The best beer gardens in Camden
When the sun starts shining, this London suburb thrives. There’s no better place to be in Camden in the sun than a beer garden, so here are our favourites.
Date published: 22nd Jul 2024
In the moments when the sun decides to rear its lovely head in the capital, the trendy inner city suburb of Camden Town becomes a thriving hub of good vibes and good times. We struggle to resist the temptation to throw ourselves at the first beer garden the moment sunlight breaks through the clouds, so while you’re awaiting that fateful fleeting moment why not check out our picks for the best beer gardens in Camden?
We’ve got all you could ask for, from cosy neighbourhood gems to lively party hotspots, Camden Town beer gardens will have something for you. There are plenty of bars in London but today we’re taking a look at one of the capital’s finest suburbs to see what they’ve got in store.
Image: Camden Courtyard / Facebook.com
When: 8am - 9pm Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm Saturday to Sunday
Where: 90 St Pancras Way, London NW1 9DQ
A brand new state-of-the-art open-air venue, Camden Courtyard is the latest beer-guzzling paradise in the trendy London suburb. Sharing owners with its famous neighbour Electric Ballroom, Camden Courtyard boasts a killer soundsystem and plenty of carefully curated events from top brands like Free From Sleep, UKG Brunch, Midnight Runners, Colorize, Ketoloco, and more.
Couple that with the finest pizza and dumplings north of the Thames and you’re in for a treat if you pop in on a bright summers day. It's intimate, lively and has some lovely Wray & Nephew slush puppies to boot.
Image: Lockside Camden / Facebook.com
When: 12pm - 10pm Sunday to Wednesday, 12pm - 11pm Thursday to Friday, 11am - 12am Saturday
Where: 75-89 Upper Walkway, Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF
When it comes to a lovely backdrop to your beer garden, you can’t go wrong with Lockside. Nestled in the heart of Camden’s social scene and right by the luscious Regents Canal, Lockside provides a litany of craft beers, cocktails and everything in between you can enjoy on their stunning terrace overlooking Camden’s famous food market.
Come along if you fancy a nice chilled out vibe, catching up with friends or you want a boogie until the early hours thanks to its status as a hub for DJs and gigs. And it’s only a few minutes walk away from the tube!
Image: The Colonel Fawcett / Facebook.com
When: Opening times vary, check their website for details
Where: 1 Randolph Street, London NW1 0SS
This mighty fine independent pub has the perfect beer garden to soak up the sunshine in. Located a stone’s throw away from Camden Town station, The Colonel Fawcett contains not one but two of the best beer gardens in Camden and has plenty of room to wet your beer-loving beaks.
Even in the less glamorous weather that London has to offer, The Colonel Fawcett’s beer gardens are covered and heated, making it the perfect spot no matter what. The delightful Camden pub is also renowned for its extensive range of delectable gins to drink the night away with.
Image: theengineerpub / Instagram.com
When: 12pm - 10:30pm Sunday, 12pm - 11pm Monday - Saturday
Where: 65 Gloucester Avenue, London NW1 8JH
This one is a stone-cold classic. Located in the heart of leafy Primrose Hill, The Engineer is located at a drinking spot that has been popular amongst Londoners since the 1800s and still provides one of the best beer gardens in the city. Once you’ve waded through the swanky bar and restaurant itself, you come across one of Camden’s finest beer gardens where you can bask in the London sun with a beer and a bite. It’s considered a cornerstone of the Primrose Hill community for a reason.
Image: The Abbey Tavern / Facebook.com
When: Opening times vary, check their website for details
Where: 124 Kentish Town Road, London NW1 9QB
The Abbey Tavern’s booming beer garden is the place to be if you’re after something more lively and sociable, or somewhere to kick the night off before heading to the Kentish Town O2 Forum down the road. Like the other delicacies on this list, expect an eye-watering assortment of great food and drink and an atmosphere fizzing with energy and vibrance. You’ll rarely be bored on The Abbey Tavern’s roof terrace and beer garden, as the consistent open mic and comedy nights will keep you entertained.
Image: locktavern / Instagram.com
When: 12pm - 11pm Sunday to Wednesday, 12pm - 12am Thursday, 12pm - 1am Friday to Saturday
Where: 35 Chalk Farm Road, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8AJ
Another gem to enjoy by Camden Market and the locks, Lock Tavern is a real Trojan Horse. From the outside its historic facade disguises it’s elegant interior space, secret garden and roof terrace. This iconic North London drinking well’s beer garden is heated for whatever the weather and is primed for a sunny day, with the roof terrace being the best suntrap in Camden.
On top of the wonderful setting, local artists are on display throughout the week and iconic local craft beers are always on tap to keep your thirst quenched. It’s a classic Camden beer garden with a modern twist.
The Edinboro Castle
Image: The Edinboro Castle / Instagram.com
When: 12pm - 10:30pm Sunday, 12pm - 11pm Monday to Saturday
Where: 57 Mornington Terrace, London NW1 7RU
It’s no surprise that one of the best pubs in Camden also has one of its best beer gardens. The Edinboro Castle’s glorious beer garden lies a few minutes away from Regent’s Park and is in high demand on a hot summer’s day, with eager-eyed Londoners flocking to the outdoor bar to catch a seat.
The Edinboro Castle’s beer garden in summer is untouchable and aside from being a great spot to catch up with friends, it’s also one of the best places you can satisfy your roast dinner cravings, as its food options are just as mighty as the drink.
The Lion & Unicorn
Image: The Lion And Unicorn / Facebook.com
When: 12pm - 11pm Sunday, 11am - 11pm Monday to Saturday
Where: 42-44 Gaisford Street, London NW5 2ED
Camden is a place that often feels like the centre of the action, and it can be hard to take a moment and catch your breath amidst the hustle and bustle. Luckily for you, The Lion & Unicorn, tucked away behind Kentish Town’s feverish high street, might just be the answer for a more chilled out pub and beer garden, and they screen the sports too!
The Lion & Unicorn’s pair of beautiful beer gardens are a prime drinking den choice all year round, whether you want to bask in the sunshine or cosy up by the heaters in winter. Even regretful partygoers recovering from a hangover can take solace here, thanks to their renowned Bloody Mary’s making it all feel better.
The Pembroke
Image: The Pembroke, Primrose Hill / Facebook.com
When: Opening times vary, check their website for details
Where: 150 Gloucester Avenue, London NW1 8JA
Fancy your beer garden to have a bit of urban legend thrown in for good measure? Primrose Hill goldie The Pembroke has a place in London history as one of the four ‘Camden Castles’, evolved from rival railway workers in the 1800s. Nowadays, it’s one of the friendliest pubs in North London, always reliable for a cheeky pint and pub quiz.
If you ever find yourself at a loose end on a woozy summers day in Camden, The Pembroke’s traditional feel and picturesque wooden gazebos are a happy sight. Pop on down, you’re always welcome.
The Princess Of Wales
Photo: princessofwalespub / Instagram.com
When: 10am - 12am every day
Where: 22 Chalcot Road, London NW1 8LL
Delicious pub grub and a famous beer garden are some of the proud traits of this one-of-a-kind Primrose Hill gastropub. The Princess Of Wales in Kentish Town is one of the prettiest pubs in Camden, and its lovely beer garden garnered fame and acclaim in 2011 when a certain Banksy left a lion mural draped across its wall. Colloquially known as the ‘Banksy beer garden’, The Princess Of Wales is now a proud tourist hotspot, along with being a lovely pub to begin with.
Want to find out more about what's on in not only Camden but all of London? Check out all things gigs, raves, theatre and even bottomless brunches here on Skiddle.
Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
