London’s Brewery Beer Gardens: Summer 2023
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.
Note that while almost every brewery in London does have outdoor space, we are focusing on breweries with a slightly more curated “beer garden” feel as opposed to being in a car park, regardless of how amazing the beer might be (Pressure Drop, we’re looking at you).
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.
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.
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.
Big Penny 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.
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.
Want to find more Blackhorse Road craft beer? Click here!
German Kraft Dalston
There is a lot going on in here. Hotel, restaurant, brewery, rooftop garden, all with a suave, modern and yes, gentrified feel. Head to the 5th floor for a leafy, laid back beer garden with amazing views of the city. The brewery is downstairs so what you’re getting has travelled a very short distance indeed (5 floors to be precise). Expect classic German styles along with a couple of IPAs just in case.
Good For: Food; Specialty beer; Feeling like you’re on holiday.
Things to note: The brewery is literally inside a hotel, so don’t get confused when you enter and they ask you if you’re checking in. The food here is extraordinary and if you have friends who “don’t like beer”, bring them for the food and let them be converted by a fresh pint direct from the tanks.
40FT Brewery & Taproom, Dalston
Situated down a side street right opposite Dalston Kingsland station, 40ft is a bunch of shipping containers in a secluded 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 a co-owned restaurant on site too. It’s really, really good.
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. There’s outdoor seating out front and there’s a reaaaallllyyy nice beer garden out the back. 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.
Deviant and Dandy, Hackney Central
Right next 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.
Want to find more Hackney Central craft beer? Click here!
Old Street Brewery Taproom, Hackney Wick
Old Street is an 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.
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.
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).
*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.
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.
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.
West London
N/A. Go find a pub, I guess.
Do you know of any London brewery beer gardens that we’ve missed? If so, let us know in the comments!
Share and Enjoy! (And remember to drink water).