While away a sunny Saturday in one of London’s best beer gardens; from riverside retreats to hidden garden gems, we’ve got a spot for every sipper…
Words Helen Brown
With the sunny months in sight, it’s time to seek out the best sun traps for whiling away the weekend. What you need is an al fresco area to enjoy an ice cold gin and tonic, share a pitcher of Pimm’s or sip on a chilled cider. We’ve rounded up the best traditional beer gardens in London to do just that.
London’s Best Beer Gardens
Truman Social Club, Walthamstow
Truman’s Beer has just opened its own 35,000 square foot beer garden which encompasses an on-site brewery, tap room, street food market and event space. The spacious venue allows for social distancing and guests are required to book in advance.
The Ship, Wandsworth
The Ship is one of the oldest pubs south of the river and gets absolutely heaving as soon as the sun shines. It boasts a huge conservatory by the Thames and a garden overlooking Wandsworth Bridge. Get there early to bag a spot and you seriously won’t move all day.
Edinboro Castle, Camden
The Edinboro Castle is a charming pub a stone’s throw from Regent’s Park and Camden with a sizeable beer garden. There’s an outdoor bar and cosy wooden huts as well as heaters so you can enjoy a pint rain or shine.
Crown & Shuttle, Shoreditch
The Crown and Shuttle is an institution on the east London bar scene and has an enormous beer garden that gets packed with post-work drinkers come 5pm. Expect a shed-load of craft beers – when in Shoreditch – as well as gins, wines and a generous offering of alcohol-free serves.
Vinegar Yard, London Bridge
Fancy sipping a pint with a view of the Shard? Then head to Vinegar Yard, the city’s largest outdoor beer garden and it’s open Wednesday to Sunday. Complete with a flea market, mezzanine bars and plenty of food vendors, this buzzy, sun-soaked drinking destination is definitely one to visit this summer.
The Duke of Edinburgh, Brixton
Anyone on Snapchat will recognise The Duke of Edinburgh for its party vibes and packed-out beer garden that gets into full swing as soon as the sun makes an appearance. It’s certainly one of the biggest outdoor drinking areas in south London, with plenty of seating and a large bar and BBQ pit.
The Crab Tree, Fulham
The Crabtree is one of London’s hidden gems. It boasts a spectacular location, with a sprawling garden opening onto the Thames. With drink in hand you can watch the sunset over the river. Look out for al fresco dining options too.
The Albion, Islington
Perfectly staged for Instagramming and selfie-snapping, The Albion boasts a wisteria covered façade in the summer and cosy wood fires in the winter. Take a pew within this picturesque walled garden and you’ll be whisked away from city stress. This Georgian gem is renowned for its food too, especially the roasts. We recommend hungry groups order the whole slow cooked shoulder of Lighthorne lamb with Yorkshire puddings.
Magic Garden Pub, Battersea
This quirky little pub offers a twinkling garden, strewn with fairy lights and some of the comfiest sofas south of the river. With fantastic cocktails, live music, and a shelter should the rain appear, you’ll be here midday-till-dawn.
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