Hunting down that extra special venue for your next birthday celebration? Or perhaps you're after a private summertime space to catch the football? Luckily, our city's most popular beer gardens and rooftop terraces offer a range of options for intimate gatherings, from pretty pergolas and quirky huts to beach cabanas. Check out our guide to the best outdoor venues in London for small groups here.
Last edited by Izzah Kazi
Last updated on 5th July 2024
Located in the heart of Wandsworth, The King's Arms is a traditional British boozer with a huge garden to boot. Offering a buzzing atmosphere throughout the week, this suntrap is also home to several huts, specifically designed for private alfresco bashes.
Inspired by Greek mythology and putting its own twist on it, Circe's is a dreamy skyline bar located on Waterloo Road. It can host up to 550 guests should you wish to rent out the stunning space for a birthday, and throughout the week provides exclusive terrace areas, DJs and more. Dance high above the clouds while nibbling on Mediterranean plates and sipping on Olympian cocktails, such as the Heles Mels, made with chilli liqueur and caramel, or the gin-based Peach For The Stars.
Get set to party at Queen of Hoxton, a fabulous hangout in the heart of Shoreditch. They've got a sky-high rooftop bar with a garden and a kitchen for some alfresco fun, offering epic views across the city. Their gorgeous rooftop, with space for 300 folks, is available for hire all throughout the seasons. When summer rolls around, get ready for vibrant themes, cool cocktails, and mouthwatering BBQ bites, all enjoyed under the open London sky.
Brixton Jamm's courtyard offers plenty of seating options for small groups, from alfresco picnic benches to themed booths. Plus, it has some of the best private pergolas in London, making it the ultimate spot to enjoy the UK's finest DJs while still soaking up the sunshine.
Neverland is ready to transport you to the tropical shores of the Caribbean with its beaut Fulham Beach. Not only can you book your own sofas on the sand or the veranda, but there are also covered pergolas and private cabanas for those extra-swish summer bashes.
Located in Sydenham, The Wood House offers some of the best London huts for private hire. The sprawling garden is also home to cosy fire pits, pretty pergolas and lawn games. Plus, as it hosts regular BBQs throughout the summer, it's the perfect place to soak up a few rays.
It's time to shell-abrate at The Montague on the Gardens' award-winning Beach Bar. This summer party spot is shore to make a splash with natural sand, a beach-hut style thatched roof, tasty cocktails, palm trees, and a backdrop that'll make you think you're in the Bahamas instead of central London. And get this — you can book it out for your own events. With room for 200 pals, you'll have the whole pergola and large conservatory to yourselves, plus a summery buffet, drinks served in coconuts, and plenty more to tide you over.
A hugely popular spot in Earlsfield, The Leather Bottle is a great choice for alfresco drinking and dining. Frequented by dog walkers and sun worshippers by day, this place kicks it up a notch as night falls, with private sheds available for small group gatherings and an outdoor bar for easy top-ups.
One of Tooting's most historical watering holes, The Castle has been going since 1832. As a much-loved spot for post-work drinks, the beer garden here is constantly heaving. Save yourself a seat by reserving one of the wooden huts, which come with vibrant furniture and pretty festoon lights.
Looking for a private hut in London? You'll want to head to Brixton's Hope & Anchor. Its cool sheds are decked out with comfy booth seating, vibrant artwork and private TVs, meaning you won't have to miss any of those epic summer football matches.
Aviary is a stunning restaurant that can be found right in the City of London, boasting incredible skyline views up high in its glass box rooftop, which is available to hire for up to 30 of your friends. Located on the 10th floor of the Montcalm Roal London House Hotel in Finsbury Square, it truly is a stunning place to host a get-together or celebrate with friends. On the menu, you'll find a selection of carefully crafted cocktails like the Sunset, made with Aperol and strawberry liqueur, plus bites such as crispy sesame king prawns and 'nduja arancini.
