Beer Gardens for Hire in London

Dreaming of some summery sun-soaked sipping in a great London beer garden? Whether you’re after a small sun terrace, a shady outdoor area, or an amazing rooftop space, Tagvenue can point you in the right direction. Check out our list of the best beer gardens in London and secure the perfect venue for your next outing. Not ready to book? Read on to learn more about the beer culture in LDN, themes for your events, what to expect at beer gardens, and more!

Beer-Drinking Culture in London

London’s love for beer runs deep. No matter where you go, you’ll see football fans sipping lager or groups of friends having a pint or two to relax after a long day. As long as you’re not underage or in a bad state, no one will bat an eyelid that you’re sipping beer, even at an unusual time of day.  While traditional pubs were once the go-to, beer gardens have become popular for their open-air vibe.

So why do people choose beer gardens over pubs? It’s all about the atmosphere. Unlike crowded bars, beer gardens offer a more relaxed setting, with fewer dress codes and a friendlier, come-as-you-are feel. Plus, many offer outdoor screens for watching sports, live music, and great food menus. The only catch? British weather—but that's nothing a good forecast check can’t fix!

What to Expect from a Beer Garden in London

You may have been able to grab a pint from a beer garden before. In that case, you know exactly what to expect! But if you're new to the beer garden scene, here are a few fun facts:

• Beer gardens originated in 19th-century Germany as an extension of breweries—they’re safer than storing hot brewing equipment indoors (which was causing fires!).
• The ‘garden’ in ‘beer garden’ is real—expect leafy surroundings, cosy lighting, and fresh air.
• Beer choices go beyond the basics—think lagers, IPAs, stouts, pale ales, porters, and even fruity krieks.
• Lots of events happen here—from cool live gigs to private parties, beer gardens are top spots for celebrations.
• Food is part of the experience—some venues serve BBQ, pizza, and pub classics, while others let you bring your own catering.
• There’s a bit of beer garden etiquette—like not leaving the last sip behind, respecting closing times, and making room for newcomers (unless you’ve booked privately!).

Ready to find your perfect beer garden? Check out our FAQs for booking tips, and let the beer garden hunt begin!

Top 10 Themes for Your Beer Garden Event in London

Hosting an event? Beer gardens or pub gardens offer the ideal mix of fresh air and social vibes. Here are ten fun themes to make your gathering stand out:

1. London’s Historic Pubs Tour – Each area of your beer garden represents a different historic pub, with classic ales and traditional British snacks.  Guests can enjoy a tour around London without leaving their seats.
2. Garden of World Beers – Make it a worldly adventure. Take your guests on a global beer journey with specialty brews, international décor, and cultural performances.
3. Shakespeare in the Garden – Dive into the rich literary history of London by hosting a Shakespeare-themed event. Plan an evening with Renaissance decor, Elizabethan-inspired food, and live Shakespearean performances. 
4. London Landmark Celebration – Celebrate London's iconic landmarks with a themed beer garden event. Let the tables be themed after Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and other iconic sites, complete with signature drinks.
5. Vintage British Seaside –  Bring the charm of the British seaside to the city with striped deckchairs, sandpits, and classic seaside games for a nostalgic escape. Serve classic British seaside snacks and craft beers to complete the experience. 
6. Urban Jungle Oasis – Transform your beer garden into a lush urban oasis. Combining greenery, bamboo structures, and tropical plants can create a serene environment. Add exotic beers and tropical cocktails to transport your guests to a hidden paradise suitable for escaping the concrete jungle of London's financial district.
7. Art & Ale – Merge the worlds of art and beer by turning your beer garden into an open-air gallery. Plan a sip and paint session in a creative, open-air setting.
8. Light Up Your Night – Inspired by the famous Diwali and Christmas lights, light up your beer garden with fairy lights, lanterns, and candles. This theme is perfect for evening events such as engagement parties, offering a magical and cosy atmosphere. 
9. London’s Music Legends – Celebrate the city's rich musical heritage by paying tribute to icons like The Beatles and David Bowie with themed playlists and memorabilia.
10. British Garden Party – Think lawn games, picnic-style seating, and a selection of fine British beers and ciders. It's a quintessentially British experience, ideal for a sunny day in a spacious beer garden. 

These themes will certainly help to add character to your beer garden event. Just remember to choose a theme that suits the weather and of course, the crowd!

Top 5 Beer Gardens in London for Large Events

Planning a big gathering? These beer gardens are about space and standout features:

Here's a captivating guide to the top beer gardens in London for large events, combining ample space with unique features to ensure your gathering is a success:

• The Skinny Kitchen's Outside Terrace, located in Islington sits up to 200 guests. This beer garden focuses on health-conscious dining, making it an appealing choice for events where wellness and enjoyment go hand in hand.
• Lost Society's Lost Garden in Battersea stands out with its whimsical decor and capacity for up to 120 people. The garden's chic design is suited for everything from corporate events to casual get-togethers.
• Full Venue Hire at Golden Bee in trendy Shoreditch can accommodate up to 150 guests on its spacious rooftop terrace and serves delicious cocktails while you soak in stunning views, and dance to your favourite songs with your own DJ!
• The Montague on the Gardens' Beach Bar, located very close to Russell Square, transports you to a tropical paradise in the middle of London. This unique venue fits up to 200 guests. It swaps traditional beer garden vibes for a sandy beach setting, complete with palm trees and a thatched roof, offering a novel backdrop for events.
• Between the Bridges' Summer Garden embraces the outdoor essence with a capacity of up to 200 standing guests. Located by the Thames, it presents an unparalleled view of the London Eye. Its scenic setting and selection of food vendors take any event from drab to fab. 

Each venue brings its own charm to your event, from health-conscious menus and eclectic styles to beach vibes and riverside views, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.

How to Select the Best Beers & Food for Your London Party

Curating a Beer-Inspired Menu

A broad range of beer styles, from the deep and dark stouts to the crisp and clean lagers, allows for a diverse menu catering to all tastes. 

• IPAs & grilled meats – The bold flavours balance out smoky BBQ dishes.
• Belgian wheats & seafood/salads – A light, refreshing match for summer parties.
• Stouts & desserts – Dark, rich beers pair beautifully with chocolatey treats.

Catering to All Tastes

Pair these dishes with suitable beers, such as a refreshing Saison with a vegetable platter, to enhance the dining experience for all attendees. A well-rounded menu typically includes:

• Vegetarian & vegan dishes – Think grilled veggie skewers, loaded fries, or falafel.
• Dietary-friendly options – Gluten-free beers and allergen-conscious food choices.

Interactive Beer Tasting Stations

Why not set up tasting stations? These serve as conversation starters while guests explore different beer styles and food pairings, creating a more dynamic and interactive atmosphere. Placing these stations against London's scenic neighbourhoods or near famous landmarks can also provide guests with a memorable visual and gastronomic experience.

Reflecting London’s Multicultural Essence

Include international cuisines in your menu alongside local British favourites. This approach not only caters to your guests' cosmopolitan tastes but also reflects the multicultural fabric of the city. From traditional fish and chips paired with a classic British ale to exotic dishes accompanied by international beer styles, your menu can be a culinary journey that celebrates the global influences on London's food scene.

Ready to book your beer garden event? Whether you want a laid-back afternoon with friends or a full-blown celebration, London's beer gardens have something for everyone. Explore our venue listings and secure your perfect spot today!