A warm front moving across southern England is set to push London’s mercury to 27 °C on Friday, according to the Met Office. The forecast, described by the service as “unseasonably warm”, promises sunny spells that will make the capital feel more like a summer encore than the start of autumn.

With the heat expected to linger through the weekend, the Evening Standard’s London List has compiled a five‑pub guide to help residents and visitors make the most of the sunshine. The selections were chosen for their spacious gardens, food offerings and central locations.

In south‑west London, the Leather Bottle in Earlsfield (538 Garratt Lane) boasts a large garden with long benches, cosy huts for up to 30 people and two outdoor bars. The venue was recently voted one of London’s best beer gardens on DesignMyNight, and reviewers praise its food, atmosphere and the tendency to linger long after the first pint.

Further east, the Duke of Edinburgh on Ferndale Road, Brixton, claims the biggest garden in south London. Built in the 1930s, the pub now hosts Jerk Valley of London, serving jerk chicken, burgers, plantain and mac and cheese. The garden closes at 9.30 pm, making it a daytime‑to‑early‑evening spot.

In Islington, the Albion on Thornhill Road offers a 450‑square‑metre garden draped in wisteria and greenery, giving it a country‑garden feel despite its central location. Reviewers highlight the venue’s attentive service and classic interiors as part of its long‑standing appeal.

Stoke Newington’s Clissold Park Tavern (177 Green Lanes) sits next to the eponymous park and provides ample seating for sunny afternoons, a menu centred on shareable pizza and a screen for live sport. Patrons have called its lunch pizzas “outstanding”.

Finally, the Crown and Shuttle on Shoreditch High Street brings a hidden‑gem garden to the city’s financial district. Benches, heaters and a menu of small plates make it a convenient option for groups wanting to stay central while the sun sets.

The Met Office’s forecast has already spurred a surge in bookings for outdoor spaces, with many pubs reporting higher footfall than usual for late September. Local authorities have reminded drinkers to stay hydrated and to follow any temporary crowd‑control measures that may be introduced in popular parks and streets.