Step into summer with some of London’s top terraces, from rooftop gems with skyline views to riverside escapes and tucked-away courtyards. PA Life shares a round up of the capital’s must-visit terraces for sippin’ in the sun.
East London spots
The Sipping Room
Altos Tequila Terrace at The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan invites all Tequila lovers! In partnership with Altos Tequila, step into a vibrant agave paradise with sweeping views over the water in Canary Wharf. Enter through a colourful floral archway and onto the sun-soaked terrace, with a line-up of irresistible Altos Tequila cocktails. Sip your way through a trio of Frozen Margaritas (classic, coconut, or peach) or cool off with a refreshing Tommy’s Margarita or fiery Agua Picante. Feeling peckish? Tuck into a vibrant rainbow bowl salad or savour the flavours of crab fish cakes – perfect for tasty summer snacking.
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- Smiths of Smithfield Terrace
Bōkan
Bōkan is in the heart of Canary Wharf, 39 floors up, discover one of the most enviable 360° views of the London skyline at Bōkan’s open air, all-weather rooftop bar and terrace. Kick back with a carefully crafted cocktail in hand and enjoy moreish bar bites whilst admiring the city skyline sprawled out in front of you, including The Shard, The Gherkin, London Eye and the River Thames below. Check out PA Life’s review of this spot here.
No.3 Rooftop
No.3 Rooftop at Smiths of Smithfield in Farringdon provides a stunning view of St. Pauls Cathedral and the city, discover the No.3 Rooftop restaurant at Smiths of Smithfield. Headed up by chef Stan Marshman, expect a fine-dining experience with artistic flair where fresh seafood is the star, with dishes from seared scallops to chalk steam trout with XO clams, all paired with refreshing cocktails and fine wines.
The Brush East London Grand Cafe x Lillet
The Brush East London Grand Cafe x Lillet in Hoxton brings a taste of Europe’s al-fresco café culture to the East End, The Brush East London Grand Café has teamed up with French aperitif, Lillet, for its summer terrace. Perfect for post-work drinks, weekend catch-ups and summer celebrations, soak up the sun whilst enjoying spritzers such as Sunset, Limoncello and Wildflower featuring Lillet Rosé or Lillet Blanc. Enjoy alongside a mix of modern European light bites and dishes inspired by East London’s rich culinary history.
Cinnamon Kitchen
Cinnamon Kitchen City in London Liverpool Street will bring you into the spirit of an Indian summer, where a hidden terrace awaits. Executive Chef Vivek Singh’s menu showcases contemporary Indian plates full of bold flavour – ideal for sharing and paired perfectly alongside a refreshing cocktail or crisp glass of wine. With an impressive all-weather terrace, perfect for blue skies or starry nights, prepare for a celebration of summer, spice and standout hospitality.
Central London restaurants and bars
The Landmark London
Check out the Champagne Bar at The Winter Garden, Landmark London, Marylebone. Escape to The Landmark’s enchanting indoor Japanese garden, a tranquil spring haven created in partnership with Mary Jane Vaughan and adorned with Asian flowers. Until the end of June, the transformed Champagne Bar will offer an exquisite new sushi and Champagne menu to enjoy in the stunning setting. Enjoy freshly prepared plates, from sashimi platters to sushi rolls, perfect for sharing with vegetarian options.
Sticks’n’Sushi
Come rain or shine, Sticks’n’Sushi is serving up alfresco vibes with beautifully crafted sushi, fresh sticks from the grill and, if we’re lucky, sunshine! From people-watching in Covent Garden’s theatre quarter to shopping pit-stops at Battersea Power Station, or sundowners in historic Oxford, each terrace offers a distinct open-air setting to sit back, relax and watch the world go by. With seven restaurants serving outdoors across the UK – including Islington, Victoria, Canary Wharf and Kingston – there’s a spot for every kind of summer moment, whether you’re catching golden hour, lunching long, or clinking cocktails under the stars.
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- Great Northern Hotel Bar
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- Great Northern Hotel Bar
Bala Baya
Tucked away under the arches in Southwark, Bala Baya’s chic 30-seat outdoor courtyard is a seamless
extension of the restaurants’ stylish, industrial-inspired interiors. Enjoy sun-kissed Eastern Mediterranean seasonal plates including a prawn baklava – king prawns wrapped in kataifi pastry – and a brisket doughnut.
Kapara
Situated in the heart of Soho and home to a large, covered suntrap terrace, Kapara is the perfect place for summer dining. Showcasing a spectrum of Eastern Mediterranean flavours, Chef Eran Tibi’s menu features playful and flavour-packed dishes, including the restaurant’s hero freshly baked pita with hummus in both classic and inventive variations; deep-fried squid with black garlic and pickled chillies; and melt-in-your mouth ribs & rice.
Marquess of Anglesey
Raise a pint (or two!) on the Marquess of Anglesey’s stunning rooftop terrace and look out to unrivalled views of London’s theatreland. Walking distance from the Covent Garden tube station, the iconic local pub offers an array of beautifully brewed ales, the finest seasonal wines and signature cocktails, perfectly paired with a quintessentially British menu.
The Riveria Terrace by Drake & Morgan with Italicus, Malfy & Lillet
Experience a Mediterranean paradise at The Riviera Terrace by Drake & Morgan, just moments away from King’s Cross Station. This vibrant summer escape is bursting with zesty lemons, cascading florals and sunshine vibes, complete with a Malfy gin cart and a menu of seasonal cocktails and spritzes. In partnership with leading spirit and aperitif brands Italicus, Malfy, and Lillet, sip your way through refreshing summer serves like the elegant Lillet Rosé, the bold Italian Paloma and the chic Italicus Spritz, alongside moreish bites like the prawn lollipops or the sweet duck bao buns. There’s even a chance to win a trip to Paris when visiting the terrace by entering the exclusive competition in partnership with Lillet – très bien!
The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan – Altos Tequila Terrace
Great Northern Hotel x The Botanist Gin Terrace | King’s Cross
This spring, the iconic Grade II listed Great Northern Hotel unveils an alfresco cocktail menu in partnership with The Botanist Gin, featuring a selection of limited-edition serves crafted with the artisanal Islay spirit. Must tries include the Raya, mixed with St. Germain elderflower liqueur and hibiscus and Hot Fuzz – a sweet and sharp blend of gin, kiwi, apple and Bernard Remy champagne.
South West of London
Rick Stein Terrace
Located on the banks of the River Thames, Rick Stein Barnes is West London’s go-to for a leisurely weekend lunch. Escape to the serene courtyard terrace and indulge in the finest seafood sourced from Cornwall. From grilled Cornish lobster, platters of oysters, sole Véronique and seared tuna with guacamole, each dish is a coastal classic. Pair it all with a glass (or two) from a sunshine-ready wine list curated by Charlie Stein.
Cinnamon Bazaar Richmond
Bursting with colour, charm and bold flavours, Cinnamon Bazaar Richmond’s terrace is the ultimate spot to soak up the sun. Set in the heart of picturesque Richmond, moments from the station, the vibrant space takes inspiration from India’s bustling bazaars. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a range of small and large plates, it’s the perfect place to experience Executive Chef Vivek Singh’s signature dishes.
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- Cinnamon Kitchen Terrace
TOZI Pizzeria & Cicchetti Bar
Enjoy watching the bustle of Electric Boulevard at TOZI Battersea’s expansive outdoor terrace, Sit back, sip on a seasonal spritz and indulge in authentic pasta and cicchetti plates including the hero lobster linguine and burrata with caponata and basil. The terrace provides an unforgettable dining experience from sunrise to sunset.
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- Tozi Terrace
North West London
The Engineer
Tucked away in one of London’s prettiest and leafiest enclaves, The Engineer is a charming pub with a walled garden perfect for sunny days. Its new menu features elevated British comfort food – think
scallops with chorizo, pan-roasted duck with seasonal veg and a zesty lemon tart with clotted cream and
honey. Pair it all with their signature Old Fashioned or a glass of crisp, dry rosé for the perfect finish.
Essex
Downhall Hotel
This summer, AA Hotel of the Year – England 2025, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate, invites guests to experience The Woodland Table — a soulful open-air celebration of seasonality, fire and feasting set within the grounds of its 110-acre estate in rural Essex.
Taking place across three Sundays on 20th July, 31st August and 21st September, Garden Gatherings at the hotel’s new alfresco dining concept, The Woodland Table takes place beneath open skies and leafy canopies, deep within the hotel’s new two-acre walled kitchen garden. Rustic wooden tables and benches carved from estate-felled trees form the setting for an atmospheric and immersive long-table feast, brought to life by flickering fire pits, enchanting sounds of a live vocalist. and the scent of flame-grilled ingredients fresh from the surrounding soil.
For reviews and recommendations, stay posted on PA Life Venues News.
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