Beer gardens are an essential part of British culture, allowing one to enjoy a pint of beer in the great outdoors. Islington, located in North London, is known for its thrilling pub scene and abundance of beer gardens.
With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best beer gardens in Islington, ranging from cosy and intimate to spacious and lively.
Our selection criteria included factors such as the atmosphere, the variety of drinks available, the quality of food, and the comfort of seating. We also took into consideration the overall vibe of each beer garden, ensuring that there is something for everyone on this list.
So, please sit back and discover the hidden gems of Islington’s beer gardens with our list of the 15 best beer gardens.
The 15 Best Beer Gardens In Islington
The Canonbury Tavern
The Canonbury Tavern, located in Islington’s Canonbury Square, is a traditional British pub with an outdoor garden that is perfect for relaxing on a sunny day. The pub has a great selection of beers, ales, and ciders, making it an ideal location for beer lovers.
To complement your drink, the pub also has a barbecue, offering a delicious range of burgers, sausages, and skewers. Plus, with comfy outdoor seating and a charming atmosphere, The Canonbury Tavern is perfect for enjoying a leisurely evening with friends or family.
The Compton Arms
The Compton Arms is a cosy and intimate pub located in the heart of Islington. Its quaint beer garden provides a peaceful atmosphere for a tranquil escape while enjoying a pint or two with friends.
Alongside a selection of expertly crafted drinks, The Compton Arms also boasts a unique food menu, featuring classic British pub fare with a modern twist. With friendly staff and a warm atmosphere, this charming pub is perfect for those looking to unwind and relax outdoors.
The Albion
The Albion is a summer-only beer garden located in Islington that is widely considered one of the area’s hidden gems. With its spacious outdoor area, live music, and a range of food trucks serving up delicious street eats, The Albion is the perfect place to gather with friends for a lively and spirited evening.
And, of course, with a wide range of refreshing drinks available, this pub is sure to become a regular weekend hotspot.
The Hanbury Arms
The Hanbury Arms is a spacious pub located in Islington, featuring a delightful beer garden that’s perfect for those long summer evenings. The garden is equipped with plenty of seating and outdoor heaters, making it a great spot to enjoy a cold beer or a delicious meal with friends, even on colder nights.
Apart from its impressive drink list, The Hanbury Arms also serves up a delectable range of pub food, including daily specials for an extra treat. Come rain or shine, this beer garden is perfect for a relaxed outing with friends or family.
The Island Queen
The Island Queen is a quaint pub nestled in the heart of Islington that is famous for its spacious beer garden. With its fairy light-adorned, covered terrace, this beer garden is the perfect place to enjoy a real ale or one of many other refreshing drinks on offer.
Whether you want to enjoy a sunny afternoon or an evening under the stars, the Island Queen’s beer garden is bound to win your heart. With a wide selection of drinks, including an impressive gin and tonic menu, and fresh Chinese food served on Sundays, The Island Queen is the ideal place to head for a unique drinking and dining experience.
The Drapers Arms
The Drapers Arms is a Michelin-starred pub located in Islington that boasts a charming beer garden, perfect for a summer date night. Designed in a Victorian style, the outdoor garden provides a perfect atmosphere to enjoy a refreshing beer or one of the pub’s homemade cocktails.
The pub also has a fantastic selection of seasonal British cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients to pair with your drink. So whether you’re looking for a romantic night out or just a place to catch up with friends, The Drapers Arms is a wonderful spot to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of London.
The Narrowboat
The Narrowboat is a canal-side pub located in Islington that boasts a picturesque beer garden, perfect for relaxing and enjoying a drink in the sun. The outdoor space is relatively small but intimate, making it the perfect place to unwind with friends and take in the tranquil surroundings.
The pub has an excellent selection of real ale, craft beer, and wine to choose from, plus a menu of simple yet tasty bar snacks. With its idyllic location and laid-back ambience, The Narrowboat is an absolute must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Prince
The Prince is a recently refurbished pub in Islington that features a gorgeous beer garden with a retractable roof, making it a year-round drinking spot. The garden is adorned with plants and strung with LED lights, giving it a cosy and charming vibe.
With a wide selection of drinks available, including rotating craft beers and cocktails, The Prince is perfect for an after-work drink or a weekend gathering with friends. The pub also offers an impressive food menu, with options ranging from small plates to hearty dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The retractable roof makes this beer garden perfect for London’s unpredictable weather, and the variety of drinks and delicious food options ensure it’s an ideal place to spend a few hours, regardless of the occasion.
The Rosemary Branch
The Rosemary Branch is a beautifully restored pub located in the heart of Islington. Its serene beer garden provides a perfect oasis in the middle of the bustling city, and it’s the ideal spot to enjoy a cold beer or a tasty cocktail. The beer garden is set within a gorgeous walled garden, complete with flowers and ivy, making it a perfect location for a romantic date or a quiet night out with friends.
The pub offers a wide range of drinks and a delicious menu of seasonal British dishes with vegetarian and vegan options, so you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. The Rosemary Branch’s beer garden is perfect for anyone looking for an idyllic place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while still staying within the vibrant heart of Islington.
The Fox
The Fox is a cosy and inviting pub located in Islington that boasts a charming beer garden perfect for enjoying an afternoon drink. The garden is lined with comfortable benches, making it a great space to relax with friends and while away the hours soaking up the sun.
The pub has an excellent selection of drinks, including a rotating variety of cask ales and craft beers, as well as tasty pub food to pair with your drink. From classic bar snacks to hearty burgers and pies, The Fox’s menu has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a casual evening out, a place to catch up with friends, or some relaxed weekend vibes, The Fox is a great spot to explore in Islington.
The Bull & Gate
The Bull & Gate, located in the heart of Kentish Town, is a stylish and spacious pub with a beautiful beer garden. The garden boasts a large outdoor area with a canopy to protect visitors from unpredictable weather, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a drink or some delicious pub grub during any season.
The pub has an impressive selection of real ales, craft beers, and cocktails, as well as a menu of classic pub dishes and sharing platters. Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind after work or a destination for a weekend get-together with friends, The Bull & Gate is the perfect place to do so.
The Castle
The Castle is a traditional and historic pub located near the famous Pentonville Road in Islington. With its beautifully landscaped and spacious beer garden, this pub is an ideal spot for al-fresco drinks with friends and family. The garden features plenty of seating areas, heaters, and umbrellas, making it perfect for all weather conditions.
The pub has a fantastic selection of real ales, craft beers, and ciders, making it a popular destination for beer enthusiasts. There are also delicious options for pub food on the menu, with vegetarian and vegan options available. With its beautiful garden, excellent drinks, and food menu, The Castle is the perfect place for a relaxed evening out.
The Victoria
The Victoria is a vibrant and historic pub located in Dalston that boasts a spacious garden oasis at the back. The garden is complete with picnic tables, umbrellas, and a canopy for the summer months, making it an ideal spot for a sunny afternoon spent sipping refreshing drinks.
The pub offers an extensive selection of drinks, including an impressive gin list, and a delicious menu of home-cooked pub food. From classic dishes like fish and chips to more unique and contemporary options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With its lively atmosphere, excellent drinks, and tasty food, The Victoria is a perfect spot for after-work drinks or weekend gatherings with friends.
The Duke of Cambridge
The Duke of Cambridge is a cosy and sustainable pub located in Islington that boasts a delightful beer garden perfect for enjoying drinks with friends or family. The garden is complete with foliage and herb planters, making it a charming escape from the bustle of city life. The pub is committed to using sustainable and organic ingredients throughout its menu, ensuring its dishes are not only delicious but also ethically sourced.
With an excellent selection of organic wines, craft beers, and ciders, as well as a menu of seasonal British dishes with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, The Duke of Cambridge is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing drink and a conscious dining experience.
The Enkel Arms
The Enkel Arms is a historic pub located in the heart of Islington that boasts a beautiful secluded beer garden at the back. The garden, surrounded by walls and ivy, provides a relaxing and intimate space to enjoy a drink with friends or family.
The pub offers an excellent selection of real ale, craft beer, and wines, which are frequently updated to keep up with the latest trends. The menu consists of classic pub fare and snacks, as well as some vegetarian and vegan options. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, The Enkel Arms is a great choice for a casual evening out or a weekend gathering with friends.
Conclusion
After exploring some of the best pubs in Islington that have beautiful beer gardens, it’s clear to see that this area of London has something for everyone. From cosy and inviting neighbourhood spots like The Fox and The Enkel Arms to historic and iconic pubs like The Duke of Cambridge and The Castle, Islington has a wide variety of options for those wanting to enjoy a drink outdoors.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic setting for a date night, a lively atmosphere for after-work drinks, or a relaxed spot to spend the weekend with friends, these pubs have got you covered.
What’s more, these beer gardens are not only perfect for whiling away the hours with your favourite drinks, but they also offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Surrounded by greenery and foliage, they provide an oasis where you can sit back, relax, and take a deep breath. With spring and summer on the horizon, now’s the perfect time to start planning your next visit to one of these fantastic Islington pubs with exceptional beer gardens.
In summary, Islington’s vibrant pub scene is ready to welcome you with a plethora of charming and serene beer gardens. With their fantastic drinks selection and tasty food menus, there’s no better way to spend a lazy afternoon, a casual evening, or a fun night out than amidst the fantastic greenery of Islington’s beer gardens.