As the good weather (kind of) creeps in, we can’t help but dream of those incredible evenings spent in the great company of friends, work colleagues and relatives in some of London’s best watering holes. And the memories that seem to stand out the most to us are the times spent basking in the summer sun in a marvellous beer garden sipping away on cocktails, craft beers and pints.
So without further ado, here’s our ultimate guide to London’s best beer gardens… So make sure you tick them off one by one.
North London
The Albion
Apart from being one of Britain’s best pubs, The Albion is a treasure chest for amazing experiences. You’ll find this gem in the central Islington, which would have been thick countryside long ago. Their picturesque walled garden makes for some great drinking and chilling.
Edinboro Castle
Edinboro Castle is the perfect place to come after work with colleagues to wind down after a long week on the grind. Order a nice chilled craft beer and enjoy a BBQ during the summer months. The beer garden fits up to 300 people which seems like a lot but this place gets packed when the sun is shining so get down early to enjoy it and be guaranteed a good seat!
The Faltering Fullback
If you love the Irish and rugby then you’ll fall in love with this charming Irish pub. It’s a cracking spot to head with a group of mates to watch a day of sport and knock back a few chilled pints.
The White Hart
Probably the worst kept secret garden in the world, but The White Hart’s beer garden doesn’t disappoint. It’s absolutely huge and the perfect spot to head to during the nice weather and flake for hours.
Junction Tavern
Tucked in the rear of this stunning Victorian building, you’ll find a decent sized beer garden. You’ll find yourself spending hours upon hours chilling here when the weather is nice.
South London
The Gipsy Moth
Amazing beer garden, incredible views and a seriously impressive range of beverages on the menu. What more could you ask for?
The Old Brewery
The Old Brewery is a combination of several venues under one roof – there’s a restaurant, a cafe, a brewery, bar and huge beer garden. Located near the Royal Naval College in Greenwich, this is one of the best pubs you’ll probably ever set foot in. Go, eat, drink and be merry.
The Magic Garden
As well as being a hub for live music at the weekends, The Magic Garden has built quite the name for itself due to it’s amazing, technicolour beer garden. Situated at the back of the venue, there is a mix of covered and exposed seating areas. It’s been voted London’s best beer garden more times than you’ve had roast dinners. Get in (well out)!
Grand Union Brixton
If you’re looking for a beer garden experience with a twist, then you’ve come to the right place. Where else in London can you hire a private Tree Hut, relax in a hammock or warm yourself by a giant fire pit when the sun goes down? They also have table tennis tables so you can take on your mates over a few pints. Definitely not your average.
The Ship
When the BBQ season arrives you know there’s only one place you’d rather be on a sunny evening with close friends – that’s right in the thick of this busy beer garden. The Ship is always so packed, but in a good way and you’d want to have lived under a rock for decades to not know at least a dozen familiar faces walking in here any night of the week.
East London
The Crown & Shuttle
If you’re on the market for a place to soak up some incredible atmosphere and a few beers then look no further than The Crown & Shuttle. It has it’s own food truck out the back so if you get hungry you don’t have far to walk. You won’t find a beer garden like it in Shoreditch.
The Captain Kidd
The real selling point for this pub is the breathtaking views across the river. And obviously once there’s a tiny hint of the sun, people flock here in the cartload to avail of this pub’s greatest assets – the beer and the views.
People’s Park Tavern
People’s Park Tavern is a great bar with own brews, making it a pretty cool place to settle down for a few hours and take it all in with gorgeous views out onto Victoria Park.
West London
Aeronaut
If you’re looking for somewhere really fun and VERY out there then Aeronaut is just the place. With a regular circus show on, it makes for a great evening activity with friends. Their beer garden continues the circus theme with custom booths to add to the quirkiness. An absolute must.
The Eagle
Nothing beats this super beer garden during the summer. Head down with friends for some epic day drinking and get lost in great conversation here.
Windsor Castle
This place should come with a warning – get in early to ensure a seat in the very popular beer garden out the back. Set closely to Notting Hill and Kensington in the Holland Park neighbourhood, this place serves up some of the nicest grub you’ll get from a pub in west London.
Central London
Union Tavern
Most punters come here just to sit out by the Grand Union canal with a drink and spend quality time with your closest pals. Then there’s the staff – famous for their incredibly attentive service. Flawless.