The best beer gardens in Covent Garden

Spread across three floors, The Porterhouse is an independent Irish pub that's among the most spacious bars in all of London. There's ample space here to enjoy live sports, gigs, and other entertainment, with an enviable food and drink line-up fuelling the proceedings. The pub also boasts one of the biggest beer gardens in Covent Garden, letting you enjoy a refreshing pint in the sun while looking out at Maiden Lane.

The Guinness Open Gate Brewery is the London flagship by the globally beloved Irish stout brand. Rather than a single location, the venture is spread across several buildings surrounding Old Brewer's Yard, with the latter doubling as a bustling Covent Garden beer garden. You can enjoy properly poured pints of Guinness, including limited-edition beers brewed on-site, while snacking on hearty pies.

Named after the historic puppet show first performed in 1662, Punch & Judy is a Greene King chain pub located in Covent Garden. The traditional venue serves a range of cask ales and classic pub drinks alongside a menu of classic British pub grub, but Punch & Judy's main draw is the balcony terrace overlooking the famed piazza below. As a bonus, the outdoor area provides guests with a direct view of the live street performances the market square is known for.

The Maple Leaf is a Canadian-themed pub in Covent Garden that welcomes expats and locals alike. It's a popular destination for fans of American sports, particularly the NHL, with sports memorabilia covering the walls and large screens showing all the action. Canadian specialities like poutine are on the menu alongside the usual pub grub, and you can enjoy your refreshments in the beer garden set on the pavement out front.

Dating back to 1763, this historic Covent Garden pub is situated directly opposite the Royal Opera House in the centre of London's theatreland. The venue features unique architectural elements, including a rooftop bar with beautiful views over the West End, a dedicated gin terrace, and a basement that formerly served as a prison cell. With a diverse range of functional spaces and vibrant atmosphere, it's a popular destination for both theatregoers and locals.