The best restaurant terraces in London
Lockdown is finally ending, and with it the dramatic return of some of out most-loved restaurants. Though Covid restrictions in the form of government-imposed curfews, ‘the rule of six’, a total ‘sex ban’ and even more rigid social distancing rules, courtesy of our friends Boris and ‘dishy Rishy’, remain, our social lives get a much-needed boost courtesy of some rather lovely outdoor terraces. It’s no secret the hospitality industry has taken a hit, and as a result, mass closures and redundancies have become unfortunate casualties of the new norm. In support of some of our favourite restaurants, from the roar of the city, to the hygge of the west, the true grit of the south and the always on trend eateries of the east, it’s time to grab your most fabulous coat, put on your favourite heels (or shoes) and peruse our pick of London’s finest outdoor terraces.
City eats…
Central London has its fair share of excellent dining options. Off Regent Street, Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill has been serving oysters and champagne to the masses for over 100 years. Its terrace is heated and fully weatherproof serving Chef Patron Richard Corrigan’s full menu, including the signature fish pie.
Star magnet Scott’s is terrace goals par excellence. If you’ve never been, choose from the finest fish and seasonal game, alongside a variety of decadent à la carte meats. Just around the bend, the sustainably focused Fallow offers a dash of street side enlightenment to the Georgian bricks of Heddon Street. Headed up by chefs Will Murray and Jack Croft, indulge in ‘root to stem’ and ‘nose to tail’ dishes that champion ingredients usually discarded by restaurants: chicken scratchings, veal tail and cod’s head to name a few. Elsewhere in Mayfair, Hide, brainchild of chef Ollie Dabbous, makes a dramatic return with a slick new dining terrace (new menus included) all available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Expect foie gras, lots of caviar, dishy scallops and a very strong artichoke session.
Sussex Bar & Restaurant is joining forces with Noilly Prat to bring an oyster and vermouth bar to the colourful streets of Soho. Maldon oysters, shucked to order, seasonal cocktails and asparagus dippers are just a few of the highlights. Nearby Folie goes total Rivera chic this April 13. A new spring menu of dishes created by Executive Chef Christophe Marleix headlines alongside the usual cocktails the place is lauded for.
Marylebone’s Taka reopens with an outdoor terrace in the heart of Marylebone High Street.
The Japanese small plate menu, curated by executive chef Taiji Maruyama, marry together Japanese techniques and local British produce with everything from Loch duart Salmon tataki, Nasu Dengaku (Miso glazed Aubergine), popcorn shrimp tempura and the Kagoshima A5 Wagyu Sando gracing the menu. Neighbour, Ospo, also wades in on the Marylebone terrace scene. Athenian opulence comes courtesy of homemade delicacies, traditional Greek recipes and a raw bar. Greek sparkling wines, Rosé and signature cocktails also take centre stage.
Just around the corner, the plant-flecked Hoppers dons a load of summer-ready Al Fresco tables. Expect a chilled atmosphere and plenty of signature, and very delicious, Sri Lankan dishes. A flurry of beautifully lit and very intimate (date night) private greenhouses will pop up outside Marylebone newbie Chameleon. Bright florals are the ground-breaking theme for spring with a backdrop and menu devoted to Tel Avivan gastro sharing led by critically acclaimed Chef Elior Balbul.
Those desperate for a Parisian afternoon tea should make a run for French tea emporium Mariage Frères. Luxury iced teas, pretty tea-infused cocktails and devilishly gluttonous cakes are guaranteed not to disappoint. For pizza and pasta served alongside a fun-filled night of booze and cheeky innuendos, Big Mamma’s Circolo Popolare is the glam, opulent hideout of your Instagram terrace dreams. 130 completely crazy Italians (there words, not ours) will serve you all sorts of goodness on the small, but cutesy outdoor dining space, including a killer buratta, carbonara pizza, fritto misto and tiramisu to die for.
In King’s Cross’s very trendy and fashion concious Coal Drops Yard, Hicce reopens with two terraces, one above and the other on ground. Tempura parsnip, curry sauce, raisins, green chili & almonds and monkfish with radicchio, hazelnuts and naturgium, along with some pretty neat Vermouth direct from a Tuk Tuk parked out front make this spot the peak advert for end-of-lockdown dining.
In the heart of Bloomsbury, Dalloway Terrace, lodged inside the chic Art Deco digs of the Bloomsbury Hotel, is best defined as Instagram influencer heaven. The seasonally decorated interiors – currently by famed florist McQueens – draw in the crowds, as do the brasserie-style bites and lush breakfasts.
Hotel terraces
In celebration of its 90th year, The Dorchesterreopens with a first: a rooftop restaurant and bar overlooking the grandiose expanse of Hyde Park. Chef Mario Perer rules the space with a host of culinary popups featuring a British summertime menu by Tom Booton and a modern French dining soiree by Jean-Philippe Blondet. Champagne and cigars are, naturally, part of the set up. If you’d prefer something on the ground, the hotel’s Instagrammable globes have returned to the Spring Terrace. Guests can enjoy a private dining menu in partnership with Veuve Clicquot. The printemps inspired three-course menu celebrates the best of British: Scottish diver scallops ceviche; blue lobster and Wye Valley asparagus, The Dorchester coulibiac and much more.
Dorchester Collection sister hotel 45 Park Lane restaurant,CUT, is another al fresco terrace well worth checking out. From April 12 ‘CUT Out’ will serve dishes from Wolfgang Puck’s CUT and cocktails from BAR 45. Highlights? Modern American fare along with Cornish Sole à la Meunière, Korean style lamb rack & bulgogi and Porthilly Rock Oysters with CUT Hot Sauce. The negronis are also rather good, too.
Just on Hyde Park Corner, The Lanesborough unveils its twinkly Garden Terrace. The hide-out sports a cigar promenade serving drinks and light snacks where an expert team of Cigar Sommeliers are on hand to recommend a selection from the extensive collection of Cuban and pre-Castro cigars: Bolivar Soberanos LE 2018, Romeo Y Julieta Churchill and Partagas D No.4. and more. The brand sparkling new Nobu Portman Square will reveal its Portman Square Terrace to would-be diners in April. Enjoy an impressive line-up of cocktails with a local twist served alongside a refined menu of Nobu classics, including Seafood Ceviche and everyone’s favourite, Black Cod Miso
Claridge’s, Mayfair’s iconic Art Deco grand dame has two terraces to shout about: one from The Claridge’s Bar and the other Davies & Brook. On the bar terrace, expect a breezy Mediterranean affair of pizzas, pastas and salads. On the other side of the hotel, celebrated chef Daniel Humm’s Davies & Brook terrace is an advert for deluxe pomp snack galore. Feast on the Humm Dog, a bacon-wrapped hot dog with black truffle mayo, celeriac relish in a toasted brioche bun; gouge on the C.F.C., Claridge’s answer to a posh KFC; or go all out with a posh lobster roll. The Connaught’s glitzy restaurant Jean-Georges at The Connaught has let loose its terrace for dreamy breakfasts, whirlwind lunches and lush dinners. Farm-to-table, fresh-from-the-market style Asia meets Europe dishes will keep the palette happy, along with Connaught classics, from fish and chips to traditional afternoon tea and cakes from Nicholas Rouzaud. Up in Belgravia, The Berkeley, sister hotel to The Connaught and Claridge’s, takes its cue from the colourful rainbow seafronts of Whitstable and Southwold, with the unveil of its new beach huts. An ode to the joys of a traditional Blighty staycation, expect seaside retro classics lobster grilled whole, freshly shucked oysters, five-star scampi, and octopus galore.
In between the river and Trafalgar Square, The Corinthia Hotel London’s charming Garden terrace is currently dubbed the secret dining spot to know. All-day Med grub and drinks from Executive Chef André Garrett, plus rosé galore wow. The red prawn crudo with lemon and rosemary, lobster linguine and ’Nduja pizzette with spiced salami, olive and mozzarella are musts. Holborn favourite Rosewood London’s The Macallan Manor House is set to return on April 12. Think a dose of Scotland meets the drams of the Macallan estate – boozy, in other words. All day eats feature grilled octopus alongside native breed chorizo and aioli, potato, comté & caramelised onion pie and Paris-Brest, salted caramel, praline, hazelnut for dessert.
Set in Chelsea’s deep red brick heart, the Bar & Terrace at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, reopens with an afternoon menu curated by chef Adam Handling. Afternoon tea, traditional British bites (the zero waste croquettes and Highland Wagyu cheeseburger are non-negotiable bites. The Hari’s Garden Terrace is the hidden snug you need to get to know. A slice of The Amalfi Coast is set to transform the hotel’s inner courtyard where you’ll sip countless Aperols and gorge on small Italian plates surrounded by sweeping bougainvillea vines. Though a little later, May 17 will see legendary hotel The Goring open its doors once again. Cornish Lobster is on the menu in the glorious Goring Garden which will be kitted out in all things LOVE BRAND & Co beachwear print.
In Southwark, Seabird, regally sat atop the swish Hoxton Hotel is the epitome of sundowner heaven. The top floor terrace looks out onto the Thames and numerous London landmarks and is where city slackers and SE1 types chill and play, cocktails and oysters in hand. Head chef, Javier Duarte has refreshed the menu combining old favourites with fresh new creations. Star dishes include Seabird’s signature octopus roll – chargrilled octopus with padron peppers and smoked aioli in a brioche roll – the whole John Dory cooked on the charcoal grill, served with mojo verde and a pretty mean basque cheesecake.
The Mitre, Hampton Court’s buzzing new waterside hotel has unveiled its sparkly spring and summer terrace. The open fire BBQ is a must as is a glass from the world’s only ‘Whispering Angel Boathouse’ – heaven summed up, really.
Out west
Wild by Tart’s 24-seated fully insulated courtyard will be open for guests to dine all day. The menu will be a continuation of their sustainable and seasonal approach to cooking, with a focus on their charcoal grills and wood ovens. Knightsbridge hangout Harry’s Dolce Vitamakes a return with Italian menus, drinks and the odd floral façade next month. Advice, pull up a chair and order a linguine Amalfi style. Han’s Bar & Grill, part of the iconic 11 Cadogan Gardens hotel, sports a picturesque terrace on the bustling Pavilion Road. Cue healthy breakfasts, family brunches, late morning coffees, and early evening cocktails, dinner and more. Belgravia’s Pantechnicon roof garden and front terrace reopens on April 12. Gulp your way through a deliciously Nordic cocktail menu (the brunch menu is also especially good) or start your day with a Japanese inspired brekkie and fresh coffee at Parisian export Café Kitsuné.
Insta-haven The Ivy Chelsea Garden will fire up the ovens again to satisfy all your classic brasserie fare cravings with an eclectic mix of classics with a modern twist. Ready your cameras. Notting Hill star Gold now has two lovely terraces, an outback courtyard and a handful of coveted tables on Portobello Road. Book in advance and don’t leave without eating the wood roasted half Cornish red chicken with nduja, tomatoes and parma ham on toast.
The rave fest that is Pergola Paddington comes back with a terrace draped in all shades of the French riviera. The Provençal-inspired sandy affair comes with beache club decked out with huts, plus a Moet & Chandon Champagne Garden Terrace promises to give you a hint of Kim K Hamptons chic. Over the top, but it’s west London after all. In Hammersmith, The Prince has gone total plant mad with its converted English garden atop the lovely pub. Pop up favourites Filth&Co., Boludo, Rudie’s and Nonna Madonna will continue to serve burgers, latin street food and Neapolitan pizzas. Shepherds Bush haunt The Hawk’s Nest’s hidden garden is the place to head for El Rayo cocktails and one of the best vegan pizza menus out there today.
Modern British Thames-side brasserie, Sam’s Riverside, owned by Sam Harrison comes armed with a 30-seat terrace, protective umbrellas, heaters and windbreakers, too. The fish, oysters and grilled lobster are highlights, as is the outstanding traditional Sunday roast. Further down the river, the celebrated Italian, the exquisite River Café, continues its quest to deliver the finest slice of Tuscany – pastas, mouth-watering primi, secondi, gelati and more – to London’s in the know foodies.
Way out in Richmond, the stonkingly beautiful Petersham Nurseries is where to go to savour elegant Italian-inspired menus surrounded by winding lanes of deliciously fragrant florals. If you don’t have time for a full-blown meal, a tea and cake will suffice (and satisfy).
Other west London dining spots from Julie’s (go for the Sunday lunch) in Holland Park, Bluebird in Chelsea and Belgravia institution La Poule au Pot (they tell us the outdoor heaters and parasols are oh so worth it) also plan to re-open mid April.
In the east
On Broadgate, sushi lovers will delight in Yauatcha City’s two spacious wraparound terraces. Dim sum is a rite of passage here, but for something different, hit up the weekend brunch menu stocked with edamame truffle dumpling, a Mongolian lamb clay pot and more. Nearby Coya Angel Court’s aperitivos, fresh Peruvian sashimi, ceviche and tiraditos will keep you going way into the wee hours of the next morning.
On Farringdon Road outdoor dining makes a comeback at The Quality Chop House. Chef Shaun Searley will be there to tempt you with his much-celebrated lunch and dinner menu, Tuesday to Saturday and for Sunday lunch.
On the river by the Tower, Coppa Club’s famously Instagrammable igloos are back with vengeance. Woven wicker chairs, bamboo lanterns, linen throws and wholesome eats, plus a light-drenched conservatory with retractable roof will keep you all buzzing for hours.
Further east, Michelin-starred Brat’s daily menu of native seasonal fare sourced from some of the UK’s best producers continues terraceside. Newbies ands Brat favourites, from roasted game rice to fried pork chops with anchovy give the Redchurch Street hangout that extra bit of post-lockdown punch. Just down the road, The Smoking Goat’s now covered outdoor set up is awash with all sorts of comfort foods inspired by our fair isle’s rural roots. Must have? Anything that involves seafood.
High in the sky, Sushi Samba Heron Tower spreads over two stunning outdoor terraces with cityscapes eyeing everything from the city of London to icons Tower Bridge and St. Pauls Cathedral. Aside from the panoramas, Brazilian-Japanese bites of sashimi and ceviche can be enjoyed within the glow of the gigantic Game of Thrones-esque illuminated tree sculpture. Over in Spitalfields, the newly opened Galvin Bistrot & Barwill tame all your steak tartare, lobster and confit of duck cravings.
The Shoreditch outpost of Homeslice now dons heated terrace on which you can still salivate over 20” pizzas topped with mozzarella from Naples and ventricina salami from Italias’ Abruzzo region. Out in Stratford, Allegra’s rooftop terrace perched high above the capital in the Stratford Hotel offers stunning elevated views and small plates tuned to the hum and beat of Mother Nature. Don’t miss Head Chef Patrick Powell’s pistachio choux filled with liver parfait and preserved kumquat.
Down south
Peckham go-to Levan’s heated outdoor shack is a fabulous post-work choice to grab a seat to feast on hearty dishes – chestnut agnolotti with truffle or old spot pork belly with rainbow chard and plum – until curfew hits.
In Elephant and Castle, Mercato Metropolitano’s 40 food and drink vendors are ready to welcome you and your stomachs back with a flurry of Italian, Japanese, German and Argentine dishes.
Further up riverside, Borough Market’s Stoney Streethas had a plush makeover and is now a groovy wine bar clad with dreamy and romantic candlelit tables. Natural wines and small plates from resident chef Tom Cenci’s new menu will keep the spark going for any upcoming date nights. For Tel-Aviv style grub hit up Bala Baya. Inspired by the sights and sounds of the city, all fresh and sustainable eats make up the sharing-plate menu: heritage tomatoes, nectarine, lemon thyme, goat’s cheese, za’atar pita crout…you get the idea.
In Brixton, Lost in Brixton serves al fresco vibes with a side of shade (there’s actual shade for the summer months). The spot is all about championing locals, so expect appearances from Wings & Tings, Jalisco Brixton, Okan Japanese restaurant, and The Joint. Robin and Sarah Gill’s modern neighbourhood restaurant Bermondsey Larder will be reopening on the April 14th with a new al-fresco dining spot. Lauded menu treats range from Farmer Tom Jones’ lamb with Jerusalem artichoke, pulled aubergine and mushroom flatbreads and an Instagenic split mackerel and sea salad.
On the river just by Tower Bridge Gunpowder will open the terrace at their restaurant on Duchess Walk. Think mustard malai broccoli, chaat and Norfolk Potatoes and of course, the (famous) Gunpowder lamb chops. For a slice of Portugal in London town, London Bridge’s Bar Douro is where you want to go. The restaurant and wine bar has now extended its outdoor terrace to bring us all the joys and delights of authentic Portuguese fare. To eat? Croquteas de alheira, grilled octopus and sweet potato and Presa Iberica with kale and migas, finished off with a classic pastel de nata.
Private Member’s clubs
Mayfair favourite Harry’s Bar and neighbour The George dishes out à la carte menus to the fine folk of Mount Street from April 12. Seasonal bites, events and interior galore await eager returning members. Annabel’s garden (retractable Wimbledon-style roof included) also opens back up to members with a flashy new garden menu. World-class chefs, sommeliers and mixologists will dazzle with everything from wild sea bass to flaky dover sole, Cornish crab salads and some seriously indulgent desserts.
