5 Perfect Places to Grab a Pint in London This June (Rain or Shine!)
When June hits London, something changes in the air. It’s not just the sunshine (though that’s nice when it shows up)—it’s the collective shift in mood. The parks get busier, the pub gardens come alive, and every Londoner seems to develop an after-work pint radar. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, this is the time to explore the best drinking spots across the capital.
From riverside legends to hidden courtyards, here are five iconic places to grab a pint in London this June—complete with character, great views, and a true taste of London life.
1. The White Cross, Richmond
📍Address: Riverside, Richmond TW9 1TH
Nearest Station: Richmond
You haven’t done London properly until you’ve sipped a pint on the banks of the Thames—and there’s no better place than The White Cross in Richmond.
In June, this riverside pub becomes a local favourite. On sunny days, the outdoor benches fill quickly, and when the tide comes in, the water creeps just close enough to remind you you’re on nature’s edge. It’s the perfect mix of countryside calm and London culture.
Top Tip: Time your visit for sunset, and you’ll see the river glow gold. Bring sunglasses, order a local ale, and don’t rush.
2. The Aviary, Finsbury Square
📍Address: 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX
Nearest Station: Moorgate / Liverpool Street
June calls for rooftop pints, and The Aviary delivers. Perched atop the Montcalm Royal London House Hotel, this chic rooftop bar offers sweeping views of the London skyline and a drinks menu that’s a step above your average pint stop.
While it leans more toward cocktails and craft beers, you can still find great pints—and it’s the vibe that steals the show. With plush seating, plant walls, and that golden-hour light, The Aviary is your Instagram-friendly pint palace.
Good to Know: They often take bookings, so reserve a spot if you're heading there on a sunny Friday.
3. The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead
📍Address: Spaniards Rd, Hampstead, NW3 7JJ
Nearest Station: Hampstead (and a leafy walk through the Heath)
Dating back to the 1500s, The Spaniards Inn is the perfect mix of literary history and leafy charm. Dickens mentioned it in The Pickwick Papers, Keats was rumoured to drink here, and today? It’s still one of London’s most beloved pubs—especially in June.
Why? Because of the huge garden, picnic-style benches, and the scent of Hampstead Heath just beyond the fence. After a weekend stroll through the woods or a climb up Parliament Hill, this is where you reward yourself.
Pint Pairing: Order a pale ale and their legendary Sunday roast (yes, even in summer).
4. The Mayflower, Rotherhithe
📍Address: 117 Rotherhithe Street, London SE16 4NF
Nearest Station: Rotherhithe / Canada Water
The Mayflower isn’t just a pub it’s a time capsule of London’s maritime past. Overlooking the Thames in Rotherhithe, this timber-framed beauty is supposedly where the Mayflower ship set sail for the New World in 1620.
June is an ideal time to visit. The back terrace floats over the water, the views are unbeatable, and the vibe is pure old-school London. The wooden interiors, candlelit nooks, and nautical memorabilia give it soul.
Fun Fact: It’s one of the few places in the UK where you can still pay your bill in U.S. dollars (in honour of its transatlantic history).
5. The Crown & Shuttle, Shoreditch
📍Address: 226 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6PJ
Nearest Station: Shoreditch High Street / Liverpool Street
If you’re after East London energy with a huge outdoor space, The Crown & Shuttle is your spot. Once a 17th-century coaching inn, today it’s a bustling mix of creative types, after-work crowds, and curious tourists.
The front is all classic pub charm, but head out back and you’ll find a massive beer garden with twinkling fairy lights, food trucks, and picnic benches. It’s relaxed, fun, and always buzzing especially in June.
Pint Pick: Their rotating selection of local craft beers is always worth a try.
Bonus Tips: June Pub Culture in London
Before you head out, here are a few things to know:
Pub Gardens Fill Fast: Especially Thursday to Sunday. Try arriving before 6pm or booking if possible.
Always Look Up: Some pubs have incredible rooftop views even if they don’t advertise it!
Be Weather Ready: June is usually warm and dry, but an umbrella in your bag never hurts.
Final Thoughts: June Is Made for Pints in London
Whether you’re here for the summer or just passing through, June is one of the best times to experience London’s pub culture. There’s no better feeling than a cold pint under blue skies—or even under an awning, watching the rain roll in.
So pick your pub, grab your mates, and toast to the long evenings, historic views, and the magic of London in summer. Follow @london.yaar on for more such blogs.