In spite of Britain’s reputation for not having the best weather, London can get some spectacular sunshine from time to time. When the sun does come out in the city it’s best to make the most of it while you can as you never know how long it’s going to last for! To help you choose the best place to grab your pint, or as many of the locals would have, a pitcher of Pimm’s with lemonade, we’ve compiled a list of ten great places to enjoy a pint in the sun. From glamorous roof terraces to cosy beer gardens we've found some great hidden gems for you to make the best of the sun in.
Located in the east of the city, Victoria Park, or Vickie Park as it is affectionately known by locals, is a great spot to kick back and relax in, whether that means chilling out in the sun with a good book, or going for a jog to clear your head. The People’s Park Tavern, complete with its own garden is the kind of terrace you can enjoy all year around. Sun-drenched by day but with some handy heaters to keep you warm at night, this beer garden is a beautiful family-friendly place to sit back with the locals and enjoy a good Sunday lunch. They even have their own on site brewery too.
360 Victoria Park Road, London E9. Station: Homerton
The wisteria-covered terrace of The Albion in trendy Islington is an all-round favourite for a London beer garden. Islington can be a bustling place, particularly when it comes to night life, but the walled garden of the Georgian building off Upper Street means that the terrace of The Albion is far more secluded than many of its neighbours. In keeping with the glamorous surrounds of Angel, there is also a cocktail menu here, if beer is not your drink of choice.
10 Thornhill Road, N1. Station: Angel
If you’re looking for a fun place to spend the day in the sun in London, then look no further than London Fields. The park itself has plenty of sunny spots for you to lay out in as well as the very slick heated lido for you to swim in the sun. Once you’ve worked up an appetite then head to the corner of the park where you’ll find The Pub on the Park. With a large but busy beer garden this space gets the sun almost all day long so it’s a great spot to set up camp in. The views of the park are great and the Pimm’s here is particularly good.
19 Martello Street, London E8. Station: London Fields
While pubs like The Albion or Pub in the Park can be places to see and be seen, The Old Red Lion is an altogether more low key affair. Priding themselves on keeping a local feel even in the middle of the noise of London, they claim that once your enter their pub “the outside world seems to fade away.” Whether or not that has anything to do with what you purchase there, the walled garden at the back of the pub really is a relaxing place to pass the day. Go with friends, or if you really want to get away from it all just order a cold pint, the Sunday paper and turn off your phone. Bliss.
42 Kennington Park Road, SE11. Station: Kennington
If The Old Red Lion lets you get away from it all, The Big Chill House (pictured above and in main image) is very much in the thick of it. Located in the newly regenerated King’s Cross district, the roof terrace of this pub is a funky, colourful spot popular with students of the nearby Central St. Martin’s art college. With late night openings on Friday and Saturday, this is a great spot to party on a summer’s evening.
257-259 Pentonville Road, London N1. Station: King’s Cross
It’s often said that to remain popular, you need to always leave people wanting more. Frank’s Café and Campari know just how to do that, being open only during the summer months. Unsuspectingly located on top of a multistory carpark in south London, this hidden gem of a bar offers view of the city that are second to none along with a brilliant entertainment to pass the night away. Live music is regularly on show while the bar also uses the space to host art exhibitions for you to take in while you wait for your Campari and soda.
95a Rye Lane, London SE15. Station
Queen Elizabeth Hall is a building that so many people in London pass by but that very few ever go into. If you’re looking for a view from central London though, you really can’t get much better than this. During the summer months the roof terrace opens with a bar and its own garden. With views of Big Ben, the London Eye and St Paul’s across the Thames this is the kind of place the locals head after work to make the most of the summer.
Upper Ground, London SE1. Station: open April to September
Open since 1786, The Ship is unsurprisingly located on the banks of the River Thames. With a beer garden that backs onto the quayside, this west London spot is a brilliant place to grab a pint and watch the ships sail past. If you’re looking to catch some live music in the city, Tuesdays see a multitude of traditional musicians playing live.
41 Jew’s Row, London SW18. Station: Wandsworth Town
Head north away from the city in London and you’ll start to hit the neighbourhoods that make up the city that all have their own quirky flavour and character. Stoke Newington is one such place. The White Hart may look like a regular terraced pub from the outside but don’t let that put you off- it has the biggest beer garden of anywhere on our list! For a local pub, the food here is particularly good too.
69 Stoke Newington High Street, N16. Station: Rectory Road
We thought we’d go out with a bang for the last one on our list and The Aeronaut certainly ticks all the boxes for a place to enjoy a beer garden with a difference. This themed pub regularly features everything from cabaret acts, quiz nights and even swing dancing classes on a Tuesday evening. In keeping with this the beer garden is a fittingly unique affair and is decorated with a circus theme. With is perfect by day or by night for a pub with a difference.
264 Acton High Street, W3. Station: Acton Town or Acton Central
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