London’s thriving restaurant scene really shines during the warmer months when you can dine alfresco on the banks of the river Thames or sip some beers in a blooming pub garden with your friends. The UK capital is known for having some of the best beer and pub gardens in the country, meaning you’ll find plenty of buzzing outdoor spots to grab a bite. Whether you’re looking for a traditional pub lunch or a restaurant for summer cocktails, the best beer gardens in London are unforgettable both inside and out.
Tuck into a succulent Sunday roast with all the trimmings and a choice of regionally sourced meats at a traditional London pub. Enjoy refreshing summer cocktails and beautiful views on the balcony at a historic riverside venue. If you love world cuisine, you’ll find a great range of London pubs with beer gardens that serve creative Mediterranean-inspired food and wood-fired pizzas. Whatever you prefer, for the highest-quality outdoor dining, these restaurants are home to the best beer gardens in London.
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Keep reading for the best beer gardens in London for cool outdoor dining vibes
For one of the best beer gardens in East London – head to The Victoria in Mile End
Set in a beautifully restored East End pub, The Victoria offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere with its elegant interiors and classic charm. The menu showcases British favourites, including slow-roasted Hampshire pork belly with braised puy lentils and fish pie with Chalkstream trout and Scottish smoked haddock. Enjoy all of that in the heated beer garden, complete with a teepee during winter months, making it a perfect spot year-round. The bar features a selection of cracking beers, a carefully curated wine list, and expertly crafted cocktails. Whether you’re in for a hearty meal or a relaxed drink, The Victoria stands out as a quintessential East End pub experience.
For one of the best beer gardens in Southeast London – don’t miss Pacific Tavern in Surrey Quays
Pacific Tavern brings a taste of the Pacific to London with its flame-cooked dishes and vibrant atmosphere. The menu features delights like mochiko chicken with miso, sesame and gochujang mayo, and charcoal-smoked hispi cabbage with nam phrik and zhoug. The year-round beer garden hosts regular live music events, enhancing the dining experience. Beverage offerings include Pacific ales and island-inspired cocktails like the Hibiscus Margarita, and the Blue Paloma. With its cosy interior and lively outdoor space, Pacific Tavern is a hidden gem perfect for any occasion.
For one of the best beer gardens in Central London – try The Minories in Tower Hill
Located just steps from Tower Hill station, The Minories is a traditional pub nestled under railway arches, offering a unique and historic setting. The menu includes classic British pub fare, perfect for a casual meal. Tuck into hand-battered fish and chips with mushy peas or opt for a bucket of chicken wings with herb sauce. Sports enthusiasts can catch all major events on numerous plasma screens and two large projectors, both indoors and in the heated beer garden. The bar serves a wide selection of real ales and wines, catering to all tastes. With its central location and inviting atmosphere, The Minories is a go-to spot for both locals and visitors.
For light bites and one of the best beer gardens in East London – sample The Hawke Pub in Hackney
Nestled in Lauriston Village near Victoria Park, The Hawke Pub is a cosy neighbourhood spot known for its quality dishes and welcoming vibe. The kitchen offers a range of small and medium plates, with highlights including the renowned Sunday roast. Guests can tuck into birria croquettes with salsa rojo and pork carnitas with pickled onions and coriander in the charming garden or the comfortable indoor seating area. The pub also features a selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, making it an ideal place for a relaxed meal or drink. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, The Hawke Pub is a delightful destination for those seeking a laid-back dining experience in Hackney.
For hosting a garden party at one of the best beer gardens in North London – try The Albion in Islington
With its elegant, Georgian-inspired decor and classic country pub feel, The Albion in Islington is a popular haunt for locals and a must-visit for anyone passing through. Situated in an ivy-strewn Georgian manor, The Albion also has a stunning alfresco dining area that’s known for being one of the best beer gardens in London. The menu is classic British and features famous pub starters, like pheasant rillettes with sourdough and Caesar salad. For a main, diners can enjoy dishes like tender Hereford Cross sirloin steak or crispy beer-battered haddock with hand-cut chips. Save room for dessert with tasty treats like fried custard pie and sticky toffee pudding to follow. The bar serves classic cocktails and a range of premium spirits and craft beers. Take your pint outside when the weather turns warm and relax in the shade of the willow tree in the pub’s beautiful beer garden.
For gastropub fare at of the best pub gardens in South London – visit The Apollo Arms in Clapham
Located in the stylish Clapham area, The Apollo Arms is a British gastropub headed up by a team of MICHELIN-trained chefs. The restaurant was founded by Hubert Beatson-Hird, who has managed various London venues, and Oliver Marlowe, who worked as a chef at MICHELIN-starred eatery, The Glasshouse. Diners at The Apollo Arms can make the most of the restaurant’s scenic outdoor area and the tantalizing menu that skilfully blends classic gastropub staples with modern fine dining techniques. Open your meal with a choice of refined starters, such as a chicken liver parfait served with toasted brioche or a bowl of celeriac soup. The main menu features pub classics, like a cheeseburger topped with house fries or a flat iron steak with roasted red onion and truffle mayonnaise. The sophisticated wine list features a range of European vintages that are perfect while dining alfresco.
For relaxed outdoor dining in one of London’s best beer gardens – head to The Bull in Highgate
The Bull in Highgate has a charming, country pub feel and one of the best beer gardens in London for casual outdoor dining. The spacious terrace garden is open until 9 pm every evening, making it perfect for warm summer nights. Meat lovers can enjoy a treat every Thursday evening, when The Bull runs a steak night featuring cuts sourced by a renowned local butcher. If you’re dining with a group, you can start your meal by sharing a baked camembert with roast garlic and sourdough toast. For mains, you can tuck into a succulent aged double cheeseburger with fries or pan-fried sea bass with new potatoes. Enjoy a beer on the terrace or relax with a summery glass of Pimm’s. The laid-back atmosphere is great for a family meal out or for unwinding with friends.
For sensational Greek food and one of north London’s best pub gardens – visit The Clissold Arms in Muswell Hill
With its Greek-inspired menu and unique decor, The Clissold Arms in Muswell Hill is popular with locals and visitors alike. This family-owned restaurant serves a variety of sharing bowls and sources seafood from a local fishmonger. This heated beer garden in London also includes a covered alfresco area that’s a popular choice for parties and events. Diners can sample traditional Mediterranean seafood dishes like lightly fried crispy calamari served with tartar sauce or a refreshing avocado and feta salad. You can also try a Greek cheese platter served with black olives or the signature feta and spinach parcels. The drinks menu features refreshing summer cocktails, like a Kir Royale or a Campari Spritz, and a range of European and New World wines. Warm, welcoming service and the lively stmosphere make this a great spot to celebrate a special occasion.
For gorgeous riverside views – don’t miss The Crabtree in Fulham
The Crabtree in Fulham is one of the best beer gardens in London if you want stunning views of the river Thames. The riverfront terrace is lined with willow trees and the beer garden also has a shaded, decking area that’s perfect for enjoying a cold cider on a hot day. Serving a classic gastropub menu, The Crabtree’s cuisine style is unfussy and satisfying. The restaurant offers a selection of Sunday roasts, including roast saddle of lamb, roast beef, and a vegan wild mushroom and spinach strudel. Meanwhile, the à la carte menu offers a range of hearty dishes, like a juicy chicken Kiev served with a wedge salad or a tender scotch flat iron steak. Vegetarians are also catered to, with options like the heritage tomato panzanella with roast garlic croutons. The lively atmosphere and classic pub aesthetic make this a great option for a party or special get-together.
For cracking pizzas at one of the best pubs in South London – try The Dolphin in Sydenham
With its stunning outdoor dining area and a wood-fire pizza oven, The Dolphin in Sydenham is one of the best restaurants in London for delicious Mediterranean-inspired food, served alfresco. Diners at The Dolphin can enjoy some tasty slices in the restaurant’s scenic garden, which is landscaped with box hedges and well-lit for eating after dark. Start your meal off with some grilled halloumi cheese or hummus and tapenade dips with fresh pita. Popular pizza toppings include the Italian sausage pizza and the truffle mushroom, loaded with creamy mozzarella, and truffle oil. You can also enjoy a classic pub roast on Sundays, with options like topside beef with horseradish or slow-roasted pork with apple sauce. The bar serves a great range of draught beers, including German and Bavarian beers, and specialises in cask ale and cider. The relaxed vibe is ideal for a chill weekend.
For a fun date night with beer and creative bar snacks – visit The Florence in Herne Hill
The Florence in Herne Hill puts a trendy modern twist on a traditional gastropub. With its sumptuous comfort-food menu, The Florence also has one of the best beer gardens in London for a relaxed, alfresco meal. Using fresh, high-quality produce, The Florence makes for a charming pub experience. Start with bar snacks, like teriyaki chicken skewers, before moving on to British classics like sausage rolls, spicy king prawn and monkfish Malabar curry or the flaky fish and chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce. Treat yourself to dessert and enjoy a mouthwatering cherry, almond and coconut crumble or a rich dark chocolate mousse bombe. Running from Monday to Thursday, 3pm to 8pm, the two or three-course prix fixe menu allows you to get the best in house. Choose from a range of premium draught ales that are constantly changing. The upbeat vibe makes this a great spot for a fun date night or a family hangout.
For one of the best beer gardens in West London – head to The Princess Royal Pub and Boutique Hotel in Notting Hill
Organic decor inside and a lush outdoor terrace area make The Princess Royal Pub and Boutique Hotel in Notting Hill one of the best beer gardens in London for nature lovers. Located in London’s sophisticated Notting Hill area, The Royal Princess is stylish and offers a modern Mediterranean-inspired menu. The kitchen focuses on using fresh local produce to create high-quality and sustainable dishes. Feast on mains from the grill, like a juicy roast half chicken spiced with chilli honey butter or a delicate Cornish mackerel cooked with capers and Kalamata olives. Seafood lovers can chow down on seasonal oysters in mignonette sauce or buttery tuna tartare. Sip on a cold beer in the garden or enjoy a crisp glass of wine. An abundance of pot plants and plenty of natural light gives the restaurant a relaxing yet elegant feel, and the outdoor garden is dog-friendly.
Dining outdoors is the perfect way to get into the summer spirit after the long winter months. These amazing London restaurants are ideal to visit when the weather warms up and the mouthwatering menus make them great to return to all year-round. Whether you’re looking for sophisticated fine dining or a relaxing drink with friends, the best beer gardens in London should be on your list.
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