The best beer gardens in London
A beer garden does something to us Londoners. The first blue skies of spring and the “pub?” message will pop up in the group chat. Even if it’s a deceiving 13 degrees, we’ll be sitting outside, big coats already packed away for the year, shivering through the drinks, back aching from the lack of support sitting on a picnic bench for hours. All in the name of the Beer Garden.
Finding a decent pub garden or an outdoor area that expands way further than the indoor square meter is a skill. You always have that one friend who “knows the best place”, taking you through winding back streets. Thank you, friend, you have taken us through the looking glass to the Beer Garden.
Let me be that friend. These are the best pub gardens in London, so bookmark this for your hot girl summer.
The Stag
This North London pub has 150 years of good garden times. The Stag in Belsize Park is a “neighbourhood pub” in that it’s been family-run since it opened and since solidified itself as part of the community.
Its pub garden is heated (suddenly, the 13 degrees feels a bit more bearable), has covered cabanas (in case of those summer showers), and has an upcoming schedule of weekend BBQs throughout the warmer months and music events for when the sun shines.
The Stag also has a rotating list of 24 beers on tap as well as indie wines. And if you’re looking to eat? The Stag’s wings (chicken or cauli) are “legendary” for a reason. One flavour, one love. Spicy blue cheese. Perfect for getting messy with in a garden after approx. 2.5 pints.
Belsize Park, NW3 | thestagnw3.com
Pub on the Park
Upgrade from tinnies on the green to pints in the beer garden at London Fields’ Pub on the Park. Found on the very edge of the park, the pub garden expands ’til two become one. Diners and drinkers take to the benches and make it their base camp, taking it in turns to head to the bar for another round of Murphy’s.
The perfect spot for a summer birthday party, as you can turn the casual pub garden afternoon into a boogie with Pub on the Park’s DJs every Friday and Saturday, and a 1 am close.
London Fields, E8 | pubonthepark.com
The Joiners Arms
I once went on a date here and he asked me not to write about it as it was his “hidden gem”. That didn’t work out, so here we are. The Joiners Arms in Camberwell has a secret rooftop garden that catches the sun pretty much all day.
It’s a lush place to enjoy a pint, and while you may also find yourself on a bang average at this pub, at least you’ll be catching some rays. Simply leave when the sun sets.
Camberwell, SE5 | The Joiners Arms Instagram
White Cross
Naming itself a “local treasure”, Richmond’s White Cross pub has had the Thames lapping at its door since 1780, so it seems like a legit self-title. It’s the Pub That Floods, so check whether it’s high tide before heading West. Or have your dinghy and wellies at the ready.
A splash from the Thames is worth it for an Aperol Spritz, however. The food menu here is pub grub done right (its chippy, The Riverside Chippy, is also due to open soon to add more batter to the mix), with exceptional views of the river to wash it down with.
Richmond, TW9 | thewhitecrossrichmond.com
Frank’s Café
The Frank’s Café season is almost as short as the wild garlic one. But it’s just as special. Not technically a “garden”, but the rooftop of a converted car park doesn’t have the same ring. What it does have is great summertime vibes.
This Peckham spot is loved for its pink stairs and is a day-to-night suntrap owing to its tenth-floor home. Come here for views of London, standing among art installations, and pints in plastic cups.
Peckham, SE15 | boldtendencies.com
The Crooked Billet
One of the biggest pub gardens on this list, The Cooked Billet in Clapton prides itself on good pizza, good pints, and a good party.
Beers take you on a local journey with taps supplied by East London brewers such as Pillars Brewery, and you can mark the start of rosé wine season with its menu of blushes.
Having a tear and share pizza plonked in the middle of the bench to enjoy between pals is one of summer’s sweetest moments. Grab a slice, sit back, and enjoy it. Make it “2 hot” with the nduja and red hot chilli pizza, or if you can’t handle the heat, try the innovative Ploughman’s pizza, topped with ham hock, cheddar, rocket, and piccalilli.
Clapton, E5 | e5crookedbillet.co.uk
The Edinboro Castle
Another big one, The Edinboro Castle is Camden’s largest beer garden, and it does arguably the best fish and chips in North London, the perfect pub garden dish, in my opinion – it’s beer battered with minted crushed peas.
Beers on tap are as local as you like – with Brick Brewery’s Peckham Pale and Mondo Brewing’s new session IPA Humble from South, and a Cosmic Drop Berry fruity punch beer from North London neighbour Beavertown brewery. Low mileage and extra tasty.
Camden, NW1 | edinborocastlepub.co.uk
Hiver Taproom
The Bermondsey Beer Mile is where the pub garden spills onto the streets, and the Hiver Taproom makes use of this “urban” beer garden as sunshine rains down onto this stretch of breweries and taprooms.
Hiver ferments with raw honeys to produce its beers and ciders, making for a unique take on flavour and style. The Hiver Blonde is its flagship blonde beer, and has citrus on the nose, a velvety mouthfeel, and urban honey lemony aftertaste. Get a third, then get another as you make the most of your proximity to its production.
Bermondsey, SE1 | hiverbeers.com
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