It’s summer in London and on the odd day when the clouds clear and it’s not pouring with rain, there is nowhere better to be than one of the capitals finest beer gardens, with a pint of something cool and some sociable mates. So that you can be best prepared next time the clouds align and the sun comes beaming through, here are 10 of London’s best beer gardens.
The Junction Tavern (101 Fortess Road Tufnell Park London NW5 1AG Tel: 020 7485 9400 http://www.junctiontavern.co.uk)
The Junctions’s lovely walled beer garden is a bit of a suntrap and a pretty spot to enjoy one of their speciality beers and a ridiculously delicious roast beef and apple crumble. There are plenty of tables and chairs so you can normally get a seat and garden heaters mean you can stay outside after dark, even when it’s chilly.
The Windsor Castle (114 Campden Hill Road Kensington London W8 7AR Tel: 0207 243 8797 http://www.thewindsorcastlekensington.co.uk)
If you’re looking for a beer garden with a bit of history, the delightful Windsor Castle was built in the 1800s. The Notting Hill establishment is more like a Somerset country pub than an urban venue, particularly with the amount of cider on offer.
Imbibe bar (173 Blackfriars Road London SE1 8ER Tel: 020 7928 3693 http://www.imbibe-bar.com)
In the depths of Southwark you would probably not expect to find a little flowering oasis filled with greenery. That’s exactly what you’ll get Imbibe, complete with plenty of places for sun lounging, a BBQ and some fabulous cocktails. A winning combination.
Prospect of Whitby, (57 Wapping Wall Wapping London E1W 3SH Tel: 020 7481 1095)
Another beautiful old pub that is something of a find in deepest, darkest Wapping. The garden at the Prospect of Whitby is right by the Thames and makes a great spot for stopping off for lunch during a riverside cycle ride. The 16th century pub still has the noose outside where local criminals used to be hanged so make sure you don’t try to short change the barman.
The Windmill On The Common (Windmill Drive Clapham Common South Side, London SW4 9DE Tel: 020 8673 4578 http://www.windmillclapham.co.uk)
You could live for years in Clapham and not discover this place as it is somewhat hidden in the middle of a little inhabited area of Clapham Common. The Sunday roasts here are the best and the beer garden is right on the common so it’s the perfect place to spend a sunny summer Sunday.
Gypsy Moth (60 Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich London SE10 9BL Tel: 020 8858 0786 http://www.gypsymothgreenwich.co.uk).
The Gypsy Moth has a large garden and a perfect position for lunch when exploring the delights of Greenwich and the south side of the river Thames. The Cutty Sark is almost on its doorstep and Greenwich Park with the famous observatory is just around the corner. The Gypsy Moth has regular BBQs and a ‘brain sharpening quiz’ to counteract the effects of the beer.
The Eagle (215 Askew Road Shepherds Bush London W12 9AZ Tel: 020 8746 0046). One of west London’s real gems, The Eagle has plenty of outside green space and picnic benches to perch on. An al fresco bar and BBQ make this a great summer spot and romantic fairy lights and candles in the evening make it good for date night.
The Garden Gate (14 South End Road London NW3 2QE. Tel: 020 7435 4938 http://www.thegardengatehampstead.co.uk)
After a turn on the Heath or if you’re lucky enough to live within the boundaries of fragrant Hampstead or Belsize Park, the beer garden at The Garden Gate is a very pleasant spot for a glass of fine wine and some posh nibbles. There is a hotch potch of outdoor furniture and sheltered benches for when the English summer rainy weather kicks in.
The Albion (10 Thornhill Rd Islington London N1 1HW. Tel: 020 7607 7450 http://www.the-albion.co.uk)
The Albion has a pretty walled garden where you can enjoy a mouthwatering Sunday roast or a quiet evening pint in some considerable comfort. The Sunday roasts here have been hailed as some of the best in London by several national papers so book your spot to avoid disappointment.
The Flask (77 Highgate West Hill London N6 6BU Tel: 020 8348 7346)
The Flask is in the heart of Highgate Village and has a lovely beer garden that spills out over the green nearby in the busy summer months. With BBQs and an al fresco bar there’s no better spot for sunbathing whilst scoffing a giant Sunday roast.
Before you go out to drink in London be sure to check out some of the great London Bars & restaurant vouchers on Deal Zippy!
Read our introduction & background to 
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
This guide is really good! Now the sun has decided to put ‘his hat on’ I’m keen to make the most of it! I’ve been browsing other sites too to increase my options (I’m praying the summer is long and as such I’ll need to have many watering holes in which to rehydrate. With beer.) and came across this guide: Guide To London’s Best Beer Gardens. Check it out! Covent Gardens Chez Gerard is particularly nice if you’re central! But from past experience you might want to book ahead, it’s no secret it’s good!