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The very best restaurants in London for eating alfresco

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For days of glorious spring sunshine, knowing a good alfresco place to eat is invaluable. Here's our guide to London's loveliest spots for outdoor dining (including options for if the weather's not all that reliable). If you want more - check out our guide to London's rooftops

Central London

The MaineThe Maine

Mayfair - 6 Medici Courtyard, London W1S 1JY

Close to one of the entrances to the Elizabeth Line, just off Hanover Square, you'll find The Maine's large terrace tucked away behind the building and boasting some very convivial booths. Here you'll find a mainly seafood menu with fish tacos and lobster rolls on offer. 

Rainproof? Yes, it's fully covered

Follow on Instagram: @themainemayfair

 

Milk Beach Soho alfrescoMilk Beach Soho

Soho - 14 Greek St, London W1D 4DN

Quiet alfresco hideaways aren't exactly easy to find in Soho, but the redevelopment of this part of Soho has created a hidden oasis just off Greek Street and Milk Beach have colonised a fair part of it. Once there you'll find a menu with Aussie influences and the potato gems with salmon roe are a must.

Rainproof? Large parasols can give plenty of protection

Follow on Instagram: @milkbeachlondon

 

Toklas alfresco londonToklas

Temple - 1 Surrey St, London WC2R 2ND

Tucked down a side street off the Strand this well-reviewed restaurant has a mammoth terrace that's super useful to know about. Enjoy a regularly changing menu of seasonal treats.

Rainproof? Yes, there's a canopy and heaters.

Follow on Instagram: @toklas_london

 

Pantechnicon roof terracePantechnicon

Belgravia - 19 Motcomb St, London SW1X 8LB

High above the streets of Belgravia, the Roof Garden at this self-styled 'shopping village' is a little oasis of calm. The restaurant serves up a modern menu and there's Danish and Japanese beer on tap along with cocktails and wine to choose from. As you might imagine, it's a popular place to start the day whether that's with weekday breakfast or a more leisurely brunch at the weekend.

Rainproof? Yes, there's a canopy that can be pulled out covering all the tables out here.

Follow on Instagram: @_pantechnicon

 

Bentley’sBentley’s

Mayfair - 11-15 Swallow St, London W1B 4DG

Richard Corrigan’s oyster palace, just off Piccadilly, has a large terrace (covered and heated if needed) on Swallow Street where you can enjoy heaped seafood platters. Finish off with a Bentley’s coffee made with Frangelico and Baileys.

Rainproof? Pretty much - bar a few tables on the edge, everything else is covered. 

Follow on Instagram: @bentleysoysterbar

 

Circolo popolare terrace londonCircolo Popolare

Fitzrovia - 40-41 Rathbone Pl, London W1T 1HX

Tucked in behind the restaurant on Rathbone Square, the terrace at Circolo has had as much detail lavished on it as the restaurant's interiors. Strewn with lights and furnished with plants, it's perfect for pasta and plenty of Prosecco.

Rainproof? Ish - there are parasols and heaters

Follow on Instagram: @bigmamma.uk

 

Dalloway TerraceDalloway Terrace

Fitzrovia - 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN

Probably one of London's most instagrammable outdoor spaces, the terrace here is redesigned every season to keep it looking as fresh as a daisy. Afternoon teas are particularly popular and the retractable awning means you'll be protected from showers too. Right now it's a summer pop-up that's all about biodiversity and bee-friendly flowers. 

Rainproof? Yes

Follow on Instagram: @dallowayterrace

 

The Garden at The CorinthiaThe Garden at The Corinthia

Westminster - Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD

This hidden-away gem can be found next to the hotel’s lounge where afternoon tea is served. This courtyard space is open year-round (fireplaces at both ends help with that) and features a Mediterranean menu by the hotel’s executive chef Andre Garret. Dishes include grilled Fiorentina-style porterhouse steak as well as pizzette, pasta and more.

Rainproof? Yes - the bespoke canopy covers the entire courtyard.

Follow on Instagram: @corinthialondon

 

Ham YardHam Yard 

Soho - 1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT

A rarity in central London, the titular 'yard' here is an oasis tucked away from the traffic of Soho and Piccadilly. Created by the bombing during The Blitz, the space is now a super place on a sunny afternoon or evening - if you can get a table.

Rainproof? All tables have some covering, but if you get the ones nearest the hotel under the canopy you're best protected there.

 

HushHush

Mayfair - 8 Brook Street, London W1S 1EY

Even though this tucked-away courtyard makes you feel as if you've stumbled on a secret garden, it's about the worst kept secret in London. You'll have to fight hedge funders and other Mayfair folk for your chance to nab a coveted table on a sunny day.

Rainproof? Yes, it's entirely covered and heated.

Follow on Instagram: @hushmayfair

 

The OrreryThe Orrery

Marylebone - 55 Marylebone High St, London W1U 5RB

While there is a special terrace menu of small dishes upstairs at this Marylebone restaurant, what you're really after with your chilled glass of wine is a cheese plate from Orrery’s famous trolley. Enjoy the French food and when the sun is shining, with the traffic noise of Marylebone a distant hum, you could easily be in Provence.

Rainproof? Yes. The canopy covers all the tables on the terrace.

Follow on Instagram: @the_orrery

 

Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie alfrescoOxo Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie

South Bank - Barge House St, London SE1 9PH

With A-grade views over the river, this high-rise spot has unrivalled views across the Thames. A great space for a leisurely afternoon tea with the best river vista.

Rainproof? No, the terrace closes in bad weather. 

Follow on Instagram: @oxo_tower

 

Petersham Nurseries Covent GardenPetersham Nurseries Covent Garden

Covent Garden - 31 King St, London WC2E 8JD

Given they have a full-blown garden nursery down by the river, you'd expect any alfresco space by the Petersham Nurseries crew to be rather lovely. This courtyard space they say "combines English country charm with Italian elegance". We say it provides a rare opportunity to eat alfresco in the heart of London without cars whizzing by.

Rainproof? Not really, although there are a few parasols.

Follow on Instagram: @petershamnurseries

 

Le Pont de la TourLe Pont de la Tour

South Bank - 36D Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE

One of the classics of the south bank of the Thames, this restaurant's terrace has unparalleled views of Tower Bridge. Just be prepared to have passing tourists giving you jealous looks as you toy with your crab and melon salad in the sunshine.

Rainproof? Really only the row of tables closest to the restaurant.

Follow on Instagram: @lepontdelatourldn

 

Scott’sScott’s

Mayfair - 20 Mount St, London W1K 2HE

The terrace at this Mayfair establishment has long been a spot where you'll find yourself sitting downwind from unrepentant smokers like Ronnie Wood or Charles Saatchi and getting your photo taken by passing paparazzi.

Rainproof? The canopy offers protection from a light shower

Follow on Instagram: @scottsmayfair

 

The StaffordThe Stafford

St James - 16-18 St James's Pl, London SW1A 1NJ

At the back of this historic hotel's American Bar you'll find a sunny courtyard overlooked by the old stables. There's always a summer programme of barbecues out here, but it's also open all year round with umbrellas and heaters for less clement days.

Rainproof? There are canopies and umbrellas to stave off showers

Follow on Instagram: @thestaffordlondon

 

 

North London

Coal Drops YardCoal Drops Yard

King's Cross - Stable St, London N1C 4DQ

There are multiple handy places for alfresco dining in Coal Drops Yard in King's Cross. There's Mexican food from the under-cover Plaza Pastor, alfresco Barrafina from their spin-off Parrillan, as well as a terrace space outside Pip Lacey's Hicce.

Rainproof?: Pretty much - from the cantilevered rooftop at Parrillan to the expansive parasols at Hicce you'll find plenty of places to dine here protected from the elements.

More about Coal Drops Yard

 

Frederick'sFrederick's

Islington - 106 Camden Passage, The Angel, London N1 8EG

The narrow frontage of this Camden Passage restaurant gives no hint of what's to be found at the back. One of London's great garden restaurant spaces, part of it's laid out in patio but there are also mature gardens too. It's popular as a wedding space though, so check ahead to see if it's booked out.

Rainproof? Yes, they've usually got a marquee in the garden and much of the terrace can be covered.

Follow on Instagram: @fredericks_n1

 

The LightermanThe Lighterman

King's Cross - 3 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH

Apparently one of the most profitable spots in King's Cross (during normal times) and it's not hard to see why - the first floor has a wrap-around terrace, the ground floor pub has a lovely outside seating area overlooking Granary Square and there's a canalside bar terrace too.

Rainproof? Yes, pretty much. Most of the ground floor area has wall-to-wall parasols and you're protected upstairs by the roof overhang.

Follow on Instagram: @thelightermankx

 

Michael NadraMichael Nadra

Primrose Hill - 42 Gloucester Ave, London NW1 8JD

The sunken garden area at Nadra's Primrose Hill restaurant is totally protected from any nasty draughts. All of which makes it pretty much perfect for trying one of the 15+ martinis on their bar menu. You're probably going to need some of their prawn and chive dumpling bar snacks to go with that.

Rainproof? Yes - they've got a new canopy roof and the terrace is heated as well.

Follow on Instagram: @michaelnadra

 

Red Lion and SunRed Lion and Sun

Highgate - 25 North Rd, London N6 4BE

This Highgate gastropub's garden is always a winner in the summer and they've got a huge marquee over its front garden at other times of the year. Strewn with fairy lights and dotted with olive trees and ferns, the back garden is particularly pretty at night.

Rainproof? Yes in the front garden, but not at the rear.

Follow on Instagram: @theredlionandsun

 

SmokehouseSmokehouse

Islington - 63–69 Canonbury Rd, London N1 2DG

In London's least green borough, the pretty garden squeezed into an intersection between two roads at an Islington BBQ restaurant is super popular come summer. The smell of jasmine neatly blocks out any traffic fumes although you might get a whiff of BBQ from the grill.

Rainproof? Not really

Follow on Instagram: @smokehousen1

 

  

South London

Tap and BottleTap and Bottle

London Bridge - 64 Union St, London SE1 1SG

This hidden-away wine bar near London Bridge has a secluded outside terrace space nestled between the buildings on its rooftop. It's something we only stumbled upon recently but it's one of the nicest places in the area to while away a few hours with a bottle of wine. Cheese and charcuterie plates from Borough Market favourites are great to pair with that wine.

Rainproof? A few tables do have proper cover

Follow on Instagram: @tapandbottlelondon

 

best alfresco restaurants in londonDarby’s

Nine Elms - 3 Viaduct Gardens, London SW11 7AY

Part of the Robin Gill empire, you approach the terrace via stepping stones across ponds inspired by New York’s High Line park and it’s a super spot for a platter of Dooncastle oysters and a chilled glass of wine.

Rainproof? Yes there's a canopy over their 20-seat terrace

Follow on Instagram: @darbyslondon

More about Darby’s

 

Garden Museum cafe alfresco londonGarden Museum Cafe

Lambeth - 5 Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7LB

If a restaurant at a museum devoted to horticulture doesn't have a nice alfresco space we should all go home. Luckily, there's a choice of outside dining at this excellent space at the Garden Museum in London. There's a summer terrace, but we prefer the garden courtyard atrium, which is a real alfresco haven.

Rainproof? Around the edges and under the parasols you'd be protected.

Follow on Instagram: @gardenmuseumcafe

 

Peartree CafePear Tree Cafe

Battersea - Lakeside Cafe, Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ

This park cafe punches way above its weight - the owners here are ex-Petersham Nurseries and Spring with Skye Gyngell, via stints at Chez Panisse and more. With beautiful views over the lake, this is a top spot for a steak sarnie or squash salad.

Rainproof? Sadly not.

Follow on Instagram: @pear.tree.cafe

 

best alfresco restaurants in londonSeabird

Southwark - 14th Floor, 40 Blackfriars Rd, South Bank, London SE1 8NY

This high-rise restaurant has a huge outside terrace overlooking a great swathe of the south bank. Although all those rattan chairs and palms make it look more like Miami than Southwark. Order up a flamboyant cocktail while you pursue the mainly seafood menu.

Rainproof? There is a retractable roof, but at these heights you're going to get a little damp if it really rains.

Follow on Instagram: @seabirdlondon

 

Vinegar YardVinegar Yard

Bermondsey - 72-82 St Thomas St, London SE1 3QX

London Bridge’s street food spot has food from Baba Gs, Nanny Bills, Bad Boy Pizza Society & Nik’s Kitchen. The Bramble bar is fully covered and there’s a large area where tables are protected by a massive stretched tent.

Rainproof? Yes - all covered.

Follow on Instagram: @vinegaryardldn

 

East London

luca alfresco londonLuca

Clerkenwell - 88 St John St, London EC1M 4EH

At the back of this now Michelin-starred Clerkenwell Italian, you'll find a foliage-filled terrace filled with olive trees and jasmine - there's even an open fire for chillier evenings. It can be used by walk-ins or booked for private dining.

Rainproof? Yes, there's a retractable roof

Follow on Instagram: @luca.restaurant

 

best alfresco restaurants in londonAllegra

Stratford - Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 20 International Way, London E20 1FD

The wraparound terraces at Allegra’s seventh-floor restaurant at The Stratford are beautiful - imagine a wildflower meadow in the sky and you’re halfway there. The terrace menu makes full use of the wood-burning grill and their weekend brunch is a popular alfresco option.

Rainproof?: Yes all tables are covered by the building's ten-metre-high cantilever.

Follow on Instagram: @allegrarestaurant

 

brat at climpsonsBrat at Climpson's Arch

London Fields - 374 Helmsley Place, London E8 3SB

This is the alfresco-only second helping of Tomos Parry's restaurant. There's a massive marquee over the whole area, making it suitable for dining out in whatever the weather. Dishes include roasted chicken rice, grilled steaks, flatbreads and more. 

Rainproof? Yes, completely

Follow on Instagram: @brat_climpsonsarch

 

Coq D'ArgentCoq D'Argent

City - 1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ

Taking up a huge space on the top floor, this is one of the City's most famous alfresco spots. If you can grab a space here on a busy weekday lunchtime, you've done a good job. Also, make sure to find your way onto the lawn out at the back with great views of the City. 

Rainproof? Pretty much - there are a lot of parasols and heaters.

Follow on Instagram: @coqdargent

 

CRATE BreweryCRATE Brewery

Where: Unit 7 Queen's Yard, Hackney Wick, London E9 5EN

If you can grab one of the coveted outdoor seats at this Hackney brewery, you'll want to stay there all night. You can work your way through the beer and match it with their stone-baked pizzas. 

Rainproof? Depends where you're seated. There is a covered section, but there are a fair few tables unprotected.

Follow on Instagram: @cratebrewery

 

The Marksman alfrescoThe Marksman

Hackney - 254 Hackney Rd, London E2 7SJ

The terrace leading off the upstairs dining room at this East London gastropub could feel a bit like climbing out onto your flat roof, were it not for how beautiful it looks with all the greenery. A seasonal menu will be on offer - but make sure you don't miss out on their amazing buns and legendary brown butter tart.

Rainproof? Yes, every table on the terrace has some degree of protection.

Follow on Instagram: @marksman_pub

 

Rochelle CanteenRochelle Canteen

Shoreditch - Rochelle School, Arnold Circus, London E2 7ES

Once you've actually found your way in, which is harder than you'd expect, nabbing a table out in the walled garden at the original Rochelle Canteen feels like a total blessing. Enjoy super seasonal cooking by owners Melanie Arnold and Margot Henderson in this East London oasis.

Rainproof? Yes, there are umbrellas over the tables outside

Follow on Instagram: @rochellecanteen

 

West London

the princess royal notting hillThe Princess Royal

Notting Hill - 47 Hereford Rd, London W2 5AH

Part of the Cubitt House group of pubs, this Notting Hill gastropub has two gorgeous outside spaces that have been given a lovely makeover as part of the gastropub's refurbishment. If you manage to nab a table here you'll think yourself pretty lucky indeed.

Follow on Instagram: @princessroyalnottinghill

 

Gold Notting HillGold

Notting Hill - 95-97 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2QB

If you like the idea of alfresco more than the reality, then this enclosed courtyard space with a retractable roof is the place for you. More of a restaurant with the roof taken off on sunny days, this Notting Hill establishment is perfect for England’s unpredictable weather. The menu features lots of dishes cooked over wood fire to give you that BBQ vibe.

Rainproof? Yes, the garden room has a proper roof to it.

Follow on Instagram: @goldnottinghill

 

Ivy Chelsea GardenIvy Chelsea Garden

Chelsea - 195 -197 King's Rd, London SW3 5EQ

An Instagrammer's dream spot (and popular with the Made in Chelsea crew too) the Ivy Group brought in an award-winning designer to create the space at their King's Road restaurant. There's a covered upper terrace and a cosy firepit when the weather's not all that, but really it's just an evergreen dream out here.

Rainproof? There are parasols but they won't really stop a drenching.

Follow on Instagram: @ivychelsgarden

 

manicomio alfresco chelseaManicomio

Chelsea - 83-85 Duke Of York Square, London SW3 4LY

Tucked in away from the roar of supercars down the King's Road, Manicomio has an expansive terrace on Duke of York Square with room for 100 diners. Whether you're nibbling on truffled gorgonzola crostini or settling down for a larger bowl of great pasta, this is a lovely spot.

Rainproof? Extra large parasols cover pretty much all of the terrace.

Follow on Instagram: @manicomio.chelsea

 

milk beach alfresco londonMilk Beach

Queen's Park - 19-21 Lonsdale Rd, Queen's Park, London NW6 6RA

The all-weather outdoor dining space at Milk Beach has 40 seats outside for dining on the mews making it great for weekend brunches or a cheeky mid-week WFH lunch.

Rainproof? There are large parasols that would give some protection from the rain.

Follow on Instagram: @milkbeachlondon

 

OgniskoOgnisko

Knightsbridge - 55 Exhibition Rd, London SW7 2PN

It's hard to think of a more pleasant way to spend an evening than downing ice-cold shots of vodka under the billowing canopy of Ognisko's terrace, looking out over Prince's Gardens, while pondering what kind of pelmeni to have.

Rainproof? Yes, the outside terrace marquee is huge.

Follow on Instagram: @ogniskorestaurant

 

Pergola Paddington alfresco londonPergola Paddington

Paddington Central - 5 Kingdom Street, London W2 6PY

With a mix of perspex roof-covered areas and open-air spots, this popular Paddington spot is perfect whatever the British weather throws at you.  There's a changing roster of restaurant residencies and the bar menu changes seasonally. 

Rainproof? Yes it's got a proper roof covering

Follow on Instagram: @pergolalondon

 

The River CafeThe River Cafe

Hammersmith - Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, London W6 9HA

As long as you don't think about the bill, sitting out on the banks of the Thames enjoying the super Italian food here really is a case of 'life doesn't get much better than this'. 

Rainproof? A mixture of parasols and awnings should keep off a lot of the rain.

Follow on Instagram: @therivercafelondon

 

Sam’s Riverside alfrescoSam’s Riverside

Hammersmith - 1 Crisp Rd, London W6 9DN

Making full use of its riverfront location by Hammersmith Bridge, this large terrace with room for more than 30 diners is serving up a seafood menu with oyster platters and dressed crab on offer. Order some frozen margaritas, watch the boats go by and all will be well with the world.

Rainproof? Not really

Follow on Instagram: @samsriversidew6

 

 

Stanley's alfrescoStanley's

Chelsea - 151 Sydney St, Chelsea, London SW3 6NT

This newish Chelsea restaurant makes the most of its large courtyard space which is inspired by an English country garden. There are two large parasols that keep the banquette seating dry and they also have inbuilt heaters to keep you warm and toasty. It's a lovely spot for English burrata with peas or an Eton mess with brown sugar custard.

Rainproof? Yes, extra wide parasols keep most of the rain off.

Follow on Instagram: @stanleys_chelsea_

   

 

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