Best pub gardens in south west London and Surrey
Best pub gardens in south west London and Surrey
From riverside terraces to flower-filled sun traps, here’s our pick of the 20+ best pub gardens in south west London and Surrey
South west London and Surrey have a host of fantastic pub gardens to enjoy.
Do phone ahead to check if a terrace or garden is open.
Top 20 pub gardens
1
The White Hart, Barnes (pictured above)
Leafy Barnes is spoilt 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 it’s 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.
4
The Anchor, Wisley
If it’s just a drink you’re after, stop by The Anchor in Wisley. The canal-side tables are the perfect spot for a refreshing post-walk tipple. If you get hungry, there’s a cosy restaurant indoors with exposed beams, mismatched tables and a carved wood bar.
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.
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.
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 the Burger Shack grill and its new menu of sizzling juicy patties and more.
8
The County Arms, Wandsworth
Just as popular in the winter months as it is through the summer, The County Arms’ garden is a real suntrap through the warmer months, while the blankets, heaters and canopy cover make an appearance in the winter. 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.
10
The Magic Garden, Battersea
Just as much a secret garden as it is a magic one, this Battersea favourite is abustle with chattering friends and music accompanying the flowing drinks. Head over for their happy hour, with 2-4-1 cocktails served up 5-7pm, Monday to Friday.
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.
(c) Naomi Gabrielle
12
The Red Lion – Shepperton
Chill out on the riverside terrace at the Red Lion, watching the boats bob up and down on this gorgeous stretch of the Thames. We’re bagsying the sofa area and chilling with some rose and one of the top burgers.
13
The Victoria, Surbiton
The fun outside space at this Surbiton gem is a fine place for a sunny evening. With funky cabins, firepits and 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 and has a menu to suit all with grills, low cal options, plus vegan and veggie 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.
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.
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 a pie and a pint in the garden. Your four-legged friends will love it too with the chance to be awarded ‘dog of the day’.
18
601 Queen’s Road, Wimbledon
601 Queen’s Road is conveniently located directly next to Wimbledon station, making it the perfect meet-up spot. The balcony terrace is covered with a canopy and pretty fairy lights, while the menu offers brunch, lunch and dinner.
19
The Leather Bottle, Earlsfield
Kick back and relax in the brand new completely refurbished pub garden. Cosy up under the heated space even when it cools down later in the summer evenings. Offering wide outside tables shaded with umbrellas, al fresco dining and private garden huts, whatever your occasion The Leather Bottle has you covered.
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 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
With a buzzing atmosphere, this bustling space is host to a variety of food stalls such as Greek, Italian and Asian cuisines. The garden hosts a calendar of events throughout the summer months including bottomless brunch festivals, Drag Race viewing parties and a range of different cultural food festivals.
23
The Phene, Chelsea
This charming leafy enclave offers a charming covered secret garden creating the perfect ambience for enjoying a summer day out. With a drinks menu of classics and signature cocktails and a kitchen headed by Michelin-trained chef Sidy Kounta, the menu here 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.
25
The Cricketers, Cobham
Under a stretch tent, pull up a chair and take in the views of the common and sweeping greenery as you soak in the countryside. 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.
26
The Jolly Coopers Pub, Epsom
One of the oldest free houses in Epsom, this microbrewery holds a spacious beer garden in old-school classic pub fashion with picnic benches and umbrellas on the pebbled ground. The al a carte menu boasts a range of specials, and the drinks menu is curated specially for the summertime outdoor drinking season.
27
The Bear, Esher
Prepared for all weather, part of this garden hides away under a stretch tent. Said to be the biggest pub garden in Esher, this is for sure the place to take a group of friends. Opt for a flavoured gin or a classic wine and relax in this colourful garden of plants and outdoor swing chairs.
28
The Landor, Clapham
With a busy canopied garden, The Landor is the perfect spot to enjoy a football game in the summer with friends. You can enjoy their newly-constructed garden bar serving crisp craft beers and cocktails, and peruse the yummy burgers on their lunch menu.
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.
