When the sun is shining, there’s only one place to be: the pub garden with a pint in hand.
Pubs – we all love them, whether we’re meeting friends, reading a book or enjoying a pint after work. But when the sun comes out, it’s the pub garden that lures us there.
Here are the five best London pub gardens to catch some sun this summer.
The Thai Treehouse
Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park
A jungle of a pub garden, this two-tiered forest sits out the back of a cherished Irish local, The Faltering Fullback. Founded in the 19th century and once known as the Sir Walter Scott, it stands out for its ivy-clad walls that wrap the space in green and give it a tucked-away, secretive feel.
Inside, it’s a sports haven, especially for rugby and football – the kind of place that comes alive during tournament season. The pub kitchen dishes out excellent Thai food, pairing Irish stouts with Thai cuisine – not a typical combo. It’s the perfect spot to embrace your inner plastic paddy while watching the World Cup this summer.
There’s an array of beers on tap and, true to its Irish roots, both Guinness and Murphy’s pour as staple stouts. If you’re after a slice of Irish atmosphere while soaking up some rare London sunshine, The Fullback might just be your place to split the G.
The Adventurous Pub
White Cross, Richmond
If you love being outdoors, this beer garden is hard to beat. The White Cross sits right at river level, offering panoramic views across the Thames.
But the real attraction is the tide. When the water rises, it creeps steadily up the steps and laps at the pub itself, turning an ordinary pint into something far more dramatic. It’s a gloriously quirky spot, though if you’re planning to leave at high tide, you’ll want to bring your wellies.
The Old School Pub
Shakespeare’s Head, Clerkenwell
Just around the corner from the cobbled streets of Islington is a proper good old boozer. Inside, it’s the sort of place where Ronnie and Reggie Kray wouldn’t have looked out of place: dark wood, blood red carpet, and a sense that it’s seen a few stories in its time.
But step out the back and everything changes. A bushy canopy sprawls overhead, filtering the sunlight into a soft green glow and creating the perfect tanning spot while you sip on a lager top.
It’s well priced for London, with pints under a fiver. They also have pork scratchings behind the bar – perfect for the clientele of old geezers and students hunting for a cheaper spot to spend the evening.
Come high summer, you’ll struggle to find a seat outside. But if you do manage to nab one, you’re set for a proper urban jungle experience.
The Posh Garden Pub
The Albion, Islington
Vines trailing across wooden beams and red wine-filled carafes might make you think you’ve been transported to a Roman province. In reality, though, it’s a pub tucked neatly between the rows of terraced housing in Islington.
The garden walls, painted a bright white, scatter the sun’s rays, washing the space in warm light. The crowd leans towards those clad in pink Ralph Lauren shirts and neatly pressed chinos, giving the whole place the feel of a country-style retreat, one that fits improbably well in the heart of north London.
The Authentic Garden
Chesham Arms, Homerton
If you want to experience a proper East London pub, then the Chesham Arms, which has stood for over 150 years, is a must.
Inside, it’s classic Victorian: exposed brick, open fireplaces and cosy seating. The vibe belongs firmly to the local community, a mix of older East End regulars who’ve been here their whole lives and newer arrivals who’ve made the area home. It feels less like a bar and more like a shared living room.
The pub’s beloved atmosphere comes as much from the exterior as the interior. The garden is everything you’d want. With retractable covers and heaters, it’s built to handle every season.
It’s especially lovely in summer, when the sun dips and amber light spills across the space. You can sip your pint, smile with friends, and soak in the hum of a packed garden during the fleeting stretch of outdoor London living.
