The Best Beer Gardens In London

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If you’re searching for the best beer gardens in London to reunite with friends, we’ve got you covered. There's a lot to choose from, so check out our pick of the best options split across pub gardens, outdoor terraces, and river pubs. Book your table, grab a Zipcar... and don't forget to allocate a designated driver!

The best rooftop & terrace beer gardens in London

Take the party to the rooftop at any of these incredible spots – the views are on the house! And if you’d like a tipple when you arrive why not Zip there and catch a taxi back home?

Roof East, Stratford

Touting itself as “London’s largest outdoor playground”, where else can you practice your swing in a batting cage, hone your aim at curling, and enjoy a round of crazy golf with the London skyline as your backdrop? Roof East really pulls out all the stops as an all-in-one destination for a day out! With street food and craft beer on tap, this is certainly a rooftop terrace in London you don’t want to miss.

Bussey Rooftop Bar, Peckham

Everyone’s favourite South London events space has transformed into a colourful oasis for summer. Bussey Rooftop Bar is the perfect destination to meet with friends, offering delicious cocktails, pizza and incredible views across London. What more do you need from a rooftop bar near London?!

The Terrace at Alexandra Palace

Boasting one of the best views across London, The Terrace at Alexandra Palace is a new chapter for Ally Pally. The north London institution’s terrace features five street food vendors and a bar, and with sweeping parkland to explore all around as well as a spacious car park, it’s the ideal place to meet with friends outdoors.

Bar Elba, Waterloo

Fruity cocktails, tropical vibes and an Insta-worthy backdrop make Bar Elba high on the list of outdoor drinking destinations. It’s got everything you’d expect from a London rooftop bar, from themed brunches and boozy packages to movie nights and, of course, an incredible view.

Nest, Marylebone

You’ll understand why this rooftop bar earned its name when you take a seat amongst the foliage high above the city. Nest’s rooftop terrace is as green as the treetops, with comfy sofas and a relaxed vibe that’s just made for a catch up over cocktails.

The best riverside beer gardens near London

Calling all designated drivers! Ready for lunch after a refreshing morning wild swimming? Or just looking for a picturesque location to relax with friends? These riverside beer gardens are within easy reach of London via Zipcar!

The White Swan, Twickenham

This 17th century pub is no stranger to the ebb and flow of the Thames. Sometimes during high tide, the river creeps right into the garden on the bank! The staff are accustomed to wading across the grass to serve diners and won’t let it stop you enjoying your meal. For the most part, an afternoon in the riverside beer garden at the White Swan can be spent watching the boats and ducks amble past.

The Magpie, Sunbury

The Magpie is so close to the River Thames you could moor your boat up (if you had one) and step off it onto the garden terrace. Serving traditional pub grub like pie and fish n chips alongside more refined dishes like moules mariniere, it’s an idyllic destination for a relaxing afternoon dining al fresco.

The Princess of Wales, Clapton

The Thames isn’t the only river near London you can overlook with a drink in hand. The picturesque beer garden spilling out of the Princess of Wales overlooks the River Lea and the Capital Ring path, a popular route for walkers and cyclists alike. Flanked by Millfields Park to the west and Hackney Marshes to the east, make a day of it and explore the surroundings before settling down to a meal.

Number 90, Hackney Wick

Upcycled furnishings, wall-to-wall murals, hip music and craft beers, Number 90 is everything you’ve missed about London rolled into one. Plus, the food is fantastic and the outdoor seating beside (or on, in the case of the floating barge terrace) the Lea Valley canal is perfect for people watching.

The Weyside, Guildford

With a sun-soaked terrace overlooking the river Wey and a covered, heated outdoor area, The Weyside is the perfect outdoor drinking destination come rain or shine. With plenty of seasonal dishes on offer and a wide range of drinks, you simply won’t want to leave.

Distance from London by car: 32 miles

The best country pub gardens near London

Ready to leave the city behind? Assign yourself the position of designated driver, jump in the car and head to any of these beautiful countryside spots for delicious pub grub and stunning outdoor spaces.

Prae Wood Arms, St Albans

This grand villa features a spacious patio and sweeping lawn perfect for al fresco dining. Don’t let the rather fancy interior intimidate you, because beneath the surface the Prae Wood Arms is a homely and welcoming pub with an impressive menu and extensive range of drinks on offer. All in all, a country pub well worth the drive from London!

Sussex Arms, Twickenham

The Sussex Arms is a rare gem. There aren’t many pubs which offer their very own locally brewed beers and gins, delicious gastropub food, and a stunning beer garden complete with boules court! From pies and roasts to burgers and daily specials, there’s something for everyone on the menu.

The Bletchingley Arms, Bletchingley

A beautiful pub located just outside the M25, the Bletchingley Arms pub garden is something quite special. With plenty of picnic benches and parasols, three unique (and dog friendly!) Dining Pods, and an Outdoor Bar serving jugs of Pimm’s alongside the tried and tested favourites, you’re all set for a fun day in the sun!

The Elephant and Castle, Wheathampstead

This country pub near London has gone all out to offer outdoor seating for guests, erecting a tipi in the garden complete with heaters, blankets and an outdoor bar. There’s also plenty of picnic benches in the sunshine, and with a spacious carpark to accommodate guests and a tempting menu, it’s well worth a road trip to The Elephant and Castle to escape the London crowds.

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