Where to drink outside in London

Another canal-side cutie, Proud East is perfect for groups of mates or birthday parties. Pitch up to the East London venue to find an outdoor terrace and indoor games such as ping pong.

Based around the theme of Napoleon's exile, the 350-capacity Bar Elba is London's own little party island. With awesome cocktails and epic views of the Thames, this Waterloo rooftop bar is a perfect outside drinking space in London. 

Boasting a lively beer garden as outdoor space, with palm trees, parasols and heaters, Gigalum is a great place to meet up with your mates after a long day and enjoy a cheeky pint outdoors under the sunset.

Boasting a tasty pub space outside, The Star By Hackney Downs is a premium place to while away those sunny London evenings. Whether you're enjoying an eclectic burger meal, or dosing up on some of your favourite draught beers, this is a charming, summer spot. 

Offering another top-notch option for city drinkers is Aviary in Finsbury Sqaure. The rooftop bar and restaurant is the latest offering from the ETM group; stylishly designed by Russell Sage Studio, the terrace is a mix of laid back sofas and incredible views. If you get peckish, head to the glass-encased restaurant for a hearty British fare.

With an outdoor space that looks more like a fairground than any beer garden you've ever seen before, this is one of the best outside drinking spots in London. A perfect sun trap in summer, but with plenty of covered booths to huddle under when the rainy months arrive, it's an ideal location for fans of al fresco drinking and dining. 

Who knew shipping containers could be so sexy? Pop Brixton did, that's who. The South London hangout is sporting a huge variety of street food traders, retail boutiques and bars, meaning you've got plenty of choice when you're looking to drink outside in London.

With a beer garden the size of a small park, this pub (next to the much loved Victoria Park) has one of the best outdoor drinking spaces in London, and definitely the best al fresco dining in East London. Along with numerous tables for drinking, eating and whiling away the summer months, there's also a whole crazy golf pitch to have a go on. 

While Omeara has a cool gig venue and a Mexican cantina inside, the outside space is worth visiting all on its own. Head outside once there and you'll be greeted to beautiful views of the Shard and Southwark Cathedral, all while you sip one of their great cocktails.

Part of Paradise Row, London Cocktail Club is one of Bethnal Green's hottest stretches of outdoor space. Tucked under the railway arches, the party bar has an outdoor terrace, perfect for making the most of the generous weekend happy hour.

Opened in East London, Pitch Stratford is a lively spot to grab a drink and enjoy some sunshine. If you're looking to party, you're in luck, as the spot also has a range of club nights a day shindigs.

Part traditional pub- part fun-loving bar, The Phene in Chelsea prides itself on catering for whatever mood you might be in. Whether you're gearing up for a huge night out at the traditional bar, enjoying a lazy weekend in a cosy armchair or enjoy a traditional 3-course gastro-pub dinner, the Phene won't disappoint. Better still, when the sun decides to make an appearance, the venue's serene garden comes to life. 

With one of Fulham's largest gardens, King's Head and Courtyard is a sure winner. Inspired by our favourite childhood tales, the decor's on the quirky side and there's also a great bottomless brunch.

The Grafton in Kentish Town is fast becoming one of Camden's most popular pubs. Spread across two floors, the bar serves a variety of different drinks, including 8 different award-winning ales and a list of fine wines. Better still, the all-weather roof terrace burst into life during the summer months, offering a great place to catch up with mates.

It might not be by the sea but nonetheless The Leather Bottle's beach huts are winning us over. The Earlsfield pub has a whopper of a beer garden, which is also available for private functions.

From outdoor cinema through to an Elvis themed rooftop, if you haven't been to Queen of Hoxton yet, what have you been doing?! The Shoreditch stalwart puts on a different theme every season, alongside always great bar snacks and cocktails.

Bringing together seasonal British food and a wonderful array of craft beers, cask ales and fine wines, The Honor Oak should be on your list of pubs to visit. But bring in their welcoming community spirit and the spacious beer garden for when the sun is out, this should be your number one South London pub.

What's better than craft beer? Craft beer in one of London's outdoor drinking spaces. The Union Tavern is right beside the canal and also has a brilliant selection of craft beers on tap.

What is essential to the Great British summer? No, not just outdoor drinking in London, but BBQs! Jimmy is combining these two essentials for his pop-up on the Thames which involves you cooking your own six-course supper on a big green egg.

From a cinema to brunches filled with drag queens, The Exhibit has got it all, including - you guessed - a killer terrace. If you're near Balham, you can't beat this affordable boozer when the sun's out.

Not many think that London Bridge is a great place to grab a few pints outside, but they'd be wrong. Hidden away down a side-street, join Bunch of Grapes not only for British pints and plates but a heated garden should you want to head outside. 

Located in the blissful setting of Exchange Square, this Corney and Barrow wine bar is one of the best venues for drinking outside in London. Buzzing during the summer months and with a respectable crowd throughout the year, people flock to this cosy and intimate greenhouse styled bar to meet and chat while indulging in a great selection of drinks.

To experience stunning views of the city while enjoying your favourite drink, look no further than Northbank restaurant and bar; a stylish yet comfortable setting where guests can sit back and relax on the Northbank terrace surrounded by some of London's most significant landmarks.

From croquet to petanque, Skylight is not any old rooftop London bar. The venue is bringing games up high, along with stunning views at this Tobacco Docks location.

Not only does this Hammersmith pub have an ideal location next to the Thames, a British-inspired tasty food menu, and more cask ales than you could shake a stick at - it also happens to have an awesome beer garden, perfect for non-awful weather drinking.

A newbie on the outdoor drinking spaces in London, but a goodie, this rooftop bar in Liverpool Street is inspired by Asia. Tuck into gorgeous London views, amazing cocktails and snap-worthy interiors should the weather take a turn for the worse.

When it's not busy keeping us up until the early hours, Cargo in Shoreditch is keeping us hydrated in the sunshine. Check into their outdoor drinking space to check out foosball tables, BBQs and some cool East London vibes.

Located in north London, Inamo is a stylish and modern venue that specialises in Pan Asian cuisine and super swanky technology. When you're done testing out their state of the art ordering system inside, head out to find a heated roof terrace and garden.

It might not be Venice but hell we'll take it - Hackney Wick is teeming with waterside vibes and people once the sun's out. Try Shane's on Canalside for foraged dishes, a great brunch menu and sunshine-perfect Aperol Spritzes.