Summertime Bars in London

All of this world-cup business and the unavoidable beautiful shots of Brazil that comes with it are making us itch for sunnier pastures. For those of us that can't afford to shell out for a plane to some beautiful Latin city where the BBQ is always cooking and the cocktails are always flowing, Barrio Shoreditch is a more than adequate substitute for the real thing. It's got beautiful bright interiors and enough party vibes to keep you going until easy-jet has a 70% off sale. 

Tucked under the arches of Hackney Central, Night Tales is one of the city's most beloved venues. Head on over during the summer and you'll find a stunning outdoor space selling a fine selection of London's best street eats, a terrace that's perfect for drinking and dancing and plenty of live music all evening long. 

To quote the (admittedly rather rubbish) Mariah Carey impersonator we saw last night; 'All I want this Summer is Jam Tree's beer garden'. Wise words Mariah, because Jam Tree Chelsea certainly know how to tick the boxes on the ultimate summer bar check list - they've got a great selection of beers that'll slide down a treat in hot weather, super fun and friendly clientele, and last but not least an absolute corker of a garden that catches the sun just right. 

Acting as an oasis from city living, Near & Far brings California to Camden this summer. Decked out to the max with palm trees, pink flamingos and stylish neon lighting, this bar is made even more special when you discover the luscious rooftop terrace. 

Nothing says summer in the city like a trip to a rooftop bar. Head up to the top of ME hotel in Covent Garden and experience one of the best summertime bars in London in the form of Radio Rooftop.

Looking for a unique way to pass the time this summer? Sit back and relax at Patch & Picnic where Jimmy's Pop Up team are on hand with pre-bookable areas, picnic hampers, sharing boards and street food to enjoy while kicking back with a brew by the Southbank. 

Things getting a little too hot out there? Retreat to East London haunt The Arches where you can sip on the finest British brews from the comfort of urban arches with quirky decor and plenty of retro gaming to entertain you. 

It's been a long, hot summer and what better way to soak up those rays, than with a spot of alfresco chilling? This quirky bar has palm trees, deck chairs and even a cocktail shack for a slice of island bliss.

If you're looking for stunning rooftop bars this summer, look no further than The Montague on the Gardens. Not only is this pop-up bar bringing you BBQ dishes and cocktails served in coconuts, but the beach huts and sandy scenes are just right for The Gram.

Even if it isn't summer outside, then it will be inside Kanaloa. A truly tropical experience for those that like their evenings out with a side of hula, try out this tiki inspired party haunt for tasty cocktails served in pineapples and cheerful customers. Discover the beach in the centre of the city with this leafy rainforest where the retro music is pumping and the dance floor is jumping.

Head up to the 14th floor of this Aldgate hotel to find one of the hottest city bars. Jin Bo Law has a sun-trap rooftop terrace that provide gorgeous views over London, along with a dreamy interior for when the weather isn't perfect.

This tavern has got the jubilant good vibes that England only lets slip from under its stiff upper lip in summer time. That's because beer gardens this good make even the most prim and proper British gentleman want to kick back, crack open a beer and get chatting to the people in the next booth along. 

Skylark Roof Garden is an urban oasis sitting on the banks of Little Venice. Serving a  menu of fresh British eats and frozen cocktails in lush greenery, its stunning food and drinks offerings and exceptional views make it one of London's top summertime bars. 

The Gun is a spooky one. It can read our minds. It knows exactly what we dream about on chilly winter nights... the spectacular river-side views, bright parasols, seaside lounge chairs, and cheerful bunting blowing in a cool, wistful breeze. It's got it all. So if you want to visit the soothsayer of British pubs and have your dreams of summer-time materialize before your very eyes then head down to The Gun. 

Marvel at the views from The Banker's cheerful outside terrace as you sip a real ale. Watch the boats and enjoy the broad range of architecture than London has to offer. From Shakespere's Globe to The Shard, glinting like glass in the summer sun... we're getting all poetic and whimsical just thinking about it.

If sipping on a refreshing beer, watching the world and the water go by floats your boat, then make sure to visit The Union Tavern. Brilliant for hot summer days and after work drinks; its foliage-filled, umbrella shaded terrace won't disappoint. Head on down for a jaunt by the canal, and get to grips with London's favourite hobby: drinking in the summer sunshine. It isn't hard to master, we promise. 

Ahoy! Is that a boat we spy on the banks of the Thames? It looks like it has loads of tables full of rather fashionable good-looking people having a great time on it. They all have delicious looking drinks in their hands and some of them are even dancing to the selection of excellent tracks that the handsome disc jockey is playing. It's either Bar & Co, the most happening summer boat bar this little island has ever seen, or we need to go for a check up at the opticians. 

When it comes to whiling away the evening under the London sun, there's not many pubs that offer views and sunshine rays quite like Founders Arms. Join them as they promise authentic British drinks and dining alongside the Thames, all summer long.

London's squares, those beautiful green oasis' of calm, are often overrun with herds of London's sunseekers as soon as the temperature gets hot enough that you can take off your jumper. Avoid the panic to lay stake to a patch of Exchange square this summer by rocking up to Corney and Barrow and relaxing in their lovely, sophisticated greenhouse bar. No itchy picnic rugs necessary here - just a few pounds for a relaxing glass of Pimms. 

Step aboard the Canal Party Club boat for a fun-time day out with your nearest and dearest. Aside from the captain, you're welcome to bring your own food, booze and music with you to really make a day of it as you enjoy a leisurely cruise down the Regent's Canal. Worried about bad weather ruining the fun? Don't be! The boat comes with transparent covers and a heater.