Guide to beer gardens in London

Behind its typical exterior, The Prince of Wales is a party hotspot. There’s an Art Deco club room if you want to dance the night away but the pub also has a two-tiered rooftop garden that’s considered one of the city’s best spots for a cocktail as you watch the sun go down.

Lewisham favourite Fox & Firkin has a distinctive vintage-style interior, a packed programme of jungle, reggae, and ska gigs, and a spacious beer garden complete with covered areas, twinkling lights, plenty of greenery, and street art. In the garden you’ll also find a van where you can order freshly-baked pizza.

Check out the capital's biggest beer garden at The Drayton Court in Ealing. This is a smart pub and hotel with a bright interior and traditional Chesterfield sofas. The appealing garden has manicured lawns and lots of trees and hedges. The food and drink options include something for everyone, including children.

Have a riverside drink and a pizza too at Crate Brewery & Pizzeria. This place in Hackney is well-known for its comfortable outdoor seating at picnic tables with uninterrupted views of the water. It’s buzzy, relaxed, and scenic. A changing selection of beers is available, plus pizza to suit every preference.

Colourful and contemporary pub The Leyton Star has eye-catching interiors plus a sizeable beer garden with dramatic sculptures, wooden furniture, and covered areas so you can beat the weather. The pub also has a karaoke room and a private hire space. There’s a wide choice of drinks and food comes from rotating vendors.

Often cited as having the best beer garden in Tooting, The Castle is a pub that's popular locally. The interior looks modern and there's also the large and spacious garden. There are paved areas and astroturf plus smart huts for private hire. Food is served here as well as drinks.

Ninth Life in Catford is quirky and colourful. The interior is full of interesting details and there's also a large beer garden with wall murals. There's an art gallery on-site and events like comedy clubs, life drawing, and immersive theatre. This pub is family-friendly and has a kids' table on Sundays.

Richly-decorated pub The Faltering Fullback is a popular venue in Finsbury Park. There’s plenty of seating in this warren-like venue where the exterior is overloaded with plants and flowers, but the beer garden is definitely worth checking out. This treehouse-like structure has several tiers and is also packed full of greenery.

Kentish Town pub The Lion & Unicorn is home to two award-winning beer gardens in addition to the contemporary indoor space. This pub has a friendly atmosphere and hosts a variety of events throughout the year. You'll find a full choice of drinks at the bar, including cocktails, plus menus of seasonal British cuisine made with local and ethical produce.

The Stag has a history stretching back to 1874 and the interior has a traditional and homey look. If you'd prefer to sit outside, the garden is a big one with heated cabanas. The pub also boasts 24 craft beer taps, cocktails, seasonal food, and an award-winning Sunday roast.

The beer garden at The Duke of Edinburgh is one of the largest in South London. It’s a lively setting that’s flanked with trees and has covered areas for rainy days, making it ideal for a drink outside. This pub also has loads going on like quizzes and live sport.

Craft beer lovers appreciate Earl of Essex with its varied range of local and international craft brews, and a focus on sours in particular. Classic pub food like fish and chips is also available in this traditionally-styled venue, plus there’s a spacious walled garden with plants, bunting, and plenty of seating.

Islington pub The Albion is widely-known for its attractive garden with a gnarled tree and drooping wisteria flowers and leaves. This Georgian pub isn’t just about great looks – you can enjoy a full range of drinks including classic cocktails and a lengthy wine list, plus traditional pub food like burgers and pies.

If you’re looking for a beer garden with fantastic views, you have to check out riverside pub The Anchor. Located minutes from Borough Market, the inside of the pub is historic and warren-like. There’s also a popular beer garden right next to the water with an outside bar.

In Kentish Town you'll find The Junction Tavern. This popular local pub has a smart and classic interior plus a large garden filled with colourful furniture and hanging lights. You can choose from a wide range of drinks but this place also has a great reputation for food, including its Sunday roast.

Located at the edge of London Fields, it’s only natural that Pub on the Park has a sought-after garden. Get great views of the park as you relax outside with a drink or food like burgers and hot dogs. Venture inside and you’ll find log fires in winter and big screens for sport.

Located in Stoke Newington, The Axe is an easygoing and friendly pub with a simple interior and an impressive beer garden full of decking, trailing vines, and covered seating. A wide range of local and international beers are on offer, plus natural wines and rare bottles. Food is also served.

In 2014 The Chesham Arms became Hackney’s first Asset of Community Value after a lengthy battle to prevent it closing. The traditional interior is charming and there's also a large walled garden with astroturf on the ground. Delivery from Yard Sale Pizza is available here and there's a rotating beer selection.

Islington's The Alwyne Castle has a large garden and is located minutes from Highbury & Islington station. Inside it's smart and contemporary but the outdoor space is a big draw. There are covered and uncovered tables plus space for big groups. The pub does a big choice of drinks and seasonal food.

The Crooked Billet attracts a varied crowd in Clapton. The spacious garden has deckchairs, benches, and streetfood vendors if you're peckish, whilst the interior looks traditional. There's a range of drinks including cask ales and classic pub grub like burgers, pie, and a Sunday roast at the weekend.

The setting at The Crown & Greyhound is intricate and traditional, with tiled floors, wood panelling, and stained glass. As well as the rich interior there's a smart heated garden and a terrace. This pub also has 20 guest rooms, some retaining features from the 1900s. A big choice of drinks is available.

If you're looking for a cool spot for craft beer, don't miss The Crown & Shuttle. This Shoreditch venue is an award-winner. It specialises in craft beer and has an exposed brick interior plus a massive garden decorated with plants. Cocktails, wine, and tantalising food like fish finger sandwiches and nachos are available.

The Prince centres around its large and appealing garden complete with greenery and neon signs. It's a grand contemporary venue with three different kitchens offering you loads of choice . The drinks list also has something for everyone, from draft beer to wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks.

The Leather Bottle opened 300 years ago and certainly has a traditional pub look. It's cosy inside and out, with the garden featuring wooden shacks, twinkling lights, and a canopy of trees. You can play games outside too. The drinks options include carefully-chosen wines, plus there's a menu of classic pub dishes.

Friendly pub The Dolphin has an eye-catching garden with lawns and trimmed hedges. Whilst the look is smart, the atmosphere is relaxed. Dogs are welcome and you can help yourself to water and treats. A wide range of drinks are on offer and there's classic pub food like sandwiches and burgers.

The Rose in New Cross is a friendly venue with an elegant and homey interior. There's also an in-demand beer garden decorated with hanging baskets and bunting. The bar serves a full range of drinks plus there's pizza and classic pub grub. This pub also does a weekly quiz on Wednesdays.

Moments from the Cutty Sark in Greenwich you'll find The Gipsy Moth. This is a contemporary pub in a Grade I listed building. It has a large and comfortable beer garden that wraps around the outside of the venue. Seasonal food, craft beer, wine, and cocktails are available at this bustling pub.

For both a casual trip to the pub and a big night out, Hootananny fits the bill. This pub and club has an expansive beer garden where you can order street food ranging from burritos to jerk chicken from various vendors. The garden is decorated with string lights and plants.

Just moments from Victoria Park, People’s Park Tavern is a lively East London pub complete with a spacious secret garden. It’s the ideal spot to relax in, with green lawns and covered tables. You can get elevated pub grub to go with your drink and play billiards here too.

Have a drink with idyllic views of the Thames at The Crabtree. It's especially well-known for its green and leafy garden right next to the river. It's a quiet spot with a traditional interior. Drinks include a global wine list, there's tempting food, and events include West London's biggest pub quiz.

The Florence has a rustic and homey interior as well as a sizeable beer garden. During the summer the outdoor bar opens up and the pub does weekend barbecues. This dog- and family-friendly venue serves food and drinks and has a packed events programme including comedy, quizzes, and live music.

The Canonbury Tavern has a warm atmosphere and a big and sunny garden for warmer days. Both inside and out, the look is elegant and refined. There's a full range of drinks, food is served all day, and kids are welcome here, with a special menu available just for them.

Set away from the more touristy parts of Greenwich, The Ashburnham Arms is a quiet local pub that opened in 1850. There's front terrace seating plus a hidden walled garden at the back lined with pot plants. This welcoming pub does a full range of drinks and homemade food.

The Eagle in Shepherds Bush feels cosy throughout. Inside it looks traditional with leather sofas and outside there's a heated and covered garden with well-furnished wooden huts. This family-friendly pub offers drinks including wine and cocktails, plus pub grub classics like sandwiches, burgers, and British dishes like sausages and mash.

Bustling pub The Avalon has loads going on. The timeless interior has wall frescoes and patterned banquettes whilst outside there's a large summer garden with an outdoor bar and wooden huts. Outdoor seating is available all year round on the terrace. A big choice of food, drinks, and events is also available.

The Edinboro Castle has an eye-catching blue exterior and the colour scheme continues inside. The bar area has a skylight and there's also a popular beer garden with covered areas and wooden huts. As well as drinks, this place has a classic menu of seasonal food like sausage and mash and steak.

Get the feel of a rustic country pub without leaving the city at The Telegraph in Putney. The inside of the pub is timeless and traditional. Outside there's a large lawn and terrace with plenty of tables for soaking up the atmosphere. There's a varied drinks selection here plus classic pub food.

Visit The Four Thieves for a lively drink in Battersea. This place is more than your average pub – there are loads of activities including VR gaming, karaoke, and arcade games. The bustling beer garden is decked out with colourful string lights and is flanked by greenery. Food is also served here.

Wandsworth pub The County Arms is popular for its heated and covered beer garden that you can enjoy all throughout the year. Outdoor huts with trailing vines are also in the space. Drinks include a sophisticated wine list and the pub also does classic food like steak and fish and chips.

In Hampstead The Garden Gate is a popular place to hang out, partly because of its picturesque beer garden. You’ll see lights, trees, and plenty of comfortable spaces to sit, including some covered areas with framed photos on the walls. Seasonal food is served plus a wide selection of drinks.

At The Faber Fox you can sit outside and enjoy beautiful leafy views. The heated garden is full of decking and bursts of colour whilst the traditional interior is packed with little quirks and deep colours. The venue has a wide variety of food and drinks, including a menu for children.

At The Windmill you’ll find a stylish pub and hotel complete with a garden. Sit out in the open amongst leafy plants or nestle into a covered booth with comfy and vibrant cushions and artwork. Drinks include wine, beer, and cocktails, whilst food options range from light brunch dishes to burgers.

The Scolt Head lacks pretensions but what it does have is an attractive garden surrounded by trees and hedges. Food is a big deal at this welcoming pub – the kitchen makes its own jams and chutneys and the menu changes daily. There’s a big choice of drinks including mini-kegs to take home.

Riverside pub The Prospect of Whitby has a spacious beer garden right at the water’s edge. Enjoy spectacular views with a drink at one of the oldest pubs in the city with an appropriately-traditional interior. Try pub classics like steak, burgers, and sandwiches, along with a full choice of drinks.

Enjoy an al fresco drink in the riverside beer garden at The Ship. This pub is a top gastropub in Wandsworth serving sandwiches and traditional recipes. The interior looks weathered and rustic and outside there's the garden with private cabins and river views, plus a second terrace for private hire.

Dulwich pub and restaurant The Rosendale is a fun destination for family meals. There’s a modern garden decked out with wood, including a climbing frame for the kids and lawn games for the adults. The interior is bright and airy. Steak, sandwiches, and pizza on the menu, plus fun food for kids.

Experience something a little different with a visit to The Magic Garden. This Battersea venue brings together foodies and music fans with regular events and performances, tempting menus, and a one-of-a-kind setting. It's all centred around the unique garden full of lights and quirky decor. The interior is just as intricate.

The Swan has Art Deco interiors with lots of traditional touches and dates back to 1871. Outside there's a spacious garden flanked with leafy trees. Drinks range from draft beer to wine and cocktails plus there's a daily-changing Italian food menu. Expect seasonal recipes like soup with crostini, Tuscan sausages, and pasta.

Family-run pub The Woodman is moments from Highgate station. Service is friendly at this venue, which has a traditional look full of distinctive art and decor. There's lots of space inside as well as in the roomy heated garden with views towards Highgate Wood. There's a full range of drinks and food.

The Richmond location of Stein’s is ideal for drinks al fresco. This casual spot channels Oktoberfest with a large riverside beer garden offering picture-perfect views of Richmond Hill. Whilst you’re here you can sample authentic German beer plus pretzels, wurst, and schnitzels. Umbrellas and heating lamps protect you from the elements.

Visit Stoke Newington's biggest beer garden at The White Hart. Inside the pub it's roomy and traditional whilst outside there are hanging lights, walls full of leaves, and plenty of tables. Behind the bar there's a full range of drinks and the pub also does food like sausage rolls and burgers.

The Spaniards Inn sits in a Grade II listed building and has a smart wood panelled interior. It also has an idyllic beer garden with picket fences and plants and flowers all around – it even gets a mention in The Pickwick Papers. The kitchen serves up classic pub grub, including a Sunday roast.

In Walthamstow you can visit The Nags Head, a traditional pub with a colourful exterior and a quirky feel. Check out the walled beer garden full of trees and fairy lights. Enjoy your favourite drink at one of the eclectic DJ sessions here, covering genres as diverse as punk and 90s dance.

Rotherhithe’s The Mayflower sits on the banks of the River Thames. There’s an atmospheric dark wood interior as well as a covered beer garden that offers great views of the water. Try out the classic pub food on offer, as well as a wide selection of beers and wines.

The Stonhouse offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Clapham. Full of green leaves and wooden trellises, the garden here will transport you to the countryside. Sophisticated pub food is served, including risotto and pork belly, plus there’s a comprehensive range of drinks from pints to cocktails.

The secluded and attractive garden at The Pelton Arms is ideal for al fresco drinks in Greenwich. This local pub has a friendly atmosphere, plenty of food and drink to choose from, a cosy traditional interior and a garden lined with plants and contemporary decor. Award-winning pizza is served here in addition to classic pub grub.

Located in Highgate, The Flask is a traditional pub that's rumoured to be haunted. Immerse yourself in history in the aged interior or catch some sun in the charming pub garden surrounded by flowers and greenery. A full range of drinks are offered but the food is pretty special too – expect upscale pub food prepared with seasonal ingredients.

Clissold Park Tavern offers great views overlooking Clissold Park, plus it has a spacious and lively garden with private cabins where you can get cosy. This popular pub serves a full range of drinks for every taste, plus it does pizza and Italian food. Lots of events and entertainment also take place at this pub.