A five-minute walk from Camden tube station, The Edinboro Castle
is a good shout for a casual weekday pint when the sun makes an
appearance. Situated on the corner of Regent’s Park, the pub
flaunts a surprisingly large beer garden that seats over 300. Grab
a cauldron of Pimm’s and bask the remainder of the afternoon away.
Blankets and a mini-marquee are on hand for if (and when) the
weather goes south.

Doing a straight-up local right, this neighbourhood all-rounder
serves up top-notch nibbles and pints to a thirsty crowd. A haven
for beer lovers, punters can choose from some 60 different
varieties of beer at an affordable price. Best keep this one on the
hush; we love its local vibe.

We can think of few more idyllic city activities than drinking
and dining among the flowers in the hanging garden of this N1
beauty. Something of a local institution, the convivial spot might
be at the top of many people’s summer hit list, but remains no less
desirable for it. Great food and good cocktails make it a mainstay
for discerning sun-worshippers looking for an al fresco base
camp.

Set slap bang in the centre of Hackney’s Victoria Park, the
People’s Park Tavern is home to one of London’s best beer gardens.
Framed by centuries-old oak trees, the sprawling green space is
clad with colourful bunting, overgrown palm trees and shack-like
booths. While the on-site microbrewery makes for a stellar drinks
menu, it’s the daily BBQ that we’re making tracks for. Arrive after
12pm to snag a plate of braised beef ribs and a side of superfood
salad, both best enjoyed with an Aperol spritz.

This beautiful mid-Victorian pub overlooks Victoria Park and gets the balance of good booze and good views just right. There are two terraces, but be prepared to wait a while for a table – this is a very popular hangout. Special occasion on the horizon? The south-facing taproom makes for a fantastic party spot.

London isn’t exactly short of options when it comes to
traditional 19th-century boozers, but we’re pretty sure the
Victorians took extra care when bringing The Prince George pub to
life. Tucked down an assuming street in Dalston, the two-storey
set-up has been reimagined by Hackney-born-and-bred general manager
Joe Watts, and offers an extensive craft beer and spirits menu.
Good pub grub comes courtesy of head chef Harry Webb-Jeffries. Head
down on a Saturday afternoon and bag a table in the street-facing
beer garden, where a jukebox blasting singalong tunes will keep you
and your gang entertained.

The Magic Garden is an eccentric spot full of character. There’s
a huge tent, mismatched furniture, candles, lanterns and a black
cab you can sit in. The pub’s main focus is music and it regularly
hosts up-and-coming artists covering all genres from reggae to
hip-hop and Latin American beats. Come at the weekend to party,
dance and listen to live music, or on Sundays for roasts, board
games and cocktails. They also have a killer happy hour, from
5-7pm, Monday to Friday.

Kitted out with beanbags, barrels, benches and booths, you’ll
never be short of a seat at The Avalon. Comprising a courtyard,
terrace and garden, the al fresco pub offers ample choice (and lots
of space). The outdoor bar and kitchen is our favoured spot. Opt
for a golden-hour drink and stay to enjoy the buzzy atmosphere till
late.

Cycle down to this beautifully restored south London pub for an
afternoon of live music and superb pub grub in the sun. With a
great vibe and some top ales, it’s also a great spot to while away
a long, lazy Sunday. Our advice: show up late in the afternoon,
make a pit stop at the barbecue shack, then huddle around the fire
pit for an evening of chatter and clinking glasses.

One of the most famous landmark pubs on the Thames, The Ship
fills up fast in the summer months. While firmly holding onto its
historical heritage, it draws a younger crowd, with many opting to
spend the whole day here. The outdoor terrace is our pick, but we
warned: it does get somewhat rowdy. If the red trouser brigade is
not your bag, you may want to swerve this one.

Step into this Brixton beer garden and you’d be forgiven for
thinking you’d landed in a suburban neighbourhood; the paved
courtyard is awash with greenery and, by London standards,
generously roomy. Have a whirl on the tiki-themed crazy-golf
course, before coupling a Brixton Brewery pale ale with grub from
on-site street-food set-up White Men Can’t Jerk.

Sprawling across a handful of buildings, The Prince serves up a
host of street-food options, with three bars and a garden that
ranks among London’s largest – and is blooming beautiful. Strewn
with hanging plants, pink neon and low-hanging rattan pendants, the
so-called “woodland” has a retractable roof, making this a go-to
come rain or shine. Established by the same people who brought you
Pergola on the Roof, it’s the ideal summer hangout.

A stone’s throw from The River Café, between the Hammersmith and
Putney bridges, this chichi spot has a sombre, Victorian interior,
though you won’t notice it if you stick to the main attraction –
the enormous riverside garden. Head here on a summer evening, find
a spot beneath the weeping willow and gaze across to Barnes and the
London Wetland Centre. Home to an award-winning comedy club and the
largest pub quiz in west London, it might just become your new
regular.

It doesn’t get much more British than this. Sitting pretty in
the heart of west London, this charming boozer has become famous
for its dazzling facade, which is plastered in a sea of bright and
beautiful, seasonally changing blooms. Step inside to find a bar
laced in Union Jack bunting, ceilings strung with pots and pans and
walls lined with vintage street signs. The pub, which first opened
its doors in 1750, has served pints to some of London’s most iconic
names in its time, including Churchill’s grandparents. Don’t leave
without taste-testing the Thai menu.

Everyone knows that post-work drinks look like jostling pints on
the edge of a pub pavement, and we can think of no better place to
get the job done than Mr Fogg’s Tavern. Converted into a two-storey
pub after Mr Phileas J Fogg’s Aunt Gertrude outlined the wish in
her will, the quirky and contemporary venue has become something of
a mecca for thirsty commuters. Enter past the floral archway to
find a gritty ground-floor set-up, or skip upstairs to find one of
London’s best-loved gin bars. Can’t escape the office? Check out
its cocktail-delivery service.

As much as we love those stripped-back boozers, there’s
something to be said for a design-smart space, too. Our favourite
is Soho’s Adam & Eve, partly for its central location (the
SUITCASE HQ stomping ground), but largely for its bougie interiors
– picture leather banquette seating, panelled walls, abstract
artworks and shelves scattered with potted plants. Get down there
early enough and you’ll find a handful of tables out front – the
ideal spot for a well-crafted cocktail and a side of
people-watching.