Top 10 Best Pub Gardens in London

Beer geeks flock to this Holborn outpost of the respected craft beer mini-chain for its staggering selection of 40+ taps and hundreds of bottled brews from around the globe. The outside seating spills onto High Holborn—not exactly a garden, but the people-watching is premium and the covered terrace works year-round. Their beer flights let you sample several brews, perfect for indecisive hopheads, while the loaded nachos provide essential ballast for an afternoon session. The crowd is refreshingly unpretentious given the location, mixing craft beer converts with curious tourists and local workers who appreciate quality over scene.

This tiny Covent Garden institution barely has a garden to speak of—just a few pavement tables—but it's earned its place on this list as one of London's finest traditional ale houses. CAMRA members worship at this altar of real ale, where the rotating cask selection features rare brews you won't find anywhere else in central London. The Timothy Taylor Landlord is perfectly kept and the house favorite, served alongside hearty pork pies and proper pub snacks. It gets absolutely rammed with theatre-goers and ale enthusiasts, but the knowledgeable staff and genuine pub atmosphere make it worth squeezing in. Cash only, naturally.

Technically more rooftop than garden, this sky-high venue 35 floors above the City offers the most spectacular outdoor space in London—and it's completely free to visit if you book ahead. The three-storey indoor garden features exotic plants and floor-to-ceiling windows, while the open-air terraces provide jaw-dropping 360-degree views across the Thames. Yes, it's absolutely mobbed with tourists and Instagrammers, but watching sunset paint the Shard in golden light while sipping an overpriced (but undeniably well-made) cocktail is a quintessential modern London experience. Book the earliest slot for a more civilized visit, or embrace the chaos and go for sundowners.

Belsize Park's beloved local has one of North London's loveliest pub gardens, a leafy sanctuary where Hampstead families and young professionals mingle over superior pub fare. The kitchen takes its food seriously without losing the casual gastropub vibe—their chorizo scotch egg is Instagram-famous for good reason, with a perfectly molten yolk that breaks beautifully over spiced sausage meat. Sunday afternoons here are pure contentment: dogs lounging under tables, papers spread across benches, and the kind of relaxed atmosphere that makes you order just one more. The heated outdoor pods mean you can enjoy the garden even when typical British weather threatens.

Don't let the Mayfair postcode fool you—this genuinely traditional boozer has maintained its soul despite the designer boutiques closing in around it. The upstairs terrace is the surprise draw, a compact but perfectly formed outdoor space where you can enjoy quality ales without the usual West End chaos and pricing. Their pie selection changes seasonally but the steak and ale version is a perennial favorite, arriving with a proper puff pastry lid and rich, beer-laced gravy. It's become a favorite post-shopping refuge and pre-theatre pit stop, attracting a refreshingly mixed crowd of locals, office workers, and savvy tourists escaping Regent Street's madness.

This North Kensington spot has built a serious reputation for its American-style BBQ served in a sprawling garden that feels miles away from the urban sprawl. Smoke billows from the outdoor grills where brisket is slow-cooked to pink-ringed perfection, filling the air with that addictive charcoal aroma. The pulled pork here is legitimately brilliant—tender, smoky, and piled high in brioche buns with proper slaw—making it a destination for serious carnivores. Groups absolutely love this place for its sharing platters and relaxed communal vibe, though the combination of excellent cocktails and candlelit corners works equally well for dates.

Hidden away in Clapton, this Victorian corner pub has cultivated one of East London's most charming beer gardens, complete with vintage furniture and a greenhouse bar that stays open year-round. The crowd skews local and lovely—young families by day, creative types nursing craft beers by evening—and there's none of the posturing you might find in trendier Hackney spots. Their burgers are the stuff of neighbourhood legend, particularly the bacon and blue cheese number that arrives gloriously messy and unapologetically indulgent. The fairy-lit garden feels like drinking in someone's very cool backyard, and the lack of tourist traffic means you can actually get a table on weekends.

This riverside gem in Hammersmith has been pulling pints since 1827, and its sprawling Thames-side garden remains one of West London's worst-kept secrets. The tree-shaded terrace stretches right to the water's edge, where you can watch rowing crews slice through the current while demolishing their excellent pub grub. Their bavette steak with peppercorn sauce punches well above typical pub fare, perfectly charred and served with triple-cooked chips. Weekend afternoons see a lovely mix of families with kids running about, couples claiming prime river-view tables, and dog walkers settling in for extended sessions.

Positioned directly on the Thames path with postcard views of St. Paul's Cathedral, this Fuller's pub claims one of the most enviable locations in all of London. The riverside terrace gets absolutely mobbed on sunny days—arrive early or risk standing—but there's something magical about sipping a crisp lager while watching boats drift past Shakespeare's Globe next door. Fish and chips here are done properly, with sustainably sourced cod and hand-cut chips that actually taste of potato. It's tourist-friendly without being a tourist trap, equally loved by office workers unwinding after work and visitors ticking off cultural landmarks.

Tucked behind a Battersea gastropub, this enchanting outdoor space lives up to its whimsical name with fairy lights strung through mature trees and cozy heated pods for year-round alfresco dining. The Sunday roasts here are legendary among locals, with perfectly crispy Yorkshire puddings that tower over mountains of seasonal veg. It's the kind of place where families settle in for lazy afternoon sessions while couples claim candlelit corners come evening. The heated outdoor seating and relaxed vibe make it equally perfect for catching up with mates or a low-key date.