever faced by the pub industry. She said: “But with a positive outlook we’re looking forward to resuming our busy entertainment diary.”

She added: “The best thing about running a pub is the network of a close community of customers and the extreme range of backgrounds of the people served, friendships and families are created which have helped support everyone, the crisis highlighted just how strong a community we are lucky to have.”

Dorset Echo:

Lyn said her recommended cure for a hangover is ‘a good cooked breakfast followed by a bloody mary in the beer garden!’ Keeping things local is key for Lyn and the Belvedere staff, She said: “We make every effort to support anything that is local within our community, be that the vast selection of locally sourced real ale and cider, or the work of local artists displayed and for sale on its walls. It has become a hub for local talent to gather and share their passions.”