The best beer gardens in London for great food and pints

The sun-soaked conservatory dining room at The Princess Royal Pub and Boutique Hotel is a great place to unwind. Credit: The Princess Royal Pub and Boutique Hotel
A booth table and French windows onto the patio at The Princess Royal Pub and Boutique Hotel, one of the best beer gardens in London.

London’s thriving restaurant scene really shines during the warmer months when you can dine alfresco on the banks of the river Thames or sip some beers in a blooming pub garden with your friends. The UK capital is known for having some of the best beer and pub gardens in the country, meaning you’ll find plenty of buzzing outdoor spots to grab a bite. Whether you’re looking for a traditional pub lunch or a restaurant for summer cocktails, the best beer gardens in London are unforgettable both inside and out.

Tuck into a succulent Sunday roast with all the trimmings and a choice of regionally sourced meats at a traditional London pub. Enjoy refreshing summer cocktails and beautiful views on the balcony at a historic riverside venue. If you love world cuisine, you’ll find a great range of London pubs with beer gardens that serve creative Mediterranean-inspired food and wood-fired pizzas. Whatever you prefer, for the highest-quality outdoor dining, these restaurants are home to the 10 best beer gardens in London.

Book yourself a spot in the sun at some of the best beer gardens in London on OpenTable now

Keep reading for the best beer gardens in London for cool outdoor dining vibes

For elegant vintage decor and one of the best beer gardens in London – try The Albion in Islington 

26100012-1
Streetside seating outside the gorgeous ivy-strewn façade makes dining outdoors special at The Albion. Credit: The Albion
A table laid with wine bottles and candles in The Albion beer garden, one of the best beer gardens in north London.
The stunning beer garden at The Albion offers a peaceful escape from the city. Credit: The Albion
the-albion3
The Albion serves a traditional pub lunch complete with all the trimmings. Credit: The Albion

With its elegant, Georgian-inspired decor and classic country pub feel, The Albion in Islington is a popular haunt for locals and a must-visit for anyone passing through. Situated in an ivy-strewn Georgian manor, The Albion also has a stunning alfresco dining area that’s known for being one of the best beer gardens in London. The menu is classic British and features famous pub starters, like pork rillettes with sourdough and Ceasar salad. For a main, diners can enjoy dishes like tender sirloin steak with peppercorn sauce or crispy beer battered haddock with hand-cut chips. Save room for dessert with tasty treats like Eton mess and sticky toffee pudding to follow. The bar serves classic cocktails and a range of premium spirits and craft beers. Take your pint outside when the weather turns warm and relax in the shade of the willow tree in the pub’s beautiful beer garden.

Check availability

Discover more restaurants in London

For fine dining and one of the best pub gardens in south west London – visit The Apollo Arms in Clapham

the-apollo-arms1
Hearty British dishes are given a fine dining twist at The Apollo Arms. Credit: The Apollo Arms
the-apollo-arms2
With its stylish decor and MICHELIN-trained kitchen team The Apollo Arms is perfect for a special occasion. Credit: The Apollo Arms

Located in the stylish Clapham area, The Apollo Arms is a British gastropub headed up by a team of MICHELIN-trained chefs. The restaurant was founded by Hubert Beatson-Hird, who has managed various London venues, and Oliver Marlowe, who worked as a chef at MICHELIN-starred eatery, The Glasshouse. Diners at The Apollo Arms can make the most of the restaurant’s scenic outdoor area and the tantalizing menu that skilfully blends classic gastropub staples with modern fine dining techniques. Open your meal with a choice of refined starters, such as a scallop and crab raviolo served with lobster bisque or an oyster plate. The main menu features pub classics, like a beef burger topped with gruyere cheese or braised feather blade of beef with parmesan chips. The sophisticated wine list features a range of European vintages that are perfect to enjoy alfresco.

Check availability

Discover more restaurants in London

For relaxed outdoor dining in one of London’s best beer gardens – head to The Bull in Highgate 

Tables with umbrellas on the patio at The Bull, one of north London’s best beer gardens.
The spacious summer garden at The Bull has a lively atmosphere that’s great for groups. Credit: The Bull
the-bull2
Delicious, locally sourced meat makes dining at The Bull memorable. Credit: The Bull
Tables and covered booths on the patio at The Bull, one of the best beer gardens in London.
Unwind with drinks on the terrace in The Bull’s gorgeous beer garden. Credit: The Bull

The Bull in Highgate has a charming, country pub feel and one of the best beer gardens in London for casual outdoor dining. The spacious terrace garden is open until 9 pm every evening, making it perfect for warm summer nights. Meat lovers can enjoy a treat every Thursday evening, when The Bull runs a steak night featuring cuts sourced by a renowned local butcher. If you’re dining with a group, you can start your meal by sharing a baked camembert with black truffle honey and sourdough toast. For mains, you can tuck into a succulent short rib and flank burger with skin-on fries or roast halibut with creamed potatoes. Enjoy a beer on the terrace or relax with a summery glass of Pimm’s. The laid-back atmosphere is great for a family meal out or for unwinding with friends.

Check availability

Discover more restaurants in London

For sensational Greek food and one of north London’s best pub gardens – visit The Clissold Arms in Muswell Hill

the-clissold-arms1
Stunning outdoor decor makes the beer garden at The Clissold Arms perfect for summer cocktails. Credit: The Clissold Arms
Tables on the patio at The Clissold Arms, one of the best beer gardens in the city of London.
Bask in the sun or relax under an umbrella on the terrace at The Clissold Arms. Credit: The Clissold Arms
A hanging basket of pink flowers at The Clissold Arms, one of the best beer gardens in London.
Floral hanging baskets and fairy lights make the beer garden at The Clissold Arms a great spot for a date. Credit: The Clissold Arms

With its Greek-inspired menu and unique decor, The Clissold Arms in Muswell Hill is popular with locals and visitors alike. This family-owned restaurant serves a variety of sharing bowls and sources seafood from a local fishmonger. This heated beer garden in London includes also a covered alfresco area that’s a popular choice for parties and events. Diners can sample traditional Mediterranean seafood dishes, like a hearty Catalan stew – made with mixed fish and served with fresh bread – or a refreshing tuna Nicoise salad. You can also try a chicken and noodle salad, or smooth feta and spinach parcels served with spicy lentils. The drinks menu features refreshing summer cocktails, like a Kir Royale or a Campari Spritz, and a range of European and New World wines. Warm, welcoming service and the lively atmosphere make this a great spot to celebrate a special occasion.

Check availability

Discover more restaurants in London

For gorgeous riverside views and one of the best beer gardens in London – don’t miss The Crabtree in Fulham

Canopies topped with chopped spinach at The Crabtree, one of south London’s best beer gardens.
Elegant canopies are perfect for a party at The Crabtree. Credit: The Crabtree
the-crabtree2
The fine dining menu combines pub classics with modern, elegant presentation. Credit: The Crabtree
Roast beef with jus, broccoli and mashed potatoes at The Crabtree.
The range of Sunday roasts makes The Crabtree perfect for a weekend out. Credit: The Crabtree

The Crabtree in Fulham is one of the best beer gardens in London if you want stunning views of the river Thames. The riverfront terrace is lined with willow trees and the beer garden also has a shaded, decking area that’s perfect for enjoying a cold cider on a hot day. Serving a classic gastropub menu, The Crabtree’s cuisine style is unfussy and satisfying. The restaurant offers a selection of Sunday roasts, including roast pork, roast beef, and a vegan Wellington. Meanwhile, the à la carte menu offers a range of hearty dishes, like a juicy venison haunch served with creamy potato anna or a tender dry aged rack of lamb. Vegetarians are also catered to, with options like the crispy battered tofu and chips or the broccoli Ceasar salad. The lively atmosphere and classic pub aesthetic make this a great option for a party or special get-together.

Check availability

Discover more restaurants in London

For delicious pizzas at one of the best pub gardens in south east London – try The Dolphin in Sydenham

Trees and hedges in the beer garden at The Dolphin, one of the best beer gardens in London.
The landscaped beer garden at The Dolphin is ideal for relaxing in the sun. Credit: The Dolphin
the-dolphin2
Enjoy a sophisticated garden party with friends at The Dolphin. Credit: The Dolphin
A pizza being taken out of the wood-fired oven at The Dolphin, one of the best beer gardens in southeast London.
The wood-fire oven at The Dolphin makes irresistibly crispy pizza bases. Credit: The Dolphin

With its stunning outdoor dining area and a wood-fire pizza oven, The Dolphin in Sydenham is one of the best restaurants in London for delicious Mediterranean-inspired food, served alfresco. Diners at The Dolphin can enjoy some tasty slices in the restaurant’s scenic garden, which is landscaped with box hedges and well-lit for eating after dark. Start your meal off with some grilled halloumi cheese or hummus and tapenade dips with fresh pitta. Popular pizza toppings include the mixed Italian sausage pizza and the wood-oven aubergine, loaded with juicy cherry tomatoes, and mild creamy cheese. You can also enjoy a classic pub roast on Sundays, with options like topside beef with horseradish or slow-roasted pork with apple sauce. The bar serves a great range of draught beers, including German and Bavarian beers, and specialises in cask ale and cider. The relaxed vibe is ideal for a chill weekend.

Check availability

Discover more restaurants in London

For a fun date night with beer and creative bar snacks – visit The Florence in Herne Hill

the-florence1
Rustic decor plays into the vintage, historical feel at The Florence. Credit: The Florence
the-florence2
The creative menu at The Florence features pub menu staples and unique modern recipes. Credit: The Florence
Salmon and cream cheese bellinis at The Florence.
High-quality produce makes the menu at The Florence stand out. Credit: The Florence

The Florence in Herne Hill puts a trendy modern twist on a traditional gastropub. With its sumptuous comfort-food menu, The Florence also has one of the best beer gardens in London for a relaxed, alfresco meal. Using fresh, high-quality produce, The Florence is pub dining like you’ve never seen it before. Unique bar snacks, like venison Bolognese fritters, are delightfully indulgent, while British classics, like a sausage roll with HP sauce, are a nostalgic treat. Popular à la carte mains include the spicy cuttlefish spaghetti nero with cherry tomato and chilli sauce or the flaky roast hake with garlic mussels and braised leeks and onion. Treat yourself to dessert and enjoy a mouthwatering lemon meringue cheesecake or a rich dark chocolate brownie with salted molasses and coffee ice cream. Choose from a range of premium draught ales that are constantly changing. The upbeat vibe makes this a great spot for a fun date night.

Check availability

Discover more restaurants in London

For local produce on a stunning terrace – head to The Princess Royal Pub and Boutique Hotel in Notting Hill

the-princess-royal1
Organic decor and plenty of natural light makes The Princess Royal Pub and Boutique Hotel feel like an exotic suntrap inside and out. Credit: The Princess Royal Pub and Boutique Hotel
the-princess-royal2
The Mediterranean-inspired menu features mouthwatering seafood and fresh regional produce. Credit: The Princess Royal Pub and Boutique Hotel
the-princess-royal3
The laid-back, cosy interior at The Princess Royal Pub and Boutique Hotel is a great place to relax all year round. Credit: The Princess Royal Pub and Boutique Hotel

Organic decor inside and a lush outdoor terrace area make The Princess Royal Pub and Boutique Hotel in Notting Hill one of the best beer gardens in London for nature lovers. Located in London’s sophisticated Notting Hill area, The Royal Princess is stylish and offers a modern Mediterranean-inspired menu. The kitchen focuses on using fresh local produce to create high-quality and sustainable dishes. Feast on mains from the grill, like a juicy Cotswolds half roast chicken spiced with harissa, lemon, and coriander or a delicate turbot cooked with samphire. Seafood lovers can chow down on seasonal oysters in mignonette sauce or buttery tuna tartare. Sip on a cold beer in the garden or enjoy a crisp glass of wine. An abundance of pot plants and plenty of natural light gives the restaurant a relaxing yet elegant feel, and the outdoor garden is dog-friendly.

Check availability

Discover more restaurants in London

For Mediterranean food at a historic London pub – visit The Swan Pub in Chiswick

People drinking beer outside The Swan Pub, one of the best pubs with a garden in London.
Floral decor and plenty of outdoor seating makes The Swan Pub perfect for warm summer evenings. Credit: The Swan Pub
the-swan-pub2
Umbrella tables on the terrace at The Swan Pub are great for staying cool on hot days. Credit: The Swan Pub
the-swan-pub3
Luxurious, Mediterranean-inspired fish dishes at The Swan Pub transport diners to the continental coast. Credit: The Swan Pub

The Swan Pub in Chiswick is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a bite in a lovely outdoor space. This historic pub has been a London institution since the late 1800s and has one of the best beer gardens in the city. Offering a hearty Sunday roast and a sumptuous a la carte menu, The Swan Pub is ideal for families or for a catch-up with friends. Start the week off right with a Monday special 28 day dry-aged T-bone steak to share or transport yourself to the French coast with moules mariner – mussels cooked in cream and white wine sauce. The menu also includes deliciously light options, like roast sea bream with crispy potatoes or grilled spring chicken. For afters, diners can try the house cheeseboard, which features a selection of artisanal cheeses. Enjoy a classic cocktail with dinner or try a tequila-based Bloody Mary.

Check availability

Discover more restaurants in London

For riverside pints and one of the best beer gardens in west London – don’t miss The White Swan in Twickenham

the-white-swan
Incredible riverfront views make The White Swan one of London’s best outdoor dining spots. Credit: The White Swan

Situated in an idyllic riverside spot, The White Swan in Twickenham is an ideal venue for a relaxing lunch or for a luxurious evening meal. This historic building dates all the way back to the 17th century and the riverside patio is one of London’s best beer gardens, with its natural surroundings and elegant organic decor. Diners can choose from an eclectic menu, that features classic British cooking and world cuisines. Spice up your dinner plans with a chicken and pepper fajita topped with guacamole or go traditional pub fare with wholetail scampi and chips. If you’re craving something meaty, the pub offers a Sunday roast lunch from noon to 6 pm or a British steak and bone marrow burger on the à la carte menu. Meanwhile, the bar offers a wide selection of local craft ales and beers, as well as summery refreshers like Pimm’s and Aperol Spritz.

Check availability

Discover more restaurants in London

Dining outdoors is the perfect way to get into the summer spirit after the long winter months. These amazing London restaurants are ideal to visit when the weather warms up and the mouthwatering menus make them great to return to all year-round. Whether you’re looking for sophisticated fine dining or a relaxing drink with friends, the best beer gardens in London should be on your list.

These pubs with the best beer gardens in London fill up fast – book your table on OpenTable now.

Want to find out about more great summer dining in London? These city guides have the low-down:

Find your table for any occasion