The best beer gardens in London
Words: Harry Smith
The summer season is here, and quite frankly, it’s exhausting. R&R is the order of the day. The Gentleman’s Journal has hunted high and low to find the perfect haunts for ladies and gents to take in the air and while away the long evenings in style. As the week draws to a close, we have taken the liberty of sharing with you a few of our favourite alfresco drinking spots.
ARAGON HOUSE, PARSON’S GREEN
This characterful, ivy-clad pub is somewhat of a hidden treasure. The garden is where the pub really comes into its own, with a buzzing atmosphere reminiscent of a private house party.
THE ALBION, ISLINGTON
A bastion of Georgian splendour, the Albion is a picture-postcard gem left over from a time when Islington was all green fields and hedgerows. In the summer, the French windows open onto a charming, wisteria-covered garden. The veranda is the perfect location to unwind.
THE EAGLE, SHEPHERD’S BUSH
One of the most glorious beer gardens in all of London, this idyllic spot is a bona fide sun catcher. A lovely terrace overlooks the contemporary garden, which features sculptures, cast-iron railings and giant Victorian lanterns. A trump card.
GRAND UNION, BRIXTON
This is less a beer garden and more an oriental commune. Full of great touches, from Thai tree huts and hammocks to tuk-tuks and fire pits, (not forgetting the giant cinema screen and ping pong tables), the GU makes for a strong summer evening experience.
THE IMPERIAL, CHELSEA
Escape the King’s Road and head to the tranquility of this lovely garden. Enticing and popular, it is the perfect place to enjoy the myriad of delicious cocktails. The elegant menu prides itself on using local produce and many of the ingredients are home-grown in the garden itself.
THE JAM TREE, CHELSEA
A veritable sun trap located on the KR, this is a great spot to decamp for a summer session. The quirky garden boasts its own bar and hog roast. Enjoy signature jam-infused cocktails before heading inside to continue the party at one of Fulham’s favourite jaunts.
THE MAGIC GARDEN, BATTERSEA
At the heart of this boutique garden is the whimsical and eccentric teepee. Cosy and comfortable, it is adorned with mismatched sofas, cushions and rugs. A musical venue with a twist, thanks to an eclectic mix of live artists which lends the pub a festival feel.
MR FOGG’S OF MAYFAIR – HENDRICK’S BOTANICAL GARDEN
Hidden down a secluded side street, this Jules Verne-inspired bar is a quintessentially Victorian garden reminiscent of the Grand Tour. Overflowing with beautiful botanicals, this is the perfect place for ladies and gentlemen to while away the long summer evenings with a gin cocktail (or three).
THE PHENE, CHELSEA
A respite from the city, The Phene’s garden is its pièce de résistance, an oasis perfect for passing a lazy afternoon. Glamorous and stylish, the environs are as elegant as the cocktails, which range from the classic to the contemporary.
THE SHIP, WANDSWORTH
When the sun’s out, this 18th-century pub is often top of people’s lists. Overlooking the Thames, the outside area is complete with its own bar, pergola and private heated booths. A stone’s throw from Wandsworth Bridge, this remains one of London’s most endearing pubs.
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