Grand Union
Chill-out in one of the four Thai-style tree-houses in this huge jungle of outside space, which seats about 300. There’s also a fountain, as well as park benches with fancy white umbrellas overhead to shield drinkers from the sun (hopefully). Different coloured lights are switched on during the evening, giving the place a magical vibe. Sup bespoke cocktails or fizzy stuff and chow down on burgers, pizza or hang out ‘til they fire up the BBQ.
Free | Late night: Fri & Sat til 2am
123 Acre Lane, Brixton, SW2 5UA
Tube | Clapham High Street
grandunionbars.com
The Falcon
You’ll feel like you’re on holiday drinking in this trendy pub’s funky backyard. There’s space for 300 revellers on the patio space, which boasts brightly coloured tables and chairs, and lots of plantlife offering a tropical feel. There’s an outdoor bar, so you don’t need to wander all the way inside for a top-up, and expect a BBQ as well as heated, covered areas should the heavens open.
Free | Late night: Fri & Sat til 1am
33 Bedford Road, Clapham North, SW4 7SQ
Tube | Clapham North
thefalconclapham.co.uk
The Boundary
A tad more impressive than your average beer garden, this rooftop terrace affords drinkers striking views across the capital. Decorated like a work of art, the space boasts chic seating arranged around an open fireplace, and a 48-seat grill restaurant. If it’s nice, sit and relax with a glass of bubbly and watch the world go by below.
Free | Open til Sun, 30 September, subject to weather conditions
2-4 Boundary Street, E2 7DD
Tube | Shoreditch High Street
theboundary.co.uk
Imbibe
Tuck into a spit-roast or BBQ on Thursday and Friday nights, while relaxing in this flower-infested garden. It’s newly refurbished, so expect a modern decor, with corner sofas, and a friendly vibe.
Free | Late night: Fri til 1am
173 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8ER
Tube | Southwark
imbibe-bar.com
Proud
The former stables inside disguise the lush, fairy light-rimmed beer garden and terrace (above left) at the rear, on the banks of the famous Camden Lock. An outdoor bar in the corner means that a bevvie is never too far away, either. Free before 7pm.
£8 | Late night: Thurs, Fri, Sat until 2am
Camden, SW16 5NJ
Tube | Chalk Farm
proudcamden.com
Pub on the Park
There is a decking area outside this Victorian pub, although, as it’s opposite a huge park, ask for your drink in a plastic cup, and head there. Be warned: it does get incredibly busy in summer.
Free | Late night: Fri & Sat til 1am
19 Martello Street, London Fields E8 3PE
Tube | Bethnal Green
pubonthepark.com
Water Poet
This quirky garden is a little sun trap in the middle of the East End. It’s a traditional-looking boozer, with a covered marquee as well as benches sprawled across decking. Munch on BBQ as well as hog roast – private hire and parties are catered for.
Free | Late night: Mon-Sat til 11pm
9-11 Folgate Street, Spitafields, E1 6BX
Tube | Shoreditch High Street
waterpoet.co.uk
The Prospect of Whitby
Granted, it’s an unlikely place to find a beer garden, but, dating back to 1520, The Prospect is London’s oldest riverside pub – so expect to enjoy a pint of Real Ale with a pretty decent view. Bag a table in what’s more of a backyard than a garden,
or the first-floor balcony and terrace from where you’ll overlook the Thames. On offer is classic British pub food including fish ‘n’ chips served with mushy peas, and bangers and mash.
Late night: Fri & Sat til 12am
57 Wapping Wall, Wapping E1W 3SH
Canada Water
taylor-walker.co.uk
The Shaftesbury
This newly opened pub (above) prides itself on its quality selection of ales, lagers, wines and cocktails, and fine grub. It’s outdoor section continues this intent to impress with a funky red, white and blue colour theme, and an array of tabels and booths. It’s a ‘local’ done with stylish passion. Summer has never felt so warm.
Free | Late night: Fri-Sat til 12pm
121-123 Kew Road, Richmond, TW9 2PN
Tube | Richmond
shaftesburyrichmond.co.uk
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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
