Using sunlight tracking data from Andrew Wright and Kate Steel's app Pubs in the Sun, we rank the 50 best sun-kissed pubs and beer gardens in London, including the exact hours they get peak sunshine. The app uses a canny algorithm to chart which pubs get the most sunlight on average and notes the best times to visit for maximum tanning. Wright has decided not to list Wetherspoons pubs, but the only sunny one in the top 50 is the Liberty Bounds in the City.
West London Dominates with Highest Sun Scores
The Blue Anchor on Lower Mall in Hammersmith tops the list with an average sun score of 97%, best enjoyed between 1.15pm and 3.15pm. This dark pub is filled with maritime and Naval paraphernalia and is positioned on the river. The Grand Junction Arms on Acton Lane follows with 96% sun from noon to 2pm, offering lots of outdoor space overlooking the canal. Defectors Weld on Uxbridge Road achieves 95% sun from 4.15pm to 6.15pm, featuring a charming snug and a new terrace.
White Cross in Richmond and The City Barge in Chiswick both score 94% sun. White Cross is a famous riverside pub with a decking over the river, best visited from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. The City Barge, a 14th-century pub on Strand-on-the-Green, has a terrace that sometimes floods and is best enjoyed from 3.45pm to 5.45pm. Rutland Arms on Lower Mall also scores 93% sun from 3.45pm to 5.45pm, offering prosecco and quail's eggs alongside Victorian charm.
South London: The Selkirk and The Ram Lead
In South London, The Selkirk on Selkirk Road in Tooting and The Ram on High Street in Kingston both score 94% sun. The Selkirk is a good-looking corner pub with character and a popular Sunday roast, best visited from 3pm to 5pm. The Ram is a big and lively boozer in Wandsworth, best from noon to 2pm. Skehans on Kitto Road scores 91% sun from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and is described as one of London's best pubs. The Pacific Tavern on Redriff Road also scores 91% sun from 5.15pm to 7.15pm, with a high-end vibe and late-night party atmosphere on weekends.
King's Arms on Wandsworth High Street scores 90% sun from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, featuring cabanas for spritzes and tanning. The Station on Staplehurst Road achieves 89% sun from 2.45pm to 4.45pm, once a railway pub now with hotel rooms and a wine list. The Red Lion on Castelnau scores 88% sun from 3pm to 5pm, a popular spot for the Oxford vs Cambridge boat race. Honor Oak on St German's Road scores 87% sun from 2.45pm to 4.45pm, a classic pub with a piano and great chips. The Sun on Old Town scores 86% sun from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, ideal for spritzes after Clapham Common.
North London: Assembly House, The Lighterman, Three Crowns Top 93%
In North London, Assembly House on Kentish Town Road, The Lighterman on Granary Square, and Three Crowns on Stoke Newington High Street all score 93% sun. Assembly House, serving since the 1700s, is best from 12.15pm to 2.15pm and offers live sport and many beers. The Lighterman, with a fabulous terrace overlooking the canal at King's Cross, is best from noon to 2pm. Three Crowns, with big windows and exposed brick, is best from 12.30pm to 2.30pm and gets rowdy in the evening with funk and soul DJs.
Narrowboat on St Peter's Street scores 89% sun from 12.15pm to 2.15pm, a calm pub with a village-like feel. The Stag Belsize Park on Fleet Road scores 88% sun from 4.15pm to 6.15pm, an upmarket Victorian pub with 24 beers on tap. The George and Monkey on Amwell Street also scores 88% sun from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, with craft beers and pizza. The Beehive on Stoneleigh Road scores 86% sun from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, a big Tottenham pub with a huge beer garden. The Constitution on St Pancras Way scores 86% sun from 2pm to 4pm, with a roof terrace. The Talbot on Mortimer Road scores 85% sun from 12.15pm to 2.15pm, donating 50p from every pizza sold to Crisis. The Thornhill Arms on Caledonian Road scores 84% sun from 2.15pm to 4.15pm, a beautiful pub with original Victorian bar.
East London: The Bell Walthamstow Leads with 90% Sun
In East London, The Bell Walthamstow on Forest Road scores 90% sun from 4.15pm to 6.15pm, a lively pub with games and cocktails. The Red Lion on High Road Leytonstone scores 89% sun from 1pm to 3pm, a proper old boozer with live music. The Eagle on Wick Road scores 88% sun from 2.15pm to 4.15pm, an old-school pub with pints for a fiver. The European Pub on Lea Bridge Road scores 86% sun from noon to 2pm, a pro-European establishment with French-inspired food. The Lord Napier Star on White Post Lane scores 83% sun from 3pm to 5pm, popular with young creatives. The North Star on Browning Road scores 82% sun from 1.45pm to 3.45pm, with Thai food and pizza. The Duke of Wellington on Haggerston Road scores 82% sun from 12.45pm to 2.45pm, facing a courtyard. The Holly Tree on Dames Road scores 82% sun from 1.15pm to 2.15pm, with 25 beer lines. People's Park Tavern on Victoria Park Rd scores 81% sun from 1.15pm to 3.15pm, with a lovely garden. The Griffin on Leonard Street scores 81% sun from 3.15pm to 5.15pm, a pub for 'hotties'.
Central London: Oyster Shed Tops with 91% Sun
In Central London, Oyster Shed on Angel Lane scores 91% sun from noon to 2pm, a riverside pub with Young's beer and seafood. Tamesis Dock on Albert Embankment scores 90% sun from 5pm to 7pm, a converted Dutch barge with live music. The Globe on Moorgate scores 88% sun from 12.45pm to 2.45pm, popular with City workers. The Butcher's Hook & Cleaver on Smithfield scores 84% sun from 4.45pm to 6.45pm, set in a former bank. Marquess of Anglesey on Bow Street scores 84% sun from 12.15pm to 2.15pm, in Theatreland. The Fence on Cowcross Street scores 84% sun from 2.15pm to 4.15pm, with a huge beer garden. The City Pride on Farringdon Lane scores 83% sun from 3pm to 5pm, with Neapolitan pizzas. The Duke of York on Victoria Street scores 83% sun from 3pm to 5pm, near Victoria station. The Clerk & Well on Clerkenwell Road scores 80% sun from 2.45pm to 4.45pm, known for its Sunday roast.
