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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
Dovetale
Mayfair - 1 Dover Yard at 1 Hotel Mayfair, London W1J 8DJ
Tom Sellers' restaurant at this Mayfair hotel features one of those impressive alfresco spaces that really blurs the whole indoor/outdoor lines. On a cold day it's an enticing space, on a warm one it's the must-have section to dine in. Definitely somewhere to go to order up one of their DIY ice cream knickerbocker glories.
Rainproof? Yes, there's a retractable roof and the open fireplace also creates a focus on cooler evenings.
Follow on Instagram: @dovetalelondon
Forzawine at The National
South Bank - National Theatre, Upper Ground London SE1 9PX
Forzawine's wraparound terrace at its restaurant at the National Theatre boasts glorious views over the river. It's the perfect spot to grab a cocktail and work your way through their compelling menu of small plates.
Rainproof? There's a combo hard roof and canopy so the tables closest to the wall should be fully rainproof.
Follow on Instagram: @forzawine
The 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
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
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
Bentley’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
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 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 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 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.
The 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
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 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 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’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 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
Isla at The Standard
King's Cross- 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG
Hidden around the back of The Standard in King's Cross, they have a hidden terrace that's part of their Isla restaurant. It's something of a calm refuge from the busy traffic and at the time of writing has an excellent residency menu from Ixta Belfrage that's well worth checking out.
Rainproof? Yes, there's a fully retractable roof
Follow on Instagram: @thestandardlondon
Coal 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 and alfresco space at Barrafina from their spin-off Parrillan.
Rainproof?: Pretty much - from the cantilevered rooftop at Parrillan to the terrace at Plaza Pastor you'll find plenty of places to dine here protected from the elements.
Rotunda
King's Cross - 90 York Wy, London N1 9AG
Only visible from the canal, this capacious riverside terrace is accessed through Rotunda which you'll find inside King's Place. They always go big on a BBQ theme for the summer and both the lamb and beef come from their own farm (although there's plenty of plant-based options too). There's live music and this year's drinks are in partnership with Whitley Neill Gin.
Rainproof? The main terrace isn't, but if you get a table closest to the window you'll be under the overhang which is pretty sheltered.
Follow on Instagram: @rotundalondon
Frederick'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 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 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 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
Smokehouse
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
Trivet
London Bridge- 36 Snowsfields, London SE1 3SU
There aren't two many two Michelin-starred restaurants where you can eat outdoors, making Trivet a perfect place for a top tier alfresco experience. The terrace isn't bookable but they're very happy to move you outside if there's a free space when you arrive.
Rainproof? Yes, there's a pretty large canopy covering most of the terrace.
Follow on Instagram: @trivetrestaurant
Tap 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
Darby’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
Garden 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
Pear 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
Seabird
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 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
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
Allegra
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 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'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 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
Rochelle 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 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 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 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
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
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
Ognisko
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
The 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
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? There are some parasols...
Follow on Instagram: @samsriversidew6
Stanley'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_
Also see
The Hot Dinners guide to summer
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