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Outdoor Drinking in London
 
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London is packed with places to have a drink outdoors - all along the banks of the Thames, on the edges of her numerous parks and in individual beer gardens lovingly cared for.
  The Pembroke Castle
 150 Gloucester Avenue, Primrose Hill, NW1 Everyone knows that Primrose Hill has one of the best views in the city. On a warm evening take a walk to the summit, survey all before you, then head to this charming nearby pub for one of the warmest welcomes in north London. The area's most famous for its large concentration of celebrity residents but this doesn't spoil things - you might spot a few familiar faces in the crowd but it's a very down-to-earth establishment. The flagstone beer garden is wonderfully spacious, so even if you can't get a table there's plenty of standing room and somewhere to rest your drink. You'll be able to see friends wander up towards the hill over the low wall, then lure them in. Address: 150 Gloucester Avenue, Primrose Hill, NW1 Phone: 020 7483 2927 Opening: Mon to Sat 11:00-23:00, Sun 11:00-22:30 Nearest Station: Chalk Farm Tube The Pembroke Castle - Information  The Leather Bottle
538 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW17 Way down south in Earlsfield, the Leather Bottle is a gem seldom visited by people not from the area. However, those coming from further afield won't be disappointed. The 18th century building is still in amazingly good nick, replete with iron hoops outside to tether your horse. The Leather Bottle was once a village pub for the hamlet of Garratt, before it was swallowed up by London's middle-aged spread. Now it's a beacon of that rural past tucked away in swathes of suburbia. Inside the low-ceilings, stuffed animals and fireplaces add to the rustic charm. When it's warm and dry everyone with an ounce of sense heads outdoors and here The Leather Boot is really well endowed. The spacious beer garden is equipped with a large barbeque which rarely stops grilling tasty burgers and sausages to the delight of hungry drinkers, as well as a handy outside bar so you don't have to miss a minute of sunshine. Address: 538 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW17 Phone: 020 8946 2309 Opening: Mon to Sat 11:00-23:00, Sun 11:00-22:30 Nearest Station: Earlsfield Rail Leather Bottle - Information  Pub on the Park
19 Martello Street, Hackney, E8 Perched overlooking London Fields, this is one of the finest pubs in east London in which to spend a summer's day. Outside there's a large section of decking and plenty of tables where you can catch some rays. It gets completely rammed in July and August, so thankfully, if there's no room, the bar staff are happy to pop your pint in plastic so you can wander off into the park. Many drinkers only enter the pub to stock up on liquid refreshment to fuel endless picnics or games of cricket and football taking place outside. The pub itself is a friendly place with a balance of people ranging from young families and locals who've been there for years, to the new generation of Hackney's young professionals. The assortment of beers reflects this with a blend of well-kept traditional bitters, run-of-the-mill lagers and nouveau Belgian beers. The interior of the restored Victorian building is simple wood with furniture to match. Address: 19 Martello Street, Hackney, E8 Phone: 020 7275 9586 Opening Hours: Daily 11:30-23:30 Nearest Station: London Fields Rail Pub on the Park - Information  The Trafalgar Tavern
6 Park Row, Greenwich, SE10 Originally the Old George, The Trafalgar was built in 1837 - the year of Queen Victoria's coronation. Perched precariously on the edge of the Thames, the imposing exterior of this grand, cream-coloured building has for centuries acted as an iconic landmark to river travellers, locals and tourists. Its cosy interior also attracted much attention, and the pub was a regular haunt for writers including Charles Dickens, William Thackeray and Wilkie Collins. The Trafalgar has even received a mention in a great English literary work – 'Our Mutual Friend' by Dickens features a wedding breakfast held here. This historic boozer provides a suitably tranquil location for raising a pint in honour of summer. In the height of the season, tables overflow onto the riverside walkway offering plenty of outdoor gaiety and glorious views northward over the river. Address: 6 Park Row, Greenwich, SE10 Phone: 020 8858 2909 Opening: Mon to Thu 12:00-23:00, Fri & Sat 12:00-midnight, Sun 12:00-22:30 Nearest Station: Cutty Sark DLR / Maze Hill Rail The Trafalgar Tavern - Information  The Film Cafe at BFI Southbank
South Bank Centre, SE1 Admittedly, the bar inside isn't up to much, but come summertime the BFI's superb location and outdoor seating area offers its patrons a view unrivalled anywhere in London. Standing on the Southbank, the panorama - taking in the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye in one direction, and stretching down to the dome of St Paul's in the other - is truly remarkable. There's a lot of bench space to sit down on if you need to rest your legs, or you can wander off down the riverside walk. It's a great spot for people-watching too and over the summer this is one of the sites for the National Theatre's brilliant Watch This Space festival - ten weeks of fantastic free performances at lunch times and after work, showcasing an exceptional array of dance, theatre and music. Address: South Bank Centre, SE1 Phone: 020 7928 3232 Opening: Daily 11:00-23:00 Nearest Station: Waterloo Tube / Rai BFI Southbank - Information  The Flask
77 Highgate West Hill, N6 One of the villages lost to London’s urban sprawl, Highgate does at least retain a modicum of rustic charm, community atmosphere and a fine local boozer. The Flask is one of the original village buildings and still a hub of social activity for local residents. The beautiful building which dates back to the early 18th century has all the low ceilings, wooden floors, panelling and small interconnecting rooms you could want. It might not be as olde worlde as it once was – sturdy wooden tables and chairs have given way to low tables and leather sofas – but it still has a pleasant, traditional air about it. Of course, come summertime this is all totally irrelevant: from May onwards the gorgeous beer garden becomes a sea of chatter and clinking pint jars. Address: 77 Highgate West Hill, N6 Phone: 020 8348 7346 Opening: Mon to Sat 12:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-22:30 Nearest Station: Highgate Tube The Flask - Information  The Grand Union
45 Woodfield Road, W9 Located in a not particularly lovely area of London, this pub is an outstanding place to pass a lazy summer afternoon. The building was completely re-done a few years ago when the stained carpets and wallpaper even your gran would baulk at were stripped back to the really very serviceable original Victorian interior. If that's still too oppressive head for the slender spiral staircase which takes you downstairs and out onto the canalside terrace. Once one of the most important trade routes in the Western world, the Grand Union Canal has fallen into disuse by all but a precious few barging enthusiasts. This pub is a great place to watch the narrow boats chug by. Address: 45 Woodfield Road, W9 Phone: 020 7286 1886 Opening: Mon to Sat 12:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-22:30 Nearest Station: Westbourne Park Tube Grand Union - Information  The Windsor Castle
114 Campden Hill Road, W8 Built in 1835 and barely changed since, this low-timbered pub is a lovely spot, but quite astonishingly hard to get around in. Things get a lot easier in summer, when you can get out to the lush garden. Cloistered behind an ivy-clad wall a throng of locals pile onto wooden benches, quaff wine, sip Pimms and soak up the summer sun. The garden is flagged with vast stones and eclipsed by a fabulous plane tree mushrooming from the centre. Overhung by the Venetian balconies of Notting Hill, the frenetic metropolis on the other side of the wall seems a whole world away. In the confines of this beer garden punters are guaranteed oodles of summery ambience. Address: 114 Campden Hill Road, W8 Phone: 020 7243 9551 Opening: Mon to Sat 12:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-22:30 Nearest Station: Notting Hill Gate Tube Windsor Castle - Information  The Long Bar
Sanderson Hotel, 50 Berners Street, W1 For a little refinement and an offensively expensive tipple, the Sanderson Hotel's Long Bar and Courtyard Garden is a very exclusive way to see out a summer's day. The courtyard is something of an urban oasis; modelled on a Japanese garden it is crammed with colourful mosaics, Oriental flowers and streaming fountains. In the evenings the tiny little night-lights shine out from beneath the undergrowth. Inside, it's sleek, modern and starkly white - it also boasts one of the longest bars in London. Posh punters perch on eye-stencilled bar stools craning to see and be seen. The bar serves all manner of Martinis and champagne cocktails, including some outstanding house specials. This modish saloon casually coaxes you into indulging in the high-life, so it's probably best to leave your credit card at home. Address: Sanderson Hotel, 50 Berners Street, W1 Phone: 020 7300 1444 Opening: Mon to Sat 12:00-00:30, Sun 12:00-22:30 Nearest Station: Oxford Circus Tube The Long Bar - Information  The Albion
10 Thornhill Road, N1 Clad with creepers and hanging baskets, this old, white-washed country pub is just a few minutes away from the crowds on Islington's Upper Street. In the garden, roving vines twist themselves around trellises, sheltering the wooden tables from the heat of the midday sun. A bona fide neighbourhood local, the pub is packed with all sorts - from affluent Islingtonians sampling New World wine to weathered old-timers swigging ale at the bar. If you find yourself a little peckish, the pub serves up very decent traditional grub with a few Mediterranean specials for the more sophisticated patrons. Address: 10 Thornhill Road, N1 Phone: 020 7607 7450 Opening: Mon to Sat 12:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-22:30 Nearest Station: Angel Tube The Albion - Information  The Duke of Edinburgh
204 Ferndale Road, SW9 This pub has the largest beer garden in London and embodies the laidback atmosphere so common to Brixton boozers. Crammed with wooden tables, peppered with leafy trees and seething with youngsters, the Duke of Edinburgh is a real crowd-puller in the summer months. Inside, it's a little bleak and grimy and tends to thud out blaring house and acid jazz music, so it's definitely best to stick to the great outdoors. There are heaps of gas heaters scattered across the garden and every weekend the sweet smell of sausages roasting on the pub's BBQ wafts through the air. On balmy nights, it really is a great place to chat to your mates, sink a pint or two and simply soak up the infectious summer buzz. Venue: The Duke of Edinburgh Address: 204 Ferndale Road, SW9 Phone: 020 7924 0509 Nearest Station: Brixton Tube Duke of Edinburgh - Information  The Spaniards Inn
Spaniards Road, NW3 Perfect for relaxing after a walk on Hampstead Heath, this pub dates back to 1585 and is doused in history, with Dick Turpin and Charles Dickens among its former clientele. Outside, a labyrinth of tables weaves across the garden. More intimate seating can be found shaded under the vine-entwined pagoda. It's a great place for families; spirited kids roam freely and stray under tables and feet. Come the evening, the garden is festooned in night-lights. The Spaniards Inn offers a fine selection of beers and real ale. Meals are pricey but substantial. Address: Spaniards Road, NW3 Phone: 020 8731 6571 Opening: Mon to Thu 11:00-23:00. Fri 11:00-midnight, Sat 10:00-midnight, Sun 10:00-23:00 Nearest Station: Hampstead Tube The Spaniards Inn - Information  The Mayflower
117 Rotherhithe Street, SE16 The Mayflower is so close to the water, it's almost afloat. Steeped in a seafaring history, the pub boasts ownership of a small, but significant, slice of England's mighty maritime past. Captain Christopher Jones moored his ship nearby before sailing to America with the Pilgrim Fathers. Legend claims he washed down a pint at the pub before and after his voyage. A wonderful timbered terrace stretching out over the water, supports contented punters as they sip beer, sunbathe, socialise and listen to the gently lapping water washing against the jetty. On very hot days a light breeze blows off the river giving a distinctly continental feel to the place. With a fine selection of real ales including Greene King and Abbot, this pub is a scrumptious setting for a summer's day. Arrive early if you want to beat the almighty throng of sun-worshippers that will descend on the sought-after terrace. Address: 117 Rotherhithe Street, SE16 Phone: 020 7237 4088 Opening: Mon to Sat 11:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-22:30 (Closed Winter afternoons Mon to Thu) Nearest Station: Rotherhithe Tube The Mayflower - Information  Lock Tavern
35 Chalk Farm Road, NW1 This is the setting for summer celebrations and merriment. Punters can guzzle cold beer on the cobbled stones of the beer garden or sip Pimms up on the canopied roof terrace. A few years ago, the Lock Tavern was nothing but a dingy little hovel. Under the watchful eye of its proprietor, DJ Jon Carter, the establishment has blossomed into something of a super-pub. Inside, it's spacious and stylishly furnished with polished leather banquettes and swivel armchairs. Effortlessly cool, fiercely independent, and infectiously laid back, it attracts a rather friendly, jovial sort who loyally pile in every weekend. Unsurprisingly, the music is staunchly good and summer Sundays kick into gear early with the hedonistic Sunday Best parties. Cheap food and booze are available all day and there's a hugely appetizing pub BBQ as afternoon sessions kick off to an appreciative crowd. Address: 35 Chalk Farm Road, NW1 Phone: 020 7482 7163 Opening: Mon to Thu 12:00-0:00, Fri & Sat 12:00-1:00, Sun 12:00-23:00 Nearest Station: Camden Tube The Lock Tavern - Information  Black Lion
2 South Black Lion Way, W6 9TJ While the crowds of braying rugger-buggers and pointless Sloanes swarm into the soulless sports pubs further up the Thames towards Hammersmith, the Black Lion - set a few yards back from the river - remains a haven of calm on even the most stunning summer's day. The large beer garden is partially covered, so there's no need to fear the English weather, and the interior features a calm rustic decor (two centuries ago, this building was a pig farm) and candles in the evening. As with all the pubs along this stretch of the Thames, you can get your beer (which here include some well-kept Fullers bitters) in a plastic glass and head to the green spaces by the river, where a mile-long party takes place every sunny evening. Above all, however, this is a great pub if you want to dodge the crowds. Address: 2 South Black Lion Way, W6 9TJ Phone: 020 8748 2639 Opening: Daily 12:00-23:00 Nearest Station: Stamford Brook Tube Black Lion - Information  The Bell and Crown
11-13 Thames Road, W4 3PL There are four really nice pubs along this exceptionally attractive stretch of the Thames, but the Belll and Crown, a Fuller's pub with good simple food, a conservatory and plenty of outside seating, is our favourite. The interior is nothing to write home about, but the staff are friendly, the beer is extremely well-kept and the cheery atmosphere by the river makes this the ideal conclusion to a walk along the towpath (and if you do find it full, the City Barge and The Bull's Head are only a short step away). Address: 11-13 Thames Road, W4 3PL Phone: 020 8994 4164 Opening: Mon to Sat 11:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-22:30 Nearest Station: Gunnersbury Tube The Bell and Crown - Information  Punch & Judy
40 The Market, WC2E 8RF The downstairs bar is among the worst of the dingy tourist-trap hellholes that are unfortunately typical of this area of London. This is no bad thing in the summer months, however, as its discouraging appearance helps to keep the hordes at bay, and upstairs there is a spacious balcony with great views of Covent Garden Piazza, a relaxing distance from the unicycle riders and jugglers. The drinks selection is basic, but pretty sensibly priced considering the location, and as a result it has become a popular meeting spot for London's backpacker crowd. A great place to enjoy the sunshine and chat to people from the oddest corners of the world. As with most pubs in Covent Garden, it becomes unbearably crowded for a couple of hours after the offices close and can be a bit sleazy late at night. Address: 40 The Market, WC2E 8RF Phone: 020 7379 0923 Opening: Mon to Sat 11:00-23:00. Sun 11:00-22:30 Nearest Station: Covent Garden Tube Punch & Judy - Information  EGG
200 York Way, N7 9AP Egg is a rare London nightclub, in that they seldom bring in big international star DJs. Instead, some excellent regular nights push out a quality diet of electro, house, minimal and eclectic, as well as one of the capital’s best Goth nights. The real reason to come here, though, is the venue, and in particular the large garden and balcony terrace. On a hot summer night, Breakfast, their after party which begins at 5am every Sunday morning, is one of London’s most fabulous clubbing events. A strong showing from London's costume/burlesque/transvestite clubbers makes for a wildly varied, but always friendly party. Watch the sunrise in the company of London’s maddest and most alluring ravers. Address: 200 York Way, N7 9AP Phone: 020 7609 8364 Opening: Varies. Breakfast at Egg Sun 5:00-12:00 Nearest Station: Kings Cross / Caledonian Road Tube or Rail EGG - Information  At Proud
The Ginhouse, Stables Market, Camden, NW1 8AH This stylish bar attached to a photography gallery was planning to be Camden’s top celebrity nightspot. Unfortunately, the The Hawley Arms opened at the same time, casually stealing all those skinny-jeaned rock stars from under their noses, and making the Proud Gallery look like it was just trying too hard. Here at LondonTown.com, however, we thought it was really rather good, especially when the sun was out. The outdoor terrace is huge, and has a Glastonburyish vibe, with lots of weird art and bits ‘n’ bobs, the photography on the walls is way cool (and you can buy it if you have a hundred quid burning a hole in your pocket), and there’s no glassy-eyed celeb-spotters frantically trying to decide if you’re the bass player from Towers of London. Address: The Ginhouse, Stables Market, Camden, NW1 8AH Phone: 020 7482 3867 Opening: 10:00-1:00 (times may vary) Nearest Station: Chalk Farm Tube At Proud - Information |
