Bars & Pubs

Courtyards | Roof Terraces | Gardens | Dog Ends

The courtyard at 93 Ft East

Courtyards
93 Ft East
This Shoreditch stalwart has always had a spacious courtyard with a bar, numerous tables and chairs and, of course, a BBQ. Due to the smoking ban they are suddenly back at the centre of the east London scene, after a reduction in their late license a few years ago drove promoters and punters away. There are plans to host special courtyard-based spectaculars with DJs and live acts timed to coincide with local events like the Brick Lane Festival on September 9.
150 Brick Lane, E1 6QL, (020 7247 3293/www.93feeteast.com) Aldgate East tube/Liverpool Street tube/rail.

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Lost Society

Lost Society
This Time Out favourite is one of London’s premier leftfield bars. All modish chandeliers and decadent decor, it benefits from a twinkling courtyard which has recently had a bar installed to keep the hordes of refugee smokers happy. There’s a heated marquee for shelter in winter plus plenty of large umbrellas and heaters to stave off the summer rain. There’s talk of hosting outdoor events but their residential location means that the real fun will still take place indoors with big-name burlesque acts and DJs giving lavish performances in the Crystal Ballroom.
697 Wandsworth Road, SW8 3JF, (020 7652 6526/www.lostsociety.co.uk) Clapham Common tube/Wandsworth Road rail.

Maddox
Rock up to this swanky members club post smoking ban and you would be forgiven for thinking you’d suddenly been transported to an exclusive corner of the Riviera. Plans for a private courtyard may have been shelved, but the brains behind this slick operation have transformed the front into a stylish terrace complete with monochrome furniture, lush palms and attractive staff. Every whim is catered for with table service, plenty of space for people watching and well-designed French doors which allow the music to flood out onto the pavement. A puffer’s paradise – as long as the sun shines!
3-5 Mill Street, W1S 2AU, (020 7629 8877/www.maddoxclub.com) Oxford Circus tube.

Cargo

Cargo
Another east side classic, Cargo has been pulling in crowds of clued-up punters since they opened their industrial chic doors over five years ago. They’ve built their reputation off the back of some excellent music programming, great food, quality drinks and a laidback vibe enhanced by the presence of a covered courtyard. Now, the latter is more important than ever with street art auctions, live graff battles, BBQs and yard parties filling the venue’s busy schedule. All of which makes popping outside for a cheeky fag an event in itself.
83 Rivington Street, EC2A 3AY (020 7749 7844/www.cargo-london.com) Old St tube.

Turnmills
This much-loved raving haven has adapted to the ban with surprising ease. They’ve expanded into neighbouring bar, Annexo, fenced off the outdoor area and furnished it with the odd shrub, some comfy seats and soft lights. Hey presto – a homemade terrace! Aware of their punters often spangled states of mind, the helpful management have ensured the route to the terrace is clearly signposted. It’s also proving a hit with DJ groupies, who are thrilled that their idols are forced to mingle with the puffing public.
63b Clerkenwell Road, EC1 (020 7250 3409/www.turnmills.co.uk) Farringdon tube/rail.