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Nothing beats a beer garden during spring and summer. Heading to the capital? There are plenty of pubs with outdoor seating in London – perfect for sipping on an ice-cold drink as you soak up those rays.
Not sure where to begin? We’ve taken the planning off your hands and gathered the best pubs in London with beer gardens. All you have to do is turn up!
If you’re looking for a place to watch the next big game, check out our guide to the best sports bars in London.
The Windmill, Clapham
The Windmill is one of London’s best outdoor pubs, home to a large beer garden. It has recently undergone refurbishment, making way for light, airy spaces and a newly designed garden. With pretty floral décor and strings of fairy lights at night, this pub is one for Instagram lovers. Settle on a chic picnic bench or grab a spot under an umbrella for shelter.
The bar is generously stocked with beers, wines and spirits, and a choice of more than 35 gins. Cocktails and mouth-watering meals are also on the menu. If you need a place to stay, book one of the pub’s boutique hotel rooms.
Price range: ££
How to get there: The Windmill is a half-hour walk from Clapham Junction, or you can take the 35 bus towards Shoreditch, getting off at Long Road / Clapham Common.
Four Thieves, Battersea
Four Thieves offers a pub experience like no other, with a host of activities and entertainment. The pub’s main attraction is on the first floor: an entire room filled with retro arcade games, a miniature racetrack and virtual reality gaming booths. There are also comedy nights held weekly on Wednesday evenings.
Outside, the beer garden offers an atmospheric drinking and dining area, with colourful lights and overhead canopies. Here, you can sip your drink of choice and tuck into a meal from the pub’s extensive menu, including classic Sunday roasts and Italian pizzas.
Price range: ££
How to get there: Four Thieves is just a seven-minute walk from Clapham Junction.
Magic Garden Pub, Battersea
From one quirky London pub to another, the Magic Garden Pub in Battersea has a hippy, alternative feel. The colourful beer garden is fantastically whimsical, strewn with fairy lights, kooky decorations and squashy sofas complete with blankets and hot water bottles. Order drinks from the outdoor bar and take a selfie next to the giant mushrooms and bohemian taxi.
Inside, you’ll find a cocktail lounge and dining area, and a stage for live entertainment. The kooky décor continues Moroccan style, with red velvet curtains, patterned sofas and a couple of thrones dotted around.
Price range: ££
How to get there: The nearest station is Queenstown Road, just a five-minute stroll from the Magic Garden Pub.
The Gunmakers, Clerkenwell
Cocktail fans will love The Gunmakers. As one of London’s only cocktail pubs, this hidden gem in Clerkenwell boasts a fabulous cocktail menu alongside pub classics. Relax in the bohemian beer garden and sip an Aperol Spritz amongst the hanging plants, fairy lights and lanterns.
If you start to feel peckish, satisfy your tastebuds with the pub’s Mexican-style tacos, with fish, meat and veggie/vegan options available. Then wash it all down with a shot of tequila.
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? These are some of the best cocktail bars in the South West.
Price range: ££
How to get there: The Gunmakers is a 12-minute bus journey from London Waterloo. Walk to stop H and catch the 521 bus to London Bridge, getting off at Holborn Circus. Walk for seven minutes to reach the pub.
The County Arms, Wandsworth
The County Arms served its first pint in 1852, and it’s since become a popular London boozer. From its charming, Victorian-style exterior to its rustic interior décor, this historic pub is worth a visit for aesthetics alone.
The beer garden is huge for London standards, with deckchairs, leafy plants, outdoor heaters and parasols. Foodwise, there’s everything from burgers and pies to sandwiches and classic Sunday roasts. The pub also has an impressive wine menu, including reds, whites and rosés, as well as magnums and champagnes.
Price range: £ - ££
How to get there: The nearest station to The County Arms is Clapham Junction, a 24-minute walk away. The pub has its own bus stop, which can be reached on the 219 bus towards Wimbledon.
The Edinboro Castle, Camden
Searching for a central London pub with a beer garden? Visit The Edinboro Castle in Camden. Nestled between Regent’s Park and Camden’s bustling markets, this relaxed gastropub is just a short tube journey from London Waterloo.
With an outdoor capacity of over 300 people and plenty of booths, benches and tables, there’s lots of space to gather your friends and enjoy a few drinks. You’ll find something for everyone on the modern menu, with a mix of tapas and British pub fare, and cocktails, ciders and craft beers on tap.
Price range: ££
How to get there: From London Waterloo, take the Northern tube line northbound to Camden Town, then walk for eight minutes to reach the pub.
Leather Bottle, Earlsfield
Dating back to 1890, the Leather Bottle is the embodiment of a classic British pub. Housed in a quaint white building with a thatched roof, it boasts a traditional pub grub menu and a huge beer garden at its rear. Take a seat at a bench or table, or treat your group to one of the private cabins and beach huts, complete with your own TV screen.
The pub’s Burger Shack is a menu favourite, featuring juicy beef, chicken, lamb and plant varieties. Wash everything down with a wine, beer or soft drink, best enjoyed when the sun is shining.
Price range: ££
How to get there: The Leather Bottle is in Earlsfield town centre, a seven-minute walk from Earlsfield station.
If you’re still searching for your ideal pub location, check out the best waterside pubs in the South West.
Ready to soak up the sun at one of London’s best beer gardens? Book your travel with South Western Railway and find the best ticket type for your journey. We have a range of train tickets available, as well as GroupSave tickets and Railcards and discounts to save you money when you travel. Explore our Where Next blog for even more inspiration.
Don't forget to check out SWR Rewards to unlock rewards when you travel with us. Enjoy discounts on any rewards including days out, dining deals, theatre tickets, hotel stays and much more.
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