There's nothing quite like spending a hot summers day in a great beer garden. We've sent our sunniest reporter out during a week of damp, dull, overcast weather to find the ones that we'll be spending the next few months basking in.

The Flask, nearest tube Highgate

Equidistant from Hampstead Heath and Highgate station is the rather splendid Flask pub. Boasting a covered sloped patio area with nonchalantly placed chairs and a bbq, the pub always feels as though you've stumbled across someone's garden party, which isn't a bad thing. There's plenty of ales and euro-beers and a half decent food menu. There's also a nice green space over the road where you can spill out of the pub and crash out on delicious grass.

Spaniards Inn, nearest tube Hampstead

Apparently haunted by Dick Turpin and the setting for Mrs Bardell's arrest in Dickens' Pickwick Papers the Spaniards is probably better known for the listed outhouse over the road meaning a constant flow of cars almost driving into each other, not to mention the brothers who built the Inn killed each other in a dual shortly after completion. Idiots. Inside there's a feel of the countryside with dog walkers, hikers and fox hunters* stopping by after a day on the Heath. Saturday's is Paella day and Sunday roast is top notch.

*might not be true

Edinboro Castle, Nearest tube, Camden Town

Away from the hustle, bustle and Winehouses of Camden you can find the Castle. Situated just off Parkway and right near Regents Park it's the perfect place to roll into after a day spent in the looking over the Londonzoo fence. The garden is massive, so big infact that they've got an al-fresco bar.

St Johns - Junction Road, Archway

One of them gastro-pubs. St Johns sits on Junction Road a few minutes walk from Archway station and provides rather delictible grub. Lots of beers on tap, including euro beers to keep me happy. And best of all does some mean feta cheese stuffed Feta. Eat in the bar or the restaurant but make sure you book in advance.

The Old Red Lion, Angel

A proper old man's pub, with a scrabble board and chess to use, plus solid selection of ale and lager. Plays all the top football matches on a big pull down screen and has a theatre up stairs - in which Martin Fowler is starring in a play as I write these very words. Go!

The Angelic, Angel (by Sainsburys)

It's not to shabby in here. There's a bunch of nice beers, outside tables, a bookcase, it's pretty bright and best of all it's perfect for the designated driver as they've got a juice bar, and it's good juice too, made freshly before your eyes.