London’s Best Brewery Beer Gardens
It is really rather warm out and nobody can concentrate on anything.
Solution?
Beer Gardens.
While many pubs boast leafy refuge from the stifling heat, here are some top brewery beer gardens around London to get a pint made a few metres away from where you’re sitting, in order to help you weather the…weather.
North London
Two Tribes, Islington
The space has come on leaps and bounds in the past couple of years so if this is your first time there you’re in for a treat, and if you last visited in 2019 you should go back because they’ve matured like a fine cheese.
Good for: Being outdoors; Cool music; Friends who don’t think they like beer.
Things to note: It books up days if not weeks in advance, so you have to get a little organised.
Beer: The selection of their brews has diversity for the discerning craft beer lover, yet isn’t the highlight.
Vibez: This is the highlight. Two Tribes has put a lot of thought into service, music, atmosphere and the likes and comes up with the goods for a great evening out.
Highbury Brewhouse and Kitchen, Islington
This spot on the H&I roundabout has a cute little outside bit that should shade you while you wait for a train.
Good For: Small batch craft; Mixing with locals; Proximity to transport.
Things to note: This is a brewpub in the purest form. Don’t be tempted by the macro fare on offer – they brew their own stuff and it is really quite decent. The cute garden out front is optimum in the sunshine.
Beer: As above – decent brews that have travelled across the room to get from the tank to your glass.
Vibez: Usually the garden is a delightful relaxed environment despite being on the Highbury roundabout and inside is a rustic experience, if a little dark.
Want to find more Islington craft beer? Click here!
Exale Brewery and Taproom, Blackhorse Road
Exale has a delightful, semi-enclosed outdoor space with on-site food and a creative mezzanine level. The indoor space is deceptively large, with plenty of seating and, get this, a SECOND mezzanine level.
Good For: Drinking very, very late; taking your friends who don’t want to drink beer; chatting to people you don’t know.
Things to note: Exale is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 4pm and on weekends from Midday until basically whenever the last person leaves. Things can start to get enjoyably rowdy once darkness falls. They serve a good few options other than beer, in case you’re on a 12 hour session and at any point feel like some variety.
Beer: A couple of beers of every style and even a couple of sours tend to be pouring. They serve an ice cream float in chocolate stout that is…unique.
Vibez: The vibe here is really quite fun, DJs get things going from 9pm and it’s not impossible that people will get up and dance, or at least do a little chair shimmying. Plus, yknow, Beer in the City quiz events! Lovely, warm humans work here, focused on inclusivity and all very passionate about the community they are building.
Truman’s Social Club, Blackhorse Road
Is it a brewery? Is it a social club? Is it the largest indoor space you’ve been in since before the pandemic? It’s probably all three. Owned and run by the historic Truman’s Brewery (the original building of which is on Brick Lane and host to all number of events, beer and otherwise), this is a new venture for the area.
Good for: Good food, being in giant warehouse, being in a giant beer garden.
Things to note: Not sure if I mentioned already that the indoor space is absolutely gigantic. The outdoor space is also extremely large, and booking is currently recommended as it is really, really popular.
Beer: Truman’s beer is old school craft so it hits the classic notes just fine, but you’re not going to get anything particularly ambitious. There are a few rotating taps of local guest craft too.
Vibez: This has been built as a destination, that’s for sure. If there’s one venue that is already trying to ensure the tourists and hipsters do migrate up and eastwards from Bermondsey, it’s here. Let’s see if it succeeds.
Want to find more Blackhorse Road craft beer? Click here!
40FT Brewery & Taproom, Dalston
Situated down a side street right opposite Dalston Kingsland station, 40ft is a bunch of shipping containers in a quiet courtyard, so yes, you’re at the right place.
Good For: Sunshine; Food; Outdoor Space.
Things to note: Catch some sun in the plentiful communal seating in the courtyard. They have just opened a restaurant (April 2022) which is indoors in one of the buildings surrounding the space. It’s really, really good.
Beer: Pretty much your standard fare of pale ales, lagers and stouts, with something for everyone without pushing the boat out too much, despite the shipping containers.
Vibez: Buzzy courtyard with potential for socialising on communal tables. Gets pretty hoppin’ on a Saturday!
Want to find more Dalston craft beer? Click here!
East London
Hackney Church Brew Co, Hackney Central
A buzzing venue that offers food as good as its beer, this is a perfect stop to fuel up and line your stomach while enjoying an easy drinking selection. Don’t get it confused with Hackney Brewery (also a good brewery – just nowhere near here).
Good For: Groups; Food; Outdoor Space.
Things to note: You will almost certainly need to book here at popular times, especially if you want to sit in the beer garden.
Beer: Something for everyone, and this is the brand – Hackney Church isn’t here to blow your mind with edgy, unusual beer; rather it exists to create a fun, accessible spot for people who like all sorts of booze, and that’s why we like it.
Vibez: As above – this is the place to be, almost always fully booked on a Saturday and bustling with diverse groups of those who are beerin’ and those who aren’t. There’s outdoor seating out front and there’s a reaaaallllyyy nice beer garden out the back.
Deviant and Dandy, Hackney Central
Right next door to Hackney Church, sometimes a name tells you everything you need to know about a brewery. This screams “we don’t take ourselves seriously whatsoever so come hang out, drink funky beers and enjoy yourself”. Turns out that’s exactly what you’ll do.
Good For: Creative beers; Cool Courtyard; Quirkiness.
Things to note: A very creatively laid out venue with nooks to sit inside and a nicely laid out courtyard with some retro music choices and a sort of “we don’t care if you judge us” attitude that you’ll likely enjoy. They also have a taco stand that is really quite delicious.
Beer: It’s creative. Fig flavoured Stout? Ginger and lime pale ale? A beer called ‘Dude Looks Like A Hazy’? Had ’em all, pals. Be daring – you never know what you might enjoy.
Vibez: Laid back, alternative, you might hate the music but you might LOVE the music.
Want to find more Hackney Central craft beer? Click here!
Old Street Brewery Taproom, Hackney Wick
Old Street is a rapidly expanding operation that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Their production recently shifted to this venue and it boasts a secluded little beer garden that won’t make you feel too much like you’re sitting in a Hackney Wick car park.
Good For: Bustling crowd; Fresh, experimental tastes.
Things To Note: This is just across the courtyard from Howling Hops so feel free to stagger between them at will.
Beer: A couple of staples and a load of experimental, unusual brews means that one might be delicious, one less delicious, then one will be delicious again. I’ll take those averages.
Vibez: On a Friday or Saturday night this place is heaving and full of energy. Otherwise, a calm relaxed sit down for a Saturday afternoon tipple in the courtyard.
Want to find more Hackney Wick craft beer? Click here!
The Five Points Brewery, London Fields
Five Points has been on the scene for quite some time and their new, state of the art brewery is something to behold.
Good For: Groups; Food; Outdoor Space.
Things to note: Almost the whole thing is currently outside, though they are still working on certain portions. Luckily, a large amount of the space is covered, which is very very important for shade (and obviously shelter if it rains, yes even when its 34 degrees out). There are also food popups to soak up the drinks.
Beer: A small but solid selection with pretty much one of every type of beer that you’ll have heard of. The quality is high, their cool honeycomb glasses help you feel like what you’re drinking is extra authentic and you can get beers in a variety of sizes.
Vibez: The big outdoor space under the arches is always nice and buzzing without being overwhelmingly rammed; it feels spacious though you should probably book if you’re heading there on a Friday or Saturday evening.
Want to find more London Fields craft beer? Click here!
Gravity Well, Leyton
Literally underneath Leyton Midland Overground station, this brewery will be one of those “I was there before it was big” places as it’s making ripples in the London beer scene like the moon on the sea.*
Good for: Rich, juicy New England/hazy IPAs; Super small batch quality.
Things to note: This is a one man operation and he is doing it with aplomb, with every offering at a high quality that belies the relative youth of the brewery. All I can say is go there, try the beer and I guarantee you’ll takeaway a few cans so you can keep enjoying it without having to trek all the way back (for a few weeks at least).
Beer: I’ve said it all above. Amazing stuff. Keep an eye on the ABV – some of these taste like juice and have the potency of juice with a large shot of vodka thrown in.
Vibez: The tap room is a small space that is brand new, minimalist and laid back with a cosy outdoor part that gets totally full by 4.30pm on a Friday after having opened at 4pm.
*If you don’t get it, read a physics text book.
Want to find more Leyton/stone craft beer? Click here!
South London
Bullfinch Brewery, Brixton/Herne Hill
Round Brockwell Park edge you go and down a random side street – this area sure doesn’t flaunt its wares. Don’t fret, though – Bullfinch is where it says it is on the map, and it’s a real treat.
Good for: Chatty staff; Relaxed atmosphere; Cool layout.
Things to note: This is a small setup with a cluster of garden tables under some charming, colourful decoration. They have a couple of their latest brews on draft plus cans of the same, making for a good bit of hydration.
Beer: Brewed literally next door, it is very good and very, very fresh.
Vibez: Chatting to staff, bartenders, brewers and other drinkers tends to happen – the space is small so it’s almost impossible not to – plus it is in such an off-beat location that many a beer enthusiast comes to hang out.
Want to find more Brixton/Herne Hill craft beer? Click here!
Southey Brewery, Penge
The O.G. brewery of the Penge strip (are we calling it that?) which has been there since 2016, making it rather mature in beer years.
Good for: A bit more space; Back alley charm; Laid back atmosphere.
Things to note: “It’s quite hard to find” is what I’d be saying if the Google Maps pin didn’t take you exactly there, but fortunately it does. However, you’ll be wondering if it’s correct until the very moment you arrive given how hidden away it is, but trust the map and you shall drink.
Beer: Quality is once again very high, with a large selection of their own brews erring towards the pale ale/IPA trend.
Vibez: Nice courtyard with six decent sized tables, it feels spread out and if the sun’s out it’s glorious. If the sun isn’t out, which is probably the case other than this week, it’s still a nice courtyard.
Want to find more Penge craft beer? Click here!
Brick Brewery, Peckham
Right underneath Peckham Rye station, the rumbling of trains may not make you feel like you’re in a leafy paradise but the beer is excellent and the people watching is highly entertaining.
Good For: Another beer before your train; Feeling like a hipster; Funky beer.
Things to note: It is right in the Peckham heartland so attracts locals and footfall. Booking is recommended, especially if you want a seat outside, which is the entire point.
Beer: Core range favourites that you can find in the supermarket go hand in hand with their funky stuff, so try something classic then try something WIIILD!
Vibez: Peckham cool as expected, with a smattering of beer nerds, makes for a fun, diverse environment.
West London
N/A. Go find a pub, I guess.
Do you know any other awesome brewery beer gardens in London? If so, hit us up in the comments and so we can visit and shelter from the swelter!
Share and enjoy : )