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Beer Gardens: London's Best Bars & Pubs

Fluid London's Top Tens for Beer Gardens: London's Best Bars & Pubs
With global warming apparently giving the British Isles more of a continental weather style – that is uninterrupted warm summer days - the hunt is on for the perfect London Beer Garden to soak up those refreshing cool pints and those 'harmful' sun rays and London has some of the best Beer Gardens around! With the smoking ban sending smokers into the pubs garden that outside space has become more important than ever. Some pubs and bars offer the best Al Fresco experience as well.
1
Picture of Babylon at The Roof Gardens, a Restaurant in Kensington, London

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Babylon at The Roof Gardens (Restaurant)
99 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London, W8 5SA
Cuisine: Modern British

Kensington - Babylon is more than just a restaurant and promises exquisite cuisine, fantastic service and spectacular views of London's city skyline. When the weather is right, guests can dine al fresco on the terrace and make the most of those magnificent views but you need to be quick as the terrace tables are on a first come first serve basis.

2
Picture of Imbibe, a Bar in Southwark, London

Imbibe (Bar)
173 Blackfriars Road, Southwark, London, SE1 8ER
Cuisine: Modern European

Southwark - What really stands Imbibe out from the majority of bars in this part of London is the Pimms beer garden at the back - and we're not talking a couple of chairs on a slab of paving, no no no, Imbibe's impressive beer garden is two tiered with a barbecue area tucked against the main building, beautiful flowers and wooden furniture creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that can easily entertain a group of 150.

3
Picture of Chez Gerard Opera Terrace & Le Petit Café, a Bar, Restaurant in Covent Garden Piazza, London

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Chez Gerard Opera Terrace & Le Petit Café (Bar / Restaurant)
1st Floor, 38 The Market, Covent Garden Piazza, London, WC2E 8RF
Cuisine: French

Covent Garden - Situated above the Covent Garden Piazza this French style restaurant overlooks the street performers in front of the Royal Opera House. Chez Gerard is the largest bar & restaurant overlooking the Piazza.

4
Picture of Garden Bar and Grill, a Bar, Restaurant in Kensington, London

Garden Bar and Grill (Bar / Restaurant)
41 Bramley Rd, Notting Hill, London, W10 6SZ
Cuisine: Gastro

Kensington - Garden Bar & Grill is a relaxed, contemporary pub with great food and the largest beer garden in Nottinghill and perhaps central London. The atmosphere is laid back and the style is an eclectic mix of stone mosaics, leather booths, candles & an abundance of flowers. The beautiful garden is always open for alfresco drinking, dining & weekend BBQ's. In a previous life the Garden bar used to be the venue of the very famous blues club ? "Bad Bob's Blues".

5
Picture of The Eagle, a Bar, Restaurant in Shepherd's Bush, London

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The Eagle (Bar / Restaurant)
215 Askew Road, Ravenscourt Park, Shepherd's Bush, London, W12 9AZ
Cuisine: Gastro

Shepherd's Bush - Large outside beer garden that likes the sun. The Eagle offers those around the Shepherd Bush area one of the best beer gardens in this area of London to soak up the sun and enjoy your pints.

6
Picture of Gigalum, a Bar, Restaurant in Clapham, London

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Gigalum (Bar / Restaurant)
7-8 Cavendish Parade, Clapham Common South Side, Clapham, London, SW4 9DW
Cuisine: Bar

Clapham South - Gigalum is the closest thing to summer all year round. Overlooking Clapham Common and just seconds from Clapham South tube. With parasols and heaters Gigalum's front beer garden remains a viable propostition for outdoor drinking. The menu is available from lunchtime until late, with weekend brunches available all day alongside their Sunday roasts.

7
Picture of The Castle, a Bar, Restaurant in Islington, London

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The Castle (Bar / Restaurant)
54 Pentonville Road, Angel, Islington, London, N1 9HJ
Cuisine: Gastro

Islington - By far the best and most important thing to mention about The Castle is the fact that it has a roof beer garden. Perfect for summer, the beer garden is a roof garden - a high up open space looking down on Pentonville Road.

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Picture of The Lawn, a Bar, Restaurant in Fulham, London

The Lawn (Bar / Restaurant)
Fulham Palace, Bishop's Avenue, Fulham, London, SW6 6EA
Cuisine: Eclectic

Fulham - Afternoon tea at The Lawn has to be one of most quintessentially British experiences London has to offer. After a stroll through the grounds or a visit to the museum, a selection of finger sandwiches and pastries, including freshly made scones with Jersey clotted cream and Peyton and Byrne jams and loose leaf teas awaits, whilst soaking up one of the largest gardens London has to offer.

9
Picture of Henry J Beans, a Bar, Restaurant in Chelsea, London

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Henry J Beans (Bar / Restaurant)
195 - 197 Kings Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 5ED
Cuisine: American

Chelsea - Henry J Beans is situated on the Kings Road, Chelsea, and must have the largest beer garden in this part of London! Only shame is that part of it closes at 8pm and all of it by 9.30pm.... those Chelsea neighbours have had their say.

10
Picture of Leather Bottle, a Bar, Restaurant in Tooting, London

Leather Bottle (Bar / Restaurant)
538 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, London, SW17 0NY
Cuisine: Gastro

Earlsfield - This pub offers one of the best and biggest beer gardens in South West London with over 250 seats. With a newly raised decking area for outdoor eating (non-smoking) along with a heated patio area and boules area, the Leather Bottle is up there as one of the best in London! For those private summer parties they can also provide you with your very own hog roast or summer BBQ.

Honourable mentions

Picture of Admiral Codrington, a Bar, Restaurant in South Kensington, London

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Admiral Codrington (Bar / Restaurant)
17 Mossop Street, South Kensington, London, SW3 2LY | Cuisine: Modern Eclectic

South Kensington - The Admiral Codrington is split between a small pub with a heated patio and a full dining room that has a removable roof just in case that sun pays a visit; this is a classy venue with mature clientele and a decent atmosphere.

Picture of Edinboro Castle, a Bar in Camden, London

Edinboro Castle (Bar)
57 Mornington Terrace, Mornington Crescent, Camden, London, NW1 7RU | Cuisine: Gastro

Camden - This pub will be in its element over the summer months. In its detachment from the noisy throngs of Camden High Street, the new beer garden, large interiors and appetising selection of light food all favour the Edinboro Castle as a fulfilling lunchtime detour off the market path.

Picture of Southwark Rooms, a Bar, Restaurant, Club in Southwark, London

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Southwark Rooms (Bar / Restaurant / Club)
60 Southwark Street, London Bridge, London Bridge, London, SE1 1UN | Cuisine: European

Southwark Rooms is a classy cocktail bar with DJs regularly playing a selection of tunes. The place has a great atmosphere and a modern yet classic look. There is a large selection of champagne and sexy cocktails to choose from. Fresh, home cooked food, canapes and weekly Borough Market Specials are available. There is a great seating in the sunshine to be had.

Picture of The Old Bull & Bush, a Bar in North Hampstead, London

The Old Bull & Bush (Bar)
North End Way, Golders Green, North Hampstead, London, NW3 7HE |

Hampstead - In the 18th century the pub was famous for its pleasure garden which was originally laid out by Hogarth, who was also reputed that to have planted one of the many trees.  In fact, when the plants and shrubs are in full bloom, the Old Bull & Bush is the perfect stop-off point after a brisk walk on nearby Hampstead Heath.

Picture of The Avalon, a Bar, Restaurant in Clapham South, London

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The Avalon (Bar / Restaurant)
14-16 Balham Hill, Clapham South, London, SW12 9EB | Cuisine: Gastro

Clapham & Balham - The Avalon is truly blessed with outside space, the large terraces being glorious sun traps in the warmer months. They have recently opened their new rear beer garden, which provides a gorgeous new space in which to dine, drink and relax. The beer garden is open daily from noon; on Thursday and Friday evenings and all day Saturday and Sunday, there is a fantastic Mediterranean grill menu, providing the perfect accompaniment to a pint or chilled glass of rosé in the sun.

Picture of The Cambria, a Bar, Restaurant in Camberwell, London

The Cambria (Bar / Restaurant)
40 Kemerton Rd, Camberwell, Camberwell, London, SE5 9AR | Cuisine: Modern International

Camberwell - A key feature to this multi-talented sanctum is its secluded rear sun garden, replete with functional foliage, split-level decking, and amusing 'Jugs and Cocktails' signage (which has puerile written all over it). The Cambria is a beautiful friendly pub, serving fantastic food and running many different themed nights including, live jazz, quiz, cabaret and a comedy night. Great service and atmosphere, with one of the best beer gardens in this area of London.

Picture of The Albion, a Bar in Barnsbury, London

The Albion (Bar)
10 Thornhill Road, Barnsbury, London, N1 1HW | Cuisine: Bar

Islington - The Albion has that rare feeling of a country pub in the city, possibly due to the complete lack of traffic noise, making it perfect for escaping the rat race with good food and a delightful beer garden out back.

Picture of The Anglers, a Bar in Middlesex, London

The Anglers (Bar)
Broom Road, Teddington, Middlesex, London, TW11 9NR | Cuisine: Gastro

Teddington - If you're boating on the Thames and in need of refreshment you can't get any better than The Anglers. There's mooring space for three boats, which takes you directly into the beer garden - perfect.

Picture of The Cove, a Bar in Covent Garden, London

The Cove (Bar)
1 Covent Garden Piazza, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8HB |

Covent Garden - The style of The Cove is Cornish (like the pasties) which means low ceilings, Oak beams and rustic furnishings, plus a fantastic balcony overlooking the Piazza where you can while away the hours watching boys watching girls, watching pigeons, street performers and the world go by.

Picture of Chapel Bar & Club, a Bar, Restaurant, Club in Islington, London

Chapel Bar & Club (Bar / Restaurant / Club)
29a Penton Street, Islington, London, N1 9PX | Cuisine: North African

Islington - The Chapel Bar & Club is a 280 capacity, split level venue with a large, newly redecorated ground floor bar with designated covered smoking area, first floor Venetian Chandelier Bar and a spacious heated and enclosed roof terrace, with a second covered smoking area.

Picture of The Duke's Head, a Bar in Putney, London

The Duke's Head (Bar)
8 Lower Richmond Road, Putney, London, SW15 1JN | Cuisine: Eclectic

Putney - A pub so beautiful and authentic you are left wondering how so many others have got it so wrong. With a large beer garden dropping down onto the Thames, the Duke's Head is one of Putney's best riverside pub.

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The Duke of Edinburgh (Bar)
204 Ferndale Rd, Brixton, London, SW9 8AG |

Brixton - Not the easiest to find but worth it once you do. The Duke of Edinburgh has one of the largest beer gardens in London - it's massive! With gas fires and Barbecue's in the summer the Dukes a must.

Picture of The Eagle, a Bar in Hoxton, London

The Eagle (Bar)
2 Shepherdess Walk, City Road, Hoxton, London, N1 7LB |

Old Street - The beer garden of the Eagle is reminiscent of a Greek tavernier - brick walls, complete with climbing ivy, are decorated with ornate, gilt mirrors and hand-painted glass.  Strings of fairy lights coloured lamps and candles further enhance the atmosphere.

Picture of The Endurance, a Bar, Restaurant in Soho, London

The Endurance (Bar / Restaurant)
90 Berwick Street, Soho, London, W1F 0QB | Cuisine: Gastro

Soho has numerous pubs and bars but The Endurance must be the only one with a beer garden. Situated in the heart of Berwick Street market, the pub is a great choice for anyone shopping on Oxford Street needing a refresher on a summers day.

Picture of The Falcon, a Bar in Clapham, London

The Falcon (Bar)
33 Bedford Road, Clapham North, Clapham, London, SW4 7SQ | Cuisine: Thai

Clapham North - The Falcon is a classic example of new Clapham drinking. The beer garden out the back is a large feature of this pub with a fantastic BBQ on the weekends during the summer. Tunes pump from speakers throughout the day.

Picture of The Garden Gate, a Bar in Hampstead Heath, London

The Garden Gate (Bar)
14 South End Rd, Hampstead Heath, London, NW3 2QE | Cuisine: Pub

Hampstead Heath - The Garden Gate is named after its beautiful garden for which it is known locally. The pub is situated amongst the cafes and shops of busy Belsize Park, just 500 yards from Hampstead Heath.

Picture of The Engineer, a Bar, Restaurant in Primrose Hill, London

The Engineer (Bar / Restaurant)
65 Gloucester Avenue, Regent's Park, Primrose Hill, London, NW1 8JH | Cuisine: Gastro

Primrose Hill - One of London's first and best gastro-pubs The Engineer immediately won the Time Out, Michelob award for "Best Bar" in 1995. The restaurant and function rooms are gloriously "arty" and the garden in the summer must be the best place to eat in London.

Picture of Flask, a Bar in Highgate, London

Flask (Bar)
77 Highgate West Hill, Highgate, London, N6 6BU |

Highgate - The Flask has a large beer garden that gets so busy in the summer that people tend to spill out onto the grassy knoll opposite, and on warm summer evenings The Flask fires up the BBQ and opens its own al fresco bar.

Picture of The Grand Union Brixton, a Bar, Restaurant, Club in Brixton, London

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The Grand Union Brixton (Bar / Restaurant / Club)
123 Acre Lane, Brixton, Brixton, London, SW2 5UA | Cuisine: Bar

Clapham North - Another peach of a beer garden in the Clapham area, with barbecue's in the summer the Grand Union is a choice venue for those lazzzy summer days.

Picture of The Hare & Hounds, a Bar in East Sheen, London

The Hare & Hounds (Bar)
216 Upper Richmond Road West, East Sheen, London, SW14 8AH | Cuisine: Gastro

East Sheen - One of the few, if not only, decent pubs in this area of London that still shows the football, plus the Hare & Hounds has a huge beer garden (children friendly with a playground to keep them amused and away from adults wishing to sip their pints peacefully) that gets the sun all day during the summer - lovely.

Picture of Idlewild, a Bar, Restaurant in Maida Vale, London

Idlewild (Bar / Restaurant)
55 Shirland Road, Maida Vale, London, W9 2JD | Cuisine: Gastro

Maida Vale - A courtyard beer garden sits snugly behind on a lower floor and will be a perfect hideaway on hot summer days. Idlewild has created a whole new category for those looking for a night (or day) out. Best described as a Pub Restaurant Deluxe, it features a classic British menu and bar quality cocktails, in a venue which is quite stunningly unique.

Picture of Marlborough, a Bar in Richmond, London

Marlborough (Bar)
46 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, London, TW10 6NQ | Cuisine: Eclectic

Richmond - The Marlborough has possibly one of the largest beer gardens in the Richmond area with over 800 square metres of garden to spread into. Open BBQ during the summer and large leafy trees give shade to those that desire it.

Picture of The Mayflower, a Bar, Restaurant in Rotherhithe, London

The Mayflower (Bar / Restaurant)
117 Rotherhithe Street, Rotherhithe, London, SE16 4NF | Cuisine: Fish

Rotherhithe - The Mayflower is situated right by the Thames and you can sit in the snug bar or take a seat outside on the jetty-cum-beer garden to watch more energetic revelers cruise past on hired party boats!

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The Mucky Pup (Bar)
39 Queens Head Street, Angel, London, N1 8NQ | Cuisine: International

Angel - With a central drinking area with tables, couches to lounge in, adverts for a quiz night on Wednesday, a pool table in a smoky room, and an enclosed-in-large-brick-wall beer garden, The Mucky Pup is the antitheses of All Bar One.

Picture of The Plough Inn, a Bar in Ealing, London

The Plough Inn (Bar)
297 Northfield Avenue, Northfield, Ealing, London, W5 4XB | Cuisine: Eclectic

Ealing - Nice enough Fuller's pub that has a history going back a couple of hundred years. One of the biggest pluses is the pleasant beer garden that conduces to stay and sip those cool pints.

Picture of Queens Head, a Bar in Hammersmith, London

Queens Head (Bar)
13 Brook Green, Hammersmith, London, W6 7BL | Cuisine: Gastro

Hammersmith - On Brook Green the Queens Head is both perfect for lunch with the parents on a Sunday or a cozy night with a loved one and in the summer, break free from the hustle and bustle of London in the massive beer garden at the rear.

Picture of The Red Lion Pub & Eating House, a Bar, Restaurant in Barnes, London

The Red Lion Pub & Eating House (Bar / Restaurant)
2 Castelnau, Barnes, London, SW13 9RU | Cuisine: Gastro

Barnes - Without the beer garden we wouldn't be recommending The Red Lion, not the cheapest of venues to eat or drink at, but it does catch the sunshine all day.

Picture of Roebuck, a Bar in Hampstead, London

Roebuck (Bar)
15 Pond Street, Hampstead, London, NW3 2PN | Cuisine: Modern European

Hampstead - The revamped beer garden at the rear of the Roebuck has a heated gazebo that will ensure that even as the sun goes down you can enjoy alfresco food and drink well into the summer evenings.

Picture of Ruby Grand, a Bar in Hammersmith, London

Ruby Grand (Bar)
227 King Street, Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith, London, W6 9JT | Cuisine: Gastro

Hammersmith - A walled beer garden sits behind Ruby Grand providing the perfect spot for a hot summer day, with individual areas ideal for parties and semi-private hire. In summer they have barbecues in the beer garden (weather permitting, of course).

Picture of The Ranelagh, a Bar in Bounds Green, London

The Ranelagh (Bar)
82 Bounds Green Road, Bounds Green, London, N11 2EU |

Bounds Green - The Ranelagh has a gorgeous two-tiered beer garden, complete with an American-style raised decking area and offers ample seating with capacity for 140 people. There's plenty of outside space to kick back have a drink and relax.

Picture of Spaniards Inn, a Bar in Hampstead, London

Spaniards Inn (Bar)
Spaniards Road, Hampstead Heath, Hampstead, London, NW3 7JJ | Cuisine: Eclectic

Hampstead - Possibly the most historical beer gardens in London. The pub is said to be haunted by Dick Turpin and the beer garden also has a literary history: Dickens chose the Spaniards garden as the setting for Mrs Bardell's arrest in The Pickwick Papers, and Keats allegedly wrote his Ode to a Nightingale here.

Picture of The Salutation, a Bar in Hammersmith, London

The Salutation (Bar)
154 Kings Street, Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith, London, W6 0QE |

Hammersmith - Another pub that hasn't much attraction unless the sun is out - then it's grab your pint from the bar and head straight to one of the best beer gardens Hammersmith has to offer.

Picture of The Windsor Castle, a Bar in Notting Hill Gate, London

The Windsor Castle (Bar)
114 Campden Hill Road, Notting Hill Gate, London, W8 7AR | Cuisine: Pub

Notting Hill - Small and cozy interior for those off the smaller hobbitesque size who like to drink the odd glass of champagne, the beer garden is somewhere to enjoy the summer warmth reflecting from the stone slabs.

Picture of Ye White Hart, a Bar in Barnes, London

Ye White Hart (Bar)
The Terrace, The Riverside, Barnes, London, SW13 0NR | Cuisine: Pub

Barnes - Ye White Hart has an extensive Riverside Beer Garden with loads of benches and tables along the river front of the pub, on the patio and on the river bank itself, all of which are perfect to relax on in the summer all day long, but beware of the upcoming tide that could catch you out.

Picture of The Windmill, a Bar, Hotel in Clapham Common Southside, London

The Windmill (Bar / Hotel)
Windmill Drive, Clapham Common Southside, London, SW4 9DE | Cuisine: Pub

Clapham - With the whole of Clapham Common as your beer garden (well almost) the Windmill has got the perfect formula for the summer days.

Picture of The Ship, a Bar in Wandsworth, London

The Ship (Bar)
41 Jews Row, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1TB | Cuisine: Gastro

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GJ's Bar & Restaurant (Bar)
89 Garratt Lane, Wandsworth, London, SW18 4DW | Cuisine: Bar

Picture of The Water Poet, a Bar in Shoreditch, London

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The Water Poet (Bar)
9-11 Folgate Street, Spitalfields, Shoreditch, London, E2 6BX | Cuisine: British

Not many City/Shoreditch pubs can boast a huge private and enclosed sun-trap of a beer garden with room for up to 150 people, but The Water Poet can. With a critically acclaimed BBQ and hog roast every summer, huge new garden screen showing sports and films, it's also family friendly with table service too. Perfect!

Picture of The Colliers Tup, a Bar in London

The Colliers Tup (Bar)
198 High Street, Colliers Wood, London, SW19 2BH |

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The Canonbury Tavern (Bar)
21 Canonbury Place, Highbury & Islington, Canonbury, London, N1 2NS | Cuisine: Modern British

Picture of The Grand Union Wandsworth, a Bar in London

The Grand Union Wandsworth (Bar)
96 Wandsworth High Street, Wandsworth, London, SW18 4LB | Cuisine: American

 

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