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.
Alfresco Drinking In London
When it comes to stylish pub gardens and trendy rooftop terraces; London suffers from an embarrassment of riches. Frankly, anybody who argues that the capital isn't the greatest city to enjoy an ice-cold drink in the sunshine, is lying through their teeth! Here's a list of recommended venues perfect for a spot of alfresco drinking in London.
Last updated on 26th February 2021
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.
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.
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.
Alfresco drinking doesn't just mean standing out in the rain by yourself for a smoke, it means embracing a love of nature and the great outdoors. People's Park Tavern has a beer garden which creates a sense of love for our British environment, with its views of Victoria Park and constant influx of happy smiling sun-revellers. There isn't anywhere better to drink alfresco in East London.
A lush lavender-toting garden in the heart of Battersea, The Four Thieves are coming up trumps when it comes to scoping out alfresco drinking spots in London. From their green hue and tinkering of fair lights, to craft beers and home-made gin, The Four Thieves is a good ol' dose of something different.
Camden's Prince Albert offers one of the areas best alfresco drinking experiences. Quality battered cod and chips comes on wooden serving boards with a refreshing slice of lemon on the side. Or if it's just the refreshing part you're after, then its very popular beer garden is a haven for a zingy tipple.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can't get much more alfresco than on a boat, surely? Bar&Co is permanently moored a stone's throw from Temple Station, sitting on the iconic River Thames. With views looking out on the OXO Tower, the London Eye and Big Ben, this wondrous vessel is ideal for an after-work tipple, full on party night or private function.
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.
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.
Sitting at the base of the gherkin, it's highly unlikely that you'll find as iconic an alfresco space in London as this. With London's most recognised building looming over guests in the sunshine, The Sterling is just that, a truly sterling plot. From its grand selection of tables and notably large space, parties are ever hankering to get their mitts on it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Opening just in time for summer, Paper Dress Yard is a shiny new al fresco drinking spot in the heart of Hackney. Part of the stylish vintage boutique of the same name, this outdoor space will boast live DJs, tasty tipples and table service throughout - making social distancing that little bit easier.
West End on the Thames is all about “the sun above, the water beneath and 360 degree panoramic views of London.” Perfect for office summer parties of anywhere between 2 and 500, head out onto the spacious rooftop and enjoy celebrations featuring Pimm's, BBQ and amazing views, with DJs and dancing to follow.
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.