Outdoor bars in London: our favourite al-fresco spots
The warmer months are finally upon us, which means long sunny afternoons are best spent al-fresco – in some of the best outdoor bars in London, to be precise. The capital city is home to some of the country's best beer gardens and rooftop bars, and London's best outdoor bars are no different. We know it can be hard to choose which bar to visit, especially in a city as sprawling as London, so we've gathered a list of our favourite spots the city offers, all tried and tested by our team.
One of the best places to start is by the River Thames. Bars that claim an enviable spot along this winding waterway often spread out onto terraces and pavements as the weather improves. Nurse a cocktail under the shadow of the Shard in East London, or head towards the leafy suburbs where the absence of skyscrapers makes grabbing a sunny spot for the entirety of an afternoon even easier. Canal-side pints are best served with pizzas in Hackney, while some of the most stylish London hotels also hide sheltered terraces for those drizzly yet balmy drinking sessions. These are the hideouts you'll find us at this summer.