The best beer gardens in Soho

It might come as a bit of a surprise to anyone who's ever braved Carnaby Street at Christmas, but you can in fact sit down and soak up the sun with a nice cold pint in hand there. The Shakespeare's Head is a Soho pub with outdoor seating overlooking the famous street, perfect for resting while exploring the area or waiting on a mate. Greene King beers are on tap, and grub is served as well.

The Blue Posts has been around for three centuries as a pub, though its current setup – ground-floor pub, upstairs wine bar, and Michelin-starred chef's table – is a much more recent development. It all works together to make this Soho pub a top-choice destination for gourmands, but if it's pints in the sun you're after, the pavement tables do the job with aplomb.

Another Greene King establishment, The Imperial is located on a pedestrianised street just off London's famed Leicester Square. It's a classic British pub through and through – proper pints, fish and chips, pies, and burgers, and football on the telly. The traditional interior is complemented by pavement tables that are a particularly appealing feature in nice weather. The pub is family- and dog-friendly, so everyone is welcome.

O'Neill's is a welcoming nationwide chain of Irish pubs, well known for providing affordable food, gigs, and live sports with a friendly atmosphere. The Soho pub is housed in a historic 1930s building with a storied musical legacy, having hosted legendary performers such as Ella Fitzgerald and Pink Floyd. In nice weather, the pub sets out tables and chairs on the pavement – nothing fancy, but it does the trick.