29 of the best beer gardens London has to offer

If you like a cold beer on a hot day, you probably think there’s nothing better than soaking up some rays at one of London's best beer gardens (and we're inclined to agree). Being an inclusive bunch when it comes to drinking at SquareMeal, we’re happy to add that cocktails or a chilled wine does the trick rather nicely too - but then we’re sure we don’t need to tell you that.

Every year as the summer months start approaching, one thing that you can’t help but imagine is that feeling of being able to sit outside without being freezing, whether that be to eat al fresco, drink or just chill out. However, there aren’t many feelings better than sitting with your sunnies on in a lovely beer garden with a pint of cold lager in your hand. While you might be quick to imagine rural beer gardens far out of the city, there are loads of fantastic beer gardens in London, right in the heart of the actions, which are really worth a visit.

There are lots of different factors to consider when you’re looking for the perfect beer garden in London; are you looking for a huge garden where a large group of you will be able to stand together? Maybe you want somewhere small and romantic with beautiful views and an amazing gastro pub food menu. Or perhaps you’re all about that outdoor bar and huge screen to watch the footie on. Well, regardless of which of these you’re looking for we’ve got you covered with our carefully selected roundup of London’s best beer gardens.

We’ve scoured our collection of London pub listings to bring you our pick of the best beer gardens in London, all in one place. Scroll on for our selection of great London beer gardens, so you can sip alfresco in a pub worth talking about. Spread out all over London, these beer gardens tick all the right boxes for us and we’re sure they will for you too.

The best beer gardens in central London

While you might not think there’d be room for beer gardens in central London, we’re here to put the record straight with this lovely lot slap bang in the middle of town.

The Arber Garden, Fitzrovia

What: It's all in the name. Pub, dining room and gin garden, The Arber Garden takes pride in its beautiful outside terrace with its greenery and beautiful flower-draped archways - a London slice of the French Riviera. Covered and heated throughout the year, be it sun, rain or anything in between, head on over for a drink or two and maybe a tasty nibble of the small plates off the menu.
Where: 1 Pearson Square W1W 7EY
Book now: The Arber Garden

Two Tribes Brewery & Campfire Taproom, Kings Cross

What: With an emphasis on the beer in beer garden, Campfire is the Two Tribes Brewery taproom. If you have an appreciation for fine craft beer, delicious fire-cooked barbecue dishes, and electronic music, this unique beer garden is the place for you.
Where: Tileyard Road, N7 9AH
Book now: Two Tribes Brewery & Campfire Taproom

Flat Iron Square, London Bridge

What: Food, drinks, or a fun night out with live music, Flat Iron Square has it all. With a selection of food traders that will leave you salivating for more and a lovely beer garden in which to while away the hot summer days, Flat Iron Square is well worth the visit. 
Where: 45 Southwark Street, SE1 9HP
Book now: Flat Iron Square

Vinegar Yard, Southwark

What: Who needs a beer garden when you can have a beer yard? This venue includes drinks, food, a flea market, and some good old fashioned art; yep, Vinegar Yard is the full monty. Come summer head here alongside your friends to enjoy a cool drink in the sun at this huge outside venue. 
Where: 72-82 St Thomas Street, SE1 3QU
Book now: Vinegar Yard

The best beer gardens in west London

With its bustling neighbourhoods and upmarket vibe, west London is home to some of the nicest beer gardens in London - with leafy terraces, great design and delicious snack menus all commonplace.

The Eagle, Shepherd's Bush

What: Featuring a beanbag and deckchair covered lawn alongside some smaller outhouse-style booths, the beer garden of The Eagle in Shepherd’s Bush has to be one of our favourites in West London. It also has the added bonus of an outdoor burger shack.
Where: 215 Askew Road, W12 9AZ
Book now: The Eagle

The White Horse, Parson’s Green

What: Let’s just say that the clientele at this Parsons Green boozer has led to it being nicknamed the ‘Sloaney Pony’ but don’t be put off by that. The large outdoor area at The White Horse is always buzzing and has a lovely view right over the green.
Where: 1-3 Parsons Green, SW6 4UL
Book now: The White Horse

The Prince, Fulham

What: The owners of The Prince claim that it's 'London's biggest beer garden', and while we can't confirm that, we do know that they're well-versed in creating an atmosphere buzzing with fun and entertainment. Part pub, part food hall, this is a spot to head to come rain or shine thanks to a nifty retractable roof.
Where: 14 Lillie Road, SW6 1TT
Book now: The Prince

The Crabtree, Fulham

What: In a fantastic location in Hammersmith, The Crabtree’s enormous riverside garden is a picturesque spot to visit during a summer evening. It also has its own small kitchen called The Crab Shack which opens on warmer evenings.
Where: 4 Rainville Road, W6 9HA
Book now: The Crabtree

The Swan, Acton Lane

What: Tucked away off Acton Lane, The Swan isn’t a pub which looks like it would have a beer garden on first impression, but the leafy space around the back is a lovely surprise when you discover it.
Where: 119 Acton Lane, W4 5HH
Book now: The Swan

The best beer gardens in east London

There’s nowhere quite like east London when the sun is shining. Make the most of the warmer weather with one of east London’s best beer gardens, which bring the cool factor by the bucket load.

Chesham Arms, Hackney

What: Having tapped the beer, rolled out the Astro and aged long enough to exude that old pub charm, The Chesham Arms offers a local beer garden in the heart of Hackney. Why not pop in for a relaxed beer and a bit of live jazz on a Sunday afternoon? See you there.  
Where: 15 Mehetabel Road, E9 6DU
Book now: The Chesham Arms

Green Goose, Hackney

What: Pub quiz, pub food, pub vibes; the Green Goose is rustic and traditional with high-quality dishes, ten keg lines of beer and various wines and cocktails. However, as it heats up toward summer, it is the vast beer garden that draws locals and visitors alike. 
Where: 112 Anglo Road, E3 5HD
Book now: Green Goose

The Crooked Billet, Clapton 

What: Clapton is the home to The Crooked Billet which offers great food, a large selection of beers and most importantly a great sized beer garden. The outdoor area is usually packed if you’re not there good and early, with lots of little alcoves to sit in, so get in before the rush on a sunny day.
Where: 84 Upper Clapton Road, E5 9JP
Book now: The Crooked Billet

The Scolt Head, Dalston

What: Over in Dalston the beautiful beer garden at The Scolt Head is covered in ivy and feels like a complete escape from the outside world. With its own lamppost also in the garden, this charming spot is the perfect place to enjoy a craft beer well into the evening.
Where: 107a Culford Road, N1 4HT
Book now: The Scolt Head

The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping

What: Another small riverside terrace, but this time it’s at one of London’s oldest pubs where it’s believed Charles Dickens used to drink. The terrace at the Prospect of Whitby may not be huge but it has a certain charm to it.
Where: 57 Wapping Wall, E1W 3SH
Book now: The Prospect of Whitby

People’s Park Tavern, Hackney

What: Looking right over Victoria Park in Hackney, the People’s Park Tavern has a huge outdoor area decorated with fairy lights. There are loads of different cosy corners to sit in as well as a small covered area also.
Where: 360 Victoria Park Road, E9 7BT
Book now: People’s Park Tavern

The Crown & Shuttle, Shoreditch

What: Situated right on Shoreditch High Street, you wouldn’t expect a pub in a prime location like this to have an outdoor area. However The Crown & Shuttle’s small heated courtyard is a great spot and its artsy vibe is Shoreditch through and through.
Where: 226 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6PJ
Book now: The Crown & Shuttle

The best beer gardens in north London

North London is notoriously lovely, and the beer gardens are suitably up to scratch. Expect cosy British boozers with sprawling terraces out the back in this leafy London district.

The Albion, Islington

What: Come summertime, you won’t find a spare inch in either the front courtyard or the large, comely, wisteria-draped beer garden out back at The Albion as it becomes filled with merry-makers. As spacious as it is charming, guests can sip on draught beers such as Amstel or Guinness while nibbling on a selection of savoury bar snacks, which feature things like fish goujons and buttermilk chicken bites.
Where: 10 Thornhill Road, N1 1HW
Book now: The Albion

The Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park

What: Finsbury Park isn’t an area packed with lovely pubs on every corner, so it's even more special when you find one of its gems like The Faltering Fullback just off Perth Road. The wonderfully leafy outdoor area full of wooden tables makes it a great spot during summer particularly.
Where: 19 Perth Road, N4 3HB
Book now: The Faltering Fullback

The Avalon, Clapham

What: Boasting not one, not two but three outdoor areas, The Avalon in Clapham is a winner for us. The main outdoor garden features an alfresco bar and wooden booths to sit in, whilst the courtyard and the separate terrace are more intimate.
Where: 16 Balham Hill, SW12 9EB
Book now: The Avalon

The Brownswood, Finsbury Park

What: The Brownswood is a charming pub and guesthouse tucked away in Finsbury Park. While cosy fireplaces adorn the inside, the vibrant beer garden is ideal for a relaxed drink or two while snacking on a few sharing plates and soaking up the summer sun with friends.  
Where: 271 Green Lanes, N4 2EX
Book now: The Brownswood

The Garden Gate, Hampstead

What: Just a stone’s throw away from the edge of the Heath, Hampstead’s The Garden Gate has a mixture of covered and uncovered seating in its outdoor courtyard area. It’s also a great place to go with a larger group as there's plenty of space to spread out in.
Where: 14 South End Road, NW3 2QE
Book now: The Garden Gate

The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead

What: Everything about 450 year old The Spaniards Inn is incredibly quaint and appealing, and that includes the lovely little beer garden which is the perfect place to enjoy a light bite to eat from the barbecue or a drink from their outdoor bar.
Where: Spaniards Road, NW3 7JJ
Book now: The Spaniards Inn

The Junction Tavern, Tuffnell Park

What: The beer garden at Tufnell Park’s Junction Tavern is what we regard as an incredibly traditional garden. With leafy trees and plants in every corner and big green outdoor tables, it’s a great spot for a pint or three.
Where: 101 Fortess Road, NW5 1AG
Book now: The Junction Tavern

The best beer gardens in south London

South of the river is heaving with well-worn locals. Here you’ll find beer gardens aplenty that range from riverside terraces through to neat garden areas.

The Apollo Arms, Clapham

What: This spacious gastropub from the same team who brought us Ganymede and The Hunter's Moon boasts a charming hidden garden to the rear of the venue, with wooden decking, plenty of tables and sprawling foliage for the ultimate summer hideaway. 
Where: 13-19 Old Town, SW4 0JT
Book now: The Apollo Arms

Hope & Anchor, Brixton

What: This may just be Brixton's best beer garden. Hope & Anchor's floral draped garden dotted with tiki huts and fairy lights create a laid-back yet lovely social ambience that is ideal for a summer drink with friends.   
Where: 123 Acre Lane, SW2 5UA
Book now: Hope & Anchor

The Ship, Wandsworth

What: Wandsworth’s The Ship is based right on the edge of the Thames just along from Wandsworth Bridge. This means that unsurprisingly the view is stunning, and the large terrace area is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset with a drink in hand. This one gets pretty buzzy in the sun, so expect an upbeat atmosphere. 
Where: 41 Jew's Row, SW18 1TB
Book now: The Ship

The Old Joinery, Greenwich

What: Having just re-opened its doors, The Old Joinery is a hireable event space and film location while at the same time posing as a pub with ample outdoor space perfect for sitting back and relaxing surrounded by friends, live music, food and drinks. Pop over for a pint or two and find out the wonders of this hidden Greenwich gem. 
Where: 5 Ravensbourne Wharf Norman Road, SE10 9QF
Book now: The Old Joinery

The Duke of Edinburgh, Brixton

What: You’ll struggle to find many London beer gardens bigger than the one at The Duke of Edinburgh in Brixton. With space for hundreds of people to sit, this is a great option if you’re with a very large group in South London.
Where: 204 Ferndale Road, SW9 8AG
Book now: The Duke of Edinburgh

The Rosendale, Dulwich

What: This pub’s huge beer garden stretches around the side of the pub and features loads of umbrella-covered wooden tables. If you’re in the West Dulwich area, The Rosendale is certainly worth a visit in the summer.
Where: 65 Rosendale Road, SE21 8EZ
Book now: The Rosendale

For more drinking inspiration, see our recommendations for the coolest cocktail bars in London.