Where To Drink Outside in London

Hidden under the railway arches of Hackney Wick, Night Tales really is a gem in London's nightlife community. With a large outdoor space that opens up at the back, the venue is home to a selection of stunning street food vendors, cocktail bars and live music. 

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. If you get peckish, head to the glass-encased restaurant for hearty British fare.

In case you missed it, London Bridge is a great place to grab a few pints outside and Bunch of Grapes proves it. Hidden away down a side-street, this chilled out spot is perfect not only for British pints and plates but also a heated garden should you want to head outside. 

It might not be by the sea, but that hasn't stopped The Leather Bottle's beach huts from winning us over. The Earlsfield pub has a whopper of a beer garden, which is also available for private functions if you fancy going all out.

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 favourite among locals and families alike, The Ship is one of the coolest pubs in South London. Not only can you sit alongside the water, but this mega beer garden also has an outdoor bar and plenty of food options to go around.

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. 

If you're serious about street food and wouldn't mind a drink outside when you're scoffing some, you can't get much better than Dinerama in Shoreditch. Bringing you a world of food options alongside cocktails and pints, it's perfect for when the sun finally shows its face.

Searching for places to drink outside in London? You could do a lot worse than this East London gem. Serving up takeaway Aperol spritzes and tramezzino sandwiches, El Garito is also welcoming in a line-up of performers for a series of outdoor live music sets.

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.

Boasting one of the best beer gardens in North London, the Abbey Tavern is a must-visit for anyone looking to get a side order of fresh air with their drinks. Located in the middle of Kentish Town, there's a sprawling outdoor space and rooftop terrace for all your alfresco drinking needs.

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

Head over to Tobacco Dock where this unique outdoor drinking and dining spot is waiting to save your summer. With booths, benches and daybeds spread across the rooftop, Skylight offers multiple bars for all your beer and cocktail needs, alongside street food and entertainment.

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.

From date nights and housemates nights to socially distant hangouts, Fulham Beach Club is back for another year and they're set to become the spice of the summer. Turning a riverside plot into a huge urban seashore, they've got spot cabanas, booths and daybeds waiting to host your outdoor drinks.

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

Take your alfresco drinks to the next level as this Clapham outpost of Vagabond brings you a stunning outdoor terrace lined with candlelit tables and fairy lights hanging overhead. Soak up over 100 wines with tapas-style small plates, charcuterie, steak and more.

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 you can sit back and relax on the terrace, surrounded by some of London's most significant landmarks.

Located in the heart of Farringdon, Bird of Smithfield ticks all the boxes. Meaty mains and British dishes? Tick. Stunning views with a leafy rooftop? Check. This is one for date nights, after-work drinks and the lot.

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, follow the yellow brick road to Emerald City for their latest installation.

Part of Paradise Row, London Cocktail Club lies on 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.

What's better than craft beer? Craft beer in one of London's best outdoor drinking spaces. Head west where The Union Tavern is shaking things up in Notting Hill with canalside vibes and a brilliant selection of craft and local beers on tap.

A favourite on the outdoor drinking scene, Jin Bo Law is fast becoming one of London's top daytime party spots. Think live DJs, gorgeous City views, amazing cocktails and snap-worthy interiors should the weather take a turn for the worse.

Head to the Vicinity terrace where you'll find one of London's most spectacular views. This riverside spot sits in the shadow of Tower Bridge and serves up a delicious menu of street food-style eats, alongside an impressive selection of cocktails, wines and Champagnes.

Based around the theme of Napoleon's exile, the 600-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. 

Thought Flight Club was just a haven for social darts? Oh no, their Victoria outpost also happens to feature one of London's prettiest rooftops. Take your mates for a quirky night out complete with games, drinks and dining before heading to the terrace for some alfresco cocktails. 

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.

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

Hidden behind London Bridge Station, Vinegar Yard is a cool drinking and dining hotspot. Boasting a number of street food vendors and bars serving cocktails, wines and craft beers, the venue also has a massive outdoor seating area for some sun-soaked sips. 

The Phene prides itself on catering for all occasions. Whether you're gearing up for a huge night out, enjoying a lazy weekend in a cosy armchair or tucking into a traditional pub dinner, this Chelsea favourite won't disappoint. Don't miss the serene garden on those balmy days.

Hackney Wick is a world of wide open spaces and cute canals, making Number 90 the perfect example of what's going on in the area. There's late DJ nights alongside brunch dishes and cocktails, so sit out on the terrace and watch the barges roll by.

Located at Bold Tendencies, Frank's is the rooftop bar bringing Italian aperitifs and an Instagrammable pink corridor to South London. No visit to Peckham is complete without a trip up to this photo-worthy spot.