Five pubs with beautiful gardens are now opening in London
August 5, 2022
Like festivals, barbecues, picnics and Flying Ant Day, pub gardens are synonymous with British Summer Time. There’s nothing that warms a Londoner’s heart more than spending the hours in a pub garden sipping on a Krug of Pimm’s, the latest G&T combo, a spritz or, for those who like it traditional, a warm ale to sip. Whether you’re into lush flora or prefer a cute terrace with great food, London has it in every corner of the city. Here are some of our favourites:
The Southampton Arms in Kentish Town: For the Beer Connoisseur (and Salt Beef Bagels)
This pub is for those who really love a beer. With 18 hand draws, the beers and ales on tap rotate regularly and truly represent the small, independent and craft breweries across the country. Pub keeper Nicholas Bailey has amassed a cult following and not only keeps his drinkers well watered but also his pub garden which sits behind the pub. During lockdown, Bailey became an avid gardener and is now benefiting from it. This garden is perfect for those looking to cool off in the heat as there are many small arches and plants that provide natural shade. They also make some of the best salt beef bagels this side of East London.
To book a table at Southampton Arms, 139 Highgate Road, London NW5 1LE, visit the website here.
The faltering full-back at Finsbury Park: For the sports fans
Well known among sports fans – particularly football and rugby – the Faltering Fullback is a staple in North London. A proud Irish pub that looks deceptively small from the outside, even when you step inside. But head to the back past the small wraparound bar, and there’s a year-round maze of a garden that’s like a grown-up treehouse that never seems to end. This is an outdoor dining area that has it all: shade, foliage, direct sunlight, hidden corners for intimate gatherings, or long tables for large groups. Thai cuisine has been successful for years and serves delicious traditional Thai dishes. There is cash only for food and there is the regular pub quiz every Monday night.
To book a table at Faltering Fullback, 19 Perth Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 3HB call 020 7272 5834 or visit the website here.
The Duke of Richmond at Dalston: For Foodies
Tom Oldroyd turned his attention 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 Regents Canal, it is now an elegant pub and dining room, serving a delicious modern European menu. Of course, the menu changes seasonally, and for those warmer months you can expect treats like prosciutto, charentais melon, oxheart tomato, raspberry vinaigrette, and pink peppercorns, as well as cocktails as visceral as the Spiced Negroni L’Orange. There is a small terrace outside the pub which makes a perfect stylish pit stop any day of the week. Book ahead for the Sunday roast; Unlike most places, you can reserve tables outside as well.
To reserve a table at The Duke of Richmond, 316 Queensbridge Road, London E8 3NH, call 020 7923 3990 or visit the website here.
The Crabtree in Fulham: For that country feel
On one of the nicer stretches of the River Thames, Crabtree is a Victorian building on the banks of the river and is west London’s version of a traditional city pub with a country flair. Go here if you’re looking for a little break 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 (honey), all in a tree-lined riverside garden that reminds diners that London is precious Moments of peace and tranquility has calm. The kitchen serves British-led dishes, from burratina, heirloom tomatoes, basil, olive oil, salted cracker bread to cider clad fish and chips, pea pudding, tartar sauce and gherkin ketchup. It’s a beautiful setting in a Victorian building.
To book a table at Crabtree, Rainville Road, London W6 9HA call 020 7827 8239 or visit the website here.
The White Horse in Peckham: For the beer garden
Billing itself as a “proper pub with a great beer garden,” Peckham’s White Horse 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 doner kebab. Right now they’re hosting Mondo Sando, which are “sling subs” filled with eclectic ingredients and bold flavors inspired by foods from Miyazaki films, Redwall novels, and The Beano. Get a Larb, Indeed Sandwich (soy mince larb with Thai basil, mint, cilantro, shallot and chili, lime dressing, toasted rice powder, black bean mayonnaise, pickled green beans and lettuce) or the Five- Point Parm Exploding Heart Technique (fried eggplant, Norma sauce, hand-shredded mozzarella, pecorino, arugula, and basil) and find a spot in the front yard. You can bring your dog too, but there is a curfew at 8:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, when the party really gets going into the wee hours.
To reserve a table at The White Horse, 20-22 Peckham Rye, London SE15 4JR call 020 7639 1459 or visit the website here.
Frankie Reddin
