The top pubs and rooftop bars to watch tonight’s solar eclipse – with FREE glasses and BEST views in whole of UK

LOOKING to catch a glimpse of tonight’s solar eclipse? What better place to watch the most impressive coverage of the sun in almost 30 years than in the pub, with a cold pint in hand? Millions of people around the UK will be hoping to catch a glimpse of tonight’s solar eclipse Credit: AP Some pubs are giving away free glasses to punters after shops around the UK sold out Credit: AFP Some venues are even handing out free solar eclipse glasses, after shops sold out and saw huge queues due to huge demand. We’ve rounded up the best spots around the country where you can watch the partial eclipse, which will be visible in the UK from around 6pm. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! You can also read The Sun’s full guide to the solar eclipse here. The Poltimore Inn, Devon The Poltimore Inn, Devon, has its own stargazing observatory Credit: The Poltimore Inn/Facebook Located at the southern edge of Exmoor, the Poltimore Inn boasts its own observatory – so it only makes sense for the pub to go all out an host a solar eclipse party. Tickets to its event, taking place from 4pm to 8pm, are £42, and include a meal, expert commentary, and the chance to see the eclipse through its special telescope. The Watering Hole, Cornwall The Watering Hole in Cornwall offers open skies and views of the Atlantic Ocean Credit: The Watering Hole The South West will have the best view of the eclipse The south west of the country will be treated to the best views of the solar eclipse, with Cornwall to see up to 95% coverage if skies are clear. The Watering Hole is located right on the sands of Perranporth beach, and should offer one of the best views in the whole country. While it doesn’t appear to be hosting a party or event for the eclipse, the pub is open until 10pm on Wednesday nights. Most read in Money Roof East, East London Roof East, in London’s Stratford, is also handing out glasses to drinkers Credit: Roof East Not got your hands on a pair of solar eclipse glasses yet? Roof East in Stratford is hosting an eclipse party tonight and will be giving them away for free to customers. The first 100 customers to order a drink and say the code LOOK UP at the bar will receive a free pair of solar eclipse glasses. The event kicks off at 6.17pm, in line with the eclipse, but you’ll need to be quick to get a pair of glasses as they’re in high demand. The Windmill, South West London The Windmill in Clapham is giving out free glasses to people who order a Hugo Spritz this evening Credit: Facebook Another London pub giving out glasses is the Windmill in Clapham – and you should also get a decent view of the phenomenon from its spacious Clapham Common beer garden. From 4pm today, anyone who orders a Hugo Spritz at the bar will get a free pair of glasses thrown in. The pub is even letting you get your drink in a takeaway cup so you can watch the eclipse on the common. The Anchor Inn and Boating, East Sussex The Anchor Inn and Boating, East Sussex, has a giant beer garden with open skies Credit: The Anchor Inn and Boating The Anchor Inn and Boating in Lewes, East Sussex, boasts a huge beer garden where punters should be able to catch a great view of the skies tonight. The pub said on its Facebook page that people should arrive at 5.30pm to get the best spot. However, it doesn’t appear to be selling glasses for the event, so you’ll need to bring your own to be safe. The Anchor, Essex The Anchor, Hullbridge, overlooks the River Crouch Credit: mcmullens This Hullbridge pub has a magnificent beer garden overlooking the River Crouch. The pub posted to its official social media account: “With first contact being at 18:17pm, we hope you can enjoy the views and a few pints up until it ends at 20:06pm. “If you’d like a seat in our garden, arrive early as tables are first come first serve.” You’ll need to bring your own glasses as the venue won’t be providing any. The Griffin, Wales The Griffin Dale, Pembrokeshire has a terrace with amazing seafront views Credit: Facebook This award-winning restaurant and pub in Dale, Pembrokeshire, should be one of the best places in Wales to catch the solar eclipse tonight. You can enjoy some of its famhigh eous fresh seafood from its terrace, with views of the seafront. The venue posted on its social media: “Join us at The Griffin for an early evening drink or supper, then step outside to watch the eclipse unfold. “If you fancy an even wider view of the western horizon, West Dale is just a short stroll away.” The Tan Hill Inn, Yorkshire The Tan Hill Inn in Yorkshire is the highest pub in Britain – and will be one of the best spots to catch the eclipse Credit: The Tan Hill Inn Where better to watch the solar eclipse than Britain’s highest pub? Located on the remote moors of Swaledale in the Pennines, the Tan Hill Inn sits 1,732 feet above sea level, and is surrounded by open moorland and enormous Yorkshire skies. The pub wrote on its official Facebook page: “Enjoy an evening of great food and breathtaking views as one of nature’s rarest displays unfolds above Tan Hill. “Tables are expected to fill quickly, so we’d recommend booking yours early.” The Bus Yard, Liverpool This giant pub and beer garden on Liverpool’s Marina Lake, in Crosby, has open views across the western horizon, and is hosting a solar eclipse party with live music. “With the eclipse reaching its maximum at around 7:10pm, we’ll be serving up tasty bites, cocktails and draught beers, with live music setting the soundtrack to an unforgettable evening. “Bring your mates, grab a drink, sit back and enjoy the view as the sun and moon come together,” the pub’s bosses said. The Red Lion, Oxford The Red Lion, in Didcot, has a huge beer garden where you can watch the eclipse Credit: The Red Lion This pub in Blewbury, Didcot, is much loved for its dog-friendly beer garden. It’s hosting a free viewing event in its cob wall garden from 6-8pm tonight, and has 50 pairs of glasses available to buy. However, due to unprecedented demand, it is now asking punters to share the glasses between them – or bring their own. Comment now