The 7 Best Beer Gardens in London

With lockdown hopefully lifting and spring en route, these beer gardens in London are the perfect spots to enjoy some social (and socially distanced) pints.

London has a large number of pubs and bars who are adapting fully and embracing the need to supply these outdoor spaces to keep the hospitality business alive until they are given the go ahead to welcome back people inside. From Hampstead to Battersea, there’s always somewhere to sit and relax and take in the delights of London. Soak up that hint of sun while sampling some craft beers locally brewed and grabbing a bite to eat…

Editor’s note: some places may have temporarily reduced their opening hours, so check in advance of planning a visit.

Best Beer Gardens in London

1. The Garden Gate

This beautiful pub next to Hampstead Heath is a proper traditional British boozer, with a spacious outdoor patio area for outdoor drinking and dining. You’ll find all the with hearty British pub classics on the menu here, including a popular Sunday roast. There’s an excellent selection of locally brewed beers and ales, as well as wines and spirits. Sitting outside here with a group of friends on a sunny day is top notch. Plus, it’s super dog friendly so you can bring the pups after a walk at Hampstead Heath.

2. The Alwyne Castle

This charming gastropub in Islington has it all: cosy fairy lights, a roaring fireplace and a large beer garden that can hold about. 300 people for al fresco fun. The food menu has everything from tasty snacks to tide you over to larger plates to feast on. We suggest you stop by on the weekend for a boozy brunch. When the sun goes down, cosy up in the heated outdoor area for a laid-back evening… There’s no better way to enjoy an afternoon catch up than at The Alwyne Castle.

3. The Flask, Highgate

The Flask is a legendary pub in London, famous for apparently being haunted by a female phantom and with a long history that dates back to the 18th century. It’s an institution when it comes to beer gardens in North London, with lots of space and some heated covered areas for when the sun goes down. Inside is a warren of cosy nooks to settle into with a pint of lager and a bite to eat from the British-inspired food menu.

4. The Magic Garden

The Magic Garden really is magical – you won’t find many places like this. Located right by Battersea Park, this bar is often described as a ‘festival in a pub’, due to the fact that The Magic Garden Pub plays host to fantastic live music throughout the week, ranging from beautiful acoustica to reggae, ska, funk, gypsy, swing and more, topped off with proper festie DJs til late at the weekends. The outside space is beautiful, with snug fairylights, vintage armchairs and boardgames to enjoy.

5. The Hawk’s Nest

The Hawks Nest is a cute outdoor restaurant and bar in Shepherd’s Bush Market with space for 120 socially distanced guests. The large beer garden is super atmospheric, full of artworks and flowers. You can enjoy beers, cocktails and wine from the bar, with a tempting menu of streetfood bites and sourdough pizzas. The Hawk’s Nest is the type of bar you wish was right next door to your home – we’re jealous of anyone living within walking distance of this gem.

6. The Duke of Sussex

The Duke of Sussex is just a stone’s throw from Waterloo and has one of the best beer gardens in London. It’s heated and covered (essential features for a British pub!) and has outdoor space for up to 50 people. Its old school vibe is just what you want for after-work pints that stretch on into the night. There’s a decent selection of beers and ales, perfect to pair with their famous roast chicken. The food menu is inspired by the alehouses and taverns of old, with British classics spit roasted over a charcoal grill.

7. Vinegar Yard

This London Bridge hotspot is a funky mix of drinks, food, flea market and art. What’s not to love? The eclectic space hosts a selection of food and drink trucks in a giant outdoor garden that has unobstructed views of the Shard. It’s super popular in the summer and there’s always something fun taking place, whether it’s pop-up shops, art installations or the weekly flea market. There’s plenty of space to spread out and soak up the city views, beer in hand.

All of these locations are following strict COVID rules. But, we suggest you check to see if they are open and if you will need a reservation. These pubs are sure to be very popular due to the outdoor drinking areas available!