Alfresco Drinking In London

Shoreditch sunshine is starting to peek through the clouds and it's time to take advantage of those oh so tasty beer gardens. Cargo with its outdoor parasols, impressive wall art and urban graffiti make for a wonderfully wacky feel, encapsulating that typically quirky East London atmosphere.

A Hammersmith hottie with the back garden to boot, not only is The Eagle an absolute treasure when it comes to their gastro grub offering, alfresco drinks in London have a neat contender on their hands. From cutesy bunting and shed-shaped booths, to beanbags and grassy knolls, this sweet garden is a sight to see. 

One Fitzrovia's favourite party spots, Simmons is a corker of kitsch cocktails, darling interiors and top notch antics to boot. While heralded for their decor, the Fitroy Street bar also boasts a wee selection of alfresco seats for outdoor supping. With its fake grass and white picket fence, it's a cute ol' place to grab a cocktail or three. 

While many may think that Jugged Hare barely has any space outside at all, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find the plot that they're boasting across the road. With a whole area dedicated to drinks and summertime fun, hop across the street and take to a cutesy space of plotted tables, plants and more.

Take your drinks outside with a visit to one of Vagabond's various terraces. From a stunning fairy-lit snug in Battersea through to street-side wining and dining in Fulham, you're guaranteed quality menus in gorgeous settings.

This cheery beer garden doesn't need the sun to shine to make it smile. Bright yellow cladding surrounds comfy booths, heaters warm happy boozers and fairy lights cast a flattering glow. Potter inside and peruse the stylish 1960s décor and vibrant artworks, and make sure you check in with their programme of fun events.

There's so much going on at The Star of Kings it can be tricky to keep up. Offering a completely different dining experience every three months, fronting an entertainment schedule brimming with live music and DJs yet retaining the good old-fashioned feel of a solid pub, The Star completes its impressive résumé with a lovely alfresco area.

Clapham's old town is one mighty brunch babe, and prime for outdoor spots; but when it comes to serious dining and drinking under the London light, there's no better than No 32. Seasonal, stylish and boasting a really - and we mean really - nice roof terrace, this is a hard alfresco terrace to beat.

A trusted boozer on the Balham High Road since way back in 1821, one of the biggest draws of The Devonshire is its beautiful garden. Pick out a sunny day and set up camp here for a top choice of ales, craft beers, spirits and wines that should more than spoil you for choice.

Sat high above Waterloo, this hidden rooftop bar is bring you island paradise vibes complete with sunny colours, panoramic views and a menu of over 20 different cocktails. Sunning sessions here include drink like Aperol Spritz, Frose and Havana rum slushies laced packed with fruit and heavily laced with the hard stuff. 

A greenhouse-style bar, Corney & Barrow Exchange Square is the perfect place to be in the summer months. With a croquet pitch and outside seating, it is made for alfresco drinking and chatting in the sunshine. Ideal for some after-work drinks or a long, relaxing lunch, you'll find them serving up the wine that it's known for, alongside cocktails and pints aplenty.

With a heated rooftop terrace and garden, Inamo in Camden has a range of outdoor areas to enjoy. Head to North London to enjoy a range of sushi, sashimi and Pan Asian food along with a range of Asian spirits in the pretty surround of their alfresco drinking spots.

With an outdoor terrace that overlooks Regents Canal, Smith's Bar and Grill is the perfect place to go for a quick cocktail or spot of lunch. If the weather turns, don't worry - they have an indoor table tennis area.

Located in the upscale area of Mayfair, this award-winning pizzeria is serving up authentically made pizzas, summery spritzes and delicious desserts in a light and airy setting, complete with an open-plan kitchen and alfresco tables.

The hip and trendy Shoreditch venue that is Queen of Hoxton boasts a remarkable open top terrace that's always a big hit amongst patrons and visitors alike. Coming with its own bar, garden, kitchen and BBQ, it's a truly ideal spot for alfresco drinking, especially during summer nights.

Most venues close to the stunning Battersea Park are playing for second place when it comes to outdoor space, but not The Prince Albert. This gem of a gastropub features an award-winning terrace, which becomes a popular grazing spot for SW11's after-work crowd when the sun is out.

If you're looking for alfresco sipping in Chiswick, you've come to the right place. Fronting a gorgeous covered terrace, No. 197 is one of the swishest spots yet. Head on down for pretty plates alongside seasonal cocktails in this stunning sunshine plot.

The Bermondsey Bar & Kitchen brings eccentric and vibrancy alive with their dining and drinking experience. The battling menu of both food and cocktails are a winning combination for all but its their sprawling courtyard garden that real seals the deal for us.

A nice wee spot by the river in Notting Hill, those looking for alfresco drinks in London won't be hard pushed to enjoy the pub antics of this babe in the west. Grab a pint and settle down for a drink by the river as The Union Tavern not only boasts a top selection of beers, their suburban hankerings are more than adored.

This beautiful bar in Vauxhall also houses one of London's most gorgeous gardens for summertime sipping and alfresco eating. Stop by Brunswick House & Gardens and you'll be amazed by the botanical beauty of it all, complete with refreshing cocktails and seasonal plates.

One of the best beer gardens in London, you may have to travel the length of the district to see this absolute dime of a drinking space, but by golly is the journey worth it. Not only grand in size, it's grand in style, with circus-themed booths and festoon lighting, to outdoor heaters and blankets for chilly nights.

An elegant private hire venue in Isington, The Chapel Bar's Terrace Room rightfully earns it a slot on our best alfresco bars in London list. Coming equipped with a fully stocked bar, a heated outdoor space and a chilled out garden, this is a versatile offering is perfect for escaping the constant hubbub of city life outside.

A "stylish gastro wonderland" just around the corner from King's Cross, head to the rooftops to find The Fellow's handsome open-air terrace. Fitted with a handful of wooden tables and cosy corners, settle in for the long run and knock back a few of the venue's signature cocktails. It's heated and covered too, so there's no need to retreat inside should the weather turn.

Whether it's a special occasion or just some after work drinks, there's nothing like a great view to take your night from humdrum to oh, honey. Head over to Limehouse where The Narrow's alfresco terrace is the perfect place to pitch up for a pint or a few crafty cocktails while you watch the sun set over the river.

Offering two terrace spaces right beside the river, you won't be surprised to see The Riverside fill up quickly for after work drinks in the summertime. It's a stylish place to enjoy a catch up with pals, complete with views, a buzzing atmosphere and a comprehensive range of ales, wines and cocktails.

Home to a pretty and expansive outdoor terrace, this excellent bar and restaurant offers a premium selection of sippable cocktails and tasty dishes. Head over to New Street Square, or their Bankside location, when the sun is high and bed down with an Aperol spritz in one hand and a plateful of bar snacks in the other.

Colourful, creative and cultural, Barrio Shoreditch brings an exotic twist to East London with its quirky outdoor terrace. Spend your summer months in its kitsch but cool garden area as you absorb the chilled-out, Cuban quality of life. Cocktail heavy, revel in the fragrant fruit juices or sup at some cold beers.

Cool off after an innovative fusion meal of modern Indian cuisine and classic British touches at Cinnamon Kitchen by heading out to their large outdoor terrace for some alfresco drinking and dining. Candle-lit tables and comfy chairs set the scene for an atmospheric night of sipping under the stars, perfect for a summer evening spent in the buzzing heart of the capital.

Regularly playing host to amazing live music from both bands and DJs, The Lock Tavern has become a part of nightlife folklore in these parts. Alfresco drinking seekers have been enjoying the cosy garden for years with its thick beamed wooden canopy wrapped in ivy keeping you dry through those typical English summers.

Casual coffee spot by day and bustling cocktail bar by night, Victoria's Timmy Green boasts a gorgeous, leafy terrace where you can enjoy their fabulous selection of food and drinks come morning, noon or night.

Newly revamped Q is a bar and club in the heart of Shoreditch and it's known for a lot of things. From their excellent steaks through to the hidden games room and pool tables aplenty. However, they also have a secret outdoor terrace, with cool art work and excellent cocktails.

The Dog & Fox's inviting alfresco space is one of the best beer gardens in Wimbledon. The front garden fills up quickly at the first sight of sunshine, as drinkers and diners flock to this Wimbledon Village hub to enjoy quintessential British food and a vast array of boozy favourites in sunny style. There's also a roofed hotel garden available come rain or shine.

Rooftop gardens in London get everyone going wild come summer, and it's no exception when it comes to this corker in Farringdon. With a hot-to-trot plant-laced roof terrace, guests at Bird Of Smithfield can tuck into a top selection of drinks while getting a good old fashioned dose of Vitamin D.

A post-office paradise in the heart of Canary Wharf, the expansive terrace at The Parlour is a must-visit if you work locally. While away an evening with friends or colleagues as this relaxed, informal spot offers an outdoor bar and plenty of space for all.

Take things to the next level and elevate your usual alfresco drinks with a visit to this West End favourite. Not only will you find a gorgeous garden setting, but there's even classes in everything from pasta-making to wine tasting.

Tucked away in a secretive Mayfair courtyard comes Hush, a swanky restaurant and bar with more than a little style. Make the most of the sunshine on their gorgeous outdoor terrace, which changes theme with the season, and fronts amazing cocktails and a delicious selection of modern small plates.

May Fair Kitchen's alfresco space is perfect once the weather warms, with relaxed seating and cosy laterns, you can feast on Mexican and Peruvian sharing plates and sip on cocktails from the afternoon through till late.

Cool, casual and cosy, The Castle's beaut of a rooftop terrace helps it to stand out from its Pentonville Road neighbours. Get yourself up here for some pub grub and a few drinks, with a delicious open-air vantage point over Islington, and plenty of heaters to keep you toasty in the evening.

A pedigree destination in the heart of Liverpool Street, Devonshire Terrace is an outdoor space in London with plenty of architectural cool on its side. An embedded plot of bespoke tables and darling foliage, grab a glass of champers and relax on one of its two terrace areas.

A Grade II listed early 19th century building, The Gun is an excellent pub sitting on the banks of the Thames. With amazing views of the river and the O2, this charming boozer with let you enjoy their great riverside terrace, alongside a seasonal British menu and some exquisite drink options to accompany it. 

Open early in the morning and shutting up shop close to midnight each day, this pretty venue serves breakfast, dinner and everything in between. If that wasn't enticing enough, the venue boasts a cosy outdoor terrace that's perfect for both cocktails in the scorching summer and hot toddies during the colder months.

Laid-back beers on a summer evening aren't hard to come by when The Miller has anything to do it. A cool plot for London Bridge locals and after-work patrons alike, grab a seat in their heaving garden and work your way through their ice-cold drinks list, there's even a roof terrace for those with more summer hankerings.

Mooch around the delightful outside area of The Fentiman Arms and soak up the sizzling sounds of their BBQ's during the hazy summer months. Here you can glug on a refreshing pint or crisp glass of wine on their beautiful terrace which offers an oasis space in the heart of London. 

Set within the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, The Old Brewery is a unique and historic pub located just yards away from the legendary Cutty Sark. An ideal spot to sample London-brewed craft beers and a healthy range of distilled spirits, there's a relaxed outdoor terrace with plenty of room for when the sun makes an appearance.

Rocket can do almost anything; if there isn't a drink you like on the menu, the staff are happy to concoct a new creation for you. Better yet, you can soak up 360-degree views of the 02 Arena and the West India Quay docks as you sip.

Boasting one of London's prettiest outdoor terraces, this canalside haunt is the only place to sun yourself this summer. Grab a cocktail oFf their impressive list, and head for these nearest sofa where you can sip away to your heart's content with stunning views of the water.