With the sun now finally making its appearance and students off on their well deserved holidays, it is no surprise many of them are looking for the best spot to drink and celebrate. With many courses due to start in September and summers end being near, before it’s time for students to pack their bags and leave home or just mentally prepare for the mountainous workload that lies ahead there’s no reason why they can’t just have one last day out, at a beer garden maybe might I suggest. Looking for a great place to drink booze and catch up with friends and not drain your pockets in the process? Well then look no further and discover the best beer gardens in London for students.
1. The Eagle
Address: 215 Askew Rd, Shepherd’s Bush, London W12 9AZ
Feeling patriotic and looking to head over to your most traditional British pub? Well then I welcome you to head on over to The Eagle where the truest forms of beer gardens are open, and the ales just keep on flowing. Situated in the heart of Ravenscourt Park, this pub serves everything us students need for a good night out: heated outdoor seating area, eclectic music and pints upon pints upon pints! Giving you that comforting homely feel, The Eagle is definitely the place to go for all occasions.
2. The Terrace Alexandra Palace
Address: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
Arguably one of the most beautiful places on this list is The Terrace Alexandra Place, offering panoramic views across the entire capital! Not only is there a fully stocked bar, but also London’s best street food vendors serving every dish you could desire – from tasty vegan alternatives to mouthwatering chicken burgers for the meat lovers, this place truly has it all. So whether you want to soak up the sun with your friends or unwind with your family, make sure to grab a seat because I can only assume this venue is going to be packed every day.
3. Barrio Shoreditch
Address: 141-143 Shoreditch High St, Shoreditch, London E1 6JE
Okay, so Barrio Bar isn’t technically a beer garden. However, I couldn’t write this article without giving this bar an honourable mention. Located over in East London, the Brazilian inspired bar hosts fun, food and festivities perfect for students; not only does it serve great music and tapas-style dishes, but they also have amazing drink deals daily. Whether that be 2 for 1 cocktails, £4.50 for Madri Beer or Tequila shots only setting you back by £3.50, just so you know, I’ll definitely be drinking to that!
4. Big Chill Kings Cross
Address: 257-259, Pentonville Rd, N1 9NL
Taking a step back from the bright colours and house music and into a more low-lit relaxing venue, I’m going to introduce you to The Big Chill located in Kings Cross. Just as the name suggests, this bar provides you with the ultimate relaxation venue and lets you unwind for the week. Whether you fancy one of their craft lagers for that traditional pub feeling once again, Big Chill offers everything your mouth is watering for! Not to mention their much loved happy hour running from 4-7pm throughout the week excluding Saturday where students can indulge in £6 Spritz, a £5 Portobello Pilsner Bottle, £22 bubbles and so much more.
5. The People’s Park Tavern
Address: 360 Victoria Park Rd, London E9 7BT
If you’re looking for a secret garden escape this Summer with a tap wall, bbq kitchen and pop-up cocktail bar, then The People’s Park Tavern is at exactly the right place for that, plus even more! Located in Hackney and known as having one of the largest beer gardens in London, this venue is way more than just a party in the park: the buzzing atmosphere alone can make you lose track of time and allow you to really take in your first breaths of freedom this Summer. Whichever one of their four gardens you decide to explore, make sure to book in advance and quickly, because this place is super popular, especially for celebrations such as these.
6. The Exhibit
Address: 12 Balham Station Rd, Balham, London SW12 9SG
A neighbourhood bar and restaurant (for the purpose of this list, I’m also going to class it as a beer garden), The Exhibit is the perfect place to visit for the ultimate socialising session. Found all under one roof, you can sip on their martini’s with the latest gossip, cheers your Guinness’ to submitted assignments, and even feast on their brunches as a way to fuel your day. But the excitement doesn’t stop there; you can now enjoy their bottomless brunch for £35 a person, or even their mouthwatering Mamma Dough Pizza’s ranging between £9.75 to £15 to enjoy.
7. Pub on the Park
Address: 19 Martello St, Hackney, London E8 3PE
Just as the name suggests, this outdoor venue hosts everything you could ever desire from a beer garden: open fires, big screens, and of course never forgetting the non-stop flow of alcohol! Serving burgers, ribs, and chicken on the grill right in front of your eyes, plus a scrupulous list of drinks, this Pub on the Park is everything us students need for a chilled evening in the city. With reasonable prices, late-night music and a great selection of food and drinks, this is the perfect place for any occasion.
8. The Ship
Address: 41 Jews Row, Wandsworth, London SW18 1TB
Perched on the Wandsworth docs, this gastropub has once again opened its doors, or should I say ports, to the public once again this Summer. Whether you want to sip on your cocktails whilst watching the sunset or guzzle your roast dinner whilst listening to the waves lap, The Ship is the perfect venue for both occasions. Hosting their own burger shack and outdoor barbecue kitchen, their riverside terrace is the place to gather up your crewmates and sail into the arms of freedom – just make sure to book in advance!
So while all the beer gardens are dusting off their casks and cocktails, make sure to book in early though to get a guaranteed spot, because we all know us Brits love a bloody good pint. Also make sure you check out where to find affordable drinks in London if you’re on a student budget!
Last Updated on November 12, 2024
Published on April 26, 2021