The Best Beer Gardens in London
By
8 months ago
Cheerful pub gardens for al fresco tipples
Is there anything better than sitting in a pub garden in the sunshine? We think not. If you’re looking for somewhere to set up camp during the May Bank Holiday weekend, read on to discover London’s finest al fresco pubs, from Brixton to Islington.
London’s Best Pub Gardens For Summer 2024
- The Gatehouse, Highgate
- The Whippet, Kensal Rise
- Big Penny Social, Walthalmstow
- The Crown & Shuttle, Shoreditch
- The Crabtree, Hammersmith
- Hope & Anchor, Brixton
- Princess of Wales, Clapton
- King’s Arms, Wandsworth
- The Canonbury Tavern, Canonbury
- The Ship, Wandsworth
- The Magic Garden, Battersea
- The Albion, Islington
- The Duke of Edinburgh, Brixton
- The Rose, Fulham
The Gatehouse, Highgate
If you find yourself further north, head to The Gatehouse, located in the heart of Highgate Village. Its pub garden is clad in lush greenery – a dream for any lover of biophilia – and makes for the perfect spot to enjoy tapas and cocktails while you soak up the best of the English summer.
1 North Rd, London N6 4BD, thegatehousen6.com
The Whippet, Kensal Rise
The Whippet’s garden has the benefit of having a retractable roof. So, you can enjoy an al fresco vibe without having to rely on the weather. Try and grab one of the tables with comfy sofas and heaters. It’s also available for exclusive hire – perfect for any celebratory drinks you might be planning.
64 Chamberlayne Rd, London NW10 3JJ, thewhippetinn.com
Big Penny Social, Walthamstow
With a huge sun-soaked beer garden, this is one of your best bets to bag a seat on a particularly sunny day. While away your afternoon and sip pints underneath an array of twinkly fairy lights. The beer hall itself emulates a trendy microbrewery and you can grab some delicious bites from in there.
1 Priestley Way, London E17 6AL, trumanssocialclub.co.uk
The Crown & Shuttle, Shoreditch
This Shoreditch spot used to be a strip club, but it reopened in 2013 as a pub – and has since become a local institution. The garden is huge, with an extensive menu featuring lots of craft beer and great food. You can reserve a spot online beforehand, but there’s also space for walk-ins.
226 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6PJ, crownandshuttle.com
The Crabtree, Hammersmith
The Crabtree’s giant beer garden meanders down to a quiet stretch of the Thames between Hammersmith and Putney bridges. A BBQ grill operates from spring to autumn, with plenty of big tables for groups.
Rainville Rd, London SW6 6TY, thecrabtreew6.co.uk
Hope and Anchor, Brixton
This spacious fairy-lit garden on Acre Lane is covered and heated, with 12 bookable huts alongside long wooden tables beneath the pergola. Looking to watch some sports while you’re there? Pick a hut with a private TV screen. Don’t miss the juicy burger menu.
123 Acre Ln, Brixton Hill, London SW2 5UA, hopeandanchorbrixton.co.uk
Princess of Wales, Clapton
This pretty East London haunt boasts views across the River Lea, offering a countryside feel in the heart of Hackney. Enjoy craft beers, wine and a menu of homegrown dishes.
146 Lea Bridge Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 9RB, princessofwalesclapton.co.uk
King’s Arms, Wandsworth
If you’re worried about the temperamental British weather, Wandsworth pub the King’s Arms has a completely covered beer garden with heaters. Craft beers and cocktails are the star of the show, but there’s also plenty of food available including an all-day brunch and patties from the Burger Shack.
94-96 Wandsworth High St, London SW18 4LB, kingsarmswandsworth.co.uk
The Canonbury Tavern, Canonbury
George Orwell would often frequent this north London haunt – and it helped inspire Moon Under Water, his essay on the criteria for the perfect pub. Its beer garden is large and leafy, with an outdoor bar serving beers, wines and spirits.
21 Canonbury Pl, London N1 2NS, thecanonbury.co.uk
The Ship, Wandsworth
Much-loved South West haunt The Ship has been around for over 200 years, but still reels in the crowds at weekends. They have a big beer garden that’s practically on the water, with a Burger Shack sizzling up BBQ food and top notch curly fries. Feels a bit like you’re on a boat, in a good way.
41 Jews Row, London SW18 1TB, theship.co.uk
The Magic Garden, Battersea
This Battersea pub does boho chic at its finest. The Magic Garden boasts live music and DJs from all genres, where creative south-west Londoners flock on weekends. With its laid-back Glasto vibes, the so-called ‘festival in a pub’ is the kind of place you’ll struggle to leave.
231 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4LG, magicgardenpub.com
The Albion, Islington
Arguably one of the most beautiful beer gardens in London, The Albion’s garden space is flooded with wisteria and flickering candles which make for endless Instagram opportunities. The French windows in the restaurant open onto over 450 metres of wisteria-filled English country garden – truly breathtaking.
10 Thornhill Rd, London N1 1HW, the-albion.co.uk
Duke of Edinburgh, Brixton
The Duke of Edinburgh’s beer garden is legendary – and it’s one of the biggest in south London. With a large bar, BBQ pit and extensive seating, it’s made for a slow (and boozy) Sundays with friends.
204 Ferndale Rd, London SW9 8AG, dukeofedinburghpub.com
The Rose, Fulham
Known as Fulham’s ‘Village Pub’, the garden at The Rose is typically quaint. Enjoy a refreshing drink as you listen to the gentle swell of the water features and admire the carpet of flowering shrubs. Just perfect for a lazy afternoon drink or meal with friends. Totally unique, the layout provides private and secluded areas perfect for a quiet (or not-so-quiet) afternoon.
1 Harwood Terrace, London SW6 2AF, therosefulham.co.uk
