Top Riverside Pubs For The Summer In London

As the heavy coats and umbrellas find their resting place in the back of the cupboard, we are often left wondering where to go and celebrate what we hope to be a good summer. Finding good London pubs with a view can often be a tricky business, so here are a few spots to try out when the weather starts looking up.

Captain Kidd

Pub, British

The Captain Kidd has a truly English feel and it’s there for a reason, to serve good beer and honest pub grub to those who need it. From the front it looks like an average local pub, but when you walk to the back you’ll be blown away. The huge terrace overlooks the narrow bend of the river and provides endless space and freedom to move around, ideal for big groups. Make sure you try the organic lager.

The Mayflower

Tucked away in the residential jungle of Rotherhithe lies The Mayflower, a 400-year-old pub with a cosy restaurant. It is one of the contenders for the highly contested crown of the oldest pub in London and providing you are blessed with good weather, there is room to enjoy a drink on the original mooring point that acts as a terrace. This hidden gem allows you to travel back in time for an intimate drink with your friends or family, and the candlelit restaurant upstairs provides unrivalled views.

The Mayflower, 117 Rotherhithe street, Rotherhithe, London, UK

Tamesis

The best way to get good views of the river is to have a boat, but what if there was one with a bar? Tamesis is moored in Vauxhall and acts as a cool, hip place to take your friends seeking something different. The two-storey boat hosts live music on a regular basis and has room to eat and drink on the top deck in the sun. Space is the pubs biggest enemy but it’s worth standing with your drink to take in the trendy vibe and enjoy the striking views of Parliament and Westminster.

Tamesis, Albert Embankment, London, UK

The Dove

Gastropub, Pub, Pub Grub

This 17th-century pub in Hammersmith has so many different nooks and crannies to hide away and enjoy the fine selection of wine and real ales. The Dove has officially the word’s smallest drinking room and the outside terrace looks over a quiet part of the Thames, showing off its charming riverbanks and tranquil views. The vine-riddled conservatory is a great place to be on a sunny afternoon but be sure to get there early to guarantee a seat.

The Ship

Wandsworth is lucky enough to have this diverse pub right on the banks of the river. The Ship is suitable for anyone, whether you want to join in the fun on the huge river terrace or have a peaceful, candlelit drink inside. The clean, fresh appearance of the pub creates a sophisticated environment and the heated booths on the terrace make it a hard place to leave. The wide range of drink options and high food quality is complimented by the peaceful river views that make it a must visit.

The Ship, 41 Jews Row, Wandsworth, London, UK

About the author

Shay Waterworth

Shay is an award winning journalism graduate currently working for the Daily Express and Star newspapers. He writes for The Culture Trip in his free time covering anything form photography festivals to riverside pubs. Shay plays rugby for Richmond FC and his dream is to become a leading science writer specialising in Geology. Follow him on Instagram or Twitter.