The Best Outdoor Drinking Spots in London

Setlist at Somerset House, the Strand

Somerset House welcomed a new bar this summer, Setlist, which has a large terrace area filled with big tables. Sip frozen margaritas, Pimm’s and spritzes while tucking into food from a roster of female chefs: think tacos, pizzettes, burgers and small plates. Music is also a big part, with a programme of live music and DJs, and a 50m-long pavilion will play host to a rotating annual artwork commission: right now, it’s a vibrant piece from Brixton-based artist Farouk Agoro. With a buzzy atmosphere and riverside views, Setlist is the perfect spot for a sunny Friday evening in London.

River Terrace, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA, setlist.co.uk

Forza Taps, Southbank

Forza Wine’s spin-off Forza Taps is returning to the National Theatre for another summer run. Popping up on the Weston Terrace, it will serve natural wines, cold beers and cocktails (think negronis and spicy palomas). Alongside this there will be Italian-inspired plates including bavette steak skewers, garlic toast and grazing boards.

National Theatre, London SE1 9PX, forzawine.com

Peckham Arches, Peckham

From the team behind West London favourite The Hawk’s Nest comes Peckham Arches, an outdoor space for drinking and dining. There’s a large terrace seating 600 people, which is covered and heated, alongside a two cocktail bars, a games room and even an art gallery. A monthly programme, meanwhile, plays host to live music, DJs and more.

Blenheim Grove, London SE15 4QN, peckhamarches.com

Vinegar Yard, London Bridge

London Bridge’s Vinegar Yard is helmed by the team behind Flat Iron Square, another popular al fresco destination. Filled with street food traders (we’re particularly a fan of the ‘Doughvid-19’ at Bad Boy Pizza Society), pop-up bars and a huge outdoor garden, it’s a buzzy post-work drinks spot open till late, offering unobstructed views of The Shard. You can also catch sporting events and popular TV on the courtyard’s big screen.

72-82 St Thomas St, London SE1 3QX, vinegaryard.london

Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant & Castle

Covering 15,000 square feet with over 500 seats, there’s ample space for al fresco drinking at Mercato Metropolitano, a food and drink metropolis in Elephant & Castle. You’ll find over 40 food and drinks vendors, plus an on-site craft micro-brewery serving fresh German-style beers. It’s a pretty space too, decked out with over 200 plants ranging from ferns and bamboo to hop plants and olive trees.

42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR, mercatometropolitano.com

The Ship, Wandsworth

If the South Bank isn’t your vibe, join the rest of London’s millennials at The Ship in Wandsworth for waterside al fresco drinking. The landmark pub dates back to 1786 and continues to draw in the crowds. Not the place to go ‘for a quick pint’.

41 Jews Row, London SW18 1TB, theship.co.uk

The Magic Garden, Battersea

This Battersea pub does boho chic at its finest. The Magic Garden boasts live music and DJs from all genres, where creative south-west Londoners flock on weekends. With its laid-back Glasto vibes, the so-called ‘festival in a pub’ is the kind of place you’ll struggle to leave.

231 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4LG, magicgardenpub.com

The Albion, Islington

Arguably one of the most beautiful beer gardens in London, The Albion’s garden space is flooded with wisteria and flickering candles which make for endless Instagram opportunities. The French windows in the restaurant open onto over 450 metres of wisteria-filled English country garden – truly breathtaking.

10 Thornhill Rd, London N1 1HW, the-albion.co.uk

Image: Instagram @thealbionpub

Crate Brewery, Hackney Wick

A former print factory transformed into a brewery and pizzeria by locals, CRATE Brewery is hipster London at its peak. Sip on house-brewed beers and thin crust pizzas while watching boats cruise along the canal.

Unit 7 Queen’s Yard, London E9 5EN, cratebrewery.com

The Regent, Balham

South London’s answer to Narnia is found at Balham pub The Regent, where an old wardrobe leads through to a secret garden. Once inside you’ll find yourself in a botanical hideaway, decked out with festoon lighting, flowers and bamboo. Nab one of the cosy lounge chairs and settle in for early evening drinks and upmarket pub favourites including sharing boards, burgers and arancini.

21 Chestnut Grove, London SW12 8JB, theregentbalham.co.uk

The Prince, Fulham

Boasting the title of London’s largest pub garden, The Prince has ample space for outdoor drinks with friends. Hang out under the pergola with street food from the likes of Wildcard and Utter Waffle.

14 Lillie Rd, London SW6 1TT, theprincelondon.com

Dalloway Terrace, Fitzrovia

Named after the eponymous character created by Virginia Woolf, forever a Bloomsbury association, Dalloway Terrace is similarly elegant, poetic and quintessentially English. Its flower-covered outdoor space makes it one of the city’s most sought-after al fresco drinking spots across all seasons. Diners can enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and cocktails amid the Instagram-friendly setting, which undergoes a seasonal makeover every few months. At the moment, it’s looking lovely and spring-like with hydrangeas and peonies, with cocktails from Silent Pool Gin.

16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN, dallowayterrace.com

Duke of Edinburgh, Brixton

The Duke of Edinburgh’s beer garden is legendary – and it’s one of the biggest in south London. With a large bar, BBQ pit and extensive seating, it’s made for a slow (and boozy) Sundays with friends.

204 Ferndale Rd, London SW9 8AG, dukeofedinburghpub.com 

Image: Instagram

Ivy Chelsea Garden, Chelsea

Well, it would be wrong not to include this ever-popular Chelsea haunt. Whatever the weather, few places beat The Ivy’s garden. The perfect spot for people-watching.

195 197 King’s Rd, London SW3 5EQ, theivychelseagarden.com

Bussey Rooftop Bar, Peckham

With 360 degree views across London, Bussey building’s rooftop bar is rather spectacular come sunset. It’s one of Peckham’s buzziest venues year-round, especially on weekends when the party continues late into the night.

Roof B, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST, busseyrooftopbar.com

Image: Instagram @busseyrooftopbar

The Rose, Fulham

Known as Fulham’s ‘Village Pub’, the garden at The Rose is typically quaint. Enjoy a refreshing drink as you listen to the gentle swell of the water features and admire the carpet of flowering shrubs. Just perfect for a lazy afternoon drink or meal with friends. Totally unique, the layout provides private and secluded areas perfect for a quiet (or not-so-quiet) afternoon.

1 Harwood Terrace, London SW6 2AF, therosefulham.co.uk

Image: Instagram