London pubs: the best covered beer gardens in the capital

With summer all but over, and autumn on the horizon, Londoners are looking for a little more shelter as we sip our after work pints.

To help you stay dry when going for drinks with friends, LondonWorld has compiled a list of our favourite covered pub beer gardens across the capital.

As the weather cools going into autumn, you’ll be able to enjoy your drinks outside come rain or shine.

If there are more coronavirus restrictions, these beer gardens might be the only places we can go for a drink.

The Clarence Tavern, Stoke Newington

Despite the fact its grand reopening - under the team behind The Canton Arms and The Anchor & Hope - was just four days before the first national lockdown, this tasteful gastropub has quietly become an east London must visit for al-fresco food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Chef Harry Kaufman – formerly of Garden Cafe, St John Bread and Wine and Lyle’s – oversees menus that change with the seasons and celebrate ingredients from a select group of small British producers.

Tuck into the likes of skate wing or burrata with blood orange segments and a glass of low intervention wine in their heated, covered garden.

The Edinboro Castle, Camden

North London isn’t blessed with as many rambling beer gardens as south london, but The Edinboro Castle is up there with the best.

Not only the outdoor bar, which makes ordering a breeze, there are also cosy wooden cabins complete with pillows and picnic rugs where you can retire to if the weather leaves a little to be desired.

It’s also right on the corner of Regent’s Park, an ideal post-ramble watering hole.

Pop Brixton, Brixton

From a Japanese knife-maker to an urban farm and a host of restaurants, this collection of shipping containers is as diverse as south London’s residents.

The covered area at the top is a buzzy date spot, complete with street food, punchy cocktails and cool music.

S11 is a bar that operates from a series of hatches, or if you’re out to impress, opt for Specialist Cellars, which mainlines in unsung natural wines from Australia and New Zealand.

The Beehive, Tottenham

Perfect for sports fans, this north London stalwart has an enormous beer garden with screens and a covered, heated terrace.

Inside the mock Tudor building, you’ll find a games room with pool, darts and board games, so if it becomes too miserable outside you can always withdraw and get down to some serious competition.

The beer offering salutes local heroes such as Beavertown, Redemption, Five Points and One Mile End breweries.

Given that it’s enormous and they keep most of the tables for walk-ins, this one is perfect for last-minute impromptu drinks.

Vinegar Yard, Southwark

This humming collection of bars and street food vendors is handily located at London Bridge, making it a fuss-free spot for post work drinks.

Hunker down in the cover of its fairy-light festooned tents and sip your way through an enormous selection of draught beers from London breweries, as well as classic cocktails.

Special occasion? Pre-book one of their snug rum shacks which seat up to six people and come with a designated table server so you never have to queue for a drink.

King’s Head, Roehampton

This much-loved pub between Richmond Park and Putney Heath looks like a country inn thanks to its white clapboard exterior and mature trees.

The garden is as leafy as a private home, making it a serene space for weekend-day drinks.

After dark, lanterns and a well-curated wine list lend themselves to classy evenings with family or friends.

Not all tables are covered but many are, so if the weather is looking inclement request one when you book.

Oh and don’t forget to try one of the nostalgic puddings, which have a cult local following.

The Magic Roundabout, Battersea

Everyone loves the idea of discovering a ‘neighbourhood gem’ and The Magic Roundabout is exactly that.

Peeling murals of trees and flowers on the outside set the tone for a slightly bohemian experience that feels as if it belongs to another time.

The garden is huge and has the atmosphere of a festival thanks to bean bags, colourful furniture, live bands and locals who look like they’ve plenty of stories to tell.

They also provide blankets and hot water bottles.