Notch, screw or bracket my pergola tops?

[JP_]

First bit up - not much, but I am doing a little but at a time during my tea breaks.

For the top beams, should I just put them on and do couple of diagonal screws in each, notch them (never done this, but do have a multi tool) or use small brackets?

I guess notching would be neater, and mean no need for any screws etc, so I could more easily dismantle it and move it later - but a lot more work for me...

 

[^woody^]

Proper joints would be better, but these might need nails or screws (or better still dowels or wedges) as timber will contract and expand seasonlly, and so loosen.

But it's down to how skilled you are (or enthusiastic).

Brackets are easier and uglier.