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A pint in the sun is a precious thing; the sunlight trickling through the beer, the gentle snorts of laughter, the sound of crisp packets being ripped open for sharing.
London’s pub scene is still full of fantastic places to drink in, although it’s little surprise that outdoor spaces are still a hard find in some parts of the city.
That said, pandemic-induced concerns over ventilation and space mean the past two years have seen more places stretch out and claim the pavement outside their doors, and now the city is packed with beautiful patios and outdoor drinking spots. When the sun comes out, even the gloomiest local seems to find a few chairs and a pilsner-branded canvas barrier to pop up a makeshift terrace.
But even if these will do in a thirsty pinch, some places go a little further. From picturesque riverside terraces to lively neighborhood drinks, here are some of our favorite pub gardens across London.
Pub in the park
A favorite with larger groups, there are stunning views of London Fields from this smart pub garden, which is always buzzing. If it seems a little busy, grab a takeaway pint and head into the nearby park.
19 Martello St, E8 3PE, pubonthepark.com
George
The Isle of Dogs is strangely something of a no man’s land when it comes to pubs, with only a handful left. Run by the reliably good Hippo Inns, the George is a smart place with a large conservatory opening onto a large, leafy wooden terrace that benefits from being tucked away just off the road. The umbrellas come in handy here, no surprise.
114 Glengall Grove, E14 3ND, georgepub.co.uk
Camberwell’s Sun
This pub has a great selection of beers, an impressive food menu and – best of all – a lovely large beer garden, which they’ve covered to see off the unpredictable British summer weather. Brixton is spoiled for choice for alcoholics and this is one of the best.
Coldharbour Lane, SE5 9NS, suncamberwell.com
People’s Park Tavern
One of the largest and greenest pub gardens in East London (with lots of pretty bunting). Be sure to try one of the craft beers from the on-site microbrewery.
360 Victoria Park Road, E9 7BT, peoplesparktavern.pub
The Red Lion
As well as being one of the finest drinking joints in East London, with loads of great stuff on offer from the kitchen and a good selection of real ales, this smart pub opens up to the back with a spacious courtyard. They will also open with covers in case of rain.
640 High Road Leytonstone, E11 3AA,theredlionleytonstone.com
Truman’s Social Club
A huge venue that launched last year boasting of being the “largest socially distanced pub and garden” in the UK, this was a hit when it launched just off Blackhorse Lane. In addition to Truman’s on tap, the place serves 20 different beers, with street food on tap too. Keep an eye on their event schedule as well.
1 Priestley Way, Walthamstow, E17 6AL, trumansbeer.co.uk
The Leyton Star
Step inside this distinctive local favorite and you’ll see a lovely central bar, with a decent amount of space for drinking and eating. At the back, things come to life, with a surprisingly spacious paved patio area with plenty of benches and places to sit out in the sun.
116 High Road Leyton, E15 2BX, leytonstar.co.uk
The Duke of Edinburgh
Tucked away from the main hustle and bustle of Brixton, this lovely venue with a really huge garden creates a practically rattling atmosphere. The paved courtyard is wonderfully leafy, and White Men Can’t Jerk is still in residence offering, you guessed it, deep-fried jerk chicken and other Caribbean-inspired dishes.
204 Ferndale Road, SW9 8AG; dukeofedinburghpub.com
The white horse
Sitting on the corner of Parsons Green Road, the garden of this lively Fulham local is well-placed for sitting and watching the world go by – hence its popularity among the wealthy residents who gave it the nickname ‘Sloaney Pony’. It is also known for its superb selection of 150 bottled and 20 draft beers.
1-3 Parson’s Green, SW6 4UL, whitehorsesw6.com
The hope and the anchor
Brixton is clearly full of top beer gardens, and Hope and Anchor is no exception. This is a beautiful venue – the hanging flowers and fairy lights make up for it – and has a reputation as one for a Prosecco fueled party. The outdoor cabins help when the skies open up.
123 Acre Lane, SW2 5UA, hopeandanchorbrixton.co.uk
Crabtree Tavern
Situated on the stretch of river between Hammersmith and Putney Bridges, this grand Victorian pub has several outdoor spaces and views across the Thames to Barnes and the London Wetland Centre. Try to grab the seats under the weeping willow and spend a lazy Sunday afternoon watching the rowers sweat on the water. A personal favourite.
Rainville Road, W6 9HA, thecrabtreew6.co.uk
The white swan
It’s one of the most idyllic spots in London, and one of our favorite pubs in the capital. The outdoor veranda and seating areas feel worlds apart from the bustling city and are some of the best places to spend a summer afternoon. You will probably be lucky to get a place.
Riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DN, whiteswantwickenham.co.uk
The White Hart
Another gem in the Antic pub chain’s roster – which also owns the Sun of Camberwell, above – The White Hart is an unsung favorite in Stoke Newington. The huge pub garden is a sun trap packed with welcoming tables. The food here is also decent.
69 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 8EL, whitehartstokenewington.com
The prince
Probably one of the most versatile venues in the city, the Prince’s beautiful dining room can be transformed into a huge beer garden with a retractable roof at this popular venue in Earl’s Court. Expect it to be packed.
14 Lillie Road, SW6 1TT, theprincelondon.com
Anchor on the shore
This Bankside pub is in the heart of one of the most tourist-friendly areas of London – minutes from Borough Market and the Globe – and is blessed with plenty of space outside the front. Ideal for a pint or two right by the Thames, and walk-ins are welcome.
34 Park St, SE1 9EF, greeneking-pubs.co.uk
The Duke of Hamilton
Found a short walk in the direction of the heath from Hampstead station, this charming pub is one to visit in North West London. The front garden has a limit of 25 people and the back garden has a capacity of 40, so landlords ask customers to book in advance, although walk-ins will be allowed. A new awning has been added in case of bad weather.
23-25 New End, NW3 1JD, thedukeofhamiltonnw3.com
The eagle
This Shepherd’s Bush pub is all about the elegant garden, which makes for one of the best outdoor pub spaces in west London. It is huge, with lots of comfortable chairs and a separate bar, and the whole place is also covered and filled with heaters.
215 Askew Road, W12 9AZ, theeaglew12.co.uk
Canonbury Tavern
The historic Islington pub Canonbury is worth a visit all year round, but the garden helps it come into its own in the summer. It was also one of the pubs frequented by George Orwell, who wrote parts of 1984 while sitting in the garden in the forties.
21 Canonbury Place, N1 2NS, thecanonbury.co.uk
Avalon
A Balham Hill stalwart, Avalon serves long leisurely lunches and large groups, and is family friendly to boot. It has not one but three outdoor spaces, consisting of a courtyard, a terrace and a beautiful main garden. A local favorite for good reason.
16 Balham Hill, SW12 9EB, theavalonlondon.com
Edinburgh Castle
Afternoons easily turn into long evenings at this lovely little bolthole, tucked away behind Mornington Crescent. It has a good-sized garden covered in inviting foliage, with the added bonus of a handy mini-tent, heaters and fairy lights when the evening chill descends.
57 Mornington Terrace, NW1 7RU, edinborocastlepub.co.uk
