Where to drink outside in London
Alfresco drinking in London is a favourite past-time among many city-goers, essentially as it provides a rare chance to sit back and enjoy the sunshine while making the most of what the city's bars and pubs have on offer. From exciting boat trips, to Thameside terraces and cosy beer garden settings, there are many places hidden around London that provide memorable alfresco drinking parties and events. Take a look at our list of the best places to drink outside in London and soak up everything the British summer has to offer.
Last updated on 2nd November 2017
With a beer garden the size of a small park, this pub (next to the much 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.
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.
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.
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.
Boasting a tasty pub space outside, The Star By Hackney Downs is a premium place to wile 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
