Some say sun’s out, guns out - but in Britain, it’s more like sun’s out *runs out*, if you get our drift.
If you’re lucky enough to feel the sun shining on your face in the notoriously grey UK capital, you’ll be looking for the best beer gardens in London to make the most of it.
Luckily, we’ve put our prestigious outdoor drinking experiences to good use and broken down the best beer gardens in London - so whether you’re in north, south, east, west or central London, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out more!
The Best Beer Gardens in Central London
Looking for the best beer gardens in Central London? Look no further!
Mr Fogg’s Tavern (Covent Garden)
If you don’t know who Phileas Fogg is, we don’t know what rock you’ve been living under - but here’s the TLDR: Mr Fogg is the central character in Jules Verne’s Victorian novel Around The World in 80 Days (or, if you’re more of a watcher than a reader, David Tennant recently played him on TV).
Mr Fogg’s Tavern is themed around Verne’s iconic character and lives up to its name as an escapist adventure locked into a Victorian building. Enjoy the eccentric décor and a selection of unique cocktails, punches and, of course, classic pints.
Find out more here.
The Ship & Shovel (Charing Cross)
Like something out of Harry Potter, The Ship & Shovel is a kind of Diagon Alley that allows its patrons to nip, zip and loiter between its two magical halves.
The only London pub to be split in two, The Ship & Shovel is an incredible traditional English pub that oozes charm and hospitality. The two pub halves sit either side of a street courtyard that intersects with Craven Passage, and it’s in this courtyard that you’re welcome to absorb the delights of warm weather, cosy atmosphere and delicious award-winning Badger Beers.
Find out more here.
The Best Beer Gardens in East London
When the sun shines, here’s where to go to find the best beer gardens in East London.
The Crooked Billet (Clapton)
They say there’s no place like home, and if your home is anywhere near The Crooked Billet, count yourself in the lucky few.
This expansive beer garden is big enough to host all your invitees and their other halves for a classic pint in the summer sunshine. As well as having enough room for bums on seats, the pub has gone above and beyond offering its patrons a ping pong table, beach-hut booths and a menu that has all your favourite brews on tap.
Find out more here.
Scolt Head (Dalston)
Ideal for summer days, the Scolt Head in Dalston offers a quaint and cosy garden setting where you can enjoy some classic British dishes, homemade bar snacks and some classy drinks without pretentious patrons or prices.
Perfect for dates or for having a quiet one with your friends, the Scolt Head lets you get on with your evening in peace (and you don’t even have to eat if you sit in the garden!).
Find out more here.
The Leyton Star (Leyton)
We’ve all been here before: you sat down in a pub garden at midday (when it was still warm and sunny) and suddenly it’s 6pm and you can hear your mum’s voice in your head asking why you’re going out without a jacket. Sorry mum, you were always right. But not at The Leyton Star…
And that’s because they’re one step ahead of us. This beautiful beer garden comes complete with wooden booths and heating lamps to make sure that our pints stay cold but we, the patrons, can be nice and toasty when the sun calls it a day.
Enjoy a range of beers and ales or tuck into some hearty food from the pub’s classic menu.
Find out more here.
Chesham Arms (Hackney)
One of the main criticisms of London is that there’s no sense of community left in it. Well, that’s just not true - and there’s a pub to prove it.
Back in 2012, this historic pub was purchased and about to be converted into flats. The local community rallied against the proposed change and by 2015, it became Hackney’s “first asset of community value”.
Today, Chesham Arms is every bit as cosy and community-oriented as any country pub. From the outside, it looks like any other home on the street. From the inside - and especially from the back in its pub garden - it’s a warm, relaxing and lowkey
Nestled in the heart of Hackney, the Chesham Arms is celebrated for its authentic old pub charm. With a relaxed atmosphere, it offers a local beer garden perfect for leisurely afternoons. The pub is a hub for live jazz on Sundays, adding to its laid-back, community feel.
Find out more here.
Big Penny Social (Walthamstow)
If the festival of Oktoberfest was reimagined as a building, we think it might be personified at Big Penny Social.
Not only is this place big on beer (it has a gigantic beer hall on the inside), but it’s also home to one of the best beer gardens in London. Due to its sheer size, you might think that hospitality would get a little lost along the way but not so - Big Penny Social goes above and beyond to give its customers a friendly and welcoming experience that is truly for everyone: including kids and pets!
Find out more here.
Green Goose (Hackney)
When the sun’s got his hat on, Hackney descends upon the Green Goose - and so should you, if you want a pint at one of the best beer gardens in east London.
Renowned for its friendly atmosphere and vast selection of food and drinks, the Green Goose is a family-friendly pub that ticks all the boxes. Food? Check. Decent spread of beers? Check. Beer garden for soaking in some much needed sun? Check!
Find out more here.
The Best Pubs with Beer Gardens in West London
Our top recommendations for the best beer gardens in West London.
The Eagle (Shepherd's Bush)
The Eagle in Shepherd's Bush is a delightful escape on the fringes of Ravenscourt Park.
Renowned for its vast, open-plan back garden adorned with beanbags, beach huts, and colourful bunting, this beer garden offers a relaxed setting for summer lounging and sunset-watching, complemented by an Ibiza-style lounge terrace. This Young's pub also serves a well-chosen wine list and reliable gastropub fare.
Find out more here.
Aragon House (Fulham)
Located in the heart of Fulham, Aragon House is known for its sprawling suntrap garden, perfect for alfresco drinking and dining.
The pub offers a diverse menu, featuring a mix of small plates and British classics such as the humble Sunday roast. The garden's ambiance, paired with a comprehensive list of cocktails and beers, makes it a sought-after destination in West London and one of our favourite beer gardens in London.
Find out more here.
Mercato Mayfair (Mayfair)
Sneak away to one of the best kept secrets and beer gardens in London by heading over to Mercato Mayfair where a rooftop bar with some of the best views of the city is waiting to greet you.
Mercato Mayfair’s roof terrace is a quiet and cosy place to observe the hustle and bustle of London at a distance. Ideal for weary explorers or friends having a casual catch up, the terrace is equipped with heaters (perfect for when the temperature unexpectedly drops) and comfy chairs and tables so you’ll certainly have more than enough room.
PSST: We love Mercato Mayfair so much that we included it on our A Forbidden Fayre outdoor escape room route around Mayfair. Find out more here!
The Crabtree (Hammersmith)
Situated on a tranquil stretch of the Thames between Hammersmith and Putney bridges, The Crabtree boasts a giant beer garden that gently extends towards the river and a menu of delicious food and drink to accommodate the fussiest of pub patrons.
Famous for its BarBQ grill, operational from spring to autumn, and the garden's ample space for groups, The Crabtree is an ideal spot for a leisurely drink with picturesque river views.
Find out more here.
The Best Beer Gardens in North London
Our top recommendations for beer gardens in north London.
The Gatehouse (Highgate)
Utterly charming and unpretentious, The Gatehouse might look like any mock Tudor pub from the outside - but in reality, it’s home to London’s highest theatre and a beer garden/patio worthy of any Andalusian city.
Located in the heart of Highgate Village, The Gatehouse is an idyllic spot known for its lush, green pub garden, Spanish tapas, and extensive drinks menu. Head here for a picturesque and relaxed dining experience - and keep an eye out for the famous historical heroines of Highgate adorning its walls!
Find out more here.
The Whippet (Kensal Rise)
The Whippet in Kensal Rise stands out for its incredible beer garden with a retractable roof, ensuring a delightful al fresco experience regardless of the weather.
A favourite with the locals due to its comfortable outdoor seating area (complete with heaters!), The Whippet is one of the best beer gardens in London for large or small groups who want their pints to come with a healthy dose of fresh air.
Find out more here.
The Wrestlers (Highgate)
Located just a stone’s throw away from Highgate high Street, The Wrestlers has been a Highgate favourite since 1547.
While the interiors are what gets most visitors to The Wrestlers talking most (it is seriously lovely in there), come summertime it’s all about what’s happening outside.
With plenty of seating available and a menu full of real ales, locally-brewed spirits and more, this charming traditional pub has everything you need.
Find out more here.
The Best Beer Gardens in South London
If you’re looking for the best beer gardens in South London, this is where you need to go!
The Cutty Sark, Greenwich
The Cutty Sark is a historic pub and Greenwich gem located on the banks of the River Thames. Renowned for its charming riverside setting, the pub has been a mainstay in Greenwich for the last 200 years!
With views of the Thames and the iconic Canary Wharf skyline just across the river, visitors to The Cutty Sark can sit at streetside benches with some of the best views in the city while they enjoy a drink or a bite to eat.
Find out more here.
The Swan (Acton Lane)
The Swan, located in Chiswick, is a historic establishment dating back to 1871 with a beer garden to rival any in the city.
Tucked away in leafy, village-like Chiswick, The Swan has successfully combined the charm of a traditional pub with a Mediterranean-inspired menu to prolong your feelings of being on holiday - even if they only last as long as it takes you to finish your drink.
Find out more here.
Hope and Anchor (Brixton)
The Hope and Anchor in Brixton is a captivating destination for those seeking a vibrant beer garden experience - private tiki hut, anyone?
The Hope and Anchor pub's spacious, fairy-lit garden, complete with heated, bookable huts and long wooden tables beneath a pergola offers a lively and cosy atmosphere. Ideal for relaxing with friends or chilling out with workmates, the Hope and Anchor is the perfect spot for enjoying a relaxed evening outdoors.
Find out more here.
Discover More of London With CityDays
So there you have it - our favourite beer gardens in London!
Interested in finding more fun things to do in London?
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