Whether it's a fun afternoon in the city or just somewhere to make the most of the lighter hours, make sure you're enjoying the sun with a tall pint in a beer garden, cruising down one of the city's many canals on boat bars, or taking in the rays on a rooftop. Check out our recommendations for some great summer bars in London and enjoy that golden beauty while it's still around.
People's Park Tavern has got the jubilant good vibes that England only lets slip from under its stiff upper lip in summertime. 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 on the next table along.
Make the most of long summer days at The Elmhurst, a historic pub with a huge garden, plenty of alfresco space, and activities to keep everyone entertained. Enjoy beers from a diverse selection, indulge in delicious food, or take part in outdoor games while soaking up the sun.
Its location near Bruce Castle Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium makes it ideal for combining sightseeing, sports, and socialising. Whether you're out with friends or family, it's the perfect summer hangout in North London.
An East London institution, BOXPARK Shoreditch is the place to be this summer. There are plenty of open-air spaces to relax in, as well as stunning views of the area from their rooftop seating. You'll find everything you could ask for at this venue, from bars and street food restaurants to quirky shops selling clothes, accessories and more. What's more, they also host a regular lineup of live events, including live music, food festivals and art exhibitions.
Spend your summer sipping cocktails in The saint's courtyard, a relaxed outdoor space filled with wooden tables and large umbrellas - catering for all weather. Throughout the season, they're hosting pop-up takeovers from Aperol, Jubel and Siren, complete with DJ sets, beer pong and tennis.
There's also a hearty menu to get stuck into, featuring everything from grilled chicken burgers to mezze boards and beer-battered haddock. They offer some brilliant deals too, including a main and a drink for £17.50 or two for £18 cocktails until 5pm.
Thanks to a suntrap of a rooftop terrace, Aquum is the ideal place to head for your summertime drinks. Expect Greek-Cypriot food, bottomless brunches and signature cocktails galore, all with a ball pit and club to carry on the party indoors afterwards.
From soaking up the sun on its gorgeous outdoor terrace to catching a Friday DJ night or bottomless brunch party come the weekend, Pergola on The Wharf is one of our favourite summer bars in London. Better yet, it's got sweeping views thanks to its Crossrail Place perch.
When it comes down to summertime bars in King's Cross, Rotunda is a firm choice. At this venue, you'll get to dig into Mexican plates, including refried bean tacos served with tequila, lime and pico de gallo salsa, all while taking in the water scenes from the alfresco terrace.
Founded by local promoters Bruno and Remi, No90 is more than just a bar - it's a cultural institution that has helped shape Hackney Wick's legendary social scene.
This canal-side venue has become a magnet for creatives, music lovers, and partygoers, offering an ever-changing lineup of live performances, exhibitions, and club nights. Whether you're here for a laid-back drink, a lively event, or an all-out party, No90 delivers a one-of-a-kind experience that keeps East London coming back for more.
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 is a more than adequate substitute for the real thing. Head here for vibrant surrounds and plenty of refreshing tipples at an affordable price.
Searching for a spot to soak up some sun in the city? Hop on over to Pitch Wharf.
Up on the outdoor terrace, you can sip on handcrafted cocktails and craft beer with an epic city backdrop. There's plenty to keep you entertained here too, from shuffleboard to amazing interactive golf games like Bullseye and Party Putt.
With a gorgeous riverside terrace and award-winning craft beers up for grabs, Two More Years is a no-brainer when it comes to summertime bars in London. The Hackney Wick beauty has also got organic wines and tasty burgers on the menu.
Fancy stepping into a plant-adorned terrace this summer? Swingers West End has got you covered. Venture into this activity bar, where you'll get to play a few games of crazy golf, before heading to the alfresco space for cocktails.
If you're on the hunt for a summertime boozer, then head to The Nel. Not only does this gorgeous venue have an Instagram-worthy terrace space to enjoy alfresco antics with pals, but it also offers revellers bottomless brunches, live music and bespoke cocktails.
Looking for a super cool spot for a sun-soaked spritz this summer? Get on over to The Clubhouse.
You may know this place as the Glasshouses or Summer by the River, but now it's back with an all new name - but same incredible location. Pull up a pew right by the water to wet your whistle, catch some rays and gawp at epic views of the city.
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Waterloo boozer The Duke of Sussex is a great choice of summer drinking destinations, thanks to its spacious and sunny beer garden. They're collaborating with Hendrick's Gin this season to bring you a set menu, paired with refreshing gin cocktails.
Enjoy two courses for £23, or three for £31 - with drinks pairings from only £12. We're talking chicken and leek pie, plant-based nduja risotto, chocolate brownies and more.
Make it a hot girl summer this season and head to Bussey Rooftop Bar. The watering hole fronts gorgeous pops of greenery, an outdoor space and plenty of crafty cocktails to hold you over. Plus, the venue whips up five cheese pizzas and much more.
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 provides gorgeous views over London, along with a dreamy interior for when the weather isn't perfect.
Wide-open spaces and cool warehouse conversions aren't the only hidden gems Hackney has to boot. Set on the water alongside the Olympic Park, Barge East is one of London's coolest floating restaurants and bars. Get ready for summer cocktails overlooking the water and take a trip to its gardens.
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.
Located in the heart of Westfield Stratford, The Bat and Ball offers an unbeatable atmosphere with live DJs on weekends, and a mouth-watering menu featuring Neapolitan-style pizza and juicy burgers.
Whether you're here for a competitive round of beer pong, a relaxed game of darts, or simply to enjoy good food and drink with your friends, The Bat and Ball is a summer party haven. Private hire is available, making it a great option for everything from intimate gatherings to office blow-outs.
Colour Factory in Hackney Wick is the ultimate summertime bar thanks to its south-facing terrace, rows of benches (making it great for group socialising) and cool views over the warehouse-heavy area. Enjoy delicious food from the likes of The Hogless Roast, Burger & Chop, Pittagoras and Matteo's Cucina Italiana while washing it down with top sips from mixologists.
Imagine this; you're on a barge moored to the banks of the River Thames, taking in the views of London with a crisp glass of vino to hand. Make the dream a reality over at Tamesis Dock, a quirky bar in Vauxhall that's ideal for summertime drinks.
A top choice of London bars this summer, Devonshire Terrace is a chic destination that's complete with multiple tiers of outdoor seating. Not only will you get plenty of alfresco action, but also a European food menu and unique cocktails.
When it comes to capturing the holiday spirit without stepping foot on a plane, The Beach Bar at The Montague on the Gardens sets the gold standard for summertime bars in London. This award-winning seasonal pop-up completely reimagines the hotel's outdoor space into a slice of the Bahamas, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to maximise the warm-weather months.
Guests can sink their toes into real sand while sipping refreshing summer cocktails served in coconuts and soaking up the vibrant, relaxed atmosphere. The sun-soaked experience is rounded out by a mouthwatering BBQ dining menu packed with meat, seafood, and plant-based options.
Known for their epic happy hours and a hit among the late-night scene in Canary Wharf, The Cocktail Club Canary Wharf offers 2 for £12 cocktails all night long, from brambles to mojitos and espresso martinis. Get comfy in their party paradise and groove to lively tunes this summer.
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.
The Untraditional Pub is a standout summertime destination in London, offering an all-weather roof terrace that comes alive with live music acts and diverse events.
Located in the dynamic CRATE St James Street development in Walthamstow, this vibrant venue serves a selection of Pillars lagers and craft beers, complemented by international cuisine from onsite food vendors. Its eclectic atmosphere and seasonal events make it a perfect spot to soak up the summer vibes in East London.
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.
One of the best bars for summertime in London, Union Social is fronting the perfect sunny terrace and list of sippable cocktails from its perch at The Gantry hotel. And if you get peckish? There's a range of international plates to choose from on their food menu.
This summer, Kittyhawk's terrace gets a fresh makeover as it partners with Cîroc Vodka to become Club Riviera - a sun-soaked oasis dedicated to great cocktails and good times.
Featuring a bespoke cocktail list spotlighting the new strawberry limonade flavour from Cîroc, it's the perfect spot for alfresco dining, weekend brunches, and live music sessions. Whether you're catching the golden hour or dancing into the evening, Kittyhawk's pop-up delivers the ultimate summer escape.
When only the best summer pubs in London will do, check out Big Penny Social. The outside space here is being transformed into Walthamstow On Sea - a mecca of beach huts, sand pits, and deck chairs. Not only that, but you can expect fish 'n' chips and soft-serve 99s washed down by frozen cocktails.
Looking for a spot in the city to soak up the sun? Check out Hackney Bridge.
On the edge of Olympic Park, it serves up great views of the canal - along with delicious drinks and top notch nosh. We're talking craft beer, handcrafted cocktails and sensational street food.
If sipping on a refreshing beer and watching the world 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.
One of the most stunning spot for summertime drinks, Boaters is located on the banks of the Thames in Kingston. Their huge, covered beer garden overlooks the water, allowing you to watch the boats go by while you sip a pint.
This leafy space is dog-friendly, and the interiors are pretty stylish too. Feeling peckish? They're cooking up everything from barbecue buttermilk fried chicken to flat-iron steaks and hoisin mushroom spring rolls.
With a suntrap outdoor terrace, glorious greenery and a cracking cocktail list, Tropical London has your summer vibes sorted. Get down here for ice cold pints and sophisticated serves from the pina colada to the fruity dacquiri.
Make sure to check out the menu while you're here too. This place serves up epic Asian-inspired dishes, from satay chicken skewers to miso lamb chops.
Searching for something different in the city? Head to London Bridge Rooftop for lovely views of The Shard and a cracking good time. Munch on scrumptious burgers, chicken tenders and much more, alongside boozy beverages.
The roof terrace at Lockside overlooks Camden lock and the bustling market below. Perfect for post-work drinks or a sun-soaked lunch, the bar serves a wide selection of cocktails, wine and beer, along with a casual menu of burgers and sharing plates.
Situated in Waterloo, this rooftop bar promises amazing views of the city's skyline and the bustling streets below, perfect for sunset drinks during the warmer months. There are three gorgeous terrace areas to choose from, boasting pretty pastel furniture, lots of plants and a regular lineup of DJs and live music. Choose from a vast selection of cocktails, including frozen concoctions and refreshing spritzes, as well as a menu of Mediterranean small plates - think honey-coated barbecue chicken, chilli garlic prawns or cacio e pepe arancini.
Hit up this swanky rooftop pad at One New Change for killer views of London, party vibes, and top-notch cocktails. Madison is a Manhattan-style restaurant in St Pauls serving up all kinds of goodness from noon 'til late. Head over on a Friday night to catch their Aperol Sunset Sessions happening from 4pm till midnight every week all summer long. It's the ultimate spot to sip on tasty spritzes and jam to live music with all your best mates.
There is no better place to spend a warm London evening than Coppa Club Tower Bridge, a venue that embodies the energy of a city in summertime. Its waterside terrace becomes an absolute magnet for those looking to unwind after a hot day, offering an expansive outdoor layout right next to the gently rolling Thames.
As the sun sets behind the Shard, the bar comes alive with the sound of clinking glasses and laughter. Grab an outdoor table, order a classic gin and tonic, and enjoy a relaxed, late-night destination.
One of the best spots to sip on fabulous cocktails is in London's The Hari Hotel and Bar Terrace. Enjoy their all-weather outdoor dining space, which is perfect for those alfresco lunches, or cosy evenings sharing bubbly with friends.
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.
This summer, iconic London hotel The Berkeley is opening its stylish rooftop bar to the public. It has been transformed into Capri In the City - a stylish pop-up inspired by all things Italian, complete with a Riviera-inspired menu of sharing plates and pizza.
Soak up the sun on this elevated terrace, looking out over the pool area and the views below. Plus, they're promising some pretty fantastic cocktails while you're here.
In need of summer bars in North London? Wood Green's The Westbury has a gorgeous outdoor terrace for soaking up the sun or staying in the shade. Better yet, they host monthly DJ nights, regular quizzes and boast a crackin' menu to keep you entertained and fed.
Celebrating its 10th year, Roof East is a vibrant rooftop playground in East London that's back with a bang for the summer, bigger and better than ever. This lively venue is a literal playground for grown-ups, boasting stunning city views, delicious street food, and a relaxed, laid-back vibe. With free entry, you can enjoy all sorts of fun games ranging from mini-golf, batting cages, rooftop yoga, and more. Not into gaming? Catch a movie at one of London's best rooftop cinemas.
