With the weather getting warmer and London hopefully a little sunnier, we’ve rounded up our favourite al fresco dining spots for you to enjoy this summer.
Petersham Nurseries, Covent Garden
Sheltered from the bustle of Covent Garden, the informal and relaxed La Goccia, focuses on Italian small plates, often known as cicchetti, and also serves an express lunch menu. The Deli features most of the ingredients you see on the menu, so you can recreate your experience at home. This space is everything you’d expect from an Eden-esque space in the middle of a busy city. And then some.
Dalloway Terrace
Often labelled as ‘Instagrammable’ we absolutely love the Dalloway Terrace. It features beautiful floral arrangements, along with a range menus to drool over. Choose from a weekend brunch to a pre-theatre dining menu, or try the Afternoon Tea for some delicious treats and Sri Lankan tea.
Boundary – Shoreditch
You can’t really beat 360 degree views of London, and the Boundary Rooftop has exactly this. Whether you’re catching up with friends over drinks, or you’re looking for a lazy afternoon lunch, or perhaps looking to impress that special someone, the rooftop has the right vibe for you. Expect grilled meat and fish, along with fresh salads and olives, tapenades, and classic cocktails. For an event with a different setting, check out their rooftop packages.
Dishoom – Shoreditch
We all love the Dishoom concept – tasty, unique and unfussy Indian food, with the authenticity attached. The brand is growing, and with each new location the team don’t seem to be stopping. Their outdoor dining space, named The Verandah in Shoreditch allows you to take in the Indian street cafe ambience whilst lazily grazing upon their menu. The Bacon Naan comes highly recommended, as does the relaxed atmosphere and boozy cocktails. This one’s for the weekend.
The Prince
On the other side of the beautiful city, you’ll find The Prince. From the people who brought you Pergola Paddington and Pergola Olympia, this ‘pub’ features three bars and four restaurants, featuring creations from London favourites such Homeslice and Patty&Bun.
Tucked away behind the pub and street food kitchens, this hidden, flower-laden oasis is accessible from the back of each of the buildings via the al fresco dining terrace. Follow it down and you’ll find a magical, fairy-lit setting, with a retractable roof for those, occasional, blazing summer days.
The Grafton Arms – Fitzrovia
Hidden away just off Fitzrovia Square is The Grafton Arm’s secret all-weather rooftop terrace. Adorned with flowers, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the sun and while away an afternoon with a chilled glass of wine, cold beer or graze on a selection of pan-Asian dishes and bar snacks. For larger summer soirees, the terrace can be hired exclusively for up to 30 people seated or 40 standing.
72 Grafton Way, London, W1T 5DU
www.graftonarms.co.uk
The Waterway
Boasting one of the largest outdoor spaces in the capital, The Waterway’s fully heated terrace on Regent’s Canal provides the perfect spot for al-fresco drinking and dining, come rain or shine. Kick back with a refreshing craft beer and feast on barbecued delights from the outside kitchen or pull up a pew in the Lower Garden, available for exclusive hire, and soak up the sun in the leafy surroundings.
54 Formosa Street, Maida Vale, W9 2JU
www.thewaterway.co.uk
The Summerhouse – Little Venice
Idyllically situated on the beautiful banks of Little Venice, The Summerhouse offers superlative waterside dining. During the summer, the picturesque restaurant rolls back its windows to leave only leafy partitions standing between diners and the bobbing barges beside them. Decked with light oak floors, blue and white striped furnishings and seaside artefacts – expect a chic waterside ambiance, whatever the weather.
60 Blomfield Road, Maida Vale, W9 2PD
www.thesummerhouse.co
The Applebee’s Fish
A summer pop-up has arrived at Southbank, boasting River Thames views, a Champagne & oyster bar, a boules sandpit, craft beer & cocktails on tap, plus entertainment from London’s most talented buskers. The Borough Market restaurant’s younger sibling will serve fan favourites such as chip butties, panko prawns, seabass ceviche, and crispy Harbour beer battered fish & chips.
Queens Walk | London SE1 8XX
www.applebeesfish.com/southbank
Aster
Aster has launched its chic Seafood & Spritz terrace, together with Lillet aperitif. The European Grand Café has curated a refreshing al fresco spritz menu accompanied by fresh, meaty prawns and salty Colchester Rock oysters from the new ground floor seafood bar. Head to the heart of Victoria and lounge in striped deck chairs, surrounded by fruit-filled shrubs.
150 Victoria Street | London SW1E 5LB
www.aster-restaurant.com
COYA Angel Court
COYA Angel Court has launched a Pisco and Taco Hour on its exclusive and sun-dappled terrace. Every Monday to Friday from 4pm until 6pm throughout July and August, COYA will welcome guests with Peruvian cocktails paired with their delicious tacos of the day.
31-33 Throgmorton Street | London EC2N 2AT
www.coyarestaurant.com
New Street Warehouse Summer Terraces
New Street Warehouse has introduced two new terraces: Fish Market’s ‘Chippy in the City’ and Old Bengal Bar’s ‘Backyard BBQ Garden’. Escape to the seaside and enjoy quirky ocean treats such as curried scampi and devilled whitebait without leaving London, indulge in a diverse BBQ menu or perhaps visit the STAKEhaus residency at New Street Grill.
16 New Street | London EC2M 4TR
Nine Lives
This summer, Nine Lives has revamped the cobbled space outside the innovative Victorian bar. Expect bespoke cocktails, a newly decked chill area and street party vibes.
8 Holyrood Street London SE1 2EL
www.ninelivesbar.com
Butlers Wharf Chop House
Riverside restaurant, Butlers Wharf Chop House and Nyetimber have collaborated on a special oyster pop-up. The Oyster Shack is set to bring Londoners a shuckin’ good time until the end of August and is housed in the foyer of the restaurant, serving world-famous oysters and high-quality sparkling wine.
36e Shad Thames London SE1 2YE
www.chophouse-restaurant.co.uk
Plateau
Plateau recently launched its St Tropez Terrace, complete with a French Riviera inspired brunch and mouth-watering Pink-nic Package. Together with Minuty, the terrace has been transformed into a Mediterranean haven, covered in plants and decorated with retro posters.
4th Floor | Canada Square | London E14 5ER
www.plateau-restaurant.co.uk
Mac & Wild
This summer, escape to the Highlands without leaving the City as London’s favourite Scottish restaurant, Mac & Wild announce the launch of the Mac & Wild Oyster and Whisky Terrace, nestled in the courtyard of Devonshire Square. Offering guests a taste of Scotland, Mac & Wild have teamed up with Glenfiddich to launch the ultimate summer set up.
9A Devonshire Square London EC2M 4YM
www.macandwild.com
Bluebird Café
Kick back and relax in Bluebird Café’s Strawberry Fields Terrace, in partnership with world acclaimed, Martin Miller’s Gin. The White City restaurant is ‘painting the town red’ with scarlet-hued floral installations, a fabulous garden swing and menu of specially created Martin Miller’s cocktails.
W12 7FR
www.bluebirdcafe.co.uk
Le Pont de le Tour
French riverside restaurant, Le Pont de la Tour, have collaborated with revered wine brand, Minuty Rosé, to launch their new rosé terrace for the summer season, La Maison du Rosé. Running from May until 31st August, the recently opened terrace is a sun-soaked paradise featuring Minty’s prized Rosés, Fruits de Mer platters, unique rosé tastings and seaside influenced weekend rosé brunch menus.
36D Shad Thames | London SE1 2YE
www.lepontdelatour.co.uk
