Introducing our favourite ethical, sustainable and socially-conscious places in London with brilliant - and often secret! - outside space for you to enjoy during summer. 

We love summer in London! From hanging out in the park with friends, going for walks or standing outside a pub in the evening, time outside is very good for the soul (though with current heat-health alerts across the UK be careful out there and make sure to take a reusable water bottle with you when you do go out). 

But, the usual summer hot-spots can get a little overcrowded and overhyped, which is why we’ve pulled together a list of our favourite ethical, sustainable and socially-conscious places in London with brilliant - and often secret! - outside space for you to enjoy during summer. 

We were tempted to keep them to ourselves but they were just too good not to share.

1. Dalston Curve Garden

A social enterprise cafe and neighborhood garden right in the centre of Dalston. Walk through their colorful gates and enter a beautiful oasis right in the middle of the city. While you’re there you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and soak in the bird sounds and fresh air. 

2. The Midnight Apothecary

A wild botanical campfire cocktail garden using local, homegrown and foraged ingredients in Rotherhithe. Come out onto their terrace and enjoy a s’more around a campfire with a delicious seasonal drink made from plants in the garden!

 3. F - Mondays

A living wage accredited coffee shop and grocers, with a secret garden out back. Pop by the shop in Brixton to buy your meats, cheeses, and condiments for the week and enjoy a coffee out back afterwards. 

4. Big Penny Social

An open-hearted pub with a big outdoor space that aims to bring people and communities together in Walthamstow. Come into the store and step out back to be transported to the beach with beach cabanas, lounge chairs, and sand under your feet.

5. Brewbird

A cafe in Camberwell providing opportunities to people who need added help to find employment. Come by the store in Camberwell and enjoy a delicious breakfast, coffee, or salad and eat inside the cozy cafe or sit out back around a picnic table and enjoy the fresh air. 

6. Cafe Van Gogh

A cafe and catering company providing opportunities to people who need added help to find employment. The are 100% vegan and non profit. Come into the shop in Brixton and grab a delicious meal and dessert and enjoy it on the back patio and soak up the sun or under an umbrella.

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If you're planning a full day out in the sun, then here's our guide to the perfect eco-conscious and ethical day out in Peckham, London.