Summer is officially over, which of course means the weather is lovely... most of the time. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the wondrous beer gardens in NI. But, now is a good time to start at least planning for when it's time to move back indoors.

You want to get ahead of the game, and start doing your research on where exactly to find that perfect little nook to nestle in over the winter months.

Below, are some of our personal favourites...

The Sunflower Public House

The Sunflower is simply one of the city's best pubs. Yes, the bar itself is tiny and it is regularly packed, but the atmosphere is always fantastic, the drink selections are absolutely top notch and they even serve amazing pizza.

On any given night you'll likely have to battle a bunch of musicians – sometimes playing bluegrass, other times playing ukulele – but, and this is kind of key across all our picks, get in at the right time, secure your chosen resting spot, and you'll be all set for a fantastic night.

The Sunflower Public House, Union Street, Belfast. Open 12:00 to 01:00 everyday. Find them online at Facebook and Twitter

Extra – at the time of writing the people behind the Sunflower are in the process of re-establishing another old Belfast pub, the American Bar. To be found on Dock Street in the city's Sailortown, it is pretty much guaranteed this new venture will be every bit as wonderful as the Sunflower. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to find out when they're opening.

The Mermaid Inn

The Mermaid Inn is one of those bars you almost don't want to tell other people about. It's a bar that we're sure you probably all know exist, but have maybe forgotten about.

You won't find anything exotic at the Mermaid, but who needs exotic on a winter evening. When the rain is falling sideways, you want something as dependable as the Mermaid – a pint and quiet chatter.

There are some outside seats, but skip those and head straight for an inside table – a perfectly fine way to see out that sudden downpour.

No fuss, just a solid, reliable and friendly pub – with, rumour has it, the best Guinness in Belfast.

The Mermaid Inn, Wilsons Court, Belfast (one of the entries between High St and Ann St). They do have a Facebook page, but they haven't updated it since 2014, so...

The Washington

The Washington feels like it has been on Howard Street in the city centre forever. It feels lived in. Solid. Chunky. All big thick wood and substantial leather chairs. Big pictures in commanding gold frames. It's somewhere you come to do business. Or at the very least, make it feel like that when really you're just stealing an hour or two away from the day with that book you've been trying to finish.

The large windows are a great place to sit and people watch, and while of course drinking alone isn't always to be encouraged, the Washington Bar is our favourite place to do exactly that.

Other spots demand company, here, those large leather chairs are ideal for just settling yourself and being in no hurry to get back up again.

The Washington Bar, 21 Howard Street, Belfast. Find them online at washingtonbelfast.com, Facebook and Twitter.

Aether & Echo

We love bars with booths. They almost instantly improve any bar experience. They get you out of the way of the people who want to get to the bar, and vice versa, get others out of your way. A lot of the time, once your settled in your booth, you probably won't even have to go to the bar, it being much easier to place your next drink order as someone comes by to collect the glasses from your last. Win, win, win.

Aether & Echo is now firmly established in the former Deers Head in Lower Garfield Street – keeping everything that was once great about the old pub, and updating everything else.

Get settled in a booth by the window and enjoy a few hours watching office workers/Saturday shoppers getting soaked...

Aether & Echo, Lower Garfield Street, Belfast. Find them online at aetherandecho.com, Facebook and Twitter.

The Merchant

We're going upscale with pick number 5. The Cocktail Bar in the Merchant is undoubtedly one of the fanciest in the city, and of course prices reflect this, but sometimes you just have to treat yourself.

The opulent surroundings of the Cocktail, with original architectural features of this Grade A listed building, is the perfect setting for a lazy and luxurious afternoon of refinement.

While it boasts an exceptional cocktail list, it also offers up afternoon tea options and food menu.

It is certainly not any everyday option, but on that one day, when you've had enough of fighting against the hordes of Christmas shoppers, the Merchant might just be the cure for all that ails you.

The Merchant Hotel can be found online at themerchanthotel.com, Facebook and Twitter.