Explore these summer drinking spots in London, then explore the best rooftop bars in London, and London’s best outdoor restaurants and terraces.
A drinks writer shares 10 summer drinking spots in London
CRATE Brewery, Hackney Wick – for beer and pizza in the sun
It can get packed when the sun comes out, but this canalside brewery and taproom is one of the nicest spots for an outdoor brew (and pizza) in the city, with a choice setting by the banks of the River Lea Navigation and plentiful outdoor space, including a garden and waterside terrace shaded by fig trees. I live in Tottenham and one of my favourite things to do on a sunny day is take a long walk or run along the river down to Hackney, where I can rock up to somewhere like Crate, order a pint (I favour their juicy, tropical Haze), a stone-baked pie and drink in the sunshine.
The Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park – for an unusual pub garden
London doesn’t lack for great Irish pubs but what makes this Finsbury Park favourite – hidden down a side street off Stroud Green Road – particularly special is the glorious garden hidden behind the pub’s ivy-clad exterior; a maze-like, multi-level arrangement of terraces bedecked with greenery. It can fill up very quickly, so arrive early to grab a table.
Frank’s Café, Peckham – for panoramic city views and affordable drinks
While the capital has many sunny pub gardens to soak up the rays, decent rooftop bars are harder to find. Located on top of a 10-storey car park in Peckham, Frank’s Café opens up every summer and is by no means a hidden gem – it’s been open for more than 15 years – but remains a cult destination thanks to its unbeatable views of the London skyline, masses of space and affordable drinks, from £3.50 glasses of Estrella to trendy frozen palomas.
The Culpeper Rooftop Garden, Spitalfields – for woodland cocktails in the City
Stylish Spitalfields pub The Culpeper has turned its rooftop into a woodland-themed haven, complete with apple, silver birch and hazel trees, plus edible plants such as mint, sweet cicely, honeysuckle and wild strawberries – all of which are used extensively in its menu. This lush sylvan setting – against a backdrop of soaring skyscrapers – also provides inspiration for the cocktail list, which features spirits infused in-house and botanical twists on classics.
The Anchor & Hope, Clapton – for riverside beers
One of Clapton’s best-kept secrets, this tiny Victorian pub is a proper local’s place (it used to keep a truckle of cheese on the bar for punters to help themselves) with an enviable riverside setting next to the Lea, a hop, skip and jump away from Walthamstow Marshes. While it doesn’t have a beer garden, there are plenty of tables right by the water that make it a particularly idyllic setting to while away a sunny afternoon, watching the ducks and the rowers pass by.
Blackhorse Beer Mile, Walthamstow – for lots of choice and space
This collection of breweries, taprooms (plus a winery and brandy house) is easily accessible via Blackhorse Road underground station but a far nicer route is to approach it via a lazy wander through the greenery of Tottenham Marshes. London’s alfresco drinking spots can quickly get congested in summer but there always seems to be plenty of outdoor space and seating here on the Beer Mile – highlights include Big Penny Social with its massive beer garden and mini ‘beach’ complete with deckchairs; fun seasonal brews from Pretty Decent Beer; and urban winery Renegade. Our top tip? Don’t leave without grabbing a sourdough loaf from nearby heritage grain bakery Wild Grains.
Netil 360, London Fields – for the best views of east London
Yes you have to climb up MANY flights of stairs (and sometimes the queue can snake right back down) but this buzzy rooftop bar offers panoramic city views that make it a must in summer, with DJ sets at the weekend and the likes of spicy margs, natural and local Five Points beer on tap.
The Ferry Boat Inn, Tottenham – for a waterside beer garden
Located on the edge of Walthamstow Wetlands, this feels very much like a countryside pub, albeit just minutes away from Tottenham Hale station. The staff is friendly and the beer is reliable, but the Inn’s prize feature is the sprawling yet serene garden at the rear of the pub, bordering the Coppermill Stream and with plenty of seating. An under-the-radar spot for a sunny pint in north east London.
Tavolino, London Bridge – for Italian aperitivi
I relish finding great drinking spots in particularly busy parts of the city, like London Bridge. Though strictly speaking a restaurant, this modern Italian has a spacious, sunny terrace with sweeping views of the river and Tower Bridge and a fun aperitivo offering, from spritzes and bellinis to a strawberry negroni, plus snacks like zucchini fritti and pizzetta.
Spaniards Inn, Hampstead – for drinks on the Heath
A famous, centuries-old London pub, built in 1585, patronised by the likes of Keats and Dickens and full of ghost stories (hello Dick Turpin), the Spaniards enjoys the dual privilege of being both a fantastic winter pub (think log fires, cosy nooks with dark panelling and low beams) and a great summer drinking spot – its expansive, leafy walled beer garden is the perfect place to collapse with a pint or two after a yomp across the Heath.
