Looking for the best spots for alfresco drinking and dining this weekend and beyond? From beautiful terraces to beer gardens and riverside-views, we’ve rounded up our newest and top picks in the capital to make this most of the sunshine this summer.
Central
Hush Mayfair X Disaronno, Mayfair
Say ‘Buongiorno’ to summer at Hush Mayfair’s must-visit al fresco terrace, ‘The New Dolce Vita’ Courtyard in partnership with Disaronno. Whisking you away to the golden age of 50s Italian glamour and designed to give a taste of the indulgence and spontaneity synonymous with long Italian summers, the Courtyard has been adorned with an abundance of blooms in shades of peach, cream and blush for that perfect picture moment.
On the cocktail list, expect a sunshine-filled selection from Disaronno including the indulgent velvet batida made with Disaronno Velvet Liqueur and coconut, the refreshing Disaronno fizz with Disaronno Originale, lemon and Fever-Tree Soda Water and the velvet espresso martini with Disaronno Velvet Liqueur, Sauvelle Vodka and coffee. Open now and throughout summer.
8 Lancashire Ct, W1S 1EY
Aquavit London X Moët, St. James’s
This summer, head to the heart of St James’s Market to experience Aquavit London’s Moët summer terrace. Bask in the sunshine and sip away on Moët’s gorgeous garden spritz – a refreshing blend of Moët’s Chandon sparkling with a twist of house-made bitters and fresh Valencia oranges. If you’re feeling peckish, feast on a sensational assortment of Scandi plates created by head chef Jonas Karlsson – think shrimp skagen with sourdough and dill mayonnaise; and gin cured gravlax with seeded granola, tonic gel and dill mayonnaise.
1 St James’s Market, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4QQ
North
The Great Northern Hotel X The Botanist Gin, King’s Cross
The Great Northern Hotel has teamed up with The Botanist Gin to launch London’s hottest new alfresco sipping spot. A welcome escape from the bustle of the city, the spacious GNH Bar and Terrace in the heart of King’s Cross is complete with luscious foliage, plant-filled terrariums, bright blooms and limited-edition cocktails created with The Botanist Gin.
Guests can also enjoy elevated dishes and small plates to accompany the cocktails or, for the ultimate summer city staycation, book an overnight stay in one of the hotel’s luxurious rooms. Open now until September 14.
Pancras Rd, London N1C 4TB
gnhlondon.com/restaurants-and-bars/kings-cross-bars/
Grand Junction Arms, Acton
The newly refurbished Grand Junction Arms, a majestic Victorian pub perfectly situated on the Grand Union Canal, offers alfresco joy in its large beer garden and terrace balcony. With views across the canal, enjoy a pint or three with friends in one of its private garden lodges, all equipped with plasma screens where guests can play their own music, or sit out in the sun in the expansive beer garden set beneath festoon lighting. Ideal for summer, dine riverside on the deck or terrace balcony, located directly by the water opposite the canal path.
Acton Lane, Canal Bridge, Park Royal, NW10 7AD
East and City
Cinnamon Kitchen, Devonshire Square, City
Make the most of warmer days with Cinnamon Kitchen’s all-weather, colourful Indian terrace in Devonshire Square – the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of The City. Sip on a selection of spiced-infused cocktails like the assam manhattan or coconut kir cocktail, accompanied by delicious small plates of lamb sheekh kebab, tandoori achari cauliflower or an old Delhi-style chicken curry. Those looking to go all out can also enjoy a weekend bottomless brunch.
9 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YL
Drake and Morgan at Cabot Square, Canary Wharf
Get your rosé fix in the heart of Canary Wharf and grab a glass from the specially decorated trailer bar adorned with cascading florals in pastel pink hues alongside an expansive terrace. The new summer pop-up is serving up a large selection of crisp rosés, whites, craft beers and floral-inspired cocktails, with plenty of tables on the terrace and a picture-perfect backdrop to match. Whether you’re looking for a sunny hotspot for lunchtime drinks or laid-back destination for dreamy summer evenings, get ready for Canary Wharf’s newest hotspot.
9 Cabot Square, London E14 4EB
drakeandmorgan.co.uk/drake-and-morgan-cabot-square/
The Sipping Room, Canary Wharf
Head east to West India Quay and swing by The Sipping Room for one of London’s biggest terraces. Perfectly located by the waterside, this sun-soaked spot is beautifully dressed in florals and complete with parasols and a giant swing to kick back and relax. Tuck into mezze and charcuterie sharing platters, as well as fish and meat dishes and vibrant cocktails from the outside bar.
West India Quay, 16 Hertsmere Rd, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4AX
drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-sipping-room/
The Happenstance, St. Paul’s
A stone’s throw from St Pauls, take respite from the city chaos and unwind on the striking Paternoster Square terrace. Unwind under large parasols decorated with myriad fairy lights whilst indulging in an extensive selection of food and drink, including sharing charcuterie boards, and sharing cocktails such as a Pimm’s picnic or an Aperol spritz sharing tree.
10 Paternoster Square, EC4M 7DX
drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-happenstance/
Burger and Lobster West India Quay, Canary Wharf
Looking out over the boats and water, Burger and Lobster West India Quay is the perfect alfresco spot to crack a claw and enjoy some refreshing cocktails. Find respite in the shade beneath the terraces’ sail-inspired canopy, taking in the buzzing atmosphere of the wharf. The restaurant is housed in the refurbished quayside warehouse with a menu featuring Burger and Lobster classics including whole Nova Scotian Lobster, Nebraskan beef burgers and OG lobster rolls.
Hertsmere Rd, E14 4AY
burgerandlobster.com/locations/london/west-india-quay/
West
Ganymede, Belgravia
Located in the beautiful heart of Belgravia, Ganymede offers exceptional British cuisine and a carefully crafted drinks list which can now be enjoyed al fresco on the new terrace tables. Chef director Oliver Marlowe and head chef Daniel Mertl’s (formerly Chez Bruce and The Glasshouse), menus feature beautifully plated yet unpretentious dishes using only impeccably sourced seasonal ingredients.
The summer menu changes daily, but expect the likes of aged beef and smoked eel tartare with creamed horseradish and sourdough crostini; fillet of halibut, seaweed gnocchi, baby leeks, pickled cucumber, chive and caviar beurre blanc; and white chocolate crème brûlée with Comice pear compote.
139 Ebury St, London SW1W 9QU
South
Haché Riverside X Pimm’s, Kingston
Haché Riverside Social in Kingston is transforming its spacious terrace, complete with riverside views, into a Pimm’s paradise. Taking inspiration from a classic Pimm’s No.1 cocktail, the terrace is festooned in white and red summer blooms, fruits and a statement flower arch. Sip away on a limited-edition cocktail menu and enjoy delicious, premium burgers including the must-try Steak Canadien – a 6oz ‘hachéd’ steak burger topped with melted cheese, maple bacon jam, smoked bacon, mustard mayo, tomato and rocket. The Pimm’s terrace will run until the end of August, so head down soon to enjoy a taste of British summertime.
hacheburgers.com/hache-kingston
The Refinery Bankside, Southwark
The perfect location for all day-drinking, dining and unwinding, explore a tropical haven away from the concrete jungle at The Refinery Bankside, located close to London Bridge and Blackfriars. The expansive terrace has been decked out with a plethora of cascading green floral arrangements and fringed parasols for those hot summer days.
Whether it’s after-work drinks or a catch-up with friends, relax in the leafy haven whilst enjoying dishes like English pea and shallot tortellini and seafood risotto and refreshing tipples inspired by the English garden, such as a hedgerow mojito; lychee and basil smash; or lavender and violet fizz.
110 Southwark St, London, SE1 0TF
