Where To Drink Outside In London

In a city teeming with towering skyscrapers and traffic-jammed roads, it's no wonder that we regularly flock to the capital's alfresco areas for a bit of peace. But where can you find these gems? From rollicking rooftops with cracking cocktails to beaut beer gardens where refreshing pints reign supreme, here are the best places to drink outside in London.

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 16th July 2024




The Three Compasses

Showcasing one of the most bustling beer gardens in East London, The Three Compasses is simply perfect for a spot of day drinking. The classic British boozer offers plenty of space on its terrace, alongside fresh craft pints and gut-busting burgers.

The Phene

The Phene in Chelsea prides itself on catering for all occasions. Whether you're gearing up for a huge night out or just fancy a lazy afternoon in the sun, this watering hole's foliage-adorned garden offers the perfect setting to wet the whistle. As for food, you can expect everything from chicken liver parfait to Dover sole and baked camembert at this picturesque spot.

Wagtail

Gorgeous views? Scrumptious eats? Killer cocktails? Wagtail is the rooftop bar that you need to have on your radar. Ascend to the heavens (otherwise known as the 9th and 10th floor) and soak up the cityscapes, as well as the sunshine, with cracking refreshments to hand. And if you fancy bottomless brunch? They offer that too, complete with two indulgent courses and a side.

Bunch of Grapes

London Bridge is a great location to grab a few pints outside, and Bunch of Grapes proves it. Hidden away down a side street, this chilled-out drinking den is perfect not only for British pints and plates but also its heated garden, found up a staircase and perfect for enjoying casual sandwiches and beers at lunchtime or juicy burgers later on.

Vicinity

Head to the Vicinity's terrace to uncover some of the capital's most spectacular views. This riverside joint sits in the shadow of Tower Bridge and serves up a delicious menu of street food-style eats, like burgers, falafels and pizza, alongside an impressive selection of cocktails, wines and Champagnes.

The Ship

A favourite among locals and families alike, The Ship is one of the coolest pubs going. Not only can you sit alongside the water, but this mega beer garden in Walthamstow also has an outdoor bar and plenty of food options to go around - we're talking meat or plant-based burgers alongside roast dinners and brunch plates.

Union Tavern

What's better than craft beer? Drinking it in one of the best alfresco bars in London, that's what. The Union Tavern is shaking things up in Notting Hill with canalside vibes and a brilliant selection of pints on tap, as well as everything from pulled pork tacos to loaded fries and beer-battered haddock on the menu.

Hannah

Bottomless Drinks 🥂 and 4 other offers

A gorgeous terrace in the heart of Clapham, Hannah is one of our top picks for alfresco sipping south of the river. The quirky bar has a 'pour your own' policy, offering 48 self-dispense wines for you to try, all while you bask in the sun's beaming rays. And if you're in need of affordable eats, these guys are slinging out £1 wings on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and £15 steaks come Thursday.

Queen of Hoxton

ÂŁ5 @ 5pm - All house drinks

From outdoor cinema pop-ups through to a themed rooftop that changes every season, if you haven't been to Queen of Hoxton yet, now's the time. The Shoreditch stalwart puts on a different theme every year, alongside bar snacks and cocktails that won't disappoint - we recommend the Rhubarb Fizz for gin lovers, or the Cookies And Cream for those who want to unleash their inner big kid.

Bubba Oasis

2 courses for ÂŁ16 and 1 other offer

Positively drenched in sunshine during the summer months, Bubba Oasis's rooftop bar is a popular place for drinking outside in North London. Wander over for banging bottomless brunches, alfresco cocktails and late-night parties showcasing the city's top DJs and performers - and you can even nab two courses for £16 from Monday to Wednesday.

Smith's Bar & Grill

Sunday Roast and 9 other offers

The perfect pitstop after a stroll down the Grand Union Canal, Smith's Bar & Grill's outdoor terrace boasts gorgeous views and beautiful floral installations. Sip on a range of cocktails or dig into a selection of premium steaks and burgers, while you can stop by for their bottomless brunches or live DJ sets on Friday nights as well.

Babel Beerhouse

Craft beers in the sunshine? Babel Beerhourse is helping make that a reality at their King's Cross taproom. Grab a streetside table and sip on a range of quirky pints as you shoot the breeze with mates and soak up that vitamin D. Hungry? There are scrumptious small plates, handmade pizzas and burgers on offer too - think three beef chilli or mushroom and beetroot in those fully stacked buns.

Pergola Brixton

Bottomless Drinks and 3 other offers

Meander through one of South London's coolest markets and you'll find Pergola Brixton. This leafy jungle is a haven for alfresco drinks with mates, dates and the like, both during summer and winter thanks to the outdoor heaters. Hungry? These guys also offer street food gale, whether you're in the mood for award-winning barbecue wings, indulgent pasta plates, gourmet burgers or authentic Japanese bites.

The Pembroke, Primrose Hill

With signature cocktails like the Rose Blush Bliss or a Marmalade Mule, The Pembroke have your drinking needs all sewn up at their gorgeous Primrose Hill space. Head to their garden area to bathe in sunlight and surround yourself with greenery - plus there's a mouthwatering menu of chilli jam glazed sausages, steak pie, sweet potato falafel and much more.

The Black Lion, West Hampstead

2 Cocktails for ÂŁ12 - Every Wednesday from 6pm. and 2 other offers

Looking for a sunny beer garden to while away those summer afternoons in? Then head to The Black Lion in West Hampstead, where their outdoor terrace has got plenty of space for relaxing with a pint or two. There's a range of craft beer and cocktails on offer here, as well as a tasty menu of chicken and leek pot pie, blackened Cajun cod, miso aubergine salad and much more.

Back to Mine

Free Prosecco

Found in the heart of Exchange Square, Back to Mine is a quirky and colourful bar which boasts a huge heated terrace for alfresco drinking all year round. They've got two for one cocktails on offer from 12 'til 5pm every single day, and you won't want to miss out on their award-winning Lychee Martini. You can even nab tasty sharing plates while you're here, from charcuterie boards to baked camembert, as well as three for £22 small plates.

Royal Oak

If you're looking for outdoor drinking in East London, make sure to give Royal Oak a visit. Found on Columbia road, it's the perfect place to relax after visiting the famous flower market, with a pretty beer garden that boasts luscious foliage and plenty of seating. What's more, this peaceful spot serves juicy burgers, seasonal pies and veggie casseroles too.

The Gatehouse

Seeking out the best places for outdoor drinking in North London? This beer garden in Highgate offers a tranquil escape for summertime drinking and dining. Pop over to The Gatehouse for freshly poured pints, pretty surroundings and Spanish-inspired plates like mushroom croquettas, cured meats and salt cod fritters.

Brixton Jamm

If you're looking for South London outdoor drinking spots, do not miss out on the chance to nab a table at The Brixton Courtyard. Offering regular socials that include live DJs, delicious street food and thirst-quenching tipples, it's one unique summer hangout. They even host quizzes themed around everything from Peep Show to The Lord Of The Rings here too.

Kraft Dalston Bar & Restaurant

Taco Tuesday + Pint for ÂŁ10 and 2 other offers

For outdoor drinks in East London, swing by Kraft Dalston Bar & Restaurant and its stunning rooftop terrace. While surrounded by verdant shrubbery and canvas parasols, delve into the menu of craft beers, cocktails and fusion fare - these guys are dishing out everything from Argentinian steaks to miso aubergine and oyster mushroom tacos.

The Turks Head

With heaters, covers and a cracking menu of refreshments, The Turks Head is one of the best places with outdoor seating in London, located just a short walk from Spitalfields market. Grab an alfresco table and take in the pretty greenery before getting your smackers around a load of lip-smacking craft beers or juicy burgers.