Frosty pints, warm breezes, brilliant sun, and space to socialise: it’s not hard to see why Londoners flock to the nearest beer garden in the summer months. To help complement your London tours with Evan Evans, we’ve picked 10 of the best beer gardens in the capital. All you need is good company…and a tube of sun cream.
The Albion
During the winter, The Albion—a historic Georgian pub located in Islington—is beloved for its cosy fireplace. But once the weather warms up, it draws flocks of punters outdoors with its lovely, wisteria-fringed garden.
The Windsor Castle
Dating to the 1830s, Kensington’s Windsor Castle is a beautifully preserved heritage pub. First, go for a wander indoors—then, make a beeline for its popular beer garden. Beautiful in the sun, the garden’s space heating means you have the option of lingering after sundown, too.
The Canonbury
What keeps crowds coming back to The Canonbury? Its proximity to Highbury & Islington doesn’t hurt, and neither does its stylish ambiance or menu of gastropub fare. But in the summer months, The Canonbury’s garden—complete with green grass that’s soft enough to enjoy barefoot—is undoubtedly the pub’s biggest draw.
The Spaniards Inn
Seeking refreshment after an afternoon ramble through Hampstead Heath? The Spaniards Inn isn’t just one of the best beer gardens in Hampstead—it’s one of the best beer gardens in London. Charles Dickens and John Keats both used to be frequent visitors, so as you while away the hours, know the literary greats would approve.
Crate Brewery
Crate Brewery isn’t exactly a traditional pub garden. The Hackney Wick-based venue is located amidst post-industrial, revamped warehouses, and directly overlooks the canal. It also brews its very own beer and serves up some of the capital’s best pizzas. Sometimes it’s good to be a little different.
People’s Park Tavern
What makes the People’s Park Tavern one of the best beer gardens in London? The fact that its back garden area spills seamlessly into the green expanse of Victoria Park certainly doesn’t hurt. Enjoy your pint in one of the pub’s self-contained picnic bench seats before going for a long and leisurely stroll.
The Edinboro Castle
Looking to lounge with a group of friends? Head to The Edinboro Castle in Camden, and you’ll find one of London’s largest pub gardens. With room for 300, there will, with any luck, be ample seating to spare. Even better news: until 15th July, The Edinboro Castle is hosting its very own craft beer festival.
The Chesham Arms
In many ways, The Chesham Arms is the platonic ideal of the local pub (it’s no accident that CAMRA named it their East London Pub of the Year in 2016). Its range of real ales and craft beers is impressive, its ambience is warm and friendly, and its verdant garden was made for sunny afternoons.
The Eagle
Located next to the Ravenscourt Park, The Eagle is a bucolic little slice of country living set within West London. And its garden is nothing short of magical. By day, punters relax on the rainbow-hued cushions and benches strewn across the grass; by night, they toast amidst trees wrapped in fairy lights. And no matter the time of day, they enjoy the pub’s outdoor BBQ offerings.
Stein’s
Set just back from the Thames in a pretty corner of Richmond, Stein’s can’t be beaten when it comes to location. And if you’re a fan of German-style Biergarten, you’ll also want to investigate. Here, half-litres of weissbier go down a treat—especially when combined with a traditional order of bratwurst.
After Evan Evans’ Morning London Tour, take advantage of the long summer days at one of these pub gardens.
