London’s best beer gardens

The Kings Arms in Bexleyheath is a local favourite all year round, however summer is when everyone gravitates to its suntrap roof terrace and beer garden. Here, you can enjoy the biggest sporting events of the year on its big screen while enjoying an ice-cold beer or a cocktail from the extensive menu, which includes warm weather favourites like Aperol Spritzes. Plus, there’s a tempting menu of pub classics like fish and chips and Scotch eggs, as well as sharing plates that are perfect for big groups!

The Cricketers has to be one of the best outdoor drinking spots in Richmond, with a terrace that overlooks the sprawling expanse of Kew Green. This pub boasts a brilliant location near to Kew Gardens and the Thames Path, so you can really earn your pint with a walk beforehand. You’ll find all the usual pub grub on the menu, including burgers and a pie of the day. Meanwhile, the drinks menu features an array of ales and cocktails including a restorative Bloody Mary!

Another Richmond favourite, The White Swan can be found at the edge of Kew Gardens and not too far from the river, so you could add it into your day out in the area and even make a pub crawl of it! The outdoor is surrounded by pretty flowers and come summer, the drinks menu includes a selection of refreshing spritzes, including limoncello, Aperol and Campari — there are often special deals, too. If you’re feeling peckish, there’s a comforting selection of dishes including a legendary beef and Guinness pie…

This family-friendly pub in North London is a welcoming neighbourhood spot that boasts many regular punters. It’s recently refurbished its garden too, so you can enjoy cocktails in its sleek surrounds just in time for the summer season! Each night is dedicated to something different, from pie Tuesdays to Wednesday steak specials, and there’s even live music and seasonal events which are a real draw for all the family.

Social in Peckham boasts one of the best outdoor drinking suntraps in the area. You’ll find it in the cultural hub of Copeland Park, where it regularly hosts art exhibitions, markets and exciting musical events. It’s open all day, so you can head here for a cheeky beer after enjoying some brunch from local food vendors in Peckham Market or Eastern Bloc, which is just a few metres away. You’ll find plenty of different beers as well as a range of cocktails, so you can sit back and relax with whatever your summer tipple of choice might be.

Inspired by London’s Urban Beekeepers and ten minutes from London Bridge, Hive Taproom is an independent, sustainable venue in the perfect spot for in-house natural brew after a long day in the office, or refreshing stop between street food searching. Using only British ingredients and suppliers, Hiver is a great venue for beer enthusiasts with its award-winning craft beer, and even offering Beer Tasting & Beekeeping experiences. You are welcome to bring in street food purchased outside, and there is plenty of standing and seated room under the railway arch you find Hiver nestled in.