Where To Eat Outdoors In London This Summer
Image: Rochelle Canteen
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Where To Eat Outdoors In London This Summer

Nothing beats eating outside in the sun. Whether you're after a long lunch in a hidden courtyard, sunset cocktails on a rooftop or dinner overlooking the Thames, London's al fresco dining scene has never looked better. From institutions to stylish new openings, here are our top picks – plus, we tapped Natalie Chassay for her recommendations…
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Image: Rochelle Canteen

Plus, all the locations the SheerLuxe team love for every budget...

 

Speedboat Bar, Soho (£)

Inspired by Bangkok's bustling street-side eateries, Speedboat Bar brings the energy of Thailand's late-night dining scene to the heart of Soho. Its pavement terrace captures the feel of the city's small metal stools spilling onto busy streets, while inside you'll find fiery curries, wok-fried noodles, grilled skewers and ice-cold beers.

Visit SPEEDBOATBAR.CO.UK

Margot Green, Clapham (£)

Last year, Margot Green brought Daisy Green's signature laidback style to Clapham Old Town. The spacious sun-soaked terrace is made for long summer lunches and golden-hour dinners, while the menu champions open-fire cooking, seasonal produce, Australian wines and refreshing cocktails.

Visit DAISYGREENFOOD.COM 

The River Café Café, Hammersmith (££)

A more relaxed sister spot to the iconic River Café, this all-day Italian café serves breakfast, pastries, salads, sandwiches, sharing plates and classic dishes from the same kitchen. With a leafy terrace and a more casual atmosphere than its Michelin-starred neighbour, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely coffee, lunch or aperitivo by the Thames.

Follow @THERIVERCAFECAFE

Forza Taps, South Bank (££)

With panoramic Thames views from the National Theatre, Forza Taps is one of London's most enjoyable spots for casual outdoor dining. It’s all about Italian-ish inventive small plates, natural wines and excellent cocktails served against one of the city's best backdrops. Head to its original spot in Peckham for panoramic rooftop views across London.

Visit NATIONALTHEATRE.ORG.UK

Fallow, St James's (££)

Fallow has become one of London's biggest dining success stories thanks to its inventive cooking and sustainability-led approach. The heated terrace makes it a reliable choice whatever the weather, while the signature burger remains one of the city's best. Its sister spot Roe, in Canary Wharf, is also a good shout. 

Visit FALLOWRESTAURANT.COM

Fallow; @ForzaWine
Brat x Climpson's Arch

Brat x Climpson's Arch, London Fields (££)

Every summer, Brat returns to Climpson's Arch with its open-fire cooking, generous sharing plates and laidback East London atmosphere. It's one of the city's most coveted seasonal bookings for grilled seafood, whole fish and excellent wine.

Visit BRATRESTAURANT.CO.UK

Ambassadors Clubhouse, Mayfair (££)

One of London's hottest Indian restaurants also boasts one of its smartest terraces. Inspired by the grand homes of Punjab, the menu champions bold sharing plates and inventive cocktails in an elegant outdoor setting.

Visit AMBASSADORSCLUBHOUSE.COM

OMA, Borough (££)

Perched above Borough Market, OMA has quickly established itself as one of London's most exciting restaurants. If you want out of direct sunlight, its terrace serves contemporary Greek cooking, wood-fired dishes and some of the city's best views over the market below.

Visit OMA.LONDON

The Culpeper Rooftop, Spitalfields (££)

Part urban garden, part rooftop restaurant, The Culpeper grows much of its own produce just metres from the kitchen. Expect ever-changing seasonal menus alongside sweeping City views that are especially good at sunset.

Follow @THECULPEPER

Los Mochis City, Liverpool Street (££)

For skyline views and lively evenings, Los Mochis City is hard to beat. Its expansive rooftop terrace serves Japanese-Mexican dishes, premium sushi, tacos and margaritas with panoramic views across London.

Visit LOSMOCHIS.CO.UK

Rochelle Canteen, Shoreditch (££)

Tucked behind a former school in Shoreditch, Rochelle Canteen has long been a favourite among chefs and creatives. Its secluded garden is wonderfully understated, while the ever-changing menu celebrates seasonal British ingredients.

Visit ROCHELLECANTEEN.COM

Rochelle Canteen

Isla At The Standard, King's Cross (£££)

One of London's coolest hotel terraces, Isla combines Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates with a carefully curated list of natural and biodynamic wines. Relaxed yet polished, it's ideal for everything from date nights to after-work drinks.

Visit STANDARDHOTELS.COM

Dovetale, Mayfair (£££)

Located at 1 Hotel Mayfair, Dovetale's elegant terrace is one of the capital's smartest places to dine outdoors. Chef Tom Sellers' ingredient-led menu champions the best of British produce, making it ideal for celebratory lunches or sophisticated summer dinners.

Visit DOVETALELONDON.COM

The Berkeley Rooftop, Belgravia (£££)

Open during the summer months, The Berkeley's rooftop terrace is one of London's hidden gems. Expect Mediterranean-inspired menus, cocktails and panoramic views in an exclusive hotel setting.

Visit MAYBOURNE.COM

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