Eight of the Best London Beer Gardens

After a rather wet and grey July, forecasters are predicting that the weather is about to improve in a big way – meaning that it might soon be the perfect climate for al fresco drinks! To help you prepare, here’s a selection of cracking London beer gardens. Cheers!

A quick note: lockdown measures are currently easing in the UK. However, there are still likely to be a few adjustments for punters: at present, it’s probable that you’ll need to make a booking (which could turn out to be an unexpected bonus – no fighting for a prime table on a scorching afternoon…!). In addition, though all information is correct at the time of writing, do be sure to check with each venue before heading down there – just in case they’re unexpectedly closed or full up! – and when you do get there, be prepared for a slightly different experience. You might need to provide contact details, browse menus via an app, and order at the table rather than queuing for the bar.

Outdoors is still considered the safest place to be, though, so – even with social distancing in place – a beer garden might be the ideal location for whiling away a sunny afternoon with friends!

The White Swan. Photo Credit: Maxwell Hamilton/Flickr

Beer Gardens in London: West

The White Swan, Twickenham

Whilst not technically in London (this pub is in Twickenham which is just on the outskirts), we couldn’t put together any round-up of beautiful beer gardens without mentioning the White Swan. A gorgeous building that dates back to the seventeenth century, the White Swan sits on the banks of the River Thames, and boasts an idyllic outdoor space that is worthy of the stunning views. The perfect place to sip a chilled glass of wine and watch the water rush by.

The White Swan, Riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DN

The Eagle, Shepherds Bush

The Eagle has many things going for it: a good wine list, comfy décor, and decent food – but the garden, without doubt, is the main attraction. A bit like going to the beach in the middle of West London, The Eagle’s large, lawned space has everything from deckchairs to beach huts: a vibrant, inviting space for leisurely, sun-dappled afternoons with friends or romantic lunches with your significant other.

The Eagle, 215 Askew Road, Shepherd’s Bush, London, W12 9AZ

The Albion. Photo Credit: Ewan Munro/Flickr

North

The Albion, Islington

Conveniently located between Upper Street and Caledonian Road, this charming pub has a delightful walled beer garden: a bower of bliss close to busy streets, but somehow fairly quiet and relaxed, and full of gorgeous foliage. The drinks are top-notch – with high-quality draught beers, wines, and even a few cocktails – and, if you’re lucky and the weather is fine enough, the Albion chefs might even get the BBQ going.

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

Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park

A bit of a local secret, the Faltering Fullback is a favourite with North Londoners – not least because of its unique and attractive beer garden. Cleverly designed by the pub’s owners, the Fullback’s once small yard has been developed into a much larger space on several different levels, with decking and tables extending up over a number of outside ‘floors’. Hungry? Pick any dish from their tasty Thai menu, wash it down with a cold beer, and enjoy the sun!

Faltering Fullback, 19 Perth Road, Stroud Green, N4 3HB

The Castle. Photo Credit: Ewan Munro/Flickr

South

The Castle, Tooting

A pub has stood on The Castle’s grounds since the nineteenth century, though it’s spacious garden is a more recent addition (it was once the pub’s car park!). And what a garden it is! With eight ‘huts’ (some of which include fridges for chilling drinks and fires for when the nights draw in) and plenty of normal seating, this is a garden to settle in for a long day and night of socialising. Though the garden is more modern, traditional good service and pub grub – such as fish and chips and pies - remain keystones of the Castle’s welcoming atmosphere.

The Castle, 38 Tooting High Street, Tooting Broadway, SW17 0RG

The Prince, West Brompton

The Prince is more than just a pub: it’s an exciting concept. As the team put it, it’s ‘less a bar, more an entire street, transformed into an epicurean paradise featuring London’s most exciting food, drink and social experiences’. This mammoth – yet hidden – space is home to not only a covered woodland garden but also street food giants like Patty & Bun and Homeslice, meaning that you can select tasty bites and drinks from a variety of places (four restaurants and three bars) before settling, treats in hand, at your chosen garden table. Spoilt for choice!

The Prince, 14 Lillie Road, SW6 1TT

East

Pub on the Park, London Fields

Pub on the Park remains a firm favourite whatever the weather, thanks to one thing: the garden’s stunning views over London Fields. It’s an incredibly popular, buzzy spot, so arriving early or booking (if you can) is advised. If you can’t get in, though, never fear: as the name suggests, Pub on the Park is right next to a rather lovely park, so you can purchase your beverages and venture out to claim your ideal sun-worshipping spot.

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

Truman’s Social Club, Walthamstow

Rather excitingly, a huge new outdoor space has just opened in Walthamstow – and it’s been custom designed to meet the latest COVID-19 guidelines. Because development didn’t really get going until the lockdown, the team had a blank canvas to work with, and thus were able to create what they’ve dubbed ‘the biggest socially distanced pub and garden’ in the UK. As well as being a spacious, extremely safe outdoor venue in which to catch up with friends, visitors can enjoy fresh draught beer and other beverages, along with an ever-changing, mouth-watering food menu (which will be provided by a rotating group of local street food traders).

Truman’s Social Club, 1 Priestley Way, Walthamstow, E17 6AL