If there’s one thing Britain is known around the world for – it’s iconic pubs.

According to the British Beer and Pub Association, there are around 45,000 pubs operating in the UK*. In 2023, there were 3,535 pubs in London alone, with the highest concentration located in Westminster, followed by Camden, then Islington.

As the summer approaches, pub beer gardens are no doubt a great place to be, providing fresh pints, a relaxed atmosphere, and a sunny spot to properly enjoy the warm weather.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to visit on your next trip to London, or perhaps you’ve moved into a new home in London and are searching for the best local, we’ve got the best beer gardens in the capital covered.

The top 10 beer gardens in London
Using a weighted ranking system to analyse the 150 top London beer gardens, Barratt London assessed: Google ratings, review mentions of the word ‘Garden’, customer satisfaction, price satisfaction, and the average amount of sun each beer garden receives. From here, we mapped out the 10 pub beer gardens with the highest average scores for each category.

See the full methodology below.

So, which pubs should we all be heading to on a sunny afternoon?

Rank
Pub Name
Borough
Google rating
Garden mentions
Beer garden satisfaction
Price satisfaction
Avg. daily sun coverage (%)
Overall score
1
The Duke of Edinburgh
Lambeth
4.2
236
7.94
8.05
73.87
96.5
2
The Edinboro Castle
Camden
4.3
228
7.21
6.58
57.96
92
3
Leather Bottle
Wandsworth
4.3
162
7.71
6.52
56.82
82.5
4
The Eagle
Hammersmith and Fulham
4.3
143
7.77
7.25
69.32
82.4
5
The Canonbury Tavern
Islington
4
192
7.6
7.03
57.96
81.8
6
The Crooked Billet
Hackney
4.4
94
7.99
9.04
72.73
80.6
7
The Garden Gate
Barnet
4.4
117
7.5
7.41
62.5
79.5
8
The Freemasons Arms
Camden
4.2
144
6.84
8.34
52.27
78.7
9
The Crabtree
Hammersmith and Fulham
4.4
99
8.08
8.37
56.82
78.5
10
The Ranelagh
Haringey
4.4
76
9.06
8.24
67.05
77.6
The Duke of Edinburgh
Located between Brixton and Clapham North, The Duke of Edinburgh features one of the capital’s largest beer gardens – a significant advantage in a city where outdoor space comes at a premium.

There are open benches for sunny days, but also a covered pergola area with heating for when to shelter from those unpredictable summer showers.

The pub’s location, close to Brixton Station and the O2 Academy, gives it natural footfall and makes it accessible for groups coming from different parts of London. The transport links are convenient, which matters when you’re trying to coordinate meetups.

The Duke of Edinburgh scored exceptionally highly for average daily sun coverage, helping it to clinch our top spot. The garden gets good light throughout the day, and there’s enough space that you’re not fighting for a seat. For a city where finding a decent outdoor drinking space can be a genuine challenge, these practical advantages made the difference.

The Edinboro Castle
The Edinboro Castle came in second place, featuring exceptional garden infrastructure and prime location between Camden’s markets and Regent’s Park. The outdoor space has its own bar and barbecue, and is bordered by a joyous chain of chalet-like booths – a setup that few London pubs can match for both functionality and atmosphere.

The large garden and terrace features fairy lights and heating, creating an environment that works across different times of day and weather conditions. The variety of seating options, from the coveted chalet booths to standard tables, means groups of different sizes can be accommodated.

The pub’s proximity to both Camden Market and Regent’s Park gives it appeal for different types of visitors. Located on Mornington Terrace, it sits close enough to Camden High Street to benefit from the area’s foot traffic while maintaining some distance from the most chaotic tourist zones.

Leather Bottle
In third place comes the Leather Bottle, featuring a substantial beer garden infrastructure and historical significance as one of the area’s oldest establishments. Having served ale for over 300 years on Garratt Lane, this Grade II listed building carries genuine historical weight that distinguishes it from newer competitors.

With a second outdoor bar, a ‘Burger Shack’, and bookable huts for private parties and gatherings, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips. The garden includes BBQ facilities and outdoor toilets, eliminating the need to navigate through the indoor bar during busy periods.

Location-wise, the pub benefits from being positioned in Earlsfield rather than central London, offering easier access and a more relaxed atmosphere. The dog-friendly policy also broadens its appeal in an area with many local residents.

The Eagle
Located in the heart of Ravenscourt Park, The Eagle, benefits from a quieter, more residential setting, which is why it leads the way in fourth place.

The beer garden is ultra cosy, with umbrellas and quaint garden huts to keep you safe from an unexpected British summer downpour. While the pub serves classic British meals, their beer garden also serves up burgers if you fancy a quick alfresco bites with your pints.

The location near Goldhawk Road offers great transport connections while still having a quieter atmosphere, that comes with being slightly off the main thoroughfares.

The Canonbury Tavern
Dating back to the early 1700’s, in fifth place we have the historic Canonbury Tavern. You’ll find this gem on Canonbury Place, nestled among the Georgian houses of leafy Barnsbury, creating what reviewers describe as an “urban oasis” that feels removed from typical London pubs.

Outside you’ll find a range of decking and patios with smart garden furniture that can accommodate large groups. Seafood fans will also love visiting here on weekends to enjoy their fresh seafood ‘C Shack’, serving everything from prawn cocktail and crispy quid, to classic scampi or seafood stew.

The pub also has great transport links, being just a short walk from Highbury and Islington station.

The 10 sunniest beer gardens in London
We analysed 3D mapping data of the capital to analyse which beer gardens get the most sun in London. Here is a list of perfect pubs for sun-seekers looking for that perfect outdoor summer pint.

Rank
Pub Name
Borough
Google rating
Avg. daily sun coverage (%)
1
The North Star
Waltham Forest
4.7
79.55
2
The Axe
Hackney
4.4
78.41
3
The Albion
Islington
4
77.27
4
The Talbot
Lewisham
4.5
77.27
5
Hope & Anchor
Lambeth
4.1
76.14
6
Pub On The Park
Hackney
4.3
75
7
The Duke of Edinburgh
Lambeth
4.2
73.87
8
The Arnos Arms
Enfield
4.3
73.87
9
The Crooked Billet
Hackney
4.4
72.73
10
The Castle
Wandsworth
4.2
72.73
The North Star
This traditional pub, established around 1860, includes pavement tables at the front and a back yard that maximises sun exposure throughout the entire day, making it the number one beer garden for sunny weather drinking.

Alongside a full pizza and Thai food menu, the venue offers outdoor seating that performs well during London’s brighter periods, providing a reliable sunny spot away from the main Leytonstone High Road.

The Axe
This craft beer destination combines excellent outdoor space with a serious approach to beer selection, making it particularly appealing for enjoying the summer sun.

The pub’s outdoor areas benefit from the quieter residential setting of Stoke Newington while still being easily accessible for those seeking craft beer in the summer, making it a reliable choice for those prioritising both beer quality and sunny seating in Hackney.

The Albion
The Albion on Thornhill Road features over 400 square metres of wisteria-filled English country garden that transforms this Georgian gastropub into one of Islington’s premier sunny destinations.

When temperatures rise, this pub’s beer garden becomes a paradise, thanks to its substantial outdoor space. The Albion’s stunning design has made it a favourite for locals and visitors alike, with Joe Jonas even commenting on it being his favourite London pub.