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.