London's best beer gardens
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By Time Out Editors
Updated: Mon Aug 17 2009
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Prospect of Whitby
57 Wapping Wall, Wapping, E1W 3SH
A quintet of cask ales can be had at this ye-olde Wapping watering hole, which dates back to around 1520 and has witnessed some seriously sinister shenanigans of the swashbuckling and smuggling sort. The hangman’s noose that dangles from the wall is testament to ‘Hanging’ Judge Jeffreys, a former customer renowned for an unenlightened view of criminals. In addition to the garden, there’s an impressive rooftop balcony. Read more
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Britannia
360 Victoria Park Road, Victoria Park, E9 7BT
It’s a right knees-up at the Britannia’s garden, which attracts council estate mums, emos, Barbara Windsor lookalikes, Victoria Park trendies and a proper East End multi-ethnic mix. More than a score of picnic tables are kept fed and watered by the busy waiting staff and a huge, purpose-built barbecue kitchen with an extensive menu stretching from hot dogs and fat chips through grilled mackerel to oysters. There’s a well-used grassed area used mainly by kids for football. This is surrounded by mature horse chestnut trees, one side looking straight out into the meadows of Victoria Park. The list of thirst-quenchers is impressive, from Meantime Pale Ale to Jennings Tom Fool, a light mild. Best of all, the Britannia is screening free outdoor films from dusk on Thursdays until September 3, such as ‘Primitive London’ on July 16, a shocking exposé of the debauched and licentious lifestyles of swinging London, released in 1965. Bring a blanket, if not a dirty old mac. Read more
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Pub on the Park, 19 Martello St, E8 3PE
Somewhere between a patio and a wobble board, Pub On The Park’s three-tiered terrace boasts incredible views over leafy London Fields but suffers from some seriously dodgy suspension. The result is that the floor sways whenever anyone walks on it. While the easily queasy may find this a problem, for the rest of us this gentle lilting makes for a blissfully relaxing experience. Add in birdsong and a hub of nearby jumpers-for-goal-posts kickabouts, and there are few better places in the east to sip towards inebriation. The only things to rain on your parade, weather excluded, are the cash-only bar (the nearest ATM is on Mare Street, a fair hike away) and the somewhat sporadic food service (on Time Out’s last visit, the menu consisted of ‘chips’). Still a great boozy suntrap and when the place is packed, there’s plenty of grass to cope with the overspill.
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Scolt Head
107A Culford Road, Dalston, N1 4HT
It might be small, but the verdant garden at this De Beauvoir beauty fills its triangular space admirably with mature trees and plants and a pleasing array of furniture. Inside, the surprisingly roomy pub offers an ambitious menu (herb-crusted razor clams, baked plaice with new potato salad and sauce verte) and a reliable trio of real ales (Deuchar’s and Greene King IPA, Fuller’s London Pride). But it’s the charming outdoor space that’s the real attraction on a sunny summer evening, when discreet lighting (and a big umbrella, if necessary) allows the justifiably pleased locals to enjoy the garden until it closes at 11pm. Read more
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Nag's Head
9 Orford Road, Walthamstow, E17 9LP
The Nags Head, situated in the more salubrious part of Walthemstow, possesses an excellent outdoor area with more than two dozen tables, heaters and an awning should it rain. It brims with good beer too, with an assortment of English ales (Timothy Taylor when we visited), and a flurry of Belgian fruit beers – of which the Mongozo coconut beer is the most adventurous. Read more
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17 comments
The Garden Gate is a worthy inclusion but a little-known, and gorgeous place, is the Constitution just off St Pancras Way (tucked on a side street or two away from Camden tube). Enormous, lovely beer garden with loads of flowers and really friendly welcome. Live music downstairs which is also a plus! My only gripe is that the really great BBQ is totally hit or miss depending on the mood of the guy doing the catering - I was let down four times out of five last summer, including OH's b'day, which we'd phoned ahead for, and loads of people from out of town came for. Come, drink, have a brilliant time, but don't expect to eat!
I love the Camden Head's beer garden. Perfect off the main road by the green so no circut drinkers or leery groups of men. Chilled out during the day and perfect to get some al fresco work done without being disturbed. Drinks aren't bad either!
The Windmill Gastropub in Cricklewood has a lovely beer garden out the back. Went in recently (it has just reopened after refurb, apparently), the decor is lovely, very cute bartender took excellent care of us, making mean caipirhinias. Food was a delicious Risotto - nice to see somewhere with a well done veggie option - will definitely be making this spot my local!
I have to mention The Albert on Princess road between Primrose hill and Chalk farm near the canal. Went the 2 weekends ago when the weather was gorgeous and the beer garden was lovely! Staff were so friendly, the beer was good and the pet cat made the whole place very homely and inviting :)
I agree Rosie- that's another Islington Pub that has lost its soul. Islington is rapidly becoming a place of crap pretentious pubs and (crooks in suits) estate agents.
Talking about best beer gardens- spare a thought for the sad Cannonbury Tavern by Highbury and Islington. Occe a lovely green and huge outdoor garden this re-opened under new management last week and now sports a paved over- hideous -plastic -basket-seated nightmare, with all the ambience of a corporate conference centre in Milton Keynes. Avoid! Avoid! unless you want to be witness to a tragedy.
The Windsor Castle rocks, and watch your head for the Wonderland doors inside......you'll see
Terrible service at the Albion so won't be going back there. First we were chased out of the garden by screaming kids who were kicking the back of our bench. Their yummy mummies and trendie daddies were totally ignoring their bad behaviour. Then we waited more than an hour to be told by the snooty Italian waiter that he still could take our order cos the kitchen was backed up. No apologies or anything. I told him he'd better comp our wine then and his notebook appeared like magic in his hand. Very unprofessional and rubbish customer service. Shame that that is the case as the food was very good and came quite quickly after we ordered. Won't be going back as I can get good food and much better service elsewhere
I agree with the comment re The Albion, Islington. I went there after it was renovated and haven't been back since. It used to have a really nice atmosphere, but now it's lost its charm. The Draper's Arms is a better bet.
Been a regular at the Garden Gate for a couple of years now and fo one memorable summer it became my second home. The food is delicious and they have Fruli on tap which to me makes it the best place in the world. The bar staff are also always up for a laugh with one of my friends going home with one once. cheeky.
I discovered the Albion a few years back before it changed ownership/ got renovated. It was a great place with old local guys, good banter and an welcoming atmosphere. Unfortunately, the new owners have turned it into a pretentio-pub. Pity. If you do decide to go- remember your labels, designer shades and gormless expression.
If you are around the Sydenham area then the Blythe Hill Tavern garden, on the borders of Forest Hill/Catford, is a hidden gem - beautifully kept, plenty to keep the kids occupied and good selection of real ales too.
Why do you keep giving Crystal Palace as the address for the Dolphin. It is in central Sydenham, closest station Sydenham. I have seen CP as the address twice now in your magazine. Crystal Palace is about a mile and a half away!!!
So glad to se the Garden Gate in this. It is simply the perfect pub. Sure it gets busy and sure there are times when they simply run out of things but that just shows how popular this place is and there is good reason for it!! There staff are funny, friendly and they will always try to do whatever they can to make your stay the best. The beers are stunning and although they dont have 100's to choose from what they have got is cleverly picked. No-one in the area can compete with its food either - its well priced, huge portions and always cooked to perfection. If you live near or even if you dont you should try this place. I travel from chelsea to eat and drink here and it is always worth it. My hat off to Anna and Olly (i think thats the managers names) and your amazing staff that make you proud. 11 out of 10 from me and my friends!!
While not quite as good a beer garden as the Britannia's (which is superb), the Royal Inn on the Park has a decent concreted beer garden next to the park, and is also a lovely pub with good food in its own right.