London’s best outdoor drinking terraces
Catch some rays while you do your drinking at these gorgeous outdoor bars in London
Sometimes, tinnies in the park, a rowdy beer garden or one of London’s heaving rooftop bars aren’t going to cut it when it comes to summer drinking. For a classy way to socialise when the sun comes out, you want a table on one of London’s gorgeous drinking terraces. Finding sunshiney spots in central London (and beyond) can be a bit of a challenge, so read on to discover some great locations for outdoor drinking done the right way.
RECOMMENDED: Outdoor London
The best drinking terraces in London
Night Tales
What is it? A club and all-day hangout space under the party-ready railway arches of Hackney’s aptly named Bohemia Place.
Why go? Neon lights, palm trees, day beds and the coolest roster of DJs make a summer day spent here like going on a clubbing holiday.
Flat Iron Square
What is it? A hub for drinking, dining and dancing in the shadow of The Shard.
Why go? You’re spoilt for choice with ample bench seating, and surrounding street food vendors are there for when you need to slay the slurs.
Copeland Social
What is it? A youthful drinking spot with a banging soundsystem, right at the foot of Peckham’s Bussey Building.
Why go? Hefty rum punches go down swimmingly. Knock them back beside dumpsters filled with tall sunflowers – it’s the ultimate summer Peckham aesthetic.
Sager + Wilde Paradise Row
What is it? Paradise Row is a good name for this stretch of Bethnal Green railway arches filled with bars and eateries. Sager + Wilde leads the lot as an all-day restaurant with an acute focus on excellent wine.
Why go? Save this for classy sipping. The terrace is ideal for al fresco dining, accompanied with world wines or clever twists on classic cocktails.
Crate Brewery
What is it? A craft brewery by the River Lee Nevigation with plenty of benches dotted around outdoors.
Why go? Step aboard their barge cocktail bar – called Alfred Leroy – when you tire of drinking on land.
Hawker House
What is it? Part of the Street Feast family, Hawker House is Canada Water’s sprawling street food market.
Why go? Plenty of the traders have stands outside, so bring your booze out here. They call this area the Land of Bamboo and it’s loosely tiki themed. Make ours a rum.
Venue says New trader alert: Model Market heroes Dos Mas, KraPow and Wandercrust are now all at Hawker House. Come down every Friday & Saturday.
Bar Story
What is it? A Peckham railway arch with a banging happy hour.
Why go? Come out from under the arches to enjoy this thriving drinking spot that’s soundtracked by the rumble of trains overhead.
Venue says Come down for Happy Hour, 6pm-7pm everyday, stay for the atmosphere and the music.
No 32 The Old Town
What is it? A modern Clapham bar with a strong focus on all-day grub.
Why go? The first-floor terrace overlooking The Common is a smug place to sit – watch the sunburnt groups emerge as the sun goes down.
Pop Brixton
What is it? Brixton’s community-focused village is made from shipping containers and is always buzzing with activity.
Why go? You can easily make an afternoon of it here – bouncing around the shops and street food vendors in between rounds.
Authentique Epicerie & Bar
What is it? Up by Tufnell Park you’ll find this chic wine bar profiling a different French-speaking wine region each month. The pièce de résistance? A colouful patio.
Why go? Pretend you’re sunning yourself in Provence. If the wine and sun gets to be a heady combo, find shelter in the booth at the back.
Pergola Paddington Central
What is it? A flower-filled, two-floor fun palace. The top deck is fully exposed and sunshine also pours through to part of the downstairs floor.
Why go? Book ahead with a group – this spring, Pergola’s theme is Ibiza-influenced and demands an all-day, big-crew attitude.
Venue says Pergola Paddington returns as an urban winter forest this winter with a warm welcome as the nights draw in ~ BOOK NOW!
Number 90
What is it? A Hackney Wick bar and kitchen, Number 90 boasts a great canalside location.
Why go? Expect DJ line-ups, a tempting burger menu and craft beer from east London’s finest.
Vinoteca
What is it? Chic wine shop, bar and restaurant in among the comings and goings of King’s Cross.
Why go? The terrace is a smart spot for a sauvignon blanc, regardless of whether you’re waiting for a train.
Chapel Down Gin Works
What is it? This canal-facing terrace in King’s Cross is spread across two tiers and is primed for drinking gin and wine from the Chapel Down range.
Why go? Head here for classy summer sipping, plus a taste of Kent right in the capital.
Vermuteria
What is it? A vermouth-peddling bar and all-day café in Coal Drops Yard offers a cute little terrace complete with heaters for chillier London nights.
Why go? There’s no truer taste of summer than a Spritz – and this bar does them by the dozen.
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