Let's all go alfresco

Pull off your ponchos and dig out your sundresses — it's finally dry enough for one of life's greatest pleasures: alfresco drinking. Thanks to the smoking ban, more and more bars, pubs and clubs have spacious and comfortable outdoor areas — and you don't even have to smoke to enjoy them. From courtyards to roof terraces and beer gardens, London now has plenty of spots to enjoy an open-air drink.

ROOF TERRACE
Lock Tavern
This Camden boozer has a great roof terrace overlooking the market. Drink alongside artfully distressed rock urchins but be warned, it gets pretty packed. Expect an after-party vibe that pulls in big name DJs.
Chalk Farm Road, NW1 (020 7482 7163). Mon-Thurs, midnight; Fri-Sat, 1am; Sun, 11pm. Pints from £3.40; white wine spritzer, £3

CANALSIDE
The Waterway Tucked away in Maida Vale, this might well be the most stylish canalside pub/restaurant in London. Recently redecked, it attracts the nearby Notting Hill trendies and serves sophisticated cocktails.
Formosa Street, W9 (020 7266 3557). Until 11pm daily. Pints from £3.35; spritzer, £4.40

COURTYARD
The Vibe Bar
Brick Lane comes alive in the summer when punters sit outside in this bar's courtyard area. The area hosts large events, such as the Brick Lane Festival and the Chilli Crab Festival, making it extremely user friendly.
Brick Lane, E1 (020 7426 0491). Sun-Thurs, 11.30pm; Fri-Sat, 1am. Pint of Heineken, £3.35; spritzer, £2.90

HOTEL GARDEN
Courtyard Garden at The Sanderson
The courtyard at this swish hotel has a Japanese garden and, come summer, the canvas roof is whipped off so you can sip excellent cocktails in the zen surroundings.
Berners Street, W1 (020 7300 1400). Mon, 1am; Tues-Wed, 1.30am; Thurs-Sat, 3am; Sun, 10.30pm. Bottled beer, £5.50; spritzer, £7

PUB GARDEN
The Engineer Jude Law and Kate Moss are among the regulars here, but don't let that put you off. The Engineer has a fantastic garden so you can enjoy your pint among the well-manicured shrubbery.
65 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 (020 7722 0950). Mon-Sat, 11pm; Sun 10.30pm. Pints from £3.30; spritzer, £3.60

RIVERSIDE PUB
The Boathouse
Expect plenty of Aussies on this large, bright and well-designed pub balcony overlooking Putney's wharf development. It can get crowded, so isn't the ideal spot for a quiet pint.
Brewhouse Lane, SW15 (020 8789 0476). Until 11pm daily. Pints from £3.50; spritzers, £3.75.

SKY HIGH GARDEN
Spring Gardens, The Trafalgar
This roof garden overlooking Trafalgar Square is the kind of place that makes you proud to be a Londoner. Populated with smartly attired clientele, you can nibble on tapas and sample the whisky-based cocktails.
Trafalgar Square, SW1 (020 7870 2900). Mon-Sat, 11pm. Bottled beer from £4.50; spritzer, £8.40

PARK BAR
Inn The Park
there is something distinctly Scandinavian about this hideway in the middle of the park. It's great for breakfasts, lunches and dinners, but after 6pm the terraces are transformed into champagne and cocktail bars.
St James's Park, SW1 (020 7451 9999). Mon-Fri, 8am-9pm; Sat-Sun, 9am-9pm. Bottled beer, £3.15; spritzer, £5.50

NIGHTCLUB TERRACE
Big Chill House
During the day, the south-facing roof terrace is a great spot to catch some rays and sink some drinks. By night, it's the perfect place to take a breather after some energetic dancing to the DJs spinning their stuff downstairs.
Pentonville Road, N1 (020 7427 2540). Mon-Sun, midnight; Thurs, 1am; Fri-Sat, 4am. Pints of lager from, £3.20; spritzer, £2.90