Top 5 Beer Gardens
Keeping our fingers crossed for lots of crisp and sunny autumnal days this winter, why not make the most of the fine British weather and warm yourself up at one of these spectacular beer gardens.
Over 100ft above High Street Kensington, this bar is a green garden paradise levitating above the frantic city. Designed to impress and owned by Richard Branson, wandering flamingos, cosy gazebos, stylish people and exotic cocktails are all part of the scene at this sought-after venue which has also been recently refurbished. Because of the location, be prepared to pay high-end prices for drinks.
Step back in time at this popular Georgian pub. Lounge in the beautiful, spacious beer garden with a glass of wine or choose from their good range of beer, from Becks Vier to Hoegaarden. The Albion also has a large food menu with many dishes ideal for sharing. The Sunday roast is institutional.
Set in London's leafy Hampstead Heath, this pub has a wonderfully large garden covered in greenery with heaters to deal with London’s erratic weather. Don’t miss the summer BBQ or hog roasts. Wine prices are slightly high but there's ample choice and quality is not compromised.
Stepping out of Southwark tube station, you wouldn't expect to see anything other than concrete buildings and traffic-ridden roads. But just a two-minute walk will take you to this venue which has the most enchanting two-tiered garden adorned with flowers, quaint wooden furniture and outdoor heaters for chillier days. Open until 11pm, barbecues are available on request and table service is also available.
Be thoroughly entertained as you dine or drink at this French restaurant and bar overlooking the Covent Garden Piazza. There's also glass-windowed indoor seating if it's too cold to sit outside. The central location dictates that it gets busy, so book in advance. And if you decide to eat here, make sure you try the mussels.
London Underground's first escalators were fitted into Earl's Court station in 1911 and tested by a one-legged man named Bumper Harris. He constantly rode the escalator in an effort to prove to sceptics the safety and stability of the new moving stairway.
