Five pubs with glorious gardens now open in London

Like festivals, barbecues, picnics and flying ant day, pub gardens are synonymous with British summer time. There’s nothing that warms the heart of a Londoner more than whiling away the hours in a pub garden sipping on a jug of Pimm’s, the latest G&T combo, a spritz or, for those who like it traditional, a warm ale. Whether you’re down for full-on flora or prefer a cute terrace with outstanding food, London has it in every single corner of the city. Here are some of our favourite picks:

The Southampton Arms in Kentish Town: For the beer connoisseur (and salt beef bagels)

This pub is for those who really love an ale. With 18 handpulls, the beers and ales on tap are on regular rotation and truly represent the small, independent and craft breweries across the country. Pub landlord Nicholas Bailey has cultivated a cult following, keeping not just his drinkers well watered, but also his pub garden found at the rear of the pub. Throughout the lockdown, Bailey became an enthusiastic gardener and is now reaping the benefits. This garden is perfect for those who want to be cool in the heat, as there are lots of little arches and plants creating natural shade. They also do some of the best salt beef bagels this side of East London.

To book a table at the Southampton Arms, 139 Highgate Road, London NW5 1LE, visit their website here.

The Faltering Fullback in Finsbury Park: For the sports fans

Well known amongst sports fans – particularly for football and rugby – the Faltering Fullback is a North London staple. A proud Irish pub, it looks deceptively small from the outside, and even when you step inside. But make your way past the small wraparound bar out back, and there’s a year-round labyrinth of a garden, which is like an adult treehouse that never seems to end. This is a pub garden that has it all: shade, foliage, direct sunlight, hidden corners for intimate dates, or long tables for large groups. Food-wise, the Thai kitchen has been going for years and serves delicious traditional Thai dishes. It’s cash only for food, and every Monday night there’s the regular pub quiz.

To book a table at the Faltering Fullback, 19 Perth Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 3HB, call 020 7272 5834 or visit their website here.

The Duke of Richmond in Dalston: For the foodie

Tom Oldroyd turned his hand to pubs in 2018, when he restored the Duke of Richmond, which originally opened in 1851. Located in the heart of Hackney, just minutes from the Regents Canal, it’s now a sleek pub and dining room, serving a delicious modern European menu. Naturally the menu changes seasonally, and for these warmer months you can expect treats like Prosciutto, Charentais Melon, Ox Heart Tomato, Raspberry Vinaigrette and Pink Peppercorns, as well as cocktails so visceral as the Spiced Negroni L’Orange. There’s a small terrace out front that lines the pub and is a perfect, classy pitstop any day of the week. Book ahead for the Sunday roasts; unlike most places, you can also reserve tables outside too.

To book a table at The Duke of Richmond, 316 Queensbridge Road, London E8 3NH, call 020 7923 3990 or visit their website here.

The Crabtree in Fulham: For the country feel

Alongside one of the prettier stretches of the Thames, the Crabtree is set on the banks of the river in a Victorian building and is West London’s version of a traditional city pub with a country feel. Head here if you’re craving a little respite from the hustle and bustle of London somewhere between Hammersmith and Fulham. Think Pimm’s O’Clock, Whispering Angel rosé, real ales, an extensive G&T selection, live acoustic music and regular comedy nights (darling), all set within a tree-filled riverside garden that reminds patrons that London does have precious moments of peace and tranquillity. The kitchen serves British-led dishes, from Burratina, Heirloom Tomatoes, Basil, Olive Oil, Salted Cracker Bread to Cider-battered Fish and Chips, Pease Pudding, Tartare Sauce, Gherkin Ketchup. It’s a beautiful setting within a Victorian building.

To book a table at the Crabtree, Rainville Road, London W6 9HA, call 020 7827 8239, or visit their website here.

The White Horse in Peckham: For the beer garden

Self-titled as a “proper boozer with a big beer garden”, the White Horse in Peckham is something of an institution, hosting live sports, regular DJs, Sunday roasts and regular food pop-ups, including James Cohran’s 12:51 and Babber modern kebabs. At the moment, they’re host to Mondo Sando, who are “slinging subs” stacked with eclectic ingredients and bold flavours, inspired by food from Miyazaki films, Redwall novels and The Beano. Grab a Larb, Actually sandwich (soy mince larb with thai basil, mint, coriander, shallot and chilli, lime dressing, toasted rice powder, black bean mayo, pickled green beans, and salad) or the Five-Point Parm Exploding Heart Technique (deepfried aubergine, norma sauce, hand-torn mozzarella, pecorino, rocket and basil) and find a spot in the front garden. You can bring your dog too, but they do have a curfew of 8.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, when the party really gets going to the early hours.

To book a table at the White Horse, 20-22 Peckham Rye, London SE15 4JR, call 020 7639 1459, or visit their website here.

Frankie Reddin