Where to drink outside in NW1, NW3 and NW5

Short answer: the Edinboro Castle for space, the Lock Tavern for a roof and a fire pit, the Colonel Fawcett for a backstreet sun trap, and the Spaniards Inn if you are walking the Heath. Gardens and hours change, so ring ahead before you cross town with a group.

NW1: Camden Town and Primrose Hill edge

The Edinboro Castle, 57 Mornington Terrace

The biggest garden in the area, according to Londonist. It has its own outdoor bar, sheltered tables, chalet-like booths and heating. The Nudge reckons the garden is at least four times the size of the pub inside, and the beer mixes cask and craft, including Siren and Tiny Rebel. Food is pub classics, sharing platters and roasts, and you can book online.

One thing to know: Camden Council’s Licensing Panel B met on 16 April 2026 about the garden, after structural work that included new steps and revised seating. The conditions discussed include the garden dispersing gradually from 21:00, windows and doors facing Mornington Terrace shut after 21:00, and no amplified sound outside. So expect a layout that has been reconfigured, and a calmer end to the night than some of its neighbours. Phone 020 7255 9651 to check.

The Lock Tavern, 35 Chalk Farm Road

Opposite the market, and the one to pick if you want options. McMullen’s describes a heated beer garden with a fire pit, an all-weather roof terrace that is a proper suntrap, and a cocktail bar upstairs. Its own site lists Monday to Wednesday 12:00 to 23:00, Thursday to 00:00, Friday and Saturday to 01:00 and Sunday 12:00 to 22:30, with the kitchen running until 20:00 to 21:00. Burgers are the thing to order, and there are 18 taps.

There is a happy hour on the taps, billed as “Hoppy Hour” from 17:00 to 19:00, though sources disagree on whether that is daily or Monday to Thursday, so ask at the bar. See the McMullen’s page and the pub’s own site.

The Colonel Fawcett, 1 Randolph Street

A quiet backstreet off Camden Road, and a better bet than the market-side crowds on a warm evening. The pub’s own site describes heated front and back gardens with optional covers, tables you can book, and a front garden that catches the sun from afternoon into evening. It is card only, and children are welcome until 21:00 most days. Phone 020 7267 9829.

Hours on its site: closed Monday, Tuesday 15:00 to 23:00, Wednesday and Thursday 12:00 to 00:00, Friday and Saturday 12:00 to 01:00, Sunday 12:00 to 22:00. CAMRA shows a 15:00 Wednesday start, so call if you are going early. It pours two Purity cask beers, per CAMRA, and the 1843 building was once the Camden Arms. Saturday brings DJs and there is a darts room upstairs.

NW3: Hampstead

The Spaniards Inn, Spaniards Road

On the northern side of the Heath near Kenwood, a Grade II listed pub dating from around 1585 with a garden of about 400 seats. It is dog friendly, with heaters and part-covered seating, and food is served all day. Walk-ins fill up, so book. Opening times vary between listings, so plan on arriving from around midday. The Dick Turpin story is a pub legend rather than settled fact, so enjoy it with a pinch of salt. Details via Design My Night.

The Garden Gate, 14 South End Road

Next to Hampstead Heath Overground, which makes it the sensible pit stop after a swim or a loop of the Heath. CAMRA describes a large multi-room pub with a vast garden and weekend barbecues in good weather. Expect real ale, burgers, steak, pies and fish and chips. Design My Night shows patio heaters and bookings, with weekday hours of 11:00 to 23:00 and midnight on Fridays. Phone 020 7435 4938. More at CAMRA.

The Freemasons Arms, 32 Downshire Hill

Londonist says it looks like a country house, with an airy conservatory and a lavish garden, and SquareMeal calls the garden a contender for the best north of the river. It is dog friendly and run by Mitchells & Butlers. Phone 020 7433 6811.

NW5: Kentish Town and Gospel Oak

The Lion & Unicorn, 42 Gaisford Street

A Young’s gastropub with award-winning front and back gardens, per CAMRA, and a LocAle cask, usually Redemption. Design My Night points to the Sunday roast. There is disabled access. Phone 020 7267 2304, because opening hours are worth checking.

The Abbey Tavern, Kentish Town Road

Listed with a garden and a roof terrace, open until 01:00 at weekends and serving hot dogs, with a giant TV that suits match days. Treat that as a lead and check before you go.

Roof terraces on the canal side

Camden Town’s rooftops are the less certain part of the map. Lock Inn Camden, 2 Jamestown Road, is listed with a retractable roof and vinyl DJs Thursday to Saturday. Beyond the Lock Tavern, those are the ones to confirm directly before you commit to a plan.

Quick tips

• Want the Heath first and a pint second: Garden Gate or Spaniards Inn.
• Want a late one: the Lock Tavern runs to 01:00 Friday and Saturday.
• Want to book a table: the Colonel Fawcett, Garden Gate and Spaniards Inn all take bookings or recommend them.
• Bringing the dog: Hampstead pubs generally welcome them, and the Spaniards and Freemasons are listed as dog friendly.