The Best Beer Gardens In London Mapped

M@
By M@ Last edited 6 months ago
The Best Beer Gardens In London Mapped
Best pub gardens London: Sunshine, beer and good times at The Dolphin
The Dolphin in Sydenham

Where can I find a good beer garden in London? Look no further than our map.

Sitting outdoors with a good, honest pint is one of the timeless joys of London. Fortunately, our city is blessed with hundreds of al fresco drinking spaces, from tiny roof terraces to sprawling gardens. Land value being what it is, you're most likely to find the biggest beer gardens the further out you go, although there are plenty of beauties in the inner suburbs. And here's a teaser: can anyone think of a zone 1 beer garden with grass?

Our map below is regularly updated. It shows many places we've personally enjoyed, plus recommendations from Londonist readers. We've included any pub we like with a sectioned-off open space, including small roof terraces. But it has to be towards the pub end of the drinking spectrum, rather than chain bars, taprooms or clubs.

Rarely venture north of the river? Check our our round-up of the best south London beer gardens, just for you. Loyal to the East End? Check out our pick of beer gardens within earshot(ish) of Bow Bells. Our best west London pub garden round-up features plenty of bucolic riverside boozers, and if an al fresco session in places like Hampstead or Camden tickle your fancy, check out our list of the best pubs in north London.

1. Best pub and beer gardens in west London

Uxbridge and Ruislip

Swan & Bottle

Traditional pub grub is served up in this canal-side boozer. Watch the boats putter by.

Swan & Bottle, Oxford Road, Denham, UB8 1LZ

Best pub gardens London: a white pub next to a leafy canal
Swan & Bottle, Uxbridge

The Orchard

A Beefeater pub with a huge sea of green, studded with oversize umbrellas.

The Orchard Ruislip, Ickenham Road, Ruislip, HA4 7DR

The Old Orchard

Smashing pub with countryside views you wouldn't believe are in London.

The Old Orchard, Park Lane, Harefield, UB9 6HJ

Richmond and area

Best pub gardens London: A view of the Thames from the London Apprentice beer garden, with trees on the opposite bank disappearing to a vanishing point
View from the London Apprentice beer garden

London Apprentice

Big old famous neighbourhood pub that offers amazing views of the river from its beer garden.

London Apprentice, 62 Church Street, Isleworth, TW7 6BG

Best pub gardens London: people standing in a flooded beer garden
The White Cross, Richmond

The White Cross

Victorian pub with a great view overlooking the Thames. Part of the fun is visiting at high tide, when the garden sits underwater.

The White Cross, Riverside, Richmond, TW9 1TH

Steins

Bavarian beerhouse with lovely Thames-side views.

Steins, Towpath (Footpath below at the river), Petersham Road, Richmond, TW10 6UX

The Marlborough Richmond, one of London's best beer gardens
The Marlborough

The Marlborough

Sizeable beer garden, we reckon one of the best in London, despite the artificial grass.

The Marlborough, 46 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, TW10 6NQ

The White Swan

Charming pub on the site of the old Richmond Palace, away from the tourists, with a small but beautifully formed beer garden.

The White Swan, 26 Old Palace Lane, Richmond TW9 1PG

The Greyhound

This gastropub has a stunning view of Kew Gardens, with a garden out the back with benches and private wooden 'pods'.

The Greyhound, 82 Kew Green, Richmond, TW9 3AP

London's best beer gardens: The White Swan, Twickenham
The White Swan, Twickenham

Twickenham

The White Swan

The front beer terrace is regularly surrounded by water at high tide, so watch out. It's in our list of best pubs on the river Thames.

The White Swan, Riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DN

Brentford

Black Dog Beer House

Smashing little shady beer garden, serving pours of superlative craft and cask.

Black Dog Beer House, 17 Albany Road, Brentford, TW8 0NF

Express Tavern

Traditional English pub, with no jukebox, fruit machines or pool table in sight. It has a lovely, well-manicured (and massive) garden with patio. The lawn is, however, out of bounds, as it was traditionally a bowling green.

Express Tavern, 56 Kew Bridge Road, Brentford, TW8 0EW  

London's best beer gardens: The Bell and Crown in Chiswick
The Bell & Crown, Chiswick

Chiswick

The Bell and Crown

18th century Fuller's pub located right on a leafy towpath, with a conservatory and restaurant.

The Bell and Crown, 11-13 Strand-On-The-Green, Strand on the Green, W4 3PL

The Duke of Sussex

Victorian pub with beautiful wide windows. Beautiful garden. Tapas recommended.

The Duke of Sussex, 75 South Parade, W4 5LF

Best pub gardens in London, including The Swan in Chiswick
The Swan, Chiswick

Acton

Grand Junction Arms

A huge beer garden with bonus benches right out on the river too.

Grand Junction Arms, Acton Lane, Canal Bridge, NW10 7AD

The Swan

Tucked-away pub with a relaxing, leafy garden.

The Swan, 119 Evershed Walk, Acton Lane, W4 5HH

Drayton Court Hotel has one of the nicest pub gardens in London
Drayton Court Hotel, Ealing

Ealing

Drayton Court Hotel

Fuller's pub with huge beer garden.

Drayton Court Hotel, 2 The Avenue, Ealing, W13 8PH

The North Star

Voted the best in Ealing by Londonist readers. This is old boozer meets smart gastro pub with a bamboo-like tunnel that protects you from the elements.

The North Star, 43 The Broadway, W5 5JN

The Rose and Crown, Ealing

The Rose and Crown

Friendly neighbourhood pub with colourful hanging baskets and a large beer garden with benches. Another Fuller's job.

The Rose & Crown, Church Place, St. Mary's Road, Ealing, W5 4HN

The Grange

Voted one of the best pubs in Ealing by Londonist readers, with a large walled garden – heated in winter.

The Grange, Warwick Road, Ealing, W5 3XH

The Grove

Sprawling gastro-place, with ample outdoor seating to the front, side and rear. We got attacked by a bee here once. That may not be a universal experience.

The Grove, The Grove, W5 5QX

Kensal Green

The Masons Arms

This local gastro pub has a roof terrace and one of west London's largest beer gardens.

The Masons Arms, 665 Harrow Road, Kensal Green, NW10 5NU

Kensington

Windsor Castle

Refurbed old boozer with real ale and a beer garden with an outside bar.

Windsor Castle, 114 Campden Hill Road, Kensington, W8 7AR

Best beer gardens in London: The Windsor Castle
The Windsor Castle, Kensington

The Sun In Splendour

With a vibrant yellow exterior and a 'secret' little garden out the back.

The Sun In Splendour, 7 Portobello Road, W11 3DA

Shepherd's Bush

Eagle

A smart gastropub and relaxing garden, with faux grass and colourful deckchairs in the garden. Around the corner from the Sipsmith Distillery, so expect to get stuck into the G&Ts.

Eagle, 215 Askew Road, Shepherd's Bush, W12 9AZ

Looking for a beer garden in London? Thatched House is one of the best.
Thatched House, Hammersmith

Hammersmith

Thatched House

An airy pub with a log fire, conservatory and a beer garden.

Thatched House, 115 Dalling Road, W6 0ET

The Old Ship

This renowned Hammersmith pub is located right on the river.

The Old Ship, 25 Upper Mall, W6 9TD

A riverside terrace decorated with flowers
Not a bad little view from The Dove is it.

The Dove

Another riverside gem — the garden terrace is small, so if you get a spot here, savour it.

The Dove, 19 Upper Mall, W6 9TA

The Cross Keys

Palm trees and colourful flowers characterise this tropical-looking beer garden.

The Cross Keys, 57 Black Lion Lane,W6 9BG

The Cross Keys in Hammersmith has one of the best pub gardens in London
The Cross Keys, Hammersmith

The Black Lion

The garden feels as cosy as the pub's interior, thanks to a walled perimeter overhung by mature trees. The centrepiece: a circular fire pit.

The Black Lion, 2 South Black Lion Lane

The Salutation

Chilled secluded garden and good beer.

The Salutation, 154 King Street, W6 0QU

Queen's Head

A huge, inviting oasis of trees and cold beer on warm evenings.

Queen's Head, 13 Brook Green, W6 7BL

One of London's best beer gardens is The Red Lion in Barnes
The Red Lion, Barnes

Barnes

The Red Lion

Nestled in one of London’s leafiest areas. There's a big beer garden with wendy houses, outdoor games and parasols.

The Red Lion, 2 Castelnau, Barnes, SW13 9RU

The Sun Inn

Overlooking the famous Barnes village pond, with a beer garden and bowling green.

The Sun Inn, 7 Church Road, Barnes, SW13 9HE

The Bridge in Barnes: best beer gardens in London
The Bridge, Barnes

The Bridge

Decked pub garden filled with trees and sunshine. Bonus points for being just a short walk from the Thames.

The Bridge, 204 Castelnau, Barnes, SW13 9DW

The Coach and Horses

A great little pub with real ales and a green beer garden.

The Coach and Horses, 27 Barnes High Street, SW13 9LW

Find one of London's best beer gardens at The Green Man in Putney
The Green Man in Putney

Putney

The Green Man

Smart venue on the edge of Putney Heath, with a tidy seating area.

The Green Man, Wildcroft Road, Putney, SW15 3NG

Fulham

The White Horse

The so-called Sloaney Pony is known for its sunny beer garden, barbecue and excellent beer choice.

The White Horse, 1-3 Parsons Green, Fulham, SW6 4UL

The Crabtree

A pretty well-to-do pub in a pretty well-to-do area, with sweeping Thames views.

The Crabtree, Rainville Road, W6 9HA

The Crabtree: London's best beer gardens
The Crabtree, Fulham

Battersea

The Ship

Great Thames views — expect busy times during the summer months.

The Ship, 10 Thames Bank, SW14 7QR

The Magic Garden

Hippy-style pub garden that looks like an eclectic al fresco living room.

The Magic Garden, 231 Battersea Park Road, SW11 4LG

The Prince Albert

What this smart gastropub lacks in character, it makes up for in patio-ed beer garden.

The Prince Albert, 85 Albert Bridge Road, SW11 4PF

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Chelsea

The Troubadour

The likes of Jimi Hendrix have played at this renowned Chelsea pub. There's a café downstairs and a little garden at the back, enveloped in trellises and trees.

The Troubadour, 263-267 Old Brompton Road, SW5 9JA

The Phene

This SW3 pub prides itself on its swanky garden — soft furnishings and all.

The Phene, 9 Phene Street, Chelsea, SW3 5NY

Cooper's Arms

Located just off the King's Road, this Chelsea pub has Victorian features, craft beers and a beer garden.

Cooper's Arms, 87 Flood Street, Chelsea, SW3 5TB

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Wimbledon

Hand in Hand

19th-century cottage on the edge of Wimbledon Common, with a garden-like back yard with calming green views.

Hand in Hand, 6 Crooked Billet, Wimbledon, SW19 4RQ

Rose & Crown

A Wimbledon pub with a cosy patio-ed beer garden.

Rose & Crown, 55 High Street, Wimbledon, SW19 5BA

The Alexandra

Good old-fashioned pub with a spacious terrace and a balcony out the front.

The Alexandra, 33 Wimbledon Hill Road, SW19 7NE

A great pub garden can be found at The Alexandra in Wimbledon
The Alexandra, Wimbledon

The Sultan

Red-brick pub with real ales and a walled garden.

The Sultan, 78 Norman Road, SW19 1BT

White City

Garden Bar

True to its name, the garden here really is something, wood decked and extensive, and beautifully fairy-lit at night.

Garden Bar, 41 Bramley Road, Notting Hill, W10 6SZ

Best beer gardens in London, including Garden Bar White City
Garden Bar, White City

The best beer gardens in north London

Barnet

Ye Olde Mitre Inne

A tremendous 16th century inn with the feel of a village pub and a garden, complete with a stone kiln.

Ye Olde Mitre Inne, 58 High Street, Barnet EN5 5SJ

The Black Horse

A smashing pub, with a moderately sized beer garden.

The Black Horse, 92 Wood Street, Barnet EN5 4BW

The Orange Tree

Beautiful garden and a wonderful, traditional pub. Frequented by celebs and footballers.

The Orange Tree, 7 Totteridge Village, N20 8NX

Best pub and beer gardens in London: The Ranelagh
The Ranelagh, East Finchley

Enfield

The Plough

Rambling garden, decent playground (for the kids we might add), and the honour of being London's most northerly pub.

The Plough, Cattlegate Road, EN2 9DJ

East Finchley

The Ranelagh

Pints and Sunday roasts in a decked pub garden. Lovely.

The Ranelagh, 82 Bounds Green Road, N11 2EU

The Old White Lion

Cracking pub, very close to the tube station, with a well thought-out beer garden. Look out for the sculpture of the old white lion.

The Old White Lion, 121 Great North Road, East Finchley N2 0NW

The Maid of Muswell, one of London's best pub gardens
The Maid of Muswell

The Maid of Muswell

Smart neighbourhood pub with a covered terrace.

The Maid of Muswell, 121 Alexandra Park Road, N10 2DP

Crouch End

Ye Olde Cherry Tree

This pub garden makes you feel like you've just taken a stroll to a countryside pub — a great city escape.

Ye Olde Cherry Tree, The Green, N14 6EN

London's best beer gardens: The Beehive in Tottenham
The Beehive, Tottenham

Tottenham

The Beehive

Family friendly, great beer and lots of space in this lovely locals' beer garden.

The Beehive, Stoneleigh Road, Tottenham, N17 9BQ

Camden

The Pineapple

A popular Kentish Town pub, with a conservatory and beer garden. One of London's best all-round boozers.

The Pineapple, 51 Leverton Street, NW5 2NX

The Junction Tavern

Large Victorian building with an airy conservatory and a buzzing beer garden.

The Junction Tavern, 101 Fortess Road, NW5 1AG

Abbey Tavern's beer garden is one of the best in London
Abbey Tavern, Kentish Town

Abbey Tavern

A great summer spot, with a large roof terrace and beer garden.

Abbey Tavern, 124 Kentish Town Road, NW1 9QB

The Edinboro Castle

Huge beer garden with plenty of benches, but on sunny days can get very busy.

The Edinboro Castle, 57 Mornington Terrace, NW1 7RU

Enjoy the big beer garden at The Edinboro Castle pub in London
The Edinboro Castle, Camden

The Hawley Arms

An autographed rock star hall, a small garden and bonus roof terrace.

The Hawley Arms, 2 Castlehaven Road, NW1 8QU

The Engineer

Based in leafy Primrose Hill with a walled garden.

The Engineer, 65 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 8JH

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The Lock Tavern

Buzzing pub with a rooftop drinking area overlooking Camden Market (but not the Lock).

The Lock Tavern, 35 Chalk Farm Road, Camden Town, NW1 8AJ

Princess of Wales

This pub has a rare basement garden, which has/had a fake Banksy.

Princess of Wales, 22 Chalcot Road, NW1 8LL

Pembroke Castle

Has a small terrace area — but be warned — it's often full.

Pembroke Castle, 150 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 8JA

Stoke Newington

The Clarence Tavern

Previously The Stoke Newington Tea House, and before that the Daniel Defoe — The Clarence Tavern retains its large terrace beer garden.

The Clarence Tavern, 102 Stoke Newington Church Street, Stoke Newington, N16 0LA

The Londesborough

Friendly neighbourhood pub with a beer garden and Sunday lunches.

The Londesborough, 36 Barbauld Road, Stoke Newington, N16 0SS

The Auld Shillelagh

Lively Irish boozer with pot plant-studded garden.

The Auld Shillelagh, 105 Stoke Newington Church Street, Stoke Newington, N16 0UD

White Hart

'The worst kept secret in Stoke Newington' — an old-school beer garden that seats hundreds.

White Hart, 69 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 8E

Faltering Fullback
The Faltering Fullback

Holloway Road

The Faltering Fullback

A veritable Ewok's Village of a beer garden.

The Faltering Fullback, 19 Perth Road, N4 3HB

North Nineteen

Family run pub specialising in ales and whiskies. Paved, but nice garden.

North Nineteen, 194-196 Sussex Way, N19 4HZ

The Swimmer at Grafton Arms

The roof terrace here is a nice sun trap.

The Swimmer at Grafton Arms, 13 Eburne Road, N7 6AR

Lovely little beer garden at The Crown in Islington
The Crown, Islington

Islington

The Crown

A smart local, standing here for over 100 years, with Victorian charm and an outside seating area

The Crown, 116 Cloudesley Road, N1 0EB

The Alwyne Castle

Extensive beer garden wraps around the pub and features sheltered seating as well as picnic benches.

The Alwyne Castle, 83 St Paul's Road, N1 2LY

The Albion

Georgian pub with an extensive garden.

The Albion, 10 Thornhill Road, Islington, N1 1HW

One of London's prettiest pub gardens can be found at The Albion
The Albion, Islington

Earl of Essex

Located just off Regent's Canal, with a menu matched to one of 20 craft beers.

Earl of Essex, 25 Danbury St, Islington, N1 8LE

The Canonbury Tavern

Pretty, landscaped garden filled with picnic benches and tables for al fresco dining from the outdoor Burger Shack.

The Canonbury Tavern, 21 Canonbury Place, N1 2NS

Hampstead

The Black Lion

A large split-level garden with a full sunset view

The Black Lion, 295-297 West End Lane, West Hampstead, NW6 1RD

The Windmill

This hotel/pub has a neat little garden out the back, with a mix of chunky picnic benches, elegant garden sets and a leafy green wall.

The Windmill, 57 Cricklewood Broadway, NW2 3JX

Best beer gardens in London: The Freemasons Arms
The Freemasons Arms, Hampstead

The Freemasons Arms

This smart Hampstead pub looks like a country house, with an airy conservatory and an opulent beer garden.

The Freemasons Arms, 32 Downshire Hill, Hampstead, NW3 1NT

The Garden Gate

Wood-panelled 19th-century pub with a popular, large, heated garden.

The Garden Gate, 14 South End Road, Hampstead, NW3 2QE

The Stag in Hampstead has a great pub garden for a beer in the sun
The Stag, Hampstead

The Stag

Around since 1874, this Hampstead gastropub has private cabanas in the back garden.

The Stag, 67 Fleet Road, Hampstead, NW3 2QU

The Spaniards Inn

One of London's greatest pubs, packed with history. A green garden offering al fresco dining.

The Spaniards Inn, Spaniards Road, Hampstead, NW3 7JJ

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Highgate

Red Lion & Sun

A shady garden which sometimes does hog roasts in the summer.

Red Lion & Sun, 25 North Road, Highgate, N6 4BE

The Flask

With preserved Victorian features and a partly covered area at the front of the pub.

The Flask, 14 Flask Walk, NW3 1HE

The Bull

Trendy pub with a small outdoor decking area.

The Bull, 13 North Hill, Highgate, N6 4AB

Best beer gardens in London: The Woodman
The Woodman, Highgate

The Woodman

One of the largest gardens in Highgate, with both covered, decked patios and al fresco benches.

The Woodman, 414 Archway Road, Highgate, N6 5UA

The best pub beer gardens in south London

Visit The Country Arms, Balham for a top notch beer garden in London
The County Arms, Balham

Balham

The County Arms

Sitting on the edge of Wandsworth Common, a refurbed Victorian building-turned pub with a large sun drenched garden, small tables, family benches and parasols. Dreamy.

The County Arms, 345 Trinity Road, SW18 3SH

The Avalon

Lurking between Clapham and Balham — this gastro pub sure pulls in a crowd. Boasting three outdoor spaces — a roadside terrace, a secluded courtyard, and a large back garden with its very own bar.

The Avalon, 16 Balham Hill, SW12 9EB

The Hope

Beers with a view of Wandsworth Common. Dog-friendly.

The Hope, 1 Bellevue Road, SW17 7EG

Best pub and beer gardens in London: The Nightingale
The Nightingale, Wandsworth

The Nightingale

Built in 1853, this cottage-style pub is steeped in character. The garden features a charcoal barbecue.

The Nightingale, 97 Nightingale Lane, SW12 8NX

The Devonshire

This 'Secret' bar garden is one of the biggest in Balham — head here for al fresco dinners and barbecues.

The Devonshire, 39 Balham High Road, SW12 9AN

Enjoy the huge beer garden at Leather Bottle, one of London's best pub gardens
Leather Bottle, Earlsfield

Earlsfield/ Tooting

Leather Bottle

300 year-old pub with an immense beer garden, beach huts and outdoor games.

Leather Bottle, 538 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW17 ONY

The Antelope

Now has a restaurant in the refurbished garage in its spacious and sunny yard. With Sunday roasts, a fireplace and a quiz night.

The Antelope, 76 Mitcham Road, SW17 9NG

The Selkirk

Large lawn and decking area.

The Selkirk, 60 Selkirk Road, SW17 0ES

The Selkirk, a lovely pub garden in south London
The Selkirk, Tooting

Streatham

Pratts & Payne

A pretty courtyard garden out back that's a little bit of a sun trap.

Pratts & Payne, 103 Streatham High Road, SW16 1HJ

The Bull in Streatham has a large beer garden, one of London's best
The Bull, Streatham

The Bull

Renovated a few years back, The Bull is home to a sizeable pub garden filled with plenty of seats and colourful sheds available for private hire.

The Bull, 498 Streatham High Road, SW16 3QB

Sutton

The Hope

A courtyard, large decked garden and mini-orchard, all at the rear of the pub.

The Hope, 48 West Street, Carshalton SM5 2PR

The Builders Arms in Croydon boasts one of the best beer gardens in London
The Builders Arms, Croydon

Croydon

The Builders Arms

Traditional beer garden great for supping London Pride etc.

The Builders Arms, Leslie Park Road, CR0 6TP

The Oval Tavern

Decent sized beer garden hidden away at the bottom of the pub (it's on a hill) — sometimes the hops grown here are made into Cronx beer.

The Oval Tavern, 131 Oval Road, CR0 6BG

The Windmill on the Common, Clapham is home to one of the best beer gardens in London
The Windmill on the Common, Clapham

Clapham

The Windmill on the Common

Country-style pub always bustling on the weekend. Spacious conservatory and generous garden located right on Clapham Common.

The Windmill on the Common, Windmill Drive, SW4 9DE

The King & Co

Trendy craft beer pub with food pop ups and a small terrace at the front.

The King & Co, Clapham Park Road, SW4 7BZ

The Falcon

Out the back you'll find yourself in a tropical(ish) paradise. Or hang around in the front garden and watch the Clapham wildlife.

The Falcon, 33 Bedford Road, SW4 7SQ

The Apollo Arms

New pub in Clapham Old Town, with a "secret" garden.

The Apollo Arms, 13-19 Old Town, SW4 0JT

Brixton

Looking for London's best beer gardens? Try the Hope & Anchor in Brixton. Here it is with a tuk tuk
Hope & Anchor, Brixton

Hope & Anchor

Verging more on bar territory, but this is (we reckon) one of the best beer gardens in Brixton. It's huge, with a campfire and a circle of tiki huts you can book out individually.

Hope & Anchor, 123 Acre Lane, SW2 5UA

Crown & Anchor

One of the best pubs in the area for craft beer also has a sizeable beer yard (it'd be a stretch to call it a garden) along the side. Backs onto a park, though, so you can see plenty of greenery!

Crown & Anchor, 246 Brixton Road, SW9 6AQ

Trinity Arms

Voted by Londonist readers as one of the best pubs in Brixton, with a handsome interior and healthy-sized beer garden — they call it 'hidden', but we say, not very.

Trinity Arms, 45 Trinity Gardens,  SW9 8DR

Duke of Edinburgh

A popular choice amongst Brixtonites, with a huuuuuge garden with a Glastonbury-esque feel — hay on the ground, fell tree benches and an outside kitchen.

Duke of Edinburgh, 204 Ferndale Road, SW9 8AG

A deep red beer in front of a arty mural
Ghost Whale, Brixton

Ghost Whale

Small, artily-painted suntrap of a garden serving some of the best beer in the area.

Ghost Whale, 70 Atlantic Road SW9 8PX

The Landor

Clean cut pub with a bushy beer garden hosting al fresco parties in the summer.

The Landor, 70 Landor Road, SW9 9PH

The best beer gardens in east London

Sun, beer and good times at one of the best pub gardens in London: Crate Brewery
Crate Brewery, Hackney Wick

Hackney Wick/ Stratford/ Leytonstone

Crate Brewery

Set up in an old factory with canal-side drinking and pizza.

Crate Brewery & Pizzeria, Unit 7 Queen's Yard, White Post Lane, E9 5EN

Howling Hops

Huge beer tanks behind the bar and plenty of sun-drenched benches outside. If there's any sun.

Howling Hops, Unit 9A Queen's Yard, White Post Lane, E9 5EN

The Red Lion

Shabby chic London boozer with ales, British food — great beer garden with graffitied walls and table football under a covered area.

The Red Lion, 640 High Road Leytonstone, E11 3AA

The Birkbeck Tavern

Local pub with a walled garden.

The Birkbeck Tavern, 45 Langthorne Road, E11 4HL

The Cuckfield

There's a conservatory and generous beer garden within this former 19th-century coaching inn.

The Cuckfield, 31 High Street, E11 2AA

The Forest Tavern

Naturally, in Forest Gate, this sizeable Portobello Brewery pub hides a good-sized beer garden to the rear.

The Forest Tavern, 173 Forest Lane, E7 9BB

The Nightingale

A cosy pub with benches outside. Plant yourself down.

The Nightingale, 51 Nightingale Lane, E11 2EY

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Hackney Central

The Chesham Arms

Pub is declared an Asset of Community Value, and that's easy to understand when you see the beer garden — massive, scattered with pot plants, benches, and greenery. No kitchen, but you can order pizza from Yard Sale.

The Chesham Arms, 5 Mehetabel Road, E9 6DU

Clapton

Princess of Wales

This rural pub sits on the edge of Hackney and Leyton, with views of the River Lea from one side, and large areas of parkland on the other. A city escape in the city.

Princess of Wales, 146 Lea Bridge Road, E5 9RB

The Crooked Billet

This Clapton gem has a nicely sized beer garden, with sheltered huts and outside screens so you can catch the game and some rays. Winner.

The Crooked Billet, 84 Upper Clapton Road, E5 9JP

Victoria Park

People's Park Tavern

Enormous beer garden with dozens of benches, little cabins, and a shaded area — plus a scattering of heaters. The garden has its own bar, and live music outdoors on a Friday.

People's Park Tavern, 360 Victoria Park Road, E9 7BX

Royal Inn on the Park

Steeped in history, this magnificent place has a small beer garden.

Royal Inn on the Park, 111 Lauriston Road, E9 7HJ

One of London's best beer gardens can be found at Royal Inn on the Park
Royal Inn on the Park, Victoria Park

London Fields/ Mile End/ Bethnal Green  

Pub on the Park

Like it says on the tin, located right on the edge of London Fields, this is the perfect summer drinking/ partying spot, with a huge park-sided beer garden, with boules — plus dancing and DJs inside on the weekends.

Pub on the Park, 19 Martello Street, E8 3PE

Looking for a London pub garden? Try out the Bethnal Green Tavern
Bethnal Green Tavern, Bethnal Green

Bethnal Green Tavern

Recently renovated east end boozer (formerly The Misty Moon) with an enclosed beer garden.

Bethnal Green Tavern, 456 Bethnal Green Road, E2 0EA

The Old George

If all the studied tattiness isn't your thing, there's a slightly more polished anteroom and a pretty big beer garden out the back.

The Old George, 379 Bethnal Green Road, E2 0AN

London's best beer gardens: The Old George in Bethnal Green is a contender
The Old George, Bethnal Green

Walthamstow

The Nag's Head

Palm trees, pizzas and partitioned seating are features of this Walthamstow boozer, not far from God's Own Junkyard. There's also a good beer list, a lot of heaters, and a pub cat. Good all round.

The Nag's Head, 9 Orford Road, E17 9LP

Shoreditch/Hoxton/Haggerston/Dalston

The Red Lion

Cracking suntrap of a rooftop seating area, but you have to carry your pint all the way up. Don't try when you're tipsy.

The Red Lion, 41 Hoxton Square, N1 6NH

The Fox Craft Beer House, Haggerston: best pub gardens in London
The Fox Craft Beer House, Haggerston

Old Fountain

With craft and cask ales aplenty — and a smallish roof terrace.

Old Fountain, 3 Baldwin Street, EC1V 9NU

The Crown and Shuttle

Has a surprisingly large beer garden.

The Crown and Shuttle, 226 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6PJ

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The Talbot

Seating around the front and the back, plus a little balcony upstairs too.

The Talbot, 109 Mortimer Road N1 4JY

The Scolt Head

Grab a craft beer and head out to the ivy-clad garden out the back, with its own lamppost.

The Scolt Head, 107A Culford Road, N1 4HT

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Tower Bridge and downriver

The Mayflower

Riverside pub vying for the 'Oldest Pub on The Thames' title. With a tiny Thames-side terrace.

The Mayflower, 117 Rotherhithe Street, SE16 4NF

The Town of Ramsgate

This ship-like riverside pub claims to be the oldest pub on The Thames — where James II's famous Hanging Judge Jeffries was captured back in the 17th century.

The Town of Ramsgate, 62 Wapping High Street, St Katharine's & Wapping, E1W 2PN

Waterside boozing at The Dickens Inn, home to one of the best beer gardens in London
The Dickens Inn, St Katharine Docks

The Dickens Inn

With a great location at the heart of St Katharine Docks, this waterside pub boasts tiered balconies, hanging flower baskets and, blissfully, not a car in sight.

The Dickens Inn, Marble Quay, St Katharine's Way, E1W 1UH

The Captain Kidd

This old warehouse has large windows overlooking The Thames — plus a large yard downstairs right by the river.

The Captain Kidd, 108 Wapping High Street, E1W 2NE

View from one of the best beer gardens in London: Old Salt Quay
View from the Old Salt Quay, Rotherhithe

Old Salt Quay

A modern converted warehouse overlooking the Thames

Old Salt Quay, 163 Rotherhithe Street, SE16 5QU

Prospect of Whitby

One of London's most famous pubs, from the 1520s. With a sought-out drinking terrace out the back.

Prospect of Whitby, 57 Wapping Wall, E1W 3SH

Right on the Thames, The Gun's beer garden is one of the best in London
The Gun, Coldhabour

Canary Wharf

The Gun, Coldharbour

Located right on the river. Boom!

The Gun, Coldharbour, 27 Coldharbour, Poplar, E14 9NS

Clerkenwell/Farringdon/The City

The Fence

There are better pubs in the area, but this is one of the few with a beer garden at the back.

The Fence, 67-69 Cowcross Street, Farringdon EC1M 6BP

The Fence is one of the few pubs in Farringdon with a beer garden
The Fence, Farringdon

Crown Tavern

No garden, but lots of outside space on the concrete, with tables.

Crown Tavern, 43 Clerkenwell Green, Clerkenwell, EC1R 0EG

The Argyle

Modern pub with a roof terrace area — rare for this part of town.

The Argyle, 1 Greville Street, EC1N 8PQ

The Old Bank of England

High ceilinged pub in the former Bank of England's Law Courts. You can't miss the genuine double-decker bus that takes up half of the back yard (and in which you may drink).

The Old Bank of England, 194 Fleet Street, EC4A 2LT

London's best beer gardens: Ye Olde London, Ludgate Hill
Ye Olde London, Ludgate Hill

Ye Olde London

Has a pleasant courtyard space.

Ye Olde London, 42 Ludgate Hill, EC4M 7DE

The best beer gardens in the West End

Head to The Punch & Judy, Covent Garden for a great beer garden in central London
The Punch & Judy, Covent Garden

Covent Garden

Punch and Judy

18th century pub with a roof terrace overlooking the piazza/street performers.

Punch and Judy, 40 The Market, Covent Garden, WC2E 8RF

Fitzrovia/Bloomsbury

The Carpenters Arms

Wood-panelled pub with a small roof terrace.

The Carpenters Arms, 68-70 Whitfield Street, Bloomsbury, W1T 4EY

The Grafton Arms

19th-century Bloomsbury pub with real ales and a nice little back terrace.

The Grafton Arms, 72 Grafton Way, Bloomsbury, W1T 5DU

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The best beer gardens in south London

(Including south-central London.)

Waterloo

Doggett's Coat & Badge

Named after the 300 year old boat race (oldest in the world) that hits the Thames every July with summer barbecues in the beer garden out the back.

Doggett's Coat & Badge, 1 Blackfriars Bridge, SE1 9UD

Founder's Arms

The riverside views says it all.

Founder's Arms, 52 Hopton Street, SE1 9JH

The Anchor Bankside

Popular tourist pub with riverside beer garden, plus roof terrace.

The Anchor Bankside, 34 Park Street, SE1 9EF

The Old Thameside

Raised seating area overlooking the river and the Golden Hinde.

The Old Thameside, Pickfords Wharf, Clink Street, SE1 9DG

The George Inn

The yard is given over to seating at this historic galleried pub.

The George Inn, The George Inn Yard, 77 Borough High Street, SE1 1NH

The Horniman

This former tea warehouse offers riverside drinking with good view of the City.

The Horniman, Hay's Galleria, Hays Galleria, 18-19 Battle Bridge Lane, SE1 2HD

The Mudlark

With a concreted drinking area to side of pub.

The Mudlark, Montague Close, SE1 9DA

Rose & Crown

One of central London's biggest beer gardens, although new development means it's sadly in the shade most times.

Rose & Crown, 47 Colombo Street, SE1 8DP

Best pub gardens in London: The Fentiman Arms
The Fentiman Arms, Oval

The Woolpack

A narrow little pub with a nice little garden out the back.

Woolpack, 98 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3UB

The Roebuck

Victorian pub with a cosy beer garden

The Roebuck, 50 Great Dover Street, SE1 4YG

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Camberwell

The Sun

Trendy pub with a garden in the front and back.

The Sun, 61-63 Coldharbour Lane, Camberwell, SE5 9NS

Denmark Hill

Fox on the Hill

This Wetherspoon hosts a large garden on a slope, featuring a statue of its namesake.

Fox on the Hill, 149 Denmark Hill, Camberwell, SE5 8EH

Vauxhall

The Fentiman Arms

Great split level beer garden with covered decking for when it rains, patio heaters for when it's cold, and trees giving natural shade for when it's sunny.

The Fentiman Arms, 64 Fentiman Road, Oval, SW8 1LA

Prince of Wales

No beer garden as such, but you're allowed to take your drinks onto the grass of the square.

Prince of Wales, Cleaver Square, SE11 4EA

A crowded outdoor rooftop with purple/orange sunset
Frank's. Image: Londonist

Peckham

Frank's

Okay… yes bar — but pretty epic. On top of multistorey car park, with vast city views, this makes for a killer sunset spot. Only open in the summer.

Frank's, 95A Rye Lane, SE15 4ST

Great pub in London with a beer garden: The Rye in Peckham
The Rye, Peckham

The Angel and Oak

Formerly The Rye. Lovely green garden that's part deck, part grass. Has table tennis.

The Angel and Oak, 31 Peckham Rye, SE15 3NX

New Cross

The New Cross House

Spacious local with a decked beer garden.

The New Cross House, 316 New Cross Road, SE14 6AF

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Herne Hill/ Dulwich

Florence

Upmarket bar with a decked garden.

Florence, 131-133 Dulwich Road, Herne Hill, SE24 0NG

The Plough

Large pub with a conservatory, outdoor decked area and barbecues in the summer.

The Plough, 381 Lordship Lane, Dulwich, SE22 8JJ

The Herne Tavern is one of London's best beer gardens
The Herne Tavern, Dulwich

The Herne Tavern

A true pub 'garden', filled with flowers, fruit trees and herb planters (and very happy bees during the summer months, too).

The Herne Tavern, 2 Forest Hill Road, Dulwich, SE22 0RR

The Railway

A no frills pub with tree houses out the back

The Railway Tavern, 7 Station Rise, Tulse Hill, SE27 9BW

Best beer gardens in London: The Rosendale in West Dulwich
The Rosendale, West Dulwich

The Rosendale

There's a huge beer garden at this former coaching inn.

The Rosendale, 65 Rosendale Road, SE21 8EZ

Dulwich Wood House

A smart pub in leafy Dulwich with a smartly preened beer garden with cute wooden huts.

Dulwich Wood House, 39 Sydenham Hill, SE26 6RS

One of London's best beer gardens can be found at Dulwich's Wood House pub
Dulwich Wood House

Bridge House

A two-tiered beer garden — heck yes!

Bridge House, 2 High Street, SE20 8RZ

Swan & Mitre

Georgian pub with guest beers and sports.

Swan & Mitre, 260-262 High Street, Bromley, BR1 1PG

The Dolphin

Spacious lawned beer garden with preened hedges, it feels a bit like a scene out of Alice In Wonderland.

The Dolphin, 121 Sydenham Road, SE26 5HB

The Dolphin in Sydenham boasts one of London's best beer gardens
The Dolphin, Sydenham

West Norwood

The Paxton

Modern bar with an edgy walled beer garden, and outdoor tent projections.

The Paxton, 255 Gipsy Road, West Norwood, SE27 9QY

Crystal Palace

The Alma

Excellent ales and a massive garden out back.

The Alma, 95 Church Road, Upper Norwood, SE19 2TA

Craft & Courage

Superlative range of beers on tap (and many more in cans) to drink in their small, sheltered and shingled backyard.

Craft & Courage, 28 Westow Hill, SE19 1RX

Hither Green and Ladywell

Ladywell Tavern

The tavern has had a makeover; now it's all about top quality wine, acoustic live music. It still has that nice little beer garden with wooden benches.

Ladywell Tavern, 80 Ladywell Road, Ladywell, SE13 7HS

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The Station Hotel

Serving up real ales and a sunny courtyard.

The Station, 14 Staplehurst Road, Hither Green, SE13 5NB

Jolly Farmer

A great local pub with real character.

Jolly Farmer, 354 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6LE

Princess of Wales in Blackheath has a great pub garden for a beer in the sun
The Princess of Wales, Blackheath

Blackheath

The Princess Of Wales

This Victorian pub has a part-covered and heated garden.

The Princess Of Wales, 1a Montpelier Row, Blackheath, SE3 0RL

The Dacre Arms

A friendly local 'old man's pub'.

The Dacre Arms, 11 Kingswood Place, Blackheath, SE13 5BU

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The Railway

A local pub with a roof terrace.

The Railway, 16 Blackheath Village, Blackheath, SE3 9LE

British Oak

Classic British pub, with craft ales, wood panelled walls and a beer garden with live chickens (yes indeed).

British Oak, 109 Old Dover Road, Blackheath, SE3 8SU

Enjoy one of London's best beer gardens at The Vanbrugh in Greenwich
The Vanbrugh, Greenwich

Greenwich

The Vanbrugh

This local pub is middle class all the way, with a lunchtime mums and babies club and a lawned garden. Note: Closed as of 2022, but promising to reopen.

The Vanbrugh, 91 Colomb Street, Greenwich, SE10 9EZ

Cutty Sark

Over 200 years old, and full of (tasteful) nauticalia, this pub comes with a great riverside terrace.

Cutty Sark, 4-6 Ballast Quay, SE10 9PD

Best pub garden in London: Greenwich's Old Brewery
Old Brewery, Greenwich

Old Brewery

This Greenwich gastropub serves seasonal British food, decent beers and boasts a nice outdoor terrace, seconds from the Cutty Sark.

Old Brewery, The Pepys Building, The Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9LW

The Gipsy Moth

Small pub with a very decent patio garden and retractable roof.

The Gipsy Moth, 60 Greenwich Church Street, SE10 9BL

Richard I, Greenwich. Image: Young's

Richard I

With streetside seating and a large beer garden, heated in the winter. This place has had a recent revamp and now includes the garden and rooms from the former Greenwich Union next door.

Richard I, 52-54 Royal Hill, SE10 8RT

The Guildford Arms

With a sunken decked beer garden.

The Guildford Arms, 55 Guildford Grove, SE10 8JY

Lots of places at Dial Arch to enjoy the sun with a beer: London's best pub gardens
Dial Arch, Woolwich

Woolwich

Dial Arch

Lots of tables out front so you can sit in the sun, but often people sit on the grassy square that Dial Arch borders.

Dial Arch, Major Draper Street, Woolwich, SE18 6GH

Danson Stables

Converted 18th-century stables.

Danson Stables, Danson Park, Bexleyheath, DA6 8HL

Last Updated 20 September 2023

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