8 Outdoor Beer Gardens and Terraces to Enjoy in London
Hey, I am Jenni, also known as A Lovely Cheese Pizza and I wanted to share with you my favourite beer gardens, terraces and al fresco drinking spots around Bermondsey and SE1 London.
Mercato Metropolitano
A great bet on a sunny day, Mercato Metropolitano is a food market that offers a rare combination of amazing street food, and plenty of seating. As well as having food options to suit every taste, there are a few different garden areas. Tip: track down the bar that serves jugs of sangria and live your best Costa del Elephant & Castle life.
📍 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR
The Woolpack Bermondsey
The sign at the front of the Woolpack reads, ‘Best beer garden in Bermondsey’. Let us be the judge of that(!) but to be honest, it’s hard to argue as the Woolpack does tick all the boxes. Great selection of beer, a nice-sized garden with tables in both sun and shade, and a happy, fairy-lit atmosphere. And being bang in the middle of Bermondsey Street,you’re spoilt for choice for where to stumble into next.
📍 98 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UB
The George
Perfect for: big groups, daytime drinks, a swift one while you wait for the never-ending queue to go down at Padella. Less perfect for: a quiet glass of wine and a few pages of your book. The big beer garden at the front of The George is always lively and loud, with a mix of locals and tourists. It’s also rich in history, dating back to 1676. My grandad used to visit in his lunch hour back in the 1930s, when his go-to meal deal of a pie and a pint would cost the equivalent of 10p!
📍 75-77 Borough High Street, London SE1 1NH
The Gregorian
A short walk from Bermondsey station, we like The Gregorian for its large outdoor seating space, and its unpretentious, lively, and sociable vibe in the summer. If you go on a Saturday, make sure you pay a visit to Ice Cream Union a couple minutes’ walk away – the best ice cream in the area. It’s normal to have ice cream breaks while you drink, right?
📍 96 Jamaica Road, London SE16 4SQ
The Manor of Walworth
From the front it’s a beautiful, pillar-fronted manor house. Head through the pub and out to the back of The Manor of Walworth, and you’re suddenly transported from the bustling Walworth Road to a calm, sun-trapped garden. Ideal for a peaceful Elephant & Castle pit stop, they also do a cracking bloody mary.
📍 140 Walworth Road, London SE17 1JL
Bermondsey Bar & Kitchen
Another great place for big groups, Bermondsey Bar and Kitchen is a big garden in a former car park – giving it that industrial, exposed-brick look we all hate to love. Worth checking out their weekend sessions, with a DJ on Friday nights and a BBQ on Saturdays.
📍 40 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UD
The Founder’s Arms
The Founder’s Arms wins the prize for best view, being located right on the riverfront by Blackfriars bridge, with incredible views over St Pauls and the city. It’s a fab place to bring visiting friends and family to, especially at sunset, without forking out for rooftop bar prices.
📍52 Hopton Street, London SE1 9JH
The Roebuck
Last but not least, The Roebuck – as well as making it onto our ‘cosiest pubs’ list! – also fits the bill for a great outdoor drinking spot. With tables at the front that you can order food or drink to, it’s a lovely place to soak up the sun. And every time I’ve been, there’s been at least one adorable dog. If that’s not a reason to go, then what is?
📍 50 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4YG
Did I miss any of your favourite outdoor drinking spots? Let us know @BermondseySE1
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