Discover: Beer Gardens in North London

The best sun traps for a pint or three across the northern end of the capital…

By Rex Adams | Updated Jul 18 2024

A vibrant multi-level garden with red wooden fences, cascading green plants, and colorful flowers. The garden is nestled against a yellow brick house with chimneys. The sky is blue with scattered clouds, adding to the tranquil ambiance.

We’re sure that the last thing you want to do when looking to enjoy the limited sunshine we have is scroll through the world wide web looking for the best beer gardens in North London, so we’ve done it for you. From the trendy to the relaxed, here are our top pics for beer gardens in North London.

A quaint building covered with lush green vines and vibrant flowers stands on a sunny day. A red sign near the door displays Charrington Fullback. A chalkboard menu is visible on the sidewalk, enhancing the inviting atmosphere of the establishment. — Image © falteringfullback.com/

19 Perth Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 3HB

The Faltering Fullback is something of a legend in North London. If you’ve ever lived remotely near Finsbury Park, it’s probably the place you flock to as soon as the sun's out, or when temperatures soar to a baking 15 degrees, and it’s all because of that beer garden. If you haven’t been, the beer garden you are imagining is not the beer garden of reality. Is there grass? No. Umbrellas? No. Can it even really be called a garden? Debatable.

That’s because when the owners first moved into the pub, they had to have a think about how to turn the tiny space out back into somewhere worth drinking in the summer heat; they realised there was only one way they could go - up. What we have now is a lovely multi-level ‘garden’, with decking heading up into the clouds (well, nearly), potted plants and flowers, and heaters for wintertime.

84 Upper Clapton Road, London, E5 9JP

Found in the heart of Clapton is the Crooked Billet pub, boasting a sizeable beer garden to enjoy the summer days in (rain or shine) and the kitchen serves up all of your favourite pub delights from Sunday Roasts to Fish and Chips alongside doughy pizzas to wash down your aperol. As for their beer selection? Well, let's just say they've a lineup that'll make even the most discerning beer snob weak in the knees.

People are sitting and chatting at outdoor tables in front of a rustic brick pub with large windows. The pub has a blue door and trim, and plants in pots decorate the patio. A chalkboard sign reads THE SUN IS SHINING ON THE ALWYNE CASTLE. — Image © Facebook via @AlwyneCastle

83 St. Paul’s Road, Greater London, N1 2LY

The Alwyne Castle pub is the destination for a laid-back yet hoppy experience in North London. Whether you're craving a leisurely lunch or a jovial dinner with loved ones- Alwyne Castle offers an expansive drinks menu, a cosy atmosphere and, of course, a sizeable beer garden. Situated just a stone's throw away from Highbury & Islington, the pub has both a conservatory and courtyard, perfect for the unpredictable British weather.

A sunlit outdoor garden patio with several wooden tables and chairs. People are seated, engaged in conversation. The area is surrounded by lush greenery, including trees and potted plants, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Some buildings are visible in the background. — Image © Facebook via @thespaniardshampstead

Spaniards Road, NW3 7JJ

The Spaniards Inn reigns supreme as the crown jewel of North London's pub scene. Built in 1585 as a humble tollgate, this legendary inn has seen it all, from rumored highwayman births to poetic musings under starlit skies. Immortalized in literature and rumored to have ghostly patrons of its own, The Spaniards Inn also boasts a quaint beer garden. With ample seating, barbecue facilities, and patio heating for those chillier evenings, their garden is the perfect retreat for laid-back afternoons or al-fresco feasts fit for a king—or a highwayman.

A lively outdoor bar scene with people sitting under orange umbrellas and at tables, enjoying food and drinks. The area is shaded by trees, and the atmosphere is relaxed and social on a sunny day. — Image © Facebook via @edinborocastlepub

57 Mornington Terrace, London, NW1 7RU

From the convivial atmosphere to the well-behaved dogs and kids welcomed with open arms, The Edinboro Castle aims to please all who grace its hallowed halls. But what truly sets them apart is our pièce de résistance: the beer garden, a verdant oasis giving solitude from London life. With its own bar, barbecue, and a chain of chalet-like booths, their outdoor space is the crown jewel of North London's al-fresco scene.