Perhaps you've just finished taking in some art at The Tate Modern, looking for after-work drinks, or you're at the end of your Thames-side afternoon stroll and craving a refreshing sip in the sun. But where to go? When it comes to beer gardens, London Bridge is packed with plenty featuring views of The Shard and the iconic 1960s landmark itself, as well as pretty terraces home to some of the most sought-after street food traders in the city. We've narrowed it down to the very best in our handy guide.
When it comes to beer gardens in London with menus filled with elevated pub grub, The Woolpack is a great shout. Take a seat in this haunt's unbeatable outside area, lined with fairy lights, barrels for seats and AstroTurf to sink crisp pints and tuck into wholesome fare made with some of the freshest British ingredients. We're talking chicken Caesar croquettes, Somerset camembert, plus fish and chips.
If you're looking for some of the best beer gardens in London Bridge, check out Bunch of Grapes. Tucked away between The Shard and Borough Market, it's a cosy boozer fronting rustic decor and a lot of charm across two floors. Its outside space features bare-brick walls, quirky mirrors and sets of benches atop AstroTurf welcoming revellers to enjoy a fresh pint in the sun. On the menu, you'll find seasonal plates of food like coronation cauliflower or fish finger sandwiches, and plenty of cider and cask ales to wash it down.
If you fancy iconic views of The Shard and basking in the sun with an Aperol spritz in hand, then London Bridge Rooftop is the destination for you. The bustling haunt can be fully covered for when the weather turns, but in warmer months opens up to welcome DJs, brunches and plenty of cocktails. Drinks-wise, you'll be thrilled to find classic tipples like mimosas and negronis, as well as bottled cider, gin and tonics, plus craft beer - all of which are perfect to pair with peri peri fries or its signature smash burger.
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Housed in a revamped underground car park and only a two-minute walk from London Bridge Station is the fabulous Bermondsey Bar & Kitchen. The restaurant is run by chef James Donnelly who brings sensational seasonal plates to the mouths of hungry visitors. Out back, you'll find the heated beer garden equipped with pergolas that'll keep you cosy all year round, as well as sun-soaked spots come the warmer months. Visit to tuck into pizzas for lunch, jerk-marinated pork loin chops and chicken Caesar salads, then wash it all down with a pint or classic cocktail.
The Refinery is a beer garden near London Bridge that stands out from the crowd thanks to its eye-catching floral exterior. Its location makes it a perfect stop-off if you're on your way to The Tate or Shakespeare's Globe for a cultural day out. The Instagram-worthy mezzanine beckons you to park on one of its vibrant benches to sip on a Summer Cup Collins or a strawberry and vanilla negroni and watch the world go by. If you're peckish, you'll find some great snacks like corn ribs, padron peppers and olives.
Situated right by the station, The Miller is a bustling bar that serves some of the freshest craft beer around, sourced from local breweries such as Weird Beard or Pressure Drop. Their spacious beer garden is perfect for summer sips, filled with casual picnic tables to relax on.
While enjoying your pint, be sure to check out the food menu too - we're talking loaded barbecue brisket fries, double beef cheeseburgers and sticky, crispy wings. Plus, you can catch regular entertainment here, including improv comedy nights.
Perched by the River Thames, The Mudlark is a traditional pub whose name comes from the 18th-century practice of scavenging the banks for coal, iron and other valuables that would've fallen from passing ships. You'll find the beer garden located on the side of the old building, fronting black parasols and elegant trees. Sip classic cocktails (mojito, anyone?), cask ales, gin and whisky after a day wandering around the market. And if you're hungry? Tuck into hearty pies, bar snacks like nachos, smoked salmon and so much more.
Vinegar Yard London Bridge is home to a beer garden that's one of the finest in this area. You only have to look up to see towering city skyscrapers glistening in the sun, before returning to eye-level to tuck into some scrumptious street food from vendors like Nanny Bill's, Baba G's and Bad Boy Pizza Society. Visit for one of its many pop-ups, ice-cold pints and weekly flea markets, then take a seat underneath pergolas, surrounded by AstroTurf and pops of greenery, to sip on refreshing craft beers and cheeky cocktails like mojitos and margaritas.
You may know this super spot on London Bridge City peer as the Glasshouses or Summer by the River. This summer, it's relaunching as The Clubhouse.
Whatever the name, you be sure this place still serves up an epic beer garden. Grab a seat by the water and you can sip spritzes and perfectly poured pints as you soak up the sun.
One of the city's liveliest outdoor drinking areas, Flat Iron Square can be found on Southwark Street. The spacious terrace is filled with life, boasting outdoor screens, pretty lights and both covered and open-air spaces, with DJs playing on a regular basis too.
There are several different street food vendors to choose from, cooking up everything from nduja hot honey pizzas to fried chicken burgers and grilled Greek souvlaki wraps. Plus, they've got a wide range of beers, cocktails and wines to choose from.
Get transported to the Mediterranean and bask under twinkling lights by Southbank with the gorgeous Carrubo. Sip on delicious cocktails surrounded by wooden decking, giant umbrellas and terracotta pots. Pomelo and Sierra spritzes are on the menu, as well as picante della casas, made with tequila, lime, agave and chilli, plus Frambuesas, featuring Pimm's sundowner and Martini dry.
