I won’t be making the most of my rent this summer. I’m going to be out, I’m going to be about, with South London as the playground. And what better place to play than the pub?

South London is blessed with an abundance of good boozers, and because this is a summer special list, the prerequisite of the locals below is that they must involve something fun and summery. They might have a rooftop, a riverside view of the Thames, or an as-far-as-the-eye-can-see beer garden to while away the hot days that turn into hazy nights.

This isn’t a summer for sitting inside an old man pub, dissimilar to winter when I’m seeking out the darkest corners of the dingiest pubs, it’s for pub hopping and lager drinking, perhaps a Spritz on a special Sunday, or a bottle of something bubbly for anyone lucky enough to be celebrating a birthday between June to August.

Forget the research, these are the best pubs in South London for summer.

The Railway Tavern

This Tulse Hill pub has a huge beer garden. Massive. It’s a leafy oasis, with hidden huts for you to spend the afternoon in and a canopy to cover you from any summer showers. There’s table tennis, big screens showing sports, and Bad Boy Pizza. I’ve spent many a birthday and engagement party here, spritzes flowing.

When night falls, there’s often a DJ or band taking to the “stage” (raised seating area) inside. Think live jazz and vinyl sets. Plus, The Railway is always free entry. Big tick.

Tulse Hill, SE27 | therailwaytulsehill.co.uk

The Ship

Time to take to the decks… of The Ship in Wandsworth. With golden sunsets and views of the Thames, this pub on the water may be a humble Young’s, but there’s no doubt that every seat will be filled every weekend from now until September.

Get involved in Ship Sessions with weekend DJs, and rumour has it, some new live music slots have been added to the roster. Sing your heart out to someone likely playing an acoustic version of “Hey Ya” by OutKast and tuck into a burger from the Ship Shack. They come double-stacked and overflowing, perfect for mopping up summer beers. Remember to add some curly fries on the side.

Pre-warning, The Ship will also be full of every person you’ve ever seen on Hinge. But at least you can make it into your very own singles night.

Wandsworth, SW8 | theship.co.uk

The Old Nun’s Head

The reason this loved Nunhead pub is on this list is for its Friday night Karaoke, Nunaoke. If you want a good time in South London this summer, head to the Old Nun’s Head after work and stay until someone is brave enough to take to the microphone. The queue will then be running off the sign-up sheet. Expect renditions of Shania Twain, Girls Aloud, and anything to get people up onto the dancefloor you’ve created between the tables.

Even better for summer snacking, the kitchen here is occupied by resident pizza maker Dough Hands. I’d go as far as to say it’s the best pizza in South London. The Jode is perfection (a pizza pie with nduja and hot honey, sprinkled with stracciatella and a pinch of basil), it does a controversial but well-loved tuna pizza, and it has its own, specially made Hackney hot sauce. Be prepared for your socks to be blown off from every angle.

Nunhead, SE15 | theoldnunshead.co.uk

Fox and Firkin

Take a ride on the Firkin Express this summer, a 1950s Kent and East Sussex first-class train carriage found in the garden of Deptford’s Fox and Firkin. We love a pub garden with an interesting focus. Diners and drinkers spill out across the outdoor space, with shade under the pergola for heatwaves and a stage for the pub’s live music schedule, including big-name local DJs and bands. It’s often jam-packed and free to attend, so be sure to look at the schedule of this boozer for any last-min live music cravings.

From the bar, enjoy plentiful craft beers, including the Fox and Firkin’s very own brews crafted on-site in the Firkin Brewery. This spot also does huge 18-inch pizzas from Freewheelin’. Take it by the slice or grab a whole one to feast on with friends. It seems this summer might be sponsored by the pizza, and we’re not mad about it.

Deptford, SE13 | foxfirkin.com

The Dolphin

We’re heading further South now for another garden that could be entered into a Top 10 competition, and likely win. The Dolphin in Sydenham is a low-key pub for summer. Meander through the rustic interior as it opens up into a pub garden haven: there are gravel paths, a water feature, shady trees and brollies for you to relax under. Sit among the pruned shrubs of the vast garden and soak up London’s rays.

And for those mid-summer Sundays when you’re craving a winter roast dinner even though the temperature is 30 degrees plus, The Dolphin serves them all through the year. The plates arrive piled high and drowning in gravy, the only way a roast should be served, if you ask me.

Sydenham, SE26 | thedolphinsydenham.com

The Anchor

Six bars and riverside views, that’s a recipe for a perfect summer pub. You can get an insight into London history while summer loving at The Anchor: it’s right by Borough Market, with views of the river, and the London Bridge Thames crossing. It was rebuilt in 1676 after the Great Fire of London and remains the sole survivor of the river taverns of Shakespeare's time. Raise a glass to the Bard, I guess.

As well as The Anchor’s actual pub garden, its other “garden” is actually an elevated seating area and bar on the Thameside. With good views, an extensive drinks menu, and pub grub to chow down on, make The Anchor your next after-work drinks location or weekend boozer when you’re Central, but still on the best side of the river (South).

Southwark, SE1 | greeneking.co.uk

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