Where To Drink Outside in London
In a city teeming with skyscrapers and jammed roads, it's no wonder that Londoners flock to some of the city's green spaces and rooftop for a drink outside come summer, or winter. But where can you find these gems? From beautiful rooftops in Peckham, to brimming beer gardens in East London, here are our top picks for some of the best places to drink outside in London.
Last updated on 26th February 2021
Offering another top-notch option for city drinkers is Aviary; the rooftop bar and restaurant in Finsbury Square. Stylishly designed by Russell Sage Studio, the terrace is a mix of laid back sofas and incredible views alongside winter igloos. If you get peckish, head to the glass-encased restaurant for hearty British fare.
Home to a fun outdoor space, Pub on the Park is watering hole with a lot of character. Located on the corner of London Fields, you'll find fresh pints aplenty alongside delicious food and a seriously slap-up selection of Sunday roasts.
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.
There's just something about drinking alfresco that we can't resist. If you're after thirst-quenching drinks with delicious British dishes, head to Hackney Wick where this waterside barge gives you gorgeous views in a unique setting. From the fairy lights to the quirky location, Barge East has it all.
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, Aeronaut is an ideal location for fans of al fresco drinking and dining.
A mega Brixton pub with heated spaces outside for groups to drink in the warmth of winter (and summer), Hope & Anchor is a great suggestion for both the beer and burger hungry south of the river.
One of Hackney Wick's hottest spots for an outdoor drink or three, Crate Bar & Pizzeria aren't just bringing you slices and serious craft pints, but their outside tables are also sat perfectly alongside the canal. Dreamy.
From outdoor cinema pop-ups through to a seasonally-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 year, alongside bar snacks and cocktails that don't disappoint; this winter, head on over for hot cocktails and warming fires.
Looking for places to drink outside in South London? Head to Brixton where The Prince of Wales is offering a mega two-tiered roof terrace and tasty cocktails. What's more, they've also got a regular line-up of DJs to bring the beats and keep the atmophere high.