When it comes to stylish beer gardens and trendy rooftop terraces, our city suffers from an embarrassment of riches. Frankly, anybody who argues that the capital isn't the greatest place to enjoy an ice-cold drink in the sunshine is lying through their teeth. Whether you're after an Aperol spritz in verdant surrounds or craft beer by the river, here's a list of the best places for alfresco drinking in London.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 24th September 2024
Searching for outdoor watering holes in the Bromley and Beckenham area? The Artful Duke is an excellent choice. Fronting bottomless brunches, quizzes and live music, not to mention an epic beer garden, it's fab for whiling away the weekends.
The Saxon is a Clapham High Street bar with a pretty outdoor terrace space that puts you in the heart of this ever-popular neighbourhood. Make your way through the list of signature small plates and stunning concoctions next time you're craving a little alfresco action.
Home to a pretty and expansive outdoor terrace in the City of London, The Refinery New Street Square offers a premium selection of cocktails and tasty dishes. Head over to this or the Bankside location when the sun is high and bed down while soaking up that coveted sunshine.
This pretty venue serves breakfast, dinner and everything in between. If that wasn't enticing enough, The Sipping Room boasts a cosy outdoor terrace that's perfect for both cocktails in the scorching summer and hot toddies during the colder months.
Looking for a pre-National Theatre pitstop? Look no further than The Green Room, the stunning glass-walled bar and restaurant that sits in the heart of Southbank. Grab a table in the light-flooded dining room or head outside for cocktails and canapes on the lawn.
One of the most incredible places for alfresco drinks in London, rooftop hotspot 14 Hills has a picturesque outdoor terrace that's perfect for summertime sipping. Head over to the Fenchurch Street bar and restaurant for fizz and fine cocktails.
A top-notch choice for alfresco drinks, The Duchess of Kent has incredible street seating in Islington and features a fabulous seasonal menu. Enjoy burgers or sharing boards while also taking in your outdoor view of the city.
A spot at The Crown's stunning terrace, which overlooks Victoria Park, is the envy of all. Here, you'll get to enjoy alfresco sips, including craft beer, real ale and all kinds of delicious wines, as well as tasty British grub and Sunday lunches.
One of the best bars in Greenwich, The Old Joinery is home to a pretty beer garden that's made for alfresco drinking. With a charming pergola, a menu of street food and thirst-quenching cocktails on offer, this is an unmissable spot in the warmer months.
For alfresco drinks in the West End, head to The Burlington Arms – you won't regret it. It serves classic British fare, such as burgers, steak and crispy squid. Sit outside, take in the sunshine and try one of the classic cocktails or a large pint of beer.
Soak up the sun as you sip on margaritas, rhubarb bellinis and coconut mojitos at No.35 Mackenzie Walk. A top spot for after-work cocktails in Canary Wharf, the bar and restaurant also has a beautiful waterside terrace for those after some truly classy alfresco drinks.
When it comes to alfresco dining and drinking, there's no better place than No 32 The Old Town. Seasonal, stylish and boasting a really - and we mean really - nice roof terrace, this Clapham hangout is a hard alfresco spot to beat.
It's not often you find a beer garden in Greenwich, and yet here The Lost Hour stands, fronting a lovely little space filled with fake grass, fairy lights and colourful chairs. Head here to enjoy classic pub grub and plenty of refreshing pints.
Big Penny Social is a slick bar for outdoor drinking in Walthamstow. Not only does it boast a sprawling beer garden where the sun loves to fall, but also live music, sports screenings, comedy nights and so much more.
Boasting a spacious beer garden in East London, Signature Brew Blackhorse Road is one of our top picks for outdoor sipping in the summer months. Visit here or the Haggerston taproom to make the most of the 12 beer lines while enjoying live music and delish eats.
May Fair Kitchen's alfresco space is perfect once the weather warms, with relaxed seating and cosy lanterns. Swing by to feast on Mexican and Peruvian sharing plates plus sip a range of unique cocktails from the afternoon through 'til late.
If you're looking for alfresco drinks in West London, you've come to the right place. Fronting a gorgeous covered terrace, No. 197 Chiswick Fire Station is one of the swishest spots yet. Head on down for pretty plates alongside seasonal cocktails in this stunning sunshine plot.
One of the best places for alfresco drinking in London has to be Market Halls Victoria. Decked out in stylish furnishings, with impressive views of the surrounding city, this place is equipped for all seasons with its comfy booths and cosy outdoor heaters.
Colourful, creative and cultural, Barrio brings an exotic twist to London with its quirky outdoor terraces. Spend your summer months in its kitsch yet cool garden area as you absorb the chilled-out, Cuban quality of life. Revel in the fragrant fruit-based cocktails or sip some ice cold beers.
Four Quarters Elephant and Castle is the ideal spot for a little alfresco drinking. Head inside and choose from over 30 arcade machines and pinball as well as Donkey Kong and Guitar Hero. And if you fancy eating, tuck into some loaded fries on their streetside tables.
Get on down to The Little Scarlet Door in Soho on a summer's day to take advantage of its pretty alfresco terrace. While sitting on the banquet seats, surrounded by vibrant pops of colour, get to know the cracking cocktail list.
In need of those all-important alfresco pours? Then get groovin' over to The Plough Beddington. This Croydon drinking den offers an outdoor terrace that's ideal for basking in the sunshine, alongside a mouthwatering food menu from the Burger Shack and beers galore.
Head to Kindred for tasty cocktails in a gorgeous beer garden. The Hammersmith beer garden is bound to be buzzing during the summer months as drinkers and diners come to enjoy bottomless brunches, alfresco drinks and live music nights.
Tear yourself away from Flight Club's cool fairground-style interiors for a sunny rooftop terrace in Victoria. A circus-themed dream of festoon lighting and tasty frozen cocktails, it promises a place to soak up the sun between rounds of high-tech darts.
Looking for unique places to enjoy London alfresco drinks? Head to The Skylark Café for a private dining experience, complete with craft beers and wines. If you're celebrating a party, go all-out with a BBQ on the charming terrace space.
Those of you looking for alfresco drinks in West London won't be hard pushed to enjoy the pub antics of Union Tavern. Grab a pint and settle down for a drink by the river as it not only boasts a top selection of beers, but also a load of scrumptious BBQ bites.
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 craft beers and a healthy range of distilled spirits, there's a relaxed outdoor terrace for when the sun makes an appearance.
Fronting a cracking beer garden in Balham, The Regent is ideal for its themed bottomless brunches and Sunday lunches. But it's also a great shout for sun-soaked evenings during the summer with an Aperol spritz in hand.
JuJu's Bar & Stage is a great shout for alfresco drinking in London. Not only has it got an expansive beer garden - with heaters for when the sun goes down - but the Shoreditch watering hole also has an array of craft brews, seasonal cocktails and mezcal.
When it comes to alfresco drinking in East London, there are fewer places as well-rounded as Rolling Stock. Perched in the heart of Shoreditch, this classic boozer has old school charm, banging burgers and an expansive beer garden that stays warm in the winter months thanks to its heaters.
The Fellow boasts a handsome rooftop terrace in King's Cross. Fitted with a handful of wooden tables for soaking up the sunshine, as well as heaters and covers for when the temperature drops, it's a great spot to knock back a few of the venue's signature cocktails.
When you want to drink outside at a waterfront location, check out East London Liquor Company. The Mile End distillery bar fronts a cool warehouse building, an outdoor terrace and a drinks list made up of whisky oand gin.
Touting a pretty beer garden, Queen's Head Hammersmith is ideal for those outside drinks in West London. Meet your pals or even take along your doggo to this popular spot to enjoy a mouthwatering range of eats or bevvies in the laid-back outdoor space.
Wagtail Rooftop Bar & Restaurant is elevating your alfresco drinking in the City of London with its sky-high terrace. Not only can you expect unbeatable views of the capital's most iconic landmarks, but also delish, upmarket fare and an enviable drinks list.
For outdoor drinking in South London, The Crooked Well is one of our favourite pubs. Located just off Peckham Road, the friendly watering hole serves a mouthwatering selection of modern European cuisine, from fresh pasta to burgers oozing with smoked provola.
Grove House Tavern is a charming neighbourhood pub, offering a quiet spot for alfresco drinking in South London. Settle down in the spacious outdoor space to indulge in a long list of refreshing tipples alongside lunchtime sarnies from Mondo Sando.
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.
For alfresco areas, we also need to give a shoutout to The Black Lion in West Hampstead. Not only will you enjoy mouthwatering roasts and red wine at this joint, but its outdoor garden comes complete with chic wooden seating, string lights and pretty plants.
Brimming a menu filled with comfort eats, such as crab linguine, chicken burgers and rosemary salted chips, The Old Frizzle is a fab shout for alfresco dining and drinking on its pretty terrace. And, if you've got a craving for Pimm's, this should be your go-to.
A sleek choice for places to drink outside in London, The Montague on The Gardens Hotel is serving up afternoon tea, cocktails and food in a gorgeous setting. Located opposite the British Museum, this terrace is a brilliant shout for meet-ups with the family or a fancy date.
On the hunt for a spot to spend those long balmy summer nights? Look no further than Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden - the alfresco spot that's decked out with tasty street food stalls, spacious seating and a huge screen showing all the major sports fixtures.
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.
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 accompanied by great views, not to mention plenty of heaters to keep you toasty in the evening.
The Adam & Eve in Homerton is a fantastic pub for a bit of alfresco boozing, what with its pretty garden, outdoor screens and ample selection of beers. As for food? The kitchen dishes out a tasty array of fusion Thai street food.
This Spanish restaurant and bar brings you small plates, tasty mains and delicious wine in the heart of the City. Head out to the alfresco terrace of El Vino Blackfriars in the summer and lose an evening in the company of good friends and a few bottles of fine wine.
Get on down to BFI Southbank and discover one of the best alfresco terraces in Waterloo. Not only does it showcase gorgeous views over the River Thames and London's landmarks, but you can also sip delicious cocktails and craft beers there.
Seeking out places for outdoor drinking in West London? Head to The Elgin where you can chomp on delicious Sunday roasts or juicy burgers while sipping on craft beer and vino. Plus, you can pop inside and catch whatever sports game happens to be on.
As it flaunts a pretty outdoor space, you know that Maltby Street Wine House is coming in strong on the alfresco drinks front. When the sun's shining, take a seat on the terrace, where you'll be able to quaff some signature bevvies and explore the bar snacks menu.
West End on the Thames is a cool cruise showcasing a spacious rooftop that's perfect for office summer parties of anywhere between 2 and 500. Book the private venue out to enjoy Pimm's, BBQ bites and amazing views, with DJs and dancing to follow.
One North London haunt that really does catch the summer rays is The Lord Palmerston. The Tufnel Park hotspot boasts a lovely garden that's complete with cushions, umbrellas and everything else you need for a day of alfresco drinking.
Mooch around the delightful outside area of The Fentiman Arms and soak up the sizzling sounds of the BBQs during the hazy summer months. Here, you can glug on a refreshing pint or crisp glass of wine on the beautiful terrace, which offers an oasis space in the heart of London.
One of London's best rooftop bars, Aqua Kyoto, has joined forces with Veuve Clicquot to bring us the ultimate summer hangout. Not only is it an absolute beaut, with radiant tones and blooms of flowers, but there's also bubbles and Japanese-influenced cocktails.
One of our favourite sky-high haunts? Head over to London Bridge Rooftop to enjoy everything from after work drinks and gourmet burgers to bottomless brunches with cocktails and banging tunes, all with beaut views of the city.
If you're looking to get involved with some alfresco sips in the East, hit up Colour Factory in Hackney Wick for all things Aperol spritzes and craft beers. The iconic music venue is home to an array of food vendors, plus a south-facing terrace equipped with heaters in the cooler months. Sip your favourite tipples while tucking into fare from The Hogless Roast, Pittagoras and more.
One of South London's best bars for alfresco drinking has to be Venn St. Records. Found on the edge of Clapham Common, this cool neighbourhood spot fronts live music, freshly baked pizza and handcrafted cocktails alongside a large outdoor space. What's more, there's also a sister spot in Battersea, too.
Whether you're there for its rooftop garden in London or a fun tour, Midnight Apothecary offers plenty of things to look forward to. Cosy up by a campfire and munch on a s'more or try the range of summer cocktails.