Make the most of this gorgeous spring sunshine with our guide on where to eat and drink al fresco in London.
Sunnier days are just around the corner which means outdoor dining and drinking is back! Round up your friends and bask in the spring sunshine at our top picks for al fresco evenings in the capital to make the most of the warmer weather with cocktails, delicious food and a glass of something chilled.
Unbeatable views in The City
Fenchurch Restaurant x Whispering Angel Terrace, Sky Garden, The City
Fenchurch Restaurant at Sky Garden has teamed up with everyone’s favourite rosé Whispering Angel to launch London’s hottest new springtime sipping spot. The picture-perfect terrace is adorned with stunning florals, offering spectacular city skyline views, crisp rosé wines from Whispering Angel, and a delicious Caribbean-inspired menu from Head Chef Kerth Gumbs. The terrace is open Tuesday to Friday from 6pm until the end of September, with prices starting from £115.50 for two with seven plates served with a bottle of Whispering Angel.
Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk, London, EC3M 8AF
Nearest station: Monument
https://skygarden.london/fenchurch-terrace/
Our picks in Central London
Isola by San Carlo
Located in the buzzy St Christopher’s Place, Isola by San Carlo offers modern metropolitan dining, but with an island state of mind. Reminiscent of a grand Sicilian home, the alfresco terrace and façade is bedecked with foliage and florals, offering the perfect Italian garden spot from lunch through to dinner. Sip on an Aperitivo, nibble on fresh plates of Figliata al Tartufo, Carpaccio di Spigola and the sharing Spaghetti Granseola, and watch the world go by along the area’s charming cobbled streets.
St Christopher’s Place, London W1U 1AY
Nearest station: Bond Street
https://sancarlo.co.uk/restaurants/isola-london/
Alto by San Carlo
Perched atop of one of the world’s most prestigious department stores, Alto by San Carlo, is one of London’s most iconic alfresco dining spots. Escape the bustling streets below and discover an enchanting foliage-laden little Italy, high in the sky. San Carlo has a fully retractable roof for any weather eventualities. Diners will delight in a traditional Italian trattoria with freshly prepared and beautifully presented plates designed to share, alongside refreshing spritzes, wine and cocktails. Open seven days a week from lunch through to dinner, a stunning rooftop sanctuary, terrace bar and restaurant awaits.
Alto by San Carlo at Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street – entrance is via the express lift on the ground floor, amongst the Fragrance section.
Nearest station: Bond Street.
https://sancarlo.co.uk/restaurants/alto-london-selfridges/
Mariage Frères, Covent Garden
Situated in the very heart of Covent Garden, Mariage Frères’ Tea Terrace in front of its flagship tea emporium is the ideal alfresco spot, just moments away from the area’s stylish boutiques. Guests can watch the world go by as they sip on refreshing iced teas or tea-infused cocktails, such as a Blue Gin Tonic or Frosted Tokyo Mojito from an extensive selection to a full afternoon tea spread with delicate tea-infused sweet treats and Petits Gâteaux.
38 King St, London, WC2E 8JS
Nearest Station: Leicester Square
Gaucho, Piccadilly
Enjoy a taste of an Argentinian summer and escape the hustle and bustle of the city at the new Vineyard Terrace at Gaucho Piccadilly. Available throughout spring and summer, the terrace has been transformed into a scenic vineyard, decked with hanging vines and twinkling festoon lights. It is a perfect secluded spot to enjoy the new suitably summery South American menu, with dishes such as sea bass ceviche with picante rojo and avocado; churrasco cuadril marinated in garlic, parsley and olive oil; and snap the perfect picture Insta-worthy moment. Escape to the vines, drink the wine and feel mighty fine!
25 Swallow Street, London, W1B 4QR
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus
https://gauchorestaurants.com/restaurants/piccadilly/
Where to eat and drink al fresco in East London
The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan x Casamigos
Coral your friends and head to The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan to experience a gorgeous terrace that will have you Dreaming of The Coast in collaboration with premium tequila brand, Casamigos. Perfectly located by the waterside in Canary Wharf and decked out with lush underwater foliage and bright corals in ocean hues, enjoy cocktails such as a Spiced Pineapple Margarita and Tequila Spritz. Settle in for an afternoon under-the-sea with dishes including cockle popcorn and shore-side sharing boards.
The Sipping Room, West India Quay, 16 Hertsmere Rd, London, E14 4AX
Nearest station: Canary Wharf
https://www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-sipping-room/
The Terrace at M Canary Wharf
The brand-new terrace at M Canary Wharf is set to be the spot of the summer. Take in the unbeatable riverside views on the leafy terrace and enjoy a dining menu designed to take you on a sensory journey, featuring signature favourites such as Waygu Scotch Egg with smoked ketchup and Black Gnocchi with spinach, pear and parmesan. Playful and diverse, the menu highlights ethically sourced ingredients in unexpected and exciting ways, alongside the finest wines and Provençal-inspired cocktails. The spacious terrace is the ultimate destination for drinking and dining in the City.
10 Newfoundland Place, London E14 4BH
Nearest station: Canary Wharf
North London’s best terraces
Drake & Morgan King’s Cross x Hendrick’s
Get whisked away to the Neptunia Nautical Terrace – an ocean-inspired oasis at Drake & Morgan King’s Cross created in partnership with leading gin brand Hendrick’s. Lounge amongst a dreamy haven filled with an abundance of seashells, driftwood and faux seagrass, while enjoying limited-edition tipples including a Neptunia Collins, a Cucumber Lemonade and Curious Margarita. Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin bottles the magic of the sea and is one of the latest creations from Master Distiller Ms. Lesley Gracie’s Cabinet of Curiosities, blending refreshing Scottish coastal botanicals. Sure to give you another dose of vitamin sea, feast on new sea-inspired dishes including British calamari and Brixham crab arancini.
Drake & Morgan at King’s Cross, 6 Pancras Sq, London, N1C 4AG
Nearest station: Kings Cross
www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk/kings-cross
Great Northern Hotel x The Botanist Gin Terrace
Luxury, grade II listed Great Northern Hotel has teamed up with The Botanist Gin to launch London’s hottest new alfresco spot. A welcome escape from the bustle of the city, the spacious and buzzy GNH Bar & Terrace is complete with bright blooms, foliage and limited-edition cocktails created with The Botanist Gin. Their must try serves include the Raspberry Beret, mixed with The Botanist Gin, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, raspberry and Champagne, and Release the Breaks – a punchy blend of The Botanist Gin, vermouth, Aperol and lime. All new cocktails are priced at £12.50 and can be paried with elevated small plates and light bites.
Pancras Road, London N1C 4TB
Nearest station: King’s Cross
Al fresco dining in West London
SUMI, Notting Hill
Neighbourhood favourite SUMI in Notting Hill has declared its spacious terrace officially open for al fresco drinking and dining once more. Situated on Westbourne Grove, SUMI is the perfect spot for leisurely lunches with friends as well as date night dinners and everything in between. Take a seat on the covered terrace – complete with cosy blankets for those cooler evenings. You’ll be sure to enjoy inventive Japanese dishes courtesy of head chef Christian Onia, such as the yellowtail sashimi salad, new to the menu and a must try. An extensive cocktail, wine, champagne and sake list is also available, alongside beers and top shelf spirits.
157 Westbourne Grove, London, W11 2RS
Nearest station: Notting Hill Gate
