London’s beer gardens are the not-so-secret jewel in the crown of a summer in the capital. Elsewhere in Europe, the locals might enjoy buzzy piazzas, or seaside restaurants – but here in the London we know our strengths. A pub beer garden, plus a group of pals, a chilled cider or G&T, and a packet or two of salt and vinegar to share is the recipe for al fresco socialising.

Summer truly snuck up on us this year, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees as early as May. Yet with the heatwave only set to continue, now it’s time to book those coveted spots in London’s best beer gardens.

That’s why, with no time to spare, we’ve rounded up our favourite places to enjoy outdoor bevving in our magical capital city. In our round-up of London‘s best gardens, you’ll find The Lamb, a Victorian pub once frequented by Charles Dickens in London’s literary hub of Bloomsbury; The Telegraph, a Putney venue with unbeatable views over the Thames; and some of the best al fresco venues to soak up the sun once summer comes around.

So, from Bow to Bermondsey, Kensington to Kennington, Shepherd’s Bush to Stokey, Hammersmith to Highgate, Westminster to Wapping (okay, you get the idea), these are London’s best beer gardens to visit now the sunshine is, hopefully, here to stay for a while.

These are the best London beer gardens to have on your radar…