Tired of traipsing around the capital for a sip of something refreshing in the sunshine? We've all been in search of an ice-cold pint on a hot summer's day, but lucky for you, we're here to help. From the hidden Shoreditch gems to ones sitting pretty in the heart of Clapham with a TV screen for the rugby nearby, we’ve made it our duty to line you up with the best beer gardens in London, from the bookable to the beautiful.
Last updated on 23rd March 2023
With a spacious outdoor garden, cosy tea room and airy pub serving seasonal dishes, this southwest watering hole is a top destination all year round. From brunch to after-work drinks and everything in between, you won't need to go far for any occasion.
If you're looking for beer gardens near London Bridge, then Vinegar Yard has you covered... literally. Not only will you find rows of benches and covered spaces, but also cocktails, beers and food from the likes of Nanny Bills, Up in My Grill and Sugo.
For one of the best beer gardens in Hackney, look no further than The Lock Inn. Their outdoor space is overlooking the canal in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, for a friendly and relaxed community feel. Better yet, they've got live sport, darts, music and food to boot, boasting independent pub status, big burgers and that all-important chilled-out vibe.
Looking for one of the best beer gardens on Brick Lane? Ninety One Living Room is bringing together delicious food and fresh pints in their gorgeous alfresco courtyard. Gather the gang and head over for an evening of drinking and chatting under the stars.
South London is definitely not short of great beer gardens, but the White Bear's garden certainly has to feature high on the list. Having been created in 1780, just as the British lost their grip on the American colonies, the venue is full of vintage antiques and grainy photos.
Roehampton's King's Head boasts a serene garden space with lots of tables and plenty of cover for if the weather should turn, and it's just lovely. Get yourself out here with a chilled tray of drinks - the pub offers Young's ales, craft beers and a superb wine list.
Reasons for visiting the WGT beer garden are three-fold. For starters, it's huge - so there's no need to worry about whether you'll get a spot. Secondly, it's a suntrap in summer with its own bar, so you can sun yourself without having to traipse back to queue for your next round inside. The third? Craft beer up the wazoo, complete with pub gru mains and plenty for the kids to eat if you're bringing some along.
A trusty gastropub that's a huge hit with Winchmore Hill locals, The Kings Head also features a gem of a decked beer garden. Pick up anything from a good range of ales, fine wines and refreshing beers from inside and make straight for the tranquil outside space.
Located by Victoria Park, The Crown is offering real ales and views of the lush area. But it's not just the booze that makes it a top place to drink outside in London. The watering hole also has an intimate rooftop terrace and a whole host of delicious food that'll keep you fed during the week.
If you're searching for places to drink outside, White Horse in Wembley is a grand shout. The venue promises a tonne of delicious cocktails such as margaritas and espresso martinis, as well as scrumptious snacks and roast dinners.
Truman's Social Club is a drinking destination in Walthamstow. Starting off as a large beer garden serving local drinks and street food, the venue hopes to expand into an on-site brewery, taproom, market, music space and artist studios with Truman's beer at the heart of it all.
Shhh... Did you know that Streatham has a secret beer garden? Found at The Manor Arms, this sprawling space offers vibrant furnishings, strewn fairy lights and a tented cover in the winter. It's a gorgeous spot whatever the weather, and ideal for chowing down on elevated pub grub.
Recognised as the largest beer garden in Shoreditch, Strongroom Bar and Kitchen is one of the best places to drink outdoors in East London. Head to the legendary recording studio for a relaxing escape from bustling city life, where craft beer and light bites await.
A home of craft brews and strapping Sunday roasts, The Brookmill is a charming boozer in Saint John's. Spend a summer's day rambling in Greenwich Park before refuelling in the sunshine at the pub's large beer garden.
If you're on the lookout for somewhere to enjoy an alfresco tipple, The Spark House is a great shout. Found in East London, this brilliant boozer boasts a fabulous beer garden and a rooftop terrace. Head on over for brunches, Sunday roasts, sunny sips and late-night DJs.
A little slice of paradise in the heart of East London, Barrio Shoreditch is a taste of all things tropical without the daunting price tag. Toting the wares of South America meets the South Pacific, expect heated spaces, covered nooks and sunshine spots in both winter and summer.
Fancy a bit of alfresco sipping? The Adam & Eve over in Homerton boasts a gorgeous garden with plenty of seating, verdant plants, sports screens and colourful bunting. If you get peckish, get a load of delicious Thai street food at this epic beer garden in East London.
There are beer gardens, and then there's The Ship. A family-friendly and locals favourite , The Ship not only has bars in the garden and British cuisine in the kitchen, this beer garden is set right by the water for summer vibes, winters curled up in covered spaces and then some.
After a pub garden in Central London? With dazzling fairy light, comfy sofas and quirky decor, Flight Club is our pick for an afternoon of entertainment and alfresco sips. Hit up one of the weekend brunch socials and you can enjoy darts and bottomless pizza paddles.
For those seeking a stunning beer garden to soak up the sunshine on a hot day or a low-key alfresco spot to enjoy brunch with friends, Hannah in Clapham is a great choice. This much-loved boozer offers a fantastic range of small plates and bespoke cocktails in their vibrant space.
If you're looking for the best beer gardens in East London, then it's well worth checking out the sprawling outdoor space at Barge East. Boasting a pretty terrace with lush foliage and views of the riverside, this is one stunning place for alfresco drinking and dining.
Situated in the heart of Peckham, Skylarking is a great spot for those alfresco antics with friends. Not only does this hotspot flaunt a fabulous array of events, from quiz nights to live DJ nights, but there's also a pretty epic happy hour.
Fourpure Taproom is home to one of the best beer gardens in South East London. Nestled within the Bermondsey brewery site, this outdoor space is a stunning spot for topping up your vitamin D levels with small batch beers and classic American eats.
Sitting comfortably on Battersea Park Road, Lost Society is a venue that's a great shout all through the week. We're talking disco brunches and Sunday roasts matched with classic cocktails, live entertainment and late nights in the beer garden.
Big Chill in Camden is serving up all sorts of fun throughout the weekend. Located opposite King's Cross, the bar also has a lovely little beer garden, perfect for soaking up rays (and shielding from the chill in winter) and working your way thorugh their extensive beer selection.
Beer Gardens can be tricky to find in Central London, but this Borough Market beauty is one of the best. Expect freshly poured pints, craft ales and summertime spritzes, along with gourmet bar snacks and hearty roast dinners.
If you're looking for a cosy beer garden in west London, get down to Distillers where you'll find attentive service, a delicious British menu and an impressive selection of craft beer; both bottled and on draught. There's even live bands most evenings.
Like your beer gardens on a rooftop with views of central London? Then look no further than Bar Elba, a gorgeous sky-high bar in Waterloo. Touting gorgeous decor, cracking happy hours and a fabulous weekend bottomless brunch, this beauty isn't to be missed.
With an enormous beer garden that stretches out to meet the tip of Victoria Park, this is one of the best open-air drinking and dining spaces in East London. We'd heartily recommend popping over as soon as that sun pokes through the clouds, and in winter? Book a heated booth.
When it comes to beer gardens in King's Cross, Two Tribes Brewery & Campfire Taproom is a top choice. Not only does this crackin' venue have a fully heated and covered outdoor space for those cosy evenings, but there's also fire-cooked food and beer up for grabs.
Searching for the top beer gardens in London? A hidden gem up north, The Beehive has got an extensive and gorgeous outdoor area at its Tottenham digs. Along with twinkly fairy lights and local craft brews, the pub is also screening regular matches across TVs both inside and outside.
Home to one of the best pub gardens in West London, The Imperial Arms is one swish spot boasting its very own heated and covered terrace space. Decked out in colourful furnishings with quirky artwork and dashes of foliage, it's one pretty spot for alfresco hangouts.
We can't think of many better ways to spend a sun-soaked day away from the office than at The Miller. Bag yourself a spot in the garden and work your way through local craft beers and real ciders, with authentic pizzas on the agenda if you should find yourself feeling peckish.
If you need beer gardens near Oxford Street or Soho, this sprawling space is your best bet. The Oxford Market has one of the biggest outdoor spaces in the area, so you can soak up the sun while tucking into burgers, steak sarnies and more.
Dripping in greenery and a hotspot for sun-chasers, King's House's garden is a gorgeous oasis. While you lap up the beauty of it, dive into the Basque-inspired menu, delicious brunches or beaut Sunday roasts - with a tasty cocktail to hand, of course.
Looking for fun beer gardens in London Bridge? Flat Iron Square features a spacious area perfect for whiling away over the weekend. Enjoy munching on scrumptious street eats such as Lebanese food and juicy burgers, alongside a freshly pulled pint.
Boating amazing views of the River Thames from its pretty terrace, Doggett's Coat & Badge is home to one of the city's best beer gardens. Enjoy drinks and dinner while overlooking Central London, with seasonal British fare making up the menu.
Pubs with beer gardens around Waterloo? The Duke of Sussex has got a tonne of outdoor tables, perfect for all your tanning and cold pint needs. It's also serving up a range of tasty British-inspired dishes, including spit roast chicken, dry-aged beefburgers and a weekend brunch, all made using the best in British ingredients.
To enjoy pints in the sun and plenty of mouthwatering grub while you're at it, look no further than The Leyton Star's beer garden. They're serving up your favourite beers, ales and more, alongside a lineup of dripping burgers and loaded sides.
Home to Victorian-style interiors and a crackin' menu, Junction Tavern in Tufnell Park also have a glorious garden space. Head to this much-loved boozer in the warmer months to enjoy a lip-smacking cocktail, or a few small plates with friends.
The Exhibit is an all-day drinking and eating hub full of friendly staff and great times – but they also have a sterling beer garden too. Not only does it have its own balcony for alfresco drinking, but there's even a hidden terrace complete with plants and vibrant summer vibes.
A restored Victorian pub in Notting Hill, The Union Tavern sure does spoil us Londoners with a beautiful canal-side garden. Watch the boats drift down the river on a sunny day while you choose from a wide selection of craft beers and wines.
If you've found yourself in the leafy suburbs of Earlsfield, then mosey on over to The Leather Bottle, a traditional boozer with one heck of a beer garden. The huge outdoor space has got plenty of room to roam, from the covered seating in winter through to the bookable cabins.
Noted for its neighrbourhood charm and intimate beer garden, this friendly local boozer in Crystal Palace is a perfect spot for sunny afternoons and warm evenings thanks to a sports-friendly atmosphere and light, summer gins.
Elegantly decorated and bursting full of colour, the beer garden at The Wood House offers Dulwich's residents a cosy spot to unwind and take in all that the summer (and winter, with heaters) has to offer. Complete with ping pong tables and beautifully crafted garden furniture.
While a slinky little number with only a few tables outside, what sets the beer garden apart at The Lock Tavern is the location. Set alongside the canal and overlooking the famous Camden market, this is the perfect beer garden to get to know North London a little better.
The perfect spot for outdoor dining in London, this Shepherd's Bush beaut is bringing you the goods this autumn and winter in the form of fully-heated, socially distant seating, as well as tasty gourmet pizzas, craft beer and cocktails.
If you're looking for a nice little watering hole in London, then Beer Merchants Tap is a great place to head to. You can sit outside with a pint in hand while taking in the pretty scenery in its outdoor garden area.
Get on down to Royal Oak in Bethnal Green to while away the hours in its lovely beer garden. What's on the menu? A fantastic range of liquid libations, from craft beers to wines, not to mention classic British cuisine - make sure to check out their mega Sunday roasts.
A rooftop bar and beer garden in one? It's a thing, courtesy of Lost in Brixton. Head here with your mates and enjoy sun-soaked drinks and tasty nosh from various food traders while listening to live music and DJ sets.
Fitting of its space on the Shoreditch scene, it's no wonder that Rolling Stock is a wonderland of art and debauchery. Not only boasting its own art gallery and a neat rotation of top DJ names, but its beer garden is also a corker of urban art, industrial offsets and cutesy tables.
Balmy evenings are perfect for alfresco boozing and the Duchess Belle in Battersea has just what you need. Check out their flower-filled walls and beer garden for a spot of wining and dining on nachos, pies and hot dogs.