The pub is officially back – and you have no idea how much pleasure it gives us to say that.
People have finally been given the chance to enjoy socially distanced trips to their favourite boozers this month, with the government easing restrictions earlier this summer.
Not everywhere is open, sadly. Only venues that are Covid secure and can operate while maintaining the one metre rule can open their doors, which means smaller pubs will either open with extremely limited capacity, or not at all.
But there are places to grab pints in the sun – beer gardens are likely be more popular than ever too, with people keen to make up for lost time in the height of summer.
Below, we’ve put together a list of some of the biggest beer gardens in London open in July, which will be best for adhering to social distancing measures.
We know most people are just keen to be out in the sun drinking, so we've played fast and loose with what counts as a pub garden and also included some bigger outdoor spaces. Bear in mind that many venues will require guests to book in advance, too.
Places are announcing plans to open all the time, so we’ll be sure to keep it up to date as best we can. If you’re a landlord planning to reopen your beer garden, or know of a place that is spacious enough to operate under social distancing rules, let us know at harry.fletcher@standard.co.uk. Check out our guide to the biggest rooftop bars too.
Pub on the Park
A favourite with bigger groups before the lockdown, there are fantastic views of London Fields to be had from this smart pub garden, which was buzzing when it opened under social distancing in July. If it seems a little busy, grab a takeaway pint and head into the nearby park.
19 Martello St, E8 3PE, pubonthepark.com
The Sun of Camberwell
This pub boasts a big selection of beers, an impressive food menu and – best of all – a lovely big beer garden. Brixton is spoiled for choice for boozers normally, and this is one of the best.
Coldharbour Ln, SE5 9NS, suncamberwell.com
People’s Park Tavern
One of the biggest and leafiest pub gardens in east London is back in business, and it’s likely to be one of the most popular too. If it gets too busy, punters can always grab a few takeaway pints and find a spot in Victoria Park next door.
360 Victoria Park Road, E9 7BT, peoplesparktavern.pub
Truman’s Social Club
A huge new venue, described as the "biggest socially distanced pub and garden" in the UK is coming to Walthamstow. The venue will adhere to social distancing regulations and serve Trumans beer on draft, with street food options available as well.
1 Priestley Way, Walthamstow, E17 6AL, trumansbeer.co.uk
The Leyton Star
Enter in this characterful boozer and you’ll see a lovely central bar, with a decent space for drinking and dining. It’s out the back, though, where it comes alive, with a surprisingly spacious paved beer garden with plenty of benches and places to sit out in the sun.
116 High Road Leyton, E15 2BX, leytonstar.co.uk
The Red Lion
As well as being one of the nicest boozers in east London, with plenty of great stuff on offer from the kitchen and a good selection of real ales, this smart pub opens up out the back with a spacious courtyard. Ideal for laid-back sessions in the sun.
640 High Road Leytonstone, E11 3AA, theredlionleytonstone.com
The White Hart
One of the gems in the Antic pub chain roster, The White Hart is an unsung favourite in Stoke Newington. The massive pub garden is a sun trap packed with inviting tables. The food here is great too, with an excellent Sunday roast.
69 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 8EL, whitehartstokenewington.com
The White Swan
It’s one of the most idyllic places in London, and one of our favourite pubs in the capital. The outdoor veranda and sitting areas feel like a different world to the busy city, and they’re some of the best places to spend a summer afternoon. You'll probably be lucky to get a spot, though.
Riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DN, whiteswantwickenham.co.uk
The Prince
It’s probably one of the most versatile venues in the city, this. A pretty dining room can be transformed into a huge beer garden with a retractable roof at this popular spot in Earl's Court.
14 Lillie Road, SW6 1TT, theprincelondon.com
The Duke of Hamilton
Found a short walk in the direction of the heath from Hampstead station, this charming pub is one to head to in north west London. Tables can be reserved, though the front garden has a limit of 25 people and the back garden has a capacity of 40, so book ahead.
23-25 New End, NW3 1JD, thedukeofhamiltonnw3.com
Anchor Bankside
Plonked right in the middle of one of the most tourist-friendly areas of London, this pub on Bankside, a few minutes from Borough Market and the Globe, is blessed with plenty of space outside the front. Ideal for a pint or two right by the Thames.
34 Park St, SE1 9EF, greeneking-pubs.co.uk
The Eagle
This Shepherd’s Bush pub is all about the snazzy garden, which makes for one of the best outdoor pub spaces in west London. It’s huge, with plenty of comfy chairs and its own bar.
215 Askew Road, W12 9AZ, theeaglew12.co.uk
The Canonbury Tavern
Historic Islington pub the Canonbury is worth a visit all year round, but the garden helps it come into its own in the summer. It was also one of the pubs frequented by George Orwell, who wrote parts of 1984 while sitting in the garden back in the 40s.
21 Canonbury Place, N1 2NS, thecanonbury.co.uk
More beer gardens
Vinegar Yard
Since opening last year, Vinegar Yard has become one of the most popular spots in London Bridge. The space, which claims to be the capital's largest outdoor dining and beer garden, is back now, with table reservations of up to six people and plenty of street food traders to enjoy alongside your beer. Check out the venue’s vintage and flea market on the weekends too.
72-82 St Thomas Street, SE1 3QX, vinegaryard.london
Roof East
Stratford hotspot Roof East opened its doors for the first time since Christmas on July 4, welcoming guests into its 30,000sq ft of outdoor space. There’ll be a reduced capacity and social distancing measures in place, with guests ordering drinks and food via an app and the space transformed into a fully seated and fully hosted area. Games and activities will be open too, including Sluggers batting cages, Birdies crazy golf and Sliders curling.
7 & 8 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, E15 1BB, roofeast.com
Camden Town Brewery
Camden Town Brewery is opening its gates for a pop-up beer garden, where guests can enjoy produce pretty much straight from source. The brewery will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sundays, with tickets for a two hour slot costing £20 and including a £10 food voucher and £10 off your drinks bill.
55-59 Wilkin Street Mews, NW5 3NN, camdentownbrewery.com
Skylight
The Wapping venue, known for its panoramic open-air views of the city, has opened under new social distancing rules with its signature lawn games suspended to allow more room. Guests will be required to reserve tables in advance to enter the venue, with prices starting at £10.
Tobacco Dock, E1W 2SF, tobaccodocklondon.com
