41 brilliant beer gardens in London to visit now that it's officially summer
London's beer gardens are the not-so-secret jewel in the crown of a summer in the capital. Elsewhere in Europe, the locals might enjoy buzzy piazzas, or seaside restaurants – but here in the London we know our strengths. A pub beer garden, plus a group of pals, a chilled cider or G&T, and a packet or two of salt and vinegar to share is the recipe for al fresco socialising.
Summer truly snuck up on us this year, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees as early as May. Yet with the heatwave only set to continue, now it's time to book those coveted spots in London's best beer gardens.
That's why, with no time to spare, we've rounded up our favourite places to enjoy outdoor bevving in our magical capital city. In our round-up of London's best gardens, you'll find The Lamb, a Victorian pub once frequented by Charles Dickens in London's literary hub of Bloomsbury; The Telegraph, a Putney venue with unbeatable views over the Thames; and some of the best al fresco venues to soak up the sun once summer comes around.
So, from Bow to Bermondsey, Kensington to Kennington, Shepherd's Bush to Stokey, Hammersmith to Highgate, Westminster to Wapping (okay, you get the idea), these are London's best beer gardens to visit now the sunshine is, hopefully, here to stay for a while.
These are the best London beer gardens to have on your radar…
The Axe PubThe Axe, Stoke Newington
A firm favourite among Stoke Newington – or “Stokey” – locals, The Axe is serious about its beer offering – with 22 taps of brews from near and far – plus a range of natural wines for those who'd like to sip an orange wine in the sunshine.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with friendly staff and a chilled vibe that keeps regulars coming back. Its intimate outdoor garden is especially popular, offering a cosy, leafy space ideal for lazy afternoons or catching up with friends over a drink. On Sundays, it’s a top spot for enjoying a hearty roast, rounding out the weekend with comforting food and great company.
The Albion, Islington
With its creeping wisteria vines, old Georgian charm and very decent wine list, this walled beer garden halfway between Upper Street and Caledonian Road is one of our favourite places to drink in the summer.
But don’t just come for the drinks—make sure to stay for the food. The seasonal menu is thoughtfully prepared and consistently impressive, with standout Sunday roasts and elevated British pub fare such as braised shortrib pappardelle that goes far beyond the usual. A perfect spot to relax and unwind.
The Lamb, BloomsburyThe Lamb, Bloomsbury
A sure way to impress a bookish friend or date, The Lamb is a Grade II listed, Victorian pub located London's literary hub, Bloomsbury – the namesake of the Bloomsbury Group.
It's known the likes of Ted Hughes, Sylvia Plath and Charles Dickens once drank here. Book ahead for an outside table in the intimate pub garden, to escape the hustle and bustle of central London in the heat.
Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park
This hidden gem in north London is like a treehouse – what was once a small yard was built upwards by the owners, creating various split levels of decking dotted with several tables.
Sure, getting a table in the summer can be tricky, but time it right and you'll have an unforgettable day sipping cold beers and snacking on nibbles from their delicious Thai menu. Just make sure you save us a table.
The Engineer, Primrose Hill
Nestled in the heart of Primrose Hill, The Engineer is one of those rare London pubs that feels like a well-kept secret, especially when you turn the corner into its garden area.
A sun trap though with plenty of shadier tables for when the city heat truly sets in, the newly renovated North London spot makes for the perfect setting for a laid-back pint or equally a chilled meal out.
Their refreshing Peach and Pineapple Spritz is not to be missed on a hot day or otherwise, while pan-seared scallops and fish of the day proved standout favourites for us - expertly cooked, allowing the fresh produce to take centre stage and with a depth of flavour that has us dreaming of our meal days after. Friendly service and a cosy interior to migrate into when the evening comes make this easily one of our favourite London beer gardens.
Vinegar Yard, Bermondsey
Not exactly a pub but worth a mention is Vinegar Yard, particularly as it's the capital's largest outdoor dining and beer garden. Open Wednesday - Sunday and just a stone's throw from London Bridge Station, Vinegar Yard is the perfect post-work drink spot or weekend hang.
Select from an array of London's top street food traders and sip on bevs from the two mezzanine cocktail bars.
The Telegraph, PutneyThe Telegraph, Putney
Get ye to Putney Heath to enjoy this traditional, dog-friendly country pub set among plenty of parkland that feels like a countryside retreat despite being in London. Every Saturday at 9:30am, it hosts a relaxed two-mile ‘pub walk’ through the scenic area, starting and ending at the pub — a perfect way to earn your pint or brunch. Alternatively, visit from lunchtime onwards to enjoy the impressive selection of gins and whiskeys.
Two Tribes Campfire, King's Cross
Campfire is the outdoor fire pit and taproom being opened by Two Tribes Brewery in the heart of King’s Cross. The bar is centred around an open-fire pit where live-fire chefs (yes, live-fire chefs) serve up mouthwatering BBQ dishes to a backdrop for visiting DJs and musicians.
There's plenty for meat-lovers, veggies and vegans alike (plus plenty of excellent beverages), so grab your rule-of-six pals and book in ASAP!
The Crab TreeThe Crabtree, Fulham
Get away from the crowds at the Crabtree pub, which is located at one of the quietest parts of the Thames and has plentiful riverside outdoor seating where you can watch the water lap up against the shores. The pub grub offering is also pretty special: with firm favourites like Scotch eggs together with the world food additions of Korean fried cauliflower and wild mushroom arancini: tasty deliciousness to soak up those drinks.
The Mitre, Hampton CourtThe Mitre, Hampton Court
More of a wine bar than a pub garden (OK we cheated!), the riverside terrace at The Mitre hotel has a stylish terrace to enjoy Whispering Angel rose from the themed bar, with gorgeous decor and riverside views. Look out for the regular themed wine events throughout the summer.
The Compton Arms, IslingtonThe Compton Arms, Islington
Looking for an authentic ale house, with a lovely decor? The Compton Arms' pub garden offers just that combination all year round, with lovely touches of hanging foliage and pot plants dotted around.
The Clissold Arms, Muswell HillThe Clissold Arms, Muswell Hill
This family-owned gastropub in Muswell Hill has a loyal local following, and comes into its own as a place to visit on a sunny day – with an (appropriately) family-friendly vibe to embrace adults and kids et. al. Enjoy cocktails and Greek Cypriot pub grub, while little ones will be enamoured with the kids' menu.
Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant & Castle
Mercato Metropolitano is one of London's best-kept secrets; a massive beer garden concealed in Newington Causeway SE1. The partially-covered garden area spans 15,000 square feet with over 500 seats (!!!) and more than 40 food and drink vendors.
Basically, this is the capital's leading food and drink metropolis. Don't miss on-site micro-brewery German Kraft, a craft brewery rooted in German tradition which specialises in fresh, authentic German style beers, and a distillery from sustainable urban gin, Jim and Tonic.
The Gipsy Moth, Greenwich
Enjoy views of Cutty Sark from this homely pub who boast a decent-sized outdoor space and a cracking roast dinner (including vegan options) on Sundays.
Lloyd WintersThe Terrace, Alexandra Palace
Reservations for 12th April onwards are booking up fast at this Ally Pally beer garden which is able to host up to 400 socially-distanced customers, with iconic, panoramic views across the city, and the Palace’s 196 acre park.
The bar has everything you need, from fizz to craft beer and cocktails, and plenty of street food vendors dishing up delicious grub.
The Duke Of Hamilton, Hampstead
This stunner of a pub, loved by locals and just a two minute walk towards the heath, is going to be our first port of call post-lockdown. There's classic cocktails (remember them?), an impressive selection of beers and wines, and most importantly, these guys know how to do a G&T. The food is exceptional and isn't to be missed. Head chef Ben Smith uses seasonal British produce and local ingredients to dish up high-end food that is anything but 'pub grub' – the Sunday roasts are some of the best we've had in London (and trust us, we've tried a lot).
The Alwyne Castle, Islington
There's tons of space at Alwyne, located on St Paul's Road, making it an ideal north London pub to hit up post-lockdown. You can't miss the huge beer garden out the front, which spills around the sides of this colourful, friendly pub.
People's Park Tavern, Homerton
The beauty of this expansive beer garden is that it's just like drinking in the park – because that's essentially what you're doing, except there's also an on-site brewery, BBQ kitchen, a tap room serving around 70 world beers, and a pop-up cocktail bar.
The Magic Garden, Battersea
Looking for something a bit quirkier than a traditional beer garden? Battersea Park Road's 'Magic Garden Pub' will tick all the boxes. Come for its huge beer garden and laidback boho vibe, stay for the live music serving all the summertime festival feels.
Green Goose, Bow
Green Goose-rs flock to this spacious astroturfed beer garden which opens out the back of this cosy, quintessentially British pub in the summer. Don't miss the bottomless brunch on Saturdays.
The Junction Tavern, Kentish Town
The atmosphere in this Fortress Road boozer never disappoints. Head outside to one of the picnic tables under heated parasols and enjoy one of the five, weekly-changed, often-local cask ales.
The Prospect Of Whitby, Wapping
This 500-year-old pub is steeped in history and lays claim to being the site of the oldest riverside tavern, dating from around 1520. Figures such as Charles Dickens, Samuel Pepys, Samuel Johnson, and artists Turner and Whistler were said to drink here, as well as smugglers, pirates, thieves and river criminals, due to its Thames-side location. If you look closely, you'll see an ancient noose hanging outside the pub (some say it marks the spot of Execution Dock). History aside, The Prospect of Whitby is a lovely spot to enjoy a chilled glass of wine in the paved beer garden with views of the Thames.
The Tattershall Castle, Embankment
Beer gardens don't get much more central than Westerminster's Tattershall Castle, a former passenger ferry moored on the Thames with views of the London Eye with plenty to drink and snack on (their fish and chips are chef's kiss).
The Castle, Tooting
The Castle's character-packed garden (formerly a car park) is a well-loved summer haunt with in-the-know Londoners. There's seven colouful cabana-style huts, some of which have built-in drinks fridges and fires, plus on-demand heating on the terrace and an excellent cocktail list.
The Tankard, Kennington
This Victorian pub was built with a large roof terrace so that guests could look over the wall into the infamous Bedlam insane asylum next door. Bedlam closed in the 1930s and became the Imperial War Museum, and now this branch of Draft House pub's is a great choice for those looking for an outdoor drink in the sun.
The Herne Tavern, Honor Oak
Opposite Peckham Rye, this Victorian pub is tucked away on Forest Hill Road in East Dulwich and its flower-lined beer garden was made for relaxing summer drinks away from the south London crowds.
The Canonbury, Canonbury
You'll never have the fear of not finding a table at this Islington pub as it's beer garden is very vast and impressive, as is the beautiful 19th century building in which it's housed (not to mention its extensive wine list). George Orwell, who lived in Canonbury Square, wrote part of 1984 whilst sitting under one of the trees in The Canonbury's garden in the 1940's.
The Ship, Wandsworth
The Ship isn't quite the hidden gem it used to be, so if you want one of the best outdoor seats (or any outdoor seat at all), get there early. There's a reason it's so loved: the historic riverside pub boasts a massive decked garden with five heated booths, an outdoor bar, and a gourmet burger menu (featuring a veggie and vegan option).
The Faber Fox, Crystal Palace
For sprawling views over the city in a fun, colourful setting, head to The Faber Fox in SE19. There's tons of great drinks on the menu, plus a bottomless brunch offering, and a pub quiz every Sunday at 8pm.
Duke of Edinburgh, Brixton
There's some great local beers on tap at this well-loved Brixton boozer, as well as an enormous beer garden with Caribbean fusion food, jerk chicken and lots of meat-free options from the guys at White Men Can't Jerk.
The Prince, Hammersmith
This once-pub now-food-hall in southwest London has a huge covered garden and four restaurants to choose from, which at the moment are Patty & Bun, Wildcard, Utter Waffle and Jack's Sprat. Settle in with a jug of Pimm's & Lemonade or Frosé.
The Scolt Head, De Beauvoir
Find a table out front and enjoy the reasonably-priced bevs at this smart yet cosy pub in pretty, tree-lined area of N1. They also pride themselves on a fresh, seasonal menu using locally-sourced produce, so come with a rumbling tummy.
The Stag, Belsize Park
This large, leafy outdoor beer garden is full of atmosphere in the summer and The Stag offers up an extensive wine list plus fresh, mouthwatering pizzas thanks to their pizza oven.
The Bull, Highgate
The pretty beer garden in this independent pub nestled away on North Hill isn't the largest in the capital, but it's a great place to dive into after an afternoon pottering around Highgate to enjoy a home brewed beer in the sunshine.
The Windsor Castle, Kensington
The Windsor Castle is truly a hidden gem in Notting Hill, whose pubs are often overflowing once the sun comes out. It's an old refurbed boozer with wood-panelled walls and a 'lovely' (as the sign says) garden out back, plus some great real ales.
The White Swan, Twickenham
Across the road from the 17th century, award-winning White Swan pub is its gorgeous outdoor space, right on the water with views of the weeping willows that line the banks and the occasional boater passing by.
The White Swan pride themselves on supporting new, local and London breweries and their pumps change regularly. In the summer though, you'll find plenty of drinkers sitting outside with Aperol Spritzes.
The Crown & Greyhound, Dulwich
Known as 'The Dog' to locals, The Crown & Greyhound in Dulwich Village's main draw is its huge garden plus its outdoor barbecue area.
Pub On The Park, London Fields
This east London favourite backs onto London Fields and is often slammed in the summer thanks to its spacious outdoor terrace, projector screens, DJs and great selection of drinks.
White Hart, Stoke Newington
This quirky Stokey boozer opens up its outdoor space in the summer with two tiers – one patio, one lawned – to choose from. Enjoy al fresco beers, wines or cocktails and order a sharing platter or two for you and your pals to tuck into while enjoying the warm weather.
The Eagle, Shepherd's Bush
A vibrant pub that comes alive in the summertime, The Eagle's well-sized outdoor area is decked out with plenty of tables, fairy lights aplenty and its own burger shack.
The Crown & Shuttle, Hackney
Vines climb the walls and festoon lights dangle above brightly-coloured benches in this east London beer garden, which has won awards for its craft beer.
