Where to drink a beer in the sun in Covent Garden and Central London this summer

Nothing screams summer in London quite like enjoying an ice-cold beer in the sun. Whether it’s in a sun-soaked courtyard, enjoyed on a buzzy pavement, or on a terrace, London is a magical place to be when the sun finally makes an appearance.

Beer gardens are admittedly hard to come by in Central London, where space is at a premium, so the largest spots tend to be found a little further out. But size isn’t everything, and sipping a pint on a sunlit terrace or in a hidden courtyard carries its own kind of unique charm.

We’ve rounded up the best places to drink a beer in the sun in Central London, specifically around our home neighbourhood of Covent Garden. Every inclusion on our list serves Guinness, but if you prefer another tipple of choice, they all stock a range of other beers, wines and non-alcoholic options too.

If you’re seeking a buzzy outdoor spot to enjoy a perfectly poured pint of the black stuff, then visit our home at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, specifically Old Brewer’s Yard.

Here you can enjoy a pie and pint, with the pie menu headed up by the “pie king of London”, Calum Franklin. Freshly baked on site every day, the braised beef cheek and Guinness pie pairs brilliantly with a pint of classic Guinness, but there are other options, including a delicious veggie-friendly spiced squash pie.

There is a pie and pint option for every palate, and a range of seasonal brews are available, including smooth IPAs, bright lagers, and bold Porters, all brewed on-site. Of course, Guinness and Guinness 0.0 are also available on tap. Ask the staff for the best pie and brew pairing, and take advantage of the pie and pint deal for £17. Or, if you can’t decide, try all the pies on a flight.

The spacious courtyard is off-street and seated, meaning you don’t have to contend with busy passersby or stand with your pint. While you’re there, you can also check out everything else the brewery has to offer, from guided tours to expert masterclasses.

Booking is required for tours and experiences, but not for Old Brewer’s Yard. Simply walk in.

Best for: A brilliant pint of Guinness and a pie

Address: Guinness Open Gate Brewery, Old Brewer's Yard, 1 Mercer Walk, London WC2H 9FA

Located opposite the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, the Crown & Anchor is a lively, classic British pub that’s ideal for post-work drinks or a pre- or post-theatre meal or sip. It offers an impressive mix of lagers, craft ale, and–of course–Guinness, along with a tasty pub menu.

Its outdoor seating is somewhat limited, so getting a seat isn’t guaranteed, but on a sunny day, there are few places better to enjoy a pint centrally. The outdoor seating area is covered too, ideal for the famously unpredictable British weather. If you don’t mind standing, there is normally standing room too.

The busy on-street location of the seating won’t be for everyone, but if you’re looking for a central spot that catches the sun and offers endless people-watching opportunities, you won’t be disappointed.

Best for: Al-fresco drinks before heading to the theatre

Address: 22 Neal St, London, WC2H 9PS

Located just over five minutes' walk away from the Covent Garden Piazza, you’ll find The George, a traditional pub that’s packed with character and has a great range of cold drinks, including a well-poured pint of Guinness. Most importantly, though, it also has a roomy 600 square foot outdoor terrace.

The outdoor seating area isn’t huge, but it’s more sizable than most others in the area and it catches the sun, making it a brilliant little spot for catching up with friends and people-watching.

For food, you can choose from a hearty selection of main meals, sandwiches and sharing plates.

Should you decide to drift inside after enjoying an al-fresco drink, The George also hosts live piano sessions every Wednesday evening where a talented cast of performers play soul, jazz and pop hits in a friendly, fun setting.

Best for: Anyone seeking a sizeable outdoor spot, with friendly service

Address: 8 Great Queen Street, Holborn, London, WC2B 5DH

A stone’s throw from the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, the Nag’s Head has been occupying its James Street home since at least the 1670s. So, if you like a slice of history with your beer, drop in for a pint here. The current grade II-listed building has been there since the 1900s, and boasts three floors and a spacious outdoor seating area.

It’s a brilliant sun-trap that serves a huge range of beers, including Guinness. Anyone who is less keen on Guinness Extra Cold will enjoy a pint at this traditional pub, which has recently installed the traditional red Guinness fonts that don’t pour ice cold.

Its location at the heart of Covent Garden makes it a great choice for a pre-theatre sip, or a tipple after a long day of exploring or shopping. This prime location also means it can get quite busy, so if you happen to pass by and spot a table, we recommend claiming it.

On the menu, you can find an extensive selection of pub classics, sharing platters and roasts on a Sunday.

Best for: People watching in a central location

Address: 10 James Street, London, WC2E 8BT

Perched on the fifth floor of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, Gilroy's Loft balcony serves up a selection of fish and seafood dishes, including shucked-to-order oysters and a selection of fresh seafood. It perhaps goes without saying that each dish can (and should be) paired with a Guinness, craft beer from the on-site brewery, or a special beer-inspired cocktail. Other house cocktails and wines are also available, should you prefer.

From seasonal, line-caught fish to native oysters, the menu is lovingly prepared by an exceptionally experienced team.

Taking its name from John Gilroy, whose famous artwork forms a huge part of Guinness history, the walls are adorned with some of his most iconic ads, all against a stunning backdrop that offers skyline views across central London.

This rooftop spot is a particularly great choice for a special sunset meal. Expect fresh, premium dishes, vibrant food-and-drink pairings, and a relaxed ambience that’s hard to find in central London.

Some walk-ins are available, but booking is advised.

Best for: Fresh seafood and unique Guinness-focused cocktails that you won’t find elsewhere

Address: Guinness Open Gate Brewery, Old Brewer's Yard, 1 Mercer Walk, London WC2H 9FA

Housed in a grand former bank, this regal pub boasts marble columns, ornate ceilings, towering windows, and grand chandeliers. But why is it a great spot to visit when the sun is out? Well, its garden area is something of a hidden gem; a snug sun-trap where patrons can enjoy a drink in the sun or on board a traditional, repurposed Routemaster London bus.

The outdoor seating area is off-street and accessible through the main building, so you can also enjoy the grandeur of the former bank that used to host the crown jewels.

Choose from an extensive selection of beer and non-alcoholic options as well as a flavoursome menu with well-made pub food, sharing platters and roasts.

Also, a fun piece of trivia about the Old Bank of London: the bus couldn’t fit into the garden through the gates, so the team had to shut down Fleet Street and winch the bus over the pub and into the garden.

The compact beer garden offers regular seating as well as the chance to sit inside (or on top of) the double-decker bus. Booking isn’t essential, but is advised if you want to confidently secure a table.

Best for: Anyone looking for a quirky central spot

Address: 194 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2LT

Any self-respecting Londoner knows the pleasure of sipping a “pavement pint” on a sunny day. And there are no finer places to enjoy one than The Toucan. Granted, it’s not the best option if you’re feeling weary after a long day of shopping, but if you want to enjoy Soho like a local, then sipping (a very well-poured) Guinness on the roadside of this historic and much-loved pub is a must.

There’s no outdoor seating; in fact, this Soho institution is so popular, you’ll sometimes be hard-pressed to find a spot on the pavement. But, on a warm London evening, it’s easily one of the best spots in Soho.

The Toucan also earned a spot on the inaugural Guinness Harp Guide, thanks to its quality pours, welcoming atmosphere, great service, community and a genuine love of Guinness – so you know you’re in good company.

Best for: A very well-poured “pavement pint”

Address: 19 Carlisle St, London W1D 3BY

Enjoy a front-row seat of the on-street performers at Covent Garden’s piazza at Punch & Judy, a historic pub that occupies an enviable location within the piazza itself. The rooftop terrace is a lively sun spot that’s great for enjoying an ice-cold pint and watching the world go by.

The busy pub, named after the 1600s puppet show, does attract throngs of tourists, so it can get extremely busy. But it’s a great spot for a balcony beer and watching the sun go down over Covent Garden. Unfortunately, there’s no Guinness on tap here, but you can get cans of Guinness 0.0, along with a range of other non-alcoholic options, wines and spirits. Classic pub grub is also served.

Best for: Watching the street performers at Covent Garden

Address: 40 The Market, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RF

This is admittedly a little further away from Covent Garden than the others, but still firmly in central London, located in the heart of Mayfair, within walking distance of Bond Street and Hyde Park.

This grand pub, which was built in 1888, features beautiful interiors, including a ceiling mural from artist Phylida Barlow, oak interiors, tasteful artwork, and an original clock. So, what about the outside? There are a few tables and standing room, wrapped around the building. The street is a little quieter than some of the other spots in central London, making for a more leisurely outdoor beer experience.

Perhaps most importantly, a brilliant pint of Guinness is guaranteed here as Audley Public House also featured in the Guinness Harp Guide 2026. Each pint is poured with care and precision, and a perfect two-part pour is guaranteed.

Food is available too, including pies, fish and chips and others, but is best enjoyed inside.

Best for: A local vibe, in the heart of Mayfair

Address: 41-43 Mount St, London, W1K 2RX