Beer Gardens
The warmer months are perfect for busting out the coconut oil and ordering a pint at one of London's beer gardens.
It might be the way the sunshine lights up a pint with a warm, cheery glow, every bubble a tiny speck of radiance. Maybe it's just the taste of home - savouring a coldie with a barbie in the background. Whatever it is, those of us from the southern hemisphere love drinking beer in the sunshine like the Swedes love rolling around in snow after a naked sauna session. Perhaps more. The warmer months are perfect to banish your Ugg boots to the back of the closet and kick back in London's best beer gardens.
The Castle
Pentonville Rd, N1
The only thing better than a beer garden out the back is one on the roof, where every single UV ray hits its mark. The Castle boasts a rooftop boozer perfect for summer nights - and for watching passers-by on Pentonville Rd.
The Flask
Highgate West Hill, N6
The large beer garden at The Flask is hugely popular on balmy days. If you can't find a seat, join the crowd that overflows onto the grassy knoll opposite.
Garden Gate
Southend Rd, NW3
An atmospheric beer garden, but watch where you step. Many customers bring their dogs to the pub after a brisk walk in the park.
The Duke's Head
Lower Richmond Rd, SW15
Ah yes, the other essential ingredient to a good beer garden is a view over the water. This pub backs onto the Thames. The beach it ain't - the water is as brown as the beer - but the setting is extremely pleasant nonetheless.
The Mayflower
Rotherhithe St, SE16
The beer garden here is actually a jetty on the Thames. Perfect for a few drinks and yelling out to passing superyachts.
The Hope and Anchor
Acre Lane, SW2
A chic little beer garden where the smell of steaks on the you salivating.
The Duke of Edinburgh
Ferndale Rd, SW2
Another good-sized beer garden, this one comes with live sport, dart board, pool table and reasonably priced beer.
Spaniards Inn
Spaniards Rd, NW3
For beer garden aficionados with a love of literature, this was the setting for a scene in Charles Dickens' The Pickwick Papers.
The Old Ship
Upper Mall, W6
A popular choice for riverside boozing with Antipodeans and South Africans. Tan in the sun's rays reflected off the Thames.
Beer Garden Origins
Not surprisingly, the thirsty Germans claim they invented beer gardens. A Bavarian law passed in 1539 made it illegal to brew beer in summer. This meant storage space was needed so enough surplus beer could be brewed in advance. The Germans dug shallow cellars in their backyards, but when the weather warmed up, the beer got too hot. They decided to plant chestnut trees for shade, and the world's first beer gardens were born.
