The best beer gardens in London have a table for you: here are the top restaurants to book this summer for great food and pints.
LessWith its elegant, Georgian-inspired decor and classic country pub feel, The Albion in Islington is a popular haunt for locals and a must-visit for anyone passing through. Situated in an ivy-strewn Georgian manor, The Albion also has a stunning alfresco dining area that’s known for being one of the best beer gardens in London. The menu is classic British and features famous pub starters, like pork rillettes with sourdough and Ceasar salad.
Located in the stylish Clapham area, The Apollo Arms is a British gastropub headed up by a team of MICHELIN-trained chefs. The restaurant was founded by Hubert Beatson-Hird, who has managed various London venues, and Oliver Marlowe, who worked as a chef at MICHELIN-starred eatery, The Glasshouse. Diners at The Apollo Arms can make the most of the restaurant’s scenic outdoor area and the tantalizing menu that skilfully blends classic gastropub staples with modern fine dining techniques.
The Bull in Highgate has a charming, country pub feel and one of the best beer gardens in London for casual outdoor dining. The spacious terrace garden is open until 9 pm every evening, making it perfect for warm summer nights. Meat lovers can enjoy a treat every Thursday evening, when The Bull runs a steak night featuring cuts sourced by a renowned local butcher. If you’re dining with a group, you can start your meal by sharing a baked camembert with black truffle honey and sourdough toast.
With its Greek-inspired menu and unique decor, The Clissold Arms in Muswell Hill is popular with locals and visitors alike. This family-owned restaurant serves a variety of sharing bowls and sources seafood from a local fishmonger. This heated beer garden in London includes also a covered alfresco area that’s a popular choice for parties and events.
The Crabtree in Fulham is one of the best beer gardens in London if you want stunning views of the river Thames. The riverfront terrace is lined with willow trees and the beer garden also has a shaded, decking area that’s perfect for enjoying a cold cider on a hot day. Serving a classic gastropub menu, The Crabtree’s cuisine style is unfussy and satisfying. The restaurant offers a selection of Sunday roasts, including roast pork, roast beef, and a vegan Wellington.
With its stunning outdoor dining area and a wood-fire pizza oven, The Dolphin in Sydenham is one of the best restaurants in London for delicious Mediterranean-inspired food, served alfresco. Diners at The Dolphin can enjoy some tasty slices in the restaurant’s scenic garden, which is landscaped with box hedges and well-lit for eating after dark. Start your meal off with some grilled halloumi cheese or hummus and tapenade dips with fresh pitta.
The Florence in Herne Hill puts a trendy modern twist on a traditional gastropub. With its sumptuous comfort-food menu, The Florence also has one of the best beer gardens in London for a relaxed, alfresco meal. Using fresh, high-quality produce, The Florence is pub dining like you’ve never seen it before. Unique bar snacks, like venison Bolognese fritters, are delightfully indulgent, while British classics, like a sausage roll with HP sauce, are a nostalgic treat.
Organic decor inside and a lush outdoor terrace area make The Princess Royal Pub and Boutique Hotel in Notting Hill one of the best beer gardens in London for nature lovers. Located in London’s sophisticated Notting Hill area, The Royal Princess is stylish and offers a modern Mediterranean-inspired menu. The kitchen focuses on using fresh local produce to create high-quality and sustainable dishes.
The Swan Pub in Chiswick is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a bite in a lovely outdoor space. This historic pub has been a London institution since the late 1800s and has one of the best beer gardens in the city. Offering a hearty Sunday roast and a sumptuous a la carte menu, The Swan Pub is ideal for families or for a catch-up with friends.
Situated in an idyllic riverside spot, The White Swan in Twickenham is an ideal venue for a relaxing lunch or for a luxurious evening meal. This historic building dates all the way back to the 17th century and the riverside patio is one of London’s best beer gardens, with its natural surroundings and elegant organic decor. Diners can choose from an eclectic menu, that features classic British cooking and world cuisines.