The sun is shining and everyone in London has the same idea as you - to find the perfect restaurant table in the sunshine to while away a lunchtime or evening. Get the jump on everyone else by using our guide to new alfresco spots that have all opened since last summer.
43 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5AJ
The third Barrafina opened last summer but the terrace only opened this Spring, complete with tables, parasols and (crucially) heaters.
Dish to have: the crab bun - messy but blinking delicious
Park Level, Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf, London E14
There are amazing views from the terrace of the latest Big Easy BBQ to open, at the Cross Rail Terminal.
Dish to have: anything coming out of their huge US built smokers
55-57 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QL
Inspired by the barbacoa markets of Oaxaca, try out this just-opened Mexican with a decent terrace on Exmouth Market.
Dish to have: Outdoor reared belly pork with cumin crackling
197-199 Chiswick High Street, London W4 2DR
This new Antipodean-style restaurant has endeared itself to Chiswick folk by opening up a large courtyard space at the back
Dish to have: Try their Nº 197 Club Sandwich with grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, roasted tomatoes and basil mayo on sourdough toast
More about Chiswick Fire Station
16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN
The beautiful terrace at this Bloomsbury restaurant is huge AND heated for if the weather's not all that and was given a major revamp this year.
Dish to have: Summer fare like their grilled tiger prawns with harissa aioli and lime
48 Newman St, London W1T 1QQ
This new Antipodean restaurant has a summery terrace to sit out, perfect for sipping a Lynchburg lemonade on
Dish to have: their fries with chicken salt are insanely moreish
The Bower, 207C Old Street, London EC1V 9NR
This is the latest launch from the Enoteca restaurant group and it's their biggest restaurant yet - with plenty of space outside for alfresco dining in the new Bower development on Old Street. The terrace isn't set up just yet, but the front space gets a lot of sunshine.
Dish to have: Burrata, basil sorbet, black olive croutons and tomato essence
105-106 Upper Street, Islington N1 1QN
The interior's pretty lovely at this new Islington seafood spot, but you'll be feeling pretty smug if you land one of the three tables out on the pavement when it's sunny.
Dish to have: How about Duck Benedict on toasted sourdough for weekend brunch
26 Pancras Rd, London N1C 4TB
This has one of the biggest terraces at King's Cross with room for around a hundred folk to eat outside, so you've got an odds-on chance of getting a table.
Dish to have: Curry sausage with straw chips to soak up all that German bier.
More about The German Gymnasium
Former Public Convenience, The Pavement, Clapham Common, London, SW4
This pizza joint is all about pizza by the slice, so grab your slice and head for the lovely big terrace to enjoy.
Dish to have: A slice of pepperoni pizza with a slushy cocktail would be about right
3 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH
There are all manner of places to eat alfresco in this new, mammoth King's Cross opening. On the first floor there's a wrap around terrace, the ground floor pub has a lovely terrace overlooking Granary Square and there's a canalside bar terrace too.
Dish to have: their salt and pepper squid is great
9 Seymour Place, London W1H 5BA
Lurra opened just after the summer, leaving us all to wait for almost another year before we could avail ourselves of the beautiful (and private) terrace here. But it was worth waiting for.
Dish to have: steak and chips - but with that Galician beef and that amazing aioli
20 Newington Green, London N16 9PU
Having taken collection of a whole load of tables from Pavilion Bakery - this new Stokie spot is the ideal place for a working breakfast alfresco.
Dish to have: their bread is amazing so this and some top charcuterie would be a good idea
2-4 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU
Enjoy an epic brunch out on the large terrace overlooking Hoxton Square where they're hoping to put on an outdoor BBQ every Sunday
Dish to have: French Toast & corn meal pancake
HMS Belfast, The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2JH
The latest Tom's Kitchen is opening somewhere a little different - right outside HMS Belfast parked on the South Bank. The new place even includes a rooftop bar, part covered - part opened, and an inside deli too so it's a new spot to head to if you fancy a bit of a riverside view (and of a big ship)
Dish to have: the lamb cutlets with Korean spices.
4a Upper St Martin's Ln, London WC2H 9NY
Up until October, Tredwell's has linked up with Grey Goose to relaunch their summer terrace with a touch of the French Riviera. They'll be featuring live jazz and special cocktails too.
Dish to have: Salted caramel soft serve with honeycomb
See also:
- Chucs on Westbourne Grove has a rather lovely garden terrace
- There's just room for a few folk to sit outside the new Street Kitchen on Mentmore Terrace
