Your essential guide to the best rooftop bars and beer gardens in London

Brixton Clubhouse

This rooftop bar in south London has ace views of the city from its extensive terrace. When the sun’s out, so too is the BBQ, and there’s a Jacuzzi, as well as an outdoor bar. The real draw here, though, is the stunning sound system, which is put to use in the Art Deco club space below, and on the terraces upstairs for all-day summer weekend parties.

Dates, prices and times vary
467 Brixton Road, Brixton SW9 8HH
Tube | Brixton
brixtonclubhouse.com

Hawley Arms

Having been damaged by fire in 2008, the pub refurbished, aiming to recreate the home-from-home atmosphere for which it was revered. Outside, drinkers will find a small walled garden at the back, as well as a first-floor bar with a terrace. Put some tunes on the jukebox, play  board games, or soak up the busy vibe. Hungry? Order a Pieminister Pie for £8.50.

Free | Late night: Fri & Sat til 1am
 2 Castlehaven Road, Camden NW1 8QU
Tube | Camden Town
 thehawleyarms.co.uk

The Edinboro Castle

Not to be confused with the smaller Dublin Castle round the corner, this classy Camden boozing institution has a beer garden to die for. It features big sharing tables, private booths, a BBQ and hog roast, and an al fresco bar – so there’s no traipsing between garden and bar. Grab a brew and soak up that sun. 

Free | Late night: Mon-Sun, til 11pm. Sun, til 10.30pm
57 Mornington Crescent, Camden, NW1 7RU
Tube | Camden Town
 edinborocastlepub.co.uk

The Crabtree

This iconic Victorian pub on the banks of the Thames has a beer garden with riverside views. nicely kitted out with flora and fauna, and a BBQ till 9pm, it’s a truly delightful venue to enjoy a bevvy.

Free | Late night: Mon-Sat til 11pm
Hammersmith, W6 9HA
Tube | Baron’s Court
 thecrabtreew6.co.uk

The Greyhound

This large pub on the edge of Streatham Common, has a beer garden that almost matches the park for scale. With a decking area, two pizzas and a bottle of wine for £20, it’s too little known by half.

Free | Late night: Mon-Fri til 12am
Streatham | SW16 5NJ
Tube | Streatham Common
 thegreyhoundbar.co.uk

The Swan

An impressive menu is waiting, as is a wide choice of wines, lagers and ales. Best of all, though, is the leafy beer garden in which to enjoy one – or more – of the above. Sumptuous and stylish.

Free | Late night: Fri & Sat til 10.30pm
1 Evershed Walk, Chiswick W4 5HH
Tube | South Acton
 theswanchiswick.co.uk

Vibe Bar

Always rammed in summer, this venue boasts outside space with bench-style seating, and top DJs performing. It’s also big on food – choose from jerk chicken and BBQ, homemade pizza, and bar snacks, such as spring rolls.

Free | Late night: Fri & Sat
91-95 Brick Lane, E1 6QL
Tube | Shoreditch High Street
vibe-bar.co.uk

Queen Elizabeth Roof Garden

There’s a real lawn, vegetable planters, and a ‘wildflower meadow’ – but then what else would  you expect if your riverside cafe and bar was landcaped by the brains behind the Eden Project. A one-of-a- kind al fresco dining and drinking experience.

Free | Late night: Daily til 10.30pm
Southbank | SE1 8XX
Tube | Waterloo
companyofcooks.com

The Cock Tavern

Recently reopened and fully refurbished, this stylish yet homely west London pub (above) has a decked out terrace garden from which to enjoy its ales, lagers and cocktails, and
an ace Sunday roast, too.

Free | Late night: Fri & Sat til 12.30am
360 North End Road, Fulham SW6 1LY
Tube | Fulham Broadway
 cocktavern.coo.uk

The Phene

Furnished with comfy-as sofas, leafy hanging baskets, and fairy lights  and, because this is London after all, it’s fully heated, too. It’s Chelsea, so expect the drinks to match this set-to-impress exterior.

Free | Daily til 11pm
9 Phene Street, Chelsea SW3 5NY
Tube | Sloane Square
thephene.com