30 best pub gardens in SW London and Surrey
30 best pub gardens in SW London and Surrey
From riverside terraces to flower-filled sun traps, here’s our pick of the best pub gardens in south west London and Surrey
By Caroline McConnico
1
The White Hart, Barnes
Leafy Barnes is spoiled with its riverside setting and The White Hart takes advantage of the great views of the Thames from its terrace, which are particularly lovely at sunset. People watch from the side terrace, boat watch from the front balcony, or swan spot on one of The White Hart’s riverside benches down below. A local favourite, the pub is particularly bustling on Sundays, with hearty roasts, fresh pints and riverside vibes. Al fresco South West London at its quaintest.
2
The Ship, Wandsworth
For a casual hang-out with food options, The Ship is a lively riverside pub with a heated garden and terrace. Tuck into Burger Shack treats from high tables, communal style benches or beach huts, all to the backdrop of the Thames. You can enjoy al fresco delights on the Riverside Terrace, which on Ship Sundays becomes the buzzing place to be.
3
The Prince, West Brompton
For something completely weather-proof, The Prince is a lively collection of pop-up restaurants all under the same roof, with a large communal indoor garden with picnic bench seating. The retractable roof makes it a great option for all weather. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, and later in the week they have live bands and DJs who perform. You can also visit The Loft, a dedicated sports bar right upstairs.
4
The Anchor, Wisley
Stop by The Anchor in Wisley if you are looking for a great place to catch up with friends. The canal-side tables are the perfect spot for a refreshing post-walk tipple, and if you get hungry, there’s a cosy restaurant indoors with exposed beams, mismatched tables and a carved wood bar. The pub is also dog friendly, so feel free to bring your pooch and come ready for a nice long afternoon right on the water.
FABULOUS FOODIE CONTENT:
5
The Boathouse, Putney
A favourite among locals, The Boathouse in Putney is a dog and child friendly pub with riverside tables. Retreat into the shade downstairs and watch as families and runners utilise the Thames Trail, or up the viewing anti with a cooling beverage on the gastropub’s balcony. All of the pub food is high-quality and locally sourced too.
6
The Anglers, Teddington
Best enjoyed after a sunny day’s stroll along the river and nearby lock, The Anglers‘ expansive garden comes alive from early afternoons on summer weekends, serving cooling pints, dewy bottles of wine and glammed up incarnations of sandwich favourites – battered haddock finger & tartare sauce sandwiches for the win. It’s a family-friendly space, making it popular with parents in the local neighbourhood.
7
The Windmill, Clapham
Overlooking Clapham Common, this parkside oasis is perfect for a classic summer day or evening drink. The colourful shack garden boasts the perfect drop-in spot to cool down with a cold pint or leisurely sip on a fruity cocktail. Be warned of the temptations of their summer menu, with laid back lunches and fresh seasonal pub classics with a summer twist.
8
The County Arms, Wandsworth
The County Arm’s garden is a great place to capture some sun and enjoy a few hours of drinks and snacks. Dogs are welcome and the pub’s position next to the Common makes a perfect pit stop after a nice summer stroll. Classic pub fare features on the menu, from beer battered fish & chips to the Aberdeen Angus steak.
9
Park Tavern, Southfields
A community hub holding quiz nights and alternating food deals throughout the week, Park Tavern comes into its own in the warmer months with benches out front and sheltered seating out back on the split-level terrace. The tavern also has summer cocktail specials, including £9 Aperol spritz everyday, or double the fun with 2 for £15.
10
The Magic Garden, Battersea
Described as a “festival in a pub”, The Magic Garden in Battersea is a summer must-visit. On the weekends the garden hosts big festival bands and DJs for lots of fun, dancing and memory making. During the weekdays, cosy up with a cappuccino and newspaper in the garden, or work in one of their antique armchairs, using the free WiFi.
THE BEST LOCAL THINGS TO DO:
11
The Avalon, Clapham South
The Avalon is blessed with an abundance of outside areas. There’s a terrace with heaters plus a garden, complete with a lounge area, booths and an al fresco bar. The pub also locally sources all of its food, with free-range chicken and pork, and sustainably sourced fish all from some of the best small producers in the British Isles.
12
The Red Lion, Shepperton
Owned by old school mates, The Red Lion has classic pub charm with an updated flair. The pub is one of the oldest in Shepperton, dating back between 1722 and 1730. The owners refurbished the spot, and it is now lively with friends and families chatting over pints and snacks. Watch the boats bob up and down on this gorgeous stretch of the Thames and chill with some rose and burgers.
13
The Victoria, Surbiton
The pub garden at The Victoria in Surbiton is a lovely place to catch-up with friends over a few summer spritz, including the uber-trendy Hugo Spritz and the new favourite Rhubarb Rosé Spritz. With all of your al fresco needs like funky cabins, firepits and an outside bar, kick back and enjoy the holiday vibes.
14
The Albany, Thames Ditton
Thames Ditton’s The Albany has a great courtyard and garden perfect for summer lounging and socialising. The pub is stylish and very Instagrammable if you are looking for an aesthetic afternoon in its garden. The menu also has a large variety in options with grills, low cal options, plus vegetarian and vegan dishes.
15
Wych Elm, Kingston
The ‘secret’ garden tucked away in a residential street in North Kingston is a special place indeed. This outdoor oasis is the place for a well-kept pint and dinner in relaxed surroundings. The pub’s award-winning 100% Cask Marque cellar stocks real ales, craft beers, lagers and regularly changing guest ales too. Be aware that though children are welcome, the pub asks that those under 12 leave by 7:30pm.
16
The Cock Inn, Headley, near Epsom
With some fab walks on its doorstep, this is a great location for day-tripping Londoners and locals alike. Sit out on the terrace with a G&T and enjoy locally-sourced ingredients, from steaks to salads. Make sure to come on one of the pub’s steak nights, every Friday evening from 5:30pm, and enjoy steak frites, rosemary salted skin on fries and house green sauce with a glass of wine for just £24.95.
17
Hand in Hand, Wimbledon
You’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in the heart of the country in this village pub on Wimbledon Common. After stretching your legs around the green, head here for one of the pub’s one-of-a-kind pies and pint in the garden. Your four-legged friends will love it too with the chance to be awarded ‘dog of the day’. The pub also offers mouthwatering Sunday roasts and amazing puddings.
18
601 Queen’s Road, Wimbledon
At 601 Queen’s Road, you can enjoy a cocktail and light bites on the pub’s heavenly wrap-around first floor terrace decorated with a canopy and pretty fairy lights. The pub offers lunch and dinner, and even has a bottomless brunch available every Saturday and Sunday. The pub is also conveniently located directly next to Wimbledon station, making it the perfect meet-up spot on a lazy afternoon. The terrace is only available on a first-come-first-served basis so be sure to get there early to snag a spot.
19
The Leather Bottle, Earlsfield
Spend a sunny Saturday in the beer garden at The Leather Bottle, for an afternoon of refreshing cocktails, crisp pints and traditional pub dishes. This pub is a perfect place for a celebration and specialises in hosting anything from birthdays and anniversaries to garden parties and weddings. Lose track of time and enjoy the summer sunshine before cosying up under the heated space when it cools down later in the evenings.
20
The Waterfront, Battersea
For views of the Thames, this terrace overlooks the Wandsworth Bridge making for the ideal sunset spot this summer to cheers a cocktail or two. Kick back in the elegant weave chairs for a true at-home lazy summer vibe. The food menu, which has plenty of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options, changes seasonally to offer the best tastes this summer.
21
The Garden Shed, Wimbledon
Offering the ultimate relaxed vibe this summer, head to this cosy shed of picnic tables, plants and cushioned wooden sofas for a much-needed cold one. During the day, the garden streams the sports of the day from wall-mounted TVs dotted around. At night the deck comes to life illuminated by the glow of fairy lights for the ideal evening of after-work drinks and catching up with friends.
22
Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden
Looking for a buzzing atmosphere with great food and refreshing drinks? Check out Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden for live performances and entertainment, a lively social scene, and some of the best street food around. Choose from one of the seven current food vendors and try cuisine from all over the world. The garden has live music every Thursday and is available for private events in one of its many venue rooms that are fully heated and covered.
23
The Phene, Chelsea
The Phene has a rich Chelsea heritage as it was founded in 1853. Today, the charming leafy enclave offers a beautiful covered secret garden creating the perfect ambience for enjoying a summer day out. With a drinks menu of classics and signature cocktails and modern British pub food, it does not disappoint.
24
The Retreat, Staines-upon-Thames
A cheerful neighbourhood pub in Staines is home to a cosy partly shaded pub garden supporting pergolas and parasols. Serving wood-fired pizzas and classic pub grub this is the place to spend half your day soaking up the sun and sipping drinks. The pub also offers “Soul Nights” with lots of dancing and DJs playing your favourite old school tunes.
25
The Cricketers, Cobham
The Cricketers overlooks the pretty Downside Common and has a beautiful pub garden for you to take in all of the lovely countryside views. With an extensive food and drinks menu there is something to everyone’s taste at this Cobham hideaway. For a steak night under the summer skies head on a Wednesday from 5pm for a free bottle of wine with every two steaks ordered. This spot also offers a variety of family-friendly events, making it a perfect place for the whole family to enjoy.
26
The Jolly Coopers Pub, Epsom
The secret garden at the Jolly Coopers Pub offers a sunny escape from work and other obligations. Instead, pull up a chair in the garden, sip on a pint and relax. This pub is one of the oldest free houses in Epsom and has a rich history as the building dates back to the 1840s. The al a carte menu boasts a range of specials, and the drinks menu is curated specifically for the summertime outdoor drinking season.
27
The Bear, Esher
The Bear has housed weary travellers and invited locals for over three centuries in Esher. The garden is said to be the biggest pub garden in Esher and is prepared for all weather as it hides away under a stretch tent. Take a group of friends to this pub garden and relax in the outdoor swing chairs with a flavoured gin or classic wine.
28
The Landor, Clapham
With a busy canopied garden, The Landor is the perfect spot to enjoy a football game with friends. You can enjoy their garden bar serving crisp craft beers and cocktails, and enjoy one of the yummy burgers on their lunch menu. The garden also hosts summer parties and regular barbecues for groups of friends to enjoy all with an excellent music selection as the perfect soundtrack.
29
The Clapham Tap, Clapham
The garden in The Clapham Tap is certainly something special – kitted out with an abundance of seating and a section entirely designated to table tennis, so you can enjoy a game or two while you wait for your drinks. While you’re at it, you can try one of their truly delicious pizzas, and if it gets too chilly you can head inside and peruse their bookshelves full of great reads.
30
The Fentiman Arms, Vauxhall
Last but not least, The Fentiman Arms in Vauxhall has not one, but two gardens attached. The garden terrace in the front is perfect for people watching while sipping a crafted cocktail. In the back, you’ll find a spacious garden with plush chairs and couches for optimal lounging and soaking up the sun. When you get hungry, be sure to try the Burger Shack for tasty burgers and other snacks.
31
The White Cross, Richmond
Lovingly known as ‘the pub that floods’, The White Cross in Richmond offers sun-soaked waterfront seating for an unbeatable day out on the banks of the river. With the High Tide Hen Shack serving up crispy-coated wings and spice bags from Friday – Sunday, let the Thames lap at your feet while you enjoy tasty chicken, ice cold pints and the best views in town.
