12 of the best pub gardens in London

There's Georgian courtyards in north London, bustling beer gardens in the south, west London's secret retreats and park-side boozers in the east. These are London locals' favourite pub gardens...

5 mins

1. Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park

The roof-top pub garden (Faltering Fullback)

The roof-top pub garden (Faltering Fullback)

Tucked down a side street off Stroud Green Road, it’s easy to miss this north London suntrap. But you certainly don’t want to.

Walk through the dimly lit pub and out of the back door to find the contrasting bright garden. Wind up the steps and find a bench on one of the many floors of this layered and plant pot-dotted roof terrace. 

A covered terrace at the top of the garden (Faltering Fullback)

A covered terrace at the top of the garden (Faltering Fullback)

The built-into-the-wall benches offer spaces in the shade and in the open, to suit everyone’s needs. The only problem is all those stairs back down to the bar, so be careful if you’ve had a few too many…

2. The Duke of Edinburgh, Brixton

The huge beer garden at the Duke of Edinburgh (The Duke of Edinburgh)

The huge beer garden at the Duke of Edinburgh (The Duke of Edinburgh)

A summer favourite with the locals of Brixton, The Duke of Edinburgh boasts the biggest beer garden in all of south London. 

Sure, it gets busy, but with five rows of benches stretching the entire length of the long, sun-drenched garden, there’s plenty of space for everyone.

And it’s the bustle of the beer garden that gives The Duke of Edinburgh it’s character. It makes for a high-energy, friendly and atmospheric place for a drink.

The garden at night (The Duke of Edingburgh)

The garden at night (The Duke of Edingburgh)

Don’t worry about having to wait to get served, either. With a few large bamboo bars dedicated to the outdoor area, you won’t be stuck in a queue for too long. 

The Roebuck's beautiful garden in Chiswick (The Roebuck)

The Roebuck's beautiful garden in Chiswick (The Roebuck)

3. The Roebuck, Chiswick

Head around the back of this west London pub and you’ll soon see why it’s a favourite with the locals. This green and sun-filled courtyard is like a secret garden and will make you feel a million miles away from busy London.

Refresh yourself with a craft beer or try one of the many gins on offer. And don’t forget to bring your pooch with you. The Roebuck are very welcoming of dogs and there’s plenty of space for them to lounge around in the sun, too.

If you’re thinking of hanging around for lunch, the fish and chips are to die for.

4. The Woodman, Highgate

A small section of the huge garden outside The Woodman in Highgate (The Woodman)

A small section of the huge garden outside The Woodman in Highgate (The Woodman)

There’s enough benches out in the open to ensure everyone has a spot in the sun. For those who prefer the shade, an enormous wooden canopy shelters tables, TVs, sofas, and even Victorian-style portraits. Wherever you decide to sit, The Woodman’s garden offers plenty of space to entertain.

And don’t worry about losing your bench. This Highgate pub is one of the few in London that offers table service for drinks. They also have a strict policy on customers' children, meaning any present will be sitting quietly at their table and not careering round the garden.

After your pint, take time to explore the nearby Highgate Woods – one of the most ancient in England. The famous Highgate Cemetery is also worth a wonder. Look out for the grave of Karl Marx, among other famous names.

5. The Edinboro Castle, Camden

The Edinboro Castle's garden in Camden (The Edinboro Castle)

The Edinboro Castle's garden in Camden (The Edinboro Castle)

With plush sofas under open-sided canopies, quirky boat-like huts lining the sides of the garden and loads of seats sprawled out under the many leafy trees, this Camden courtyard is a comfortable option for a summer’s day.

Luxurious shaded seating in the garden (The Edinboro Castle)

Luxurious shaded seating in the garden (The Edinboro Castle)

(The Edinboro Castle)

(The Edinboro Castle)

Whether you’ve just had a look around the chaotic market stalls next door or need hydrating after a walk in the nearby Regent’s Park, The Edinboro Castle offers a relaxing spot to refresh.

When it’s hot, enjoy a BBQ cooked out on the terrace. If it’s nippy in the evening, warm up by one of the many outdoor heaters and when it gets dark, old-fashioned lampposts light up the area. 

6. The Albion, Islington

The enchanting courtyard of The Albion in Islington (The Albion)

The enchanting courtyard of The Albion in Islington (The Albion)

This beautiful Georgian pub will have you hooked before you even enter, with its verdant ivy almost burying the entire face of the building. The interior of the Albion has stayed true to its era, boasting gaping fireplaces, swirling wooden furniture and elegant mirrors and chandeliers.

And the garden is equally grand. Step out into the neat courtyard and prepare to be enchanted by the huge wisteria tree, drooping low and purple over the tables.

You’d be a fool not to eat here. Sit at one of the many outside tables and enjoy truly delicious seasonal pub food. Or visit on a Sunday to try the award-winning roast.

7. The Crabtree, Hammersmith

The shady pub garden of The Crabtree in Hammersmith (The Crabtree)

The shady pub garden of The Crabtree in Hammersmith (The Crabtree)

Looking for a peaceful spot with a view over the Thames? The Crabtree in Hammersmith might just be your best option. Day or night, enjoy a drink or a meal under the green, fairy-lit canopy and look out over a stunning section of the Thames.

The Crabtree's garden at night (The Crabtree)

The Crabtree's garden at night (The Crabtree)

After something a bit livelier? The Crabtree offers that, too. Its prime position on the Thames makes it one of the best spots to watch the famous Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge.

And it’s no small deal for this pub. Every year it hosts its own Boat Festival with live music and hordes of cheering people. It’s a great way to welcome in the start of summer.

8. The Castle, Tooting

The bright beer garden of The Castle in Tooting (The Castle)

The bright beer garden of The Castle in Tooting (The Castle)

Decorative beer barrels, brightly painted benches crafted from crates and hundreds of fairy lights. This colourful beer garden in south London is even better than it looks.

Whether you’re just looking for a casual place for a pint or want to hire one of the eight garden huts for a party, The Castle has you covered.

The Castle garden on a sunny day (The Castle)

The Castle garden on a sunny day (The Castle)

The outdoor fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down (The Castle)

The outdoor fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down (The Castle)

Don’t miss the outside burger shack. Not only is the food mouthwatering, but the outside location means you don’t have to step out of the sun-soaked garden for even a second.  

9. The Flask, Hampstead

Blink and you'll miss The Flask's secluded garden (The Flask)

Blink and you'll miss The Flask's secluded garden (The Flask)

Blink and you'll walk right past this secluded spot in Hampstead. This well-hidden pub garden may be small, but it packs in a lot of sunlight. The size of the courtyard is in fact a blessing, as even when it is busy, the space never feels crowded, making it a relaxing stop for a drink. 

Get there early otherwise you'll risk not getting a seat. And you'll also be in time to sample their delicious and unique brunch menu. 

Get there early or you will struggle to get a seat in the pub garden (The Flask)

Get there early or you will struggle to get a seat in the pub garden (The Flask)

The real draw of this local historical pub, however, is its proximity to Hampstead Heath. Just a short stroll down a hill and you will find yourself by the famous swimming baths on the Heath - a great place to cool off if you're feeling brave after a sun-filled day at The Flask. 

 

 

Enjoy games in The Clapham Tap's cute beer garden (The Clapham Tap)

Enjoy games in The Clapham Tap's cute beer garden (The Clapham Tap)

10. The Clapham Tap, Clapham

The 100-seater garden of The Clapham Tap is for more than just drinking beer in.

With football and ping pong tables, along with numerous other games such as Jenga, this courtyard is like an adult playground. Not feeling competitive? Then curl up on one of the outdoor sofas with a gin and watch instead.

Don’t feel like you must leave when the sun goes down. When darkness comes, the beautiful space is lit up with fairy lights, making for an enchanting and atmospheric setting to continue your outing way into the evening.

11. The Weir, Brentford

The Spacious garden backing onto the Thames (The Weir)

The Spacious garden backing onto the Thames (The Weir)

After a spot on the river? This lock-side spacious pub garden in Greater London offers the perfect location. Leaning out over a leafy section of the Thames, there is enough space for everyone here, without feeling like you’re all on top of each other.

In summer, sitting in this courtyard feels like you’re on holiday, with the potted exotic plants scattered around the space only adding to the feeling.

Don’t miss one of The Weir’s unique and refreshing cocktails. Or if you really want to be transported to the seaside, choose something from the stunning seafood menu.

12. Pub On The Park, Hackney

The Pub On The Park in Hackeny is just that - a garden backing right onto the huge green space (Pub On The Park)

The Pub On The Park in Hackeny is just that - a garden backing right onto the huge green space (Pub On The Park)

This pub garden does what it says. When the sun comes out in Hackney, everyone heads to London Fields to grab a pint at the Pub On The Park.

This great garden backs right onto London Fields, with an outward facing veranda offering stunning views over the huge green space.

Be warned - the park-side pub garden gets busy during summer (Pub on the Park)

Be warned - the park-side pub garden gets busy during summer (Pub on the Park)

Relax and lap up the sun, join in with a BBQ or even play a game of boules. This quirky pub offers entertainment of all sorts. But be warned, Pub On The Park is popular, especially when the sun is out. Make sure you get there early if you want a seat. 

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