34 of the best beer gardens in London right now
As soon as the weather gets nicer, the race is on to secure a spot in one of the best beer gardens in London for an evening drink or a lazy Sunday roast. Tables at London beer gardens are precious, especially at pubs with a strong selection of drinks and pub snacks – a garden with a good view or a sun trap is a bonus. If you stumble upon one with a riverside view, you better be prepared for a race to the only spare table. So we've combed the top places in the capital from Bloomsbury to Brixton for a pleasant open-air pint because an English spring and summer is much better outdoors with a local lager, home-brewed beer or craft ale in hand.
These are the best beer gardens in London
The Mitre, Hampton Court
Mere steps from Hampton Court Palace, and originally built to house an overflow of courtiers visiting the King, The Mitre Hotel enjoys an enviable spot – sandwiched between one of the capital's most famous landmarks and a particularly lethargic stretch of the Thames. Their beer garden is more aptly called a terrace, with a distinctly upmarket feel, pyramid fire heaters, warm blankets and a canopy to keep you cosy during winter, and a pizza oven, outdoor bar, and access directly onto the river come summer. A beer garden fit for royalty? You've found it.
Address: Hampton Ct Rd, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9BN
Website: mitrehamptoncourt.comThe Clissold Arms, Muswell Hill
With its suburban perch allowing it a larger beer garden than most, The Clissold Arms aren't afraid of a good ol' theme. So you'll find illuminated hearts come Valentine's Day, twinkling lights come Christmas, and all manner of goings-on in between - from a weekly backgammon evening, with boards spread out across the outdoor tables, to live music over the weekends. So bring all your friends, grab a table and dine out on the authentic Greek menu, friendly service and, if the weather suddenly turns, the numerous blankets and undercover areas.
Address: 105 Fortis Green, Muswell Hill, London N2 9HR
Website: clissoldarms.co.uk
AlamyThe White Swan, Twickenham
Across the road from the main pub (a fixture of the area, dating back to the 17th century), a sun-trapping, riverside terrace nestles just inches from the lapping waters of the Thames, and the bowed-heads of weeping willows fringe the banks that stretch outward beyond the beer garden. On warm weather weekends, expect a barbecue - to complement a menu of whole tail scampi, mushroom wellington and steaks - and an array of beers handpicked from some of the nearby London breweries.
Address: Riverside, Twickenham TW1 3DN
Website: whiteswantwickenham.co.ukThe Axe, Stoke Newington
Out of the ashes of the beloved Jan’s Belgian beer bar, The Axe has risen to fill a much-missed (drinking) hole for locals and those who know a thing or two about good beer. Though snug dimensions of the beer garden only add to its charm and atmosphere and can be found most weekends, lined with revellers indulging in beers from the 22 taps inside or cooling after with some fresh air after tucking into one of the hearty dishes on offer inside. Expect bread from the famed Rinkoff Bakery, fish from the highly regarded R. Green Fisheries and oversized G&Ts from the generous hand of whoever is behind the bar.
Address: 18 Northwold Rd, London N16 7HR
Website: theaxepub.com
AlamyThe Blue Anchor, Fulham
The Blue Anchor's beer garden is a little different; rather than being tucked away between buildings out the back of the establishment, it proudly spills out of the front door and sprawls out, occupying a generous chunk along the Thames path. On sunnier days, watch paddle boarders and boaters meander past. If you bag a table during the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, this spot gives you a front-row seat to the action as the competitors row by on their way from Putney Bridge to the finish line in Mortlake.
Address: 13 Lower Mall, London W6 9DJ
Website: blueanchorlondon.comThe Dolphin, Sydenham
Easily walkable from Sydenham rail station, The Dolphin leads visitors through its refurbed mock-Tudor building and out into – lo and behold – a capacious, grass-clad haven, with gravel paths leading to hedged circles that orbit a pretty, central water feature. In short, the beer garden here feels more akin to a boutique country dwelling than a city pub, and it's one that can be enjoyed in peace, as the adult-friendly policy allows only older children into its midst. Not ideal if you have several toddlers in tow (though there are a plethora of south London boozers nearby that come complete with play areas if that's what you're after), but a gentle way to while away an afternoon if you're after a relaxing drink in the sunshine.
Address: 121 Sydenham Rd, London SE26 5HB
Website: thedolphinsydenham.comTamesis Dock, Vauxhall
Another riverside entry, this time from on the waters themselves. Tamesis Dock on the Albert Embankment fills the bows of a former 80-year-old Dutch barge and bobs gently from its mooring spot on the stretch of river between Vauxhall Bridge and Lambeth Bridge. The pub doubles as a music venue, and so summer visits are a treat of open-air tables on the top deck, with views over the Houses of Parliament and London Eye, live music and – thanks to the breeze that drifts off the river – an ideal spot for any upcoming heatwaves.
Address: Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TY
Website: tdock.co.uk
Daniel BristowThe Stonhouse, Clapham
If you’re used to the hubbub of Venn Street’s weekend market, you won’t mind the (often rugby-related) racket in the pub at the end of the road. As pubs here go, The Stonhouse feels smart and even a little sophisticated – it’s far away enough from the high street to not be too crowded, and it’s become something of a Sunday pilgrimage spot for those on plant-based diets due to its solid nut roast with veggie gravy. The staff are friendly and generous, not saying anything about dropped Yorkshire puddings on the floor in the overexcitement at the England team scoring a try. Anna Prendergast
Address: The Stonhouse, 165 Stonhouse Street, Clapham Town, London SW4 6BJ
Website: thestonhouse.co.ukThe Prince Albert, Battersea
The fairy-light-strung, foliage-lined beer garden at this classic neighbourhood pub is tucked behind a big airy bar where you can order local beers from Camden Town Brewery and Doom Bar, plus British spirits such as Martin Miller’s and Sipsmith gin. A stone’s throw from Battersea Park and even closer to the river, its location is perfect for a long walk rewarded with a Sunday roast. Can’t decide between beef, chicken or pork? Have all three, with their triple-meat plate served with all the trimmings. AP
Address: The Prince Albert, 85 Albert Bridge Road, Battersea, London SW11 4PF
Website: theprincealbertbattersea.co.uk
Kim LightbodyThe Mayflower, Rotherhithe
On a peaceful stretch of the river, in tucked-away Rotherhithe, you’ll find this picturesque and historic little pub. It would be special even if it was solidly on dry land, but it backs right on to the Thames so you can stand on the wooden deck projecting over the water and watch the water slap against the pillars below. It’s particularly pleasing at night, when the towers of the City sparkle in the distance and the roaring, open-top heaters glow outside. Inside is equally attractive – there’s a fire, wooden pews, framed antique manuscripts and various pertinent mottos inscribed on the walls. An enchanting place.
Address: The Mayflower, 117 Rotherhithe Street, London SE16 4NF
Website: themayflowerrotherhithe.comThe Telegraph
It isn’t a long journey from Putney’s riverside high street, up the hill to The Telegraph on Putney Heath. This may be one of the best beer gardens in London – but it feels very much like you're leaving the city behind you. Surrounded by trees and facing a secluded green that hosts cricket matches in the summer, The Telegraph really feels like a proper country pub. And every country pub needs a beer garden: this one, a triangular lawn cheerfully packed with picnic tables and parasols. After a closure predating the pandemic, The Telegraph reopened in late 2020 with new management, a swishy new look and a gastro upgrade. It remains very much dog-friendly – just the place for a pint and a bite after a walk by Wimbledon Windmill.
Address: The Telegraph, Putney Heath, London SW15 3TU
Website: brunningandprice.co.uk
Nina PennickThe Duke of Edinburgh
Young locals and sports fans pack into this South London favourite on summer weekends. Park yourself on a long bench or in a private wooden booth. There's a barbecue where chefs grill burgers, jerk chicken and prawns for hungry customers in need of something to soak up the booze – a necessity as pints here are some of the cheapest in the city (£3.50 during happy hour). Tables with heaters are situated around the perimeter of the garden, so be sure to arrive promptly in order to snag the best seats in the house.
Address: The Duke of Edinburgh, 204 Ferndale Road, London SW9 8AG
Website: dukeofedinburghpub.com
People's Park Tavern, Hackney
A guide to London's best beer gardens wouldn't be complete without the addition of the People's Park Tavern, overlooking the expansive Victoria Park in Hackney. Borrowing its name from the park it's surrounded by (which was created for East London habitants to enjoy), the venue has an impressive selection of craft beers on tap, which is no surprise considering it has its very own brewery onsite. The outside space is equally impressive, with covered wooden tables dotting the lawn. There's even a friendly resident cat prowling the perimeter to make sinking a few pints all the sweeter. LS
Address: People's Park Tavern, 360 Victoria Park Rd, London E9 7BT
Website: peoplesparktavern.pub
The Windmill, Clapham
With a food truck serving burgers and fries until 10pm, plenty of outdoor seating right on the Common and a resident Bernese mountain dog named Max, it’s no surprise The Windmill is one of the neighbourhood’s most popular haunts. Too thirsty to queue? If there are only two of you and you haven’t made a reservation, there’s a bench by the giant cow statue that they don’t have on their booking system – peep around the corner and nab it if it’s free. For those wanting to work a little before meeting friends, the pub offers bottomless tea and coffee, a breakfast sandwich and unlimited wifi all for a tenner. AP
Address: The Windmill, Windmill Drive, Clapham Common, London SW4 9DE
Website: windmillclapham.co.ukChesham Arms, Hackney
Tucked away in the backstreets of Hackney, the Chesham Arms is a wonderful find. During winter, its welcoming bar with wood burners and superior beer selection make it the go-to for a cosy pint, but once it warms up, the impressively-sized garden out the back next to the railway line becomes the main draw. What’s more, if you’re feeling peckish, you’re encouraged to order a delivery from nearby Yard Sale Pizza which means you can comfortably settle in until last orders or it starts raining (although there are plenty of umbrellas to keep you dry and happy).
Address: Chesham Arms, 15 Mehetabel Road, London E9 6DU
Website: cheshamarms.com
Pub on the Park, London Fields
With a terrace that stretches right onto East London’s coolest patch of greenery, London Fields, this is one of the city’s buzziest beer gardens. Strings of fairy lights and heaters keep things cosy when the inevitably chilly British evening draws in, and there’s often a chilled-out DJ set on weekends, making the energy more low-key than rowdy.
Address: Pub on the Park, 19 Martello Street, London E8 3PE
Website: pubonthepark.com
The Lamb, Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury, with its literary connections and pretty streets and squares, is one of the most evocative areas of London for a wander; ending a perambulation at this delightful place is heartily recommended. Its hanging flower baskets and etched windows make for a welcome sight on cute Lamb’s Conduit Street, and all in all it’s everything you want in a city pub: a historic and handsome interior, real ale, a compact garden and a jolly atmosphere.
Address: The Lamb, 94 Lamb’s Conduit St, London WC1N 3LZ
Website: thelamblondon.com
White Hart, Stoke Newington
On Stoke Newington's pretty main thoroughfare, the White Hart is the ideal set-up for a long evening to unwind. On sunnier days, head through the arch into the large, leafy garden full of wooden benches surrounded by artfully draped lights and floor-to-ceiling heaters. Or go on a Sunday for the popular roast lunch – order the rosemary-and-garlic rubbed leg of lamb or a nut roast with crispy potatoes and vegetarian gravy.
Address: White Hart, 69 Stoke Newington High Street, London N16 8EL
Website: whitehartstokenewington.comThe Crooked Billet, Clapton
Clapton isn't short of watering holes, but The Crooked Billet stands head and shoulders above the rest due, in part, to a beer garden that's larger than the pub itself. It can be a challenge to secure the most superior sections (those furthest away from the entrance, both covered and heated) but it's well worth booking in advance as they're heated so efficiently even the chilliest of evenings can be enjoyed. LS
Address: The Crooked Billet, 84 Upper Clapton Rd, Clapton, London E5 9JP
Website: e5crookedbillet.co.uk
The Windsor Castle, Kensington
Properly old – the Grade II-listed building dates to 1826 – the Windsor Castle is off the beaten track, but those who make the trip will be well pleased they made the effort. There’s a quiet garden with mature trees, but this is a cosy pub for cold nights – there are dark corners, a log-burner, low ceilings, real ales and a very unusual and tiny door through to what was once the ‘sherry bar’. Sunday roasts are a speciality: try a 21-day aged sirloin of beef with dripping potatoes for size.
Address: The Windsor Castle, 114 Campden Hill Road, London W8 7AR
Website: thewindsorcastlekensington.co.uk
The Crabtree, Hammersmith
One of London’s best riverside pubs, this Victorian building is set on the banks of the Thames between Hammersmith and Putney bridges. Inside, there are high ceilings and wooden floors but step outside to find the spacious waterside beer garden, scattered with heaters covering most tables. Sun-seekers can slide into wooden pews or pull up stools to sip on chilled bottles from the outside bar (there's an extensive selection of wine and cider) and feast on British-led dishes. The barbecued and rotisserie meats are delicious, but the speciality is the Sunday roast beef with horseradish cream, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and carrots drizzled in a honey and ginger sauce.
Address: Rainville Road, Fulham, London, W6 9HA
Website: thecrabtreew6.co.uk
The Flask, Highgate
Situated just a stone's throw away from the village's picturesque Pond Square, The Flask has been serving thirsty punters since opening its doors in 1936. It still holds a great deal of its original charm; indoors, there are plenty of cosy spots with open log fires to while away the weekend with a craft beer or two (there are enough real cask ales on tap to make the trip worthwhile). What makes the pub the jewel in the North London crown, however - is it's large (and extensively heated) beer garden, the majority of which is covered to protect patrons from the elements. Tables outside can be booked in advance, but be sure to try and nab the corner spots as they're aided by two overhead heaters on both sides of the banquettes. Lottie Stanners
Address: The Flask, 77 Highgate W Hill, Highgate, London N6 6BU
Website: theflaskhighgate.comThe Tankard, Kennington
Less of a beer garden and more of a roof terrace, the outside space at The Tankard is unbeatable for those in the area looking for an impromptu pint with friends. Originally built to afford pub-goers the ability to peer into the infamous Bedlam asylum next door (now the Imperial War Museum), it still provides fantastic views of the city. For those wanting to take a slice of the action home, the venue offers a 'British Mash-Up' hamper (24 bottles from their favourite breweries) to enjoy throughout the week at home. LS
Address: The Tankard, 111 Kennington Rd, Kennington, London SE11 6SF
Website: drafthouse.co.uk
Kim LightbodyThe Prospect of Whitby, Wapping
The nautical history is laid on thick in this East End riverside pub, including the modern addition of a noose on the foreshore, as this was a site of hangings in bygone days. ‘Dating back to 1520’, it claims (well, the flagstone floor does), the rest of it is sufficiently aged to give you an idea of what Wapping was like when the docks were working. For a one-off London experience, take a real ale outside at night and gaze over the dark river to the wharves of Rotherhithe and the twinkling towers of Canary Wharf.
Address: The Prospect of Whitby, 57 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SH
Website: greeneking-pubs.co.ukThe Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park
Spread across multiple levels in a North London courtyard, the outside space at eccentric Finsbury Park pub The Faltering Fullback feels more like a treehouse than a beer garden. There are stairs leading to three whole floors of cosy covered nooks and sun-trap terraces to settle into for snoozy afternoons or long evenings of beers from the excellent bar. Lots of the outside spots are covered and heated, which is perfect for the ever-unpredictable British weather – just try not to lose your group in the maze of staircases and decks, or you may never find them again.
Address: The Faltering Fullback, 19 Perth Road, London N4 3HB
Website: falteringfullback.com
ShutterstockThe Black Friar, Blackfriars
When drinking in this Art Nouveau City sanctuary, don’t wait till you get to the end of your pint before tipping your head back. It’s a one-of-a-kind Arts-and-Craft masterpiece: in friezes around the ceiling, merry monks carouse and converse in relief, their good humour tempered somewhat by the ascetic decrees carved beside them (‘finery is foolery’, for example). Take in the arched fireplace alcove and the churchly architectural detailing and wonder at why it took a campaign from John Betjeman to save this pub from demolition in the 1960s.
Address: 174 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4EG
Website: nicholsonspubs.co.ukThe Stag, Belsize Park
Within all the leafy spacious streets of Belsize Park, it seems only fair that one of the area’s finest pubs should have a very ample garden. Behind the dramatic black façade and through the comparatively modest bar lies the huge garden packed full of picnic tables with parasols and covered cabanas. On summer weekends, the BBQ is fired up and roasts are flying out of the kitchen as the whole garden turns into a mini festival. Or, if you’d rather something more chill, there’s the acoustic Sunday Night Music Club to help you wind down from your weekend.
Address: The Stag, 67 Fleet Road, London NW3 2QU
Website: thestagnw3.com
The Rye, Peckham
This part of Peckham isn’t short of outdoor drinking spots, including Frank’s Café and the Bussey Rooftop, but for an old-fashioned pub-garden experience head to The Rye. On the corner of the park, the joint has a couple of tables outside at the front – usually occupied by smokers – but there’s a surprisingly big space out back that stretches further than you initially think, with heaters lining the lawn. It’s busiest on Sundays for the excellent roast, but the menu is pretty good on other days, too, with delicious Scotch duck eggs with Rye chutney and pan-fried chilli tiger prawns. If there’s no room, check out The White Horse opposite which also has a few benched tables out front.
Address: The Rye, 31 Peckham Rye, London SE15 3NX
Website: theryepeckham.com
@edinborocastlepub/InstagramThe Edinboro Castle, Camden
One of North London’s biggest beer gardens, Camden’s Edinboro Castle is frequented by sun seekers making the most of the vast space. Long picnic tables are spread throughout the courtyard, where there’s an outdoor bar for ease of ordering. It’s right on the corner of Regent’s Park, too – a brilliant option for a post-picnic pick-me-up in a real glass after an afternoon of prosecco in plastics.
Address: The Edinboro Castle, 57 Mornington Terrace, London NW1 7RU
Website: edinborocastlepub.co.uk
@theearlofessex1/InstagramEarl of Essex, Islington
Best known for a commitment to craft beer, the Earl of Essex is set inside a handsome Georgian building a few streets away from busy Upper Street. From the outside, you might not realise that there’s a sweet ivy-covered walled garden to make a beeline for when the sun is shining, with lots of tables to sit at and waste an afternoon. You’ll feel far from the chaos of central London, while only being footsteps away from it all.
Address: Earl of Essex, 25 Danbury Street, London N1 8LE
Website: earlofessex.netThe Compton Arms, Islington
Tucked away on the backstreets of Islington lives The Compton Arms, a snug free house famously known as one of the pubs that inspired George Orwell's The Moon Under Water. This pub is painstakingly hip, and the cosy beer garden is perfect for catching up with friends while enjoying modern and traditional ales. So, grab some sharing plates, order some beers and enjoy a perfectly sunny day.
Kim LightbodyThe George Inn, London Bridge
This pub, down a lane off Borough High Street, was rebuilt in 1686, and remains a piece of living history. Once a stop-off for travellers making their way to the City, this is London’s last surviving galleried coaching inn. But it’s no dusty artefact. In summer, the cobbled courtyard is a magnet for workers from the incongruous modern offices nearby, and inside, it’s suitably timeworn too: the Parliament Bar, with its serving hatch, is an atmospheric spot. Food is more modern, thankfully, with sharing plates for festive groups.
Address: The George Inn, 75-77 Borough High Street, London SE1 1NH
Website: greeneking-pubs.co.uk
The Scolt Head, De Beauvoir Town
There’s a crop of nice pubs with outdoor spots in scenic De Beauvoir (hello Hunter S, The Talbot, De Beauvoir Arms, Duke of Wellington) but the Scolt Head has to be the local’s favourite for an alfresco pint. The corner position means it has a pleasing triangle of tables out the front behind a leafy façade and under twinkly festoon lights. The food is good too and it’s advised to book a table if you want to sit out and eat (reservations also need to be made for the indoor dining room).
Address: The Scolt Head, 107A Culford Road, London N1 4HT
Website: thescolthead.co.ukThe Canonbury Tavern, Highbury & Islington
A short walk from the hum of Highbury & Islington station and Upper Street, this smart gastro pub has a peaceful garden that Islingtonites make a beeline for on a sunny afternoon. Everything is done very nicely here: the pub prizes itself on its upscale food offering, with a brunch menu boasting ox cheek benedict and seasonally-influenced roasts celebrating British produce (served with all-important goose fat potatoes, of course). Even the outdoor chairs are padded for a more comfortable alfresco experience, plus there are heaters and umbrellas meaning you can stay outside whatever the weather.
Address: The Canonbury Tavern, 21 Canonbury Place, London N1 2NS
Website: thecanonbury.co.uk