Old Ship, Hammersmith
Established in 1722, this riverside pub is famed for having the longest possible view of the Oxford v Cambridge boat race. Just off Chiswick High Road between Ravenscourt Park and Stamford Brook stations, The Old Ship’s outside terrace, selection of craft beers and fresh seasonal menu – including a good vegan selection – makes it the perfect place for a summer pint.
25 Upper Mall, London W6 9TD – oldshipw6.co.uk
Number 90, Hackney Wick
A little edgier than others on this list, Number 90’s huge terrace its upon the River Lea just opposite the Olympic Park. Bar, restaurant and performance space in one, it boasts seasonal food and great burgers – as well as a series of food pop-ups. A series of open air cinema nights, showcases and DJ sets fill up the evenings – and did we mention the oversized deck chairs?
90 Main Yard, Wallis Road, E9 5LN – number90bar.co.uk
The City Barge, Chiswick
After an extensive refurbishment in May 2014, the City Barge’s riverside terrace was open for business again. The 14th century building has all the charm of a traditional public house, with cosy interiors, wood panelling and three open fireplaces – as well as two outside areas. Situated inbetween Chiswick and Kew Bridge stations, its Strand on the Green location is unbeatable for a relaxing Sunday afternoon.
27 Strand-on-the-Green, Chiswick, W43PH – citybargechiswick.com
The Ship, Wandsworth
One of the oldest pubs on the River Thames, The Ship has an excellent sized riverside terrace to soak up the sun. Slightly trendier than some of the other West London pubs on the list, The Ship’s park benches and bulb string lights crossing the terrace wouldn’t look amiss in hipster-filled Hackney. The gastro-pub menu is well above par, and the bar stocks a selection of beers from London breweries.
41 Jews Row, Wandsworth SW18 1TB – theship.co.uk
The Gun, Docklands
Heading over to East London, The Gun sits under the imposing towers of Canary Wharf and has an excellent view of the 02 Arena across the Thames. Its wood panelled dining room, leather armchairs and open fireplace makes the inside as inviting in the winter as the riverside terrace is in summer. It serves a cracking Sunday Roast and – don’t tell anyone we told you – it’s a favourite spot to recline with a pint and watch the London Marathon runners fly past in April.
27 Coldharbour, E14 9NS – thegundocklands.com