It's hard to beat settling into a London pub garden for an afternoon of cold drinks and socialising in the sun.
Lots of pubs in London have outdoor spaces, from family-friendly lawns to shaded courtyards, so plan a trip to one of the best London beer gardens.
Central London
1. Tattershall Castle
For a beer garden with a slight twist, hop aboard Tattershall Castle, a moored boat on the banks of the river Thames on Victoria Embankment. Enjoy some of the most iconic views of London as you sit on the river, ideally located opposite the London Eye and between Westminster and Embankment Tube stations.
2. Punch & Judy
Stop by at this 18th-century pub with a roof terrace overlooking the piazza in Covent Garden. Long-running pub Punch & Judy is in prime position for watching the entertainment that is usually on in Market Square. It's an ideal watering hole for a tipple in the sun after browsing the surrounding shops and market.
3. The Dickens Inn
Drink alfresco and admire the beauty of The Dickens Inn's tiered balconies covered in hanging flower baskets. Enjoy a peaceful pint at this historic St Katharine Docks favourite, and take plenty of pictures of the boats sitting pretty in the marina.
4. Mercato Metropolitano
Sip on German craft beer from the on-site tap room and microbrewery within the huge outside space at Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant & Castle. Built on the site of a disused paper factory, this foodie hub hosts more than 40 vendors selling food from around the world.
5. Founder's Arms
Find this riverside pub next to the southern exit of Blackfriars Bridge Station on the South Bank. Founder's Arms' alfresco beer garden is perfect for a cold beverage after visiting Tate Modern, which is just nearby.
6. The Fence
Discover Farringdon's popular post-work gathering spot, which also serves well as a Zone 1 beer garden, with its split-level patio filled with plants and umbrellas. Order from The Fence's Mediterranean-inspired menu if you're feeling peckish.
7. Anchor Bankside
Step out of the famous Clink Street, around the corner from Borough Market, and into the Anchor Bankside for a pint in the sun on its terrace with outside bar. Accompany your drinks with a traditional plate of fish and chips, and gaze out over the Thames at stunning St Paul's Cathedral opposite.
8. Vinegar Yard
Walk around the corner from London Bridge Station and find a large outdoor venue by the name of Vinegar Yard – an eclectic space that has everything from art markets to comedy nights. Bask in the sunshine among the rows of benches or book a private Rum Shack, then enjoy wine, cocktails or beer from local London craft breweries.
9. Tanner & Co
Head to Bermondsey Street to find Tanner & Co's stylish beer garden. Lose yourself in this unique London Bridge hideaway, decked out with wooden floors and cool furnishings creating a relaxing environment.
10. Big Chill
Pop into this large Victorian pub in London's King's Cross for a beverage and a boogie. Soak up the sun, sip cocktails and beers from the outdoor bar, and bask in the glory of British summertime on Big Chill's wooden patio terrace. Check out the other Big Chill on Brick Lane for more locally brewed beers and try the burgers when you need to refuel.
South of the river
11. The Ship
Spend an afternoon on the large terraces at The Ship in Wandsworth, one of London's most picturesque outdoor drinking spots. Overlooking the river Thames, this beer garden has an outdoor bar, a barbecue, a pergola and private booths to book in advance.
12. The Magic Garden
Experience the unusual at Battersea pub The Magic Garden. This hangout aimed at festival-goers, music-lovers and foodies hosts regular live bands and DJs. Part covered by canvas evoking the festival spirit, its beer garden is the perfect place to unwind alongside like-minded locals.
13. The Angel Oak
Sip on locally brewed beer or sample the house bitter at south London's popular pub, The Angel Oak. Secure a picnic bench or courtyard table and enjoy the summer sunshine right up until it sets, because this Peckham beer garden follows the sun's daily path.
14. The Gipsy Moth
Soak up the sun next to one of Greenwich’s landmarks, Cutty Sark, at character-filled The Gipsy Moth. Its charming beer garden offers fantastic views of the world’s last surviving tea clipper and has a retractable cover in case of sudden showers.
15. The Avalon
Head to sunny Clapham where you'll find The Avalon's huge beer garden at the rear of the pub. Open during the summer months, this green oasis has a beautiful terrace and plenty of seating. There's also a barbecue grill to enjoy at the weekend.
16. Skehan's
Get a local experience and join in with the good craic at this family-run Irish pub five minutes' walk from Nunhead Station. Before you enter Skehan's, stop to admire the cityscape on the horizon before heading through to the wooden-decked beer garden. If you time it right, you can be treated to live music while you drink and tuck into its delicious Thai food.
17. Tulse Hill Hotel
Venture into this south London institution and you'll discover a range of beers, as well as top-notch modern British cuisine. But the Tulse Hill Hotel's jewel is its lively garden, complete with pergolas and bench seating.
18. The Garden Vauxhall
Settle down with a cold draught beer and a bite to eat at The Garden Vauxhall, next to Vauxhall Station. Three big screens dotted around the garden show all the major live sports, while the selection of international cuisine, including French, Mexican and Chinese, is enough to keep you there long into a summer's evening.
19. The Duke of Edinburgh
Relax in one of the biggest beer gardens in south London at The Duke of Edinburgh in Brixton. Tucked away on a side road between Clapham North and Brixton, this classic pub boasts a giant rear courtyard with plenty of seating and an outdoor bar. Indulge in mouthwatering burgers from the barbecue, and watch sport on the big screens.
20. The Castle Tooting
Take in the upbeat atmosphere from The Castle Tooting, with an outdoor area that catches the sun by day and warms up with heaters at night. Book one of the huts which are ideal for small groups and feast on huge portions from the burger shack.
21. The Hope & Anchor
Catch some rays at The Hope & Anchor in Brixton where you can sit outside and watch the game over a cold pint in the summer. There are also screens in the garden’s Tiki huts if you want to catch up with friends without missing any of the sporting action.
22. The White Hart
Let your mind drift and warm your face in the sun on a picnic bench in the beer garden of The White Hart. This Barnes pub, next to the usual finish line of the annual Boat Races, enjoys sweeping views across the river Thames from either its elevated terrace and balcony or picnic benches on the riverbank.
North of the river
23. The Terrace at Alexandra Palace
Take in the panoramic views of London while enjoying an ice-cold pint on The Terrace at Alexandra Palace, the largest beer garden in London. Enjoy handcrafted stone-fired pizzas made by pizzaiolos from Fuoco’s Pizza and a wide array of beers from the various independent breweries.
24. Pub on the Park
Follow east London locals to Pub on the Park in London Fields, which has more outdoor space than indoor. Grab an ice cold spritz or draught beer and soak up the sunshine from the decking all day long. Don't stress if the weather turns – umbrellas are dotted around to cover the whole space if needs be!
25. Brewhouse & Kitchen
One for the beer and ale enthusiasts, Highbury's Brewhouse & Kitchen features a menu packed with international and homebrewed craft beers, alongside a selection of tempting dishes to order. Grab a stool or perch on a bench and soak up the sun in the idyllic beer garden.
26. The Faltering Fullback
If an Irish pub garden is what you're looking for, The Faltering Fullback is your answer. Find live sport, live music and of course, pints of Guinness on tap at this family-run, north London favourite. Order authentic Thai food to your table so you don't have to take your eyes of the big screens during live sport screenings.
27. The Crown and Shuttle
Unwind long into the evening among a trendy crowd at Shoreditch’s The Crown and Shuttle. Match one of its many craft beers with a burger from the truck housed in the lively beer garden, which is decked out with colourful benches and sprawling plants. There’s a covered area for those sudden summer downpours and heaters to take the edge off chilly evenings.
28. The Spread Eagle
London's first totally vegan pub and a Homerton locals' favourite, The Spread Eagle's beer garden is a great place to enjoy its famous meatless pub grub, including its signature ploughman's with porkless pie and vegan cheese, burgers, roasts, and pie mash and liquor. What's more, its new weatherproof space will help to keep you dry in sudden downpours!
29. The Albion
With its trailing wisteria and log fires, The Albion resembles a country pub in London. This Islington local is a Georgian gem left over from the time when the area was all fields and farmland. There's a pretty courtyard and a barbecue in the summer months.
27. People's Park Tavern
Spend an afternoon at People's Park Tavern in Victoria Park and you won't want to leave. Expect flowing drinks, sunshine and good vibes by day, and loud music and fairy lights by night – what more could you want? It gets busy in the warmer months, though, so be sure to book a table in advance.
30. Barrio Shoreditch
Discover a little slice of paradise in east London at Barrio Shoreditch. Relax with a drink in hand, including wine, beer and a vast selection of carefully crafted cocktails, and enjoy the Latin-inspired food menu. The brightly coloured decor makes it feel like summer even when the sun is feeling a little shy.
31. The Five Points Brewing Company
Enjoy draught pints straight from the onsite brewery at The Five Points Brewing Company taproom. Grab a bench in the Courtyard where you can catch up with friends in the sunshine, order from the barbecue restaurant and flick through a menu of cocktails and wine for those who don't fancy beer.
32. The Crabtree
Book an afternoon at one of London's best hidden gem pubs, The Crabtree in Fulham, where you can watch the sun set over the river Thames with a pint of beer in hand. Look out for the Orchard Bar and Grill menu for alfresco dining, too.
33. The Eagle
Grab a colourful deckchair and enjoy the sunshine on the faux grass in The Eagle's beer garden. This elegant gastropub in Shepherd's Bush is just around the corner from the Sipsmith distillery, so expect G&Ts to feature heavily on the menu.
34. The Spaniards Inn
Treat yourself to a stroll across Hampstead Heath then rest a while in the large beer garden at The Spaniards Inn. This north London favourite has a barbecue for alfresco dining and is popular with dog lovers, as dog snacks and a dog wash are provided.
35. The Prince
Spend your summer at The Prince in West Brompton, a traditional pub turned beautiful English garden. Sample exciting food from a variety of pop-ups along with resident eateries Filth&Co., Temaki and Nonna Madonna that offer burgers, sushi and pizzas.
36. William IV
A feature of Harrow for centuries, the William IV pub is a great spot to spend a relaxing afternoon. Dorothy's Gin Garden is a delightful sun trap where guests can choose from the extensive gin selection from the French oak armoire, along with local London craft beers.
37. The White Swan
Beat the scrum as you aim to pinch a spot at this rugby fans’ favourite on the banks of the Thames in Twickenham. The small yet perfectly located beer garden at The White Swan is usually a great place for the build-up to a big match at nearby Allianz Stadium; or simply a place to unwind with a quiet pint on non-matchdays.
38. The Edinboro Castle
The perfect pitstop for those exploring Camden Market or The Regent's Park, The Edinboro Castle serves classic British pub food and a selection of craft ales. Relax on the cosy sofas inside or grab a spot in the sunshine on one of the benches in the garden.
39. Big Penny Social
Enjoy a rotating selection of ice-cold locally brewed beer alongside a range of wine, spirits and soft drinks in the sunny beer garden at Big Penny Social in Walthamstow. Soak up some sun at this vast venue that hosts everything from live comedy to craft markets.
Find more outside food and drink ideas with London's top rooftop bars, the best alfresco restaurants and picnic spots. Or, quench your thirst at one of London's top breweries.
