London’s best pub gardens: Five beautiful outdoor spots to drink in the hot weather

Sunny days mean pub gardens are on the radar for the weekend ahead.

Tables at great pubs can be tricky in the last minute and so we’ve rounded up some of the top boozers in the city with gardens for those well-deserved pints, Sunday roasts and classic pub snacks.

The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping

The Prospect of Whitby, 57 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SH

The recent addition of a noose is symbolic of this riverside pub’s maritime and dark history.

Many have had a drink here - from smugglers to celebrities and the flagstone floor transports you back to the 1500’s.

The menu ranges from sweet potato kofta skewers to afternoon tea cheesecake and there’s also spicy biltong if you’re only after bar snacks.

Grab a pint and sit by the river or the beer garden to watch the day go by - but watch out for the tide as it can spill over.

The Stag, Belsize Park

The Stag, 67 Fleet Road, London NW3 2QU

In an underrated, quieter part of the city that is nestled between Hampstead and Camden lies a glorious pub with an enormous beer garden.

When the sun is out, the BBQ is fired up and there’s plenty of pizza and roasts.

This spot is also ideal for large groups as the place turns into a festive garden party, celebrating the true spirit of summer with picnic tables and cabanas.

For something a little more relaxing, there’s a Sunday Night Music Club bringing in some local acoustic talent.

The Crabtree, Fulham

Rainville Road, Fulham, London, W6 9HA

Apart from being one of London’s best riverside pubs, The Crabtree also boasts a spacious garden, decked with plants and a covered terrace with many heaters for the unpredictable British weather.

Away from the direct sun, there’s a vast indoor space with maroon leather banquettes. There is also an extensive selection of wine in this posh boozer and the food menu is equally impressive, especially the variety of roasts including the vegan wellington.

If you prefer something lighter, there are classics such as cider-battered fish and chips and scotch eggs with mustard mayonnaise.

The Lamb, Bloomsbury

The Lamb, 94 Lamb’s Conduit St, London WC1N 3LZ

Famous hedonistic writers such as Virginia Woolf and E.M Forster gave Bloomsbury the reputation of being the literary heart of the capital.

If you’re having a wander at Conduit Street, drop by at The Lamb, an old classic city pub that takes its cask ales and craft beers seriously along with serving some fine British seasonal produce.

It has a cute, minimalist beer garden at the back and plenty of outdoor seating spaces dotted under hanging baskets in the front making them perfect spots for a pint and a burger.

The Avalon, Balham

16 Balham Hill, Clapham South, London SW12 9EB

This elegant pub in a beautiful heritage building on Balham Hill is a popular spot amidst the locals on sunny days. It is also pet friendly where the staff will gladly bring treats for your four-legged companions.

If you can’t secure a table in the intricate beer garden, there are many outdoor spaces in the al-fresco courtyard.

The pub promises summer cocktails and a party menu that boasts BBQ classics and extensive sharing platters.