The best pubs with beer gardens in London this summer

Ah, London in summer. There really is nowhere else quite like it in the world. The Royal Parks are full of sunbathing picnickers, and the streets are buzzing with people making the most of the glorious weather after a long, soggy winter. And where better to celebrate the season than a pub garden, with a nice pint of something cold? London is full of beer gardens – you just have to know where to look. And to save you the trouble of searching, we’ve picked out five of our favourites, so you can take your pick. Now, what’ll it be?

Earl of Essex, Islington

The pub

The choice of beers at this Georgian pub is truly astounding. In fact, it’s a self-professed ‘beer bar’, with a constantly revolving selection of 20 different ales and a brewery on-site. It’s also got staff who love their craft and a well-regarded food menu with suggested beer pairings.

The beer garden

Picnic tables, bunting and plant pots filled with hops give the garden a colourful character – and it’s got a very friendly atmosphere to match. Plus, with occasional barbecues and Sunday roasts served outside, you could almost believe you’re in a family back garden.

The details

The Earl of Essex, 25 Danbury Street, Islington N1 8LE. Call: 020 7424 5828.

The People’s Park Tavern, South Hackney

The pub

The People’s Park Tavern actually *is* a lot like a park (more about that later), except with comfortable seats, tables and its own microbrewery. It’s also a great place for gin, food, big-screen sport, quizzes and comedy nights – and even dogs, as owners often stop by after walks in nearby green spaces.

The beer garden

A huge lawn bordered by trees and shrubs gives the outdoor space at this pub a vibrant feel, especially with Victoria Park as a backdrop. There’s also an outdoor kitchen and DJs at the weekends, making for the very best kind of garden party.

The details

The People's Park Tavern, 360 Victoria Park Road, Hackney E9 7BT. Call: 020 8533 0040.

The Guildford Arms, Greenwich

The pub

For foodies who like their al fresco experience a bit more refined – but not too over-the-top posh – The Guildford Arms is a real find. High-quality, thoughtfully sourced ingredients and pretty presentation come together in a menu full of mouth-watering dishes. Factor in some swanky contemporary décor and you’re winning.

The beer garden

Decking, trees, well-stocked borders and beautiful lighting surround the many tables here, making it a lovely spot for a leisurely meal with friends. And if you’re just visiting for drinks, the option of table service means you can spend less time queuing at the bar and more time enjoying the great outdoors.

The details

The Guildford Arms, 55 Guildford Grove, Greenwich SE10 8JY. Call: 020 8691 6293.

The Eagle, Shepherd’s Bush

The pub

Reliably good seasonal food and extremely comfortable interiors are just two of the benefits of The Eagle, on the edge of Ravenscourt Park. It’s aim? To ‘bring a taste of country life to London’s bustling suburbs’. And with real ale, a great wine list and a brilliant beer garden, it certainly delivers.

The beer garden

There are lots of seating options here, from beanbags on the huge lawn to swing chairs around the edges. Beach huts, deckchairs and a lounge terrace add to the holiday vibe, and there’s even an outdoor bar and barbecue.

The details

The Eagle, 215 Askew Road, Shepherd's Bush W12 9AZ. Call: 020 8746 0046.

The Perkin Reveller, City of London

The pub

OK, so the Perkin Reveller is a restaurant, not a pub. But it’s in central London and it has incredible views of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the Thames – so how could we not include it? There’s a seasonal menu of British food, complemented by a superb wine list and even a fine selection of teas.

The beer garden

Despite not being a pub, The Perkin Reveller definitely has a garden in which beer can very much be drunk, thanks to those wonderful views we’ve described above. It’s popular for cocktails and al fresco dining – and in the evenings, it’s really rather romantic.

The details

The Perkin Reveller, Tower of London, The Wharf, St Katharine's and Wapping, EC3N 4AB. Call: 020 3166 6949.

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Published on 28th February 2018