With outdoor restaurants and pubs reopening now is the perfect time to get a date in the diary to reconnect with your friends. We’ve rounded up the best al fresco terraces in London where you can do just that.
SOUTH
The Refinery Bankside
Located on Southwark Street, in the heart of London’s Bankside and just behind the Tate Modern, The Refinery offers a stunning al fresco terrace where you can enjoy everything from an early morning coffee and breakfast through to dinner and late-night cocktails. Open Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 11pm.
www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-refinery-bankside
Cinnamon Kitchen, Battersea
In the newly developed Battersea Power Station, The Cinnamon Kitchen’s latest outpost offers beautiful views of the Thames and socially distanced outdoor tables. As spring approaches, dine out on comforting curries with a dangerously addictive spiced plate of chicken tikka and cheese naan for dipping. Open Tuesday-Saturday 12noon – 11pm and Sundays 12noon – 10pm
NORTH
St Pancras Champagne Bar by Searcys
Home to Europe’s longest Champagne Bar, St Pancras by Searcys is the perfect spot to meet with friends under the iconic arches of the station. Looking out to panoramic views of the magnificent station, the spacious 98-metre bar is decked-out with terrace seating and individual leather booths (seating up to six), complete with ‘Press for Champagne’ buzzers. With an extensive list of champagnes and wines, the bar will be serving a new Searcys Bubble menu, featuring a trio of champagnes paired with small plates, as well as the Staycation Afternoon Tea, served in a stylish suitcase. Staycation Afternoon tea is served Monday–Saturday 3pm–5pm and Sunday 3pm–4:30pm. Sunday Brunch is served between 12pm-4:30pm. Reservations are required. Opening 17th May.
Drake & Morgan King’s Cross
A few moments from King’s Cross and St. Pancras stations, this central London bar and restaurant boasts an extensive all-weather terrace alongside seasonal menus, tempting cocktails and fine wines. The perfect pitstop after an afternoon of shopping at Coal Drops Yard or to grab a bite while you wait for your train! Open Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 11pm.
www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk/kings-cross
Rudy’s Vegan Diner, Camden
Located in the famous Camden Stables Market, Rudy’s Vegan Diner has plenty of outdoor seating and delicious veganised versions of classic American junk food. Chow down on meat-free burgers and giant seitan hot dogs or live out the NYC Deli fantasy with Rudy’s Reuben – sandwiches stacked high with ‘pastrami’ between two slices of homemade rye. Don’t skimp on dessert with melt- your-mind dairy-free freakshakes to bring all the vegans to the yard. Open Monday – Sunday 12pm-9pm.
CENTRAL
Solas at The Savoy, Strand
For the first time in The Savoy’s history, Savoy Court has been transformed into an exclusive short- season ‘pop- up’ with an incredible shimmering chandelier inspired by the 62 grand chandeliers that grace The Savoy. This glamorous outdoor dining concept, called Solas, from the Gaelic for light, joy and comfort, is the perfect place for sophisticated superlative cocktails and dining which focuses around a spectacular raw seafood bar. The seafood bar reflects The Savoy’s new collaboration with Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, bringing together natural slate and granite with gleaming brass, and is backed by a presentation of Bowmore bottles aged over time. Solas is open seven days a week until 21 June 2021, and early reservations are strongly recommended. Open Monday – Thursday, 4pm-10pm and Friday – Sunday, 12pm-10pm
www.opentable.co.uk/r/solas-at-the-savoy-london
Mariage Frères, Covent Garden
Cocktails, champagne and Covent Garden shopping – sounds divine after months of lockdown, right? Luxury French tea emporium, Mariage Frères’ has opened its chic Tea Terrace for al fresco dining and drinking, serving refreshing iced teas, chilled champagne and cocktails alongside picture perfect afternoon teas. Open 7 days a week, Tea Emporium from 11.30am – 8pm and the restaurant and Tea Emporium from 12noon – 8pm.
www.mariagefreres.com/UK/welcome.html
Aquavit London, St James’s Market
Nordic-inspired restaurant Aquavit London is a must-visit this season – the spacious terrace is the perfect spot to catch up with friends over a cocktail or two as you indulge in Head Chef Jorjon Colazo’s Scandi menu. From langoustine bao buns to traditional Swedish meatballs, and everything in between, there’s something to suit every taste. Open Thursday-Friday 12noon-9.30pm, Saturday 11am-9.30pm.
The Rooftop, Leicester Square
The Hippodrome Casino, entertainment cornerstone of the West End and UK’s largest international-style casino, has opened its all new al fresco rooftop bar. The Rooftop, an all-day and late-night al fresco terrace bar, is spread across three spacious floors, offering an open-air oasis in the heart of the West End. Perfect for after work drinks, guests can also enjoy a delicious dinner in the sunshine – think USDA beef burgers and roast salmon fillet. Open Monday – Friday 4pm-2am, Saturday and Sunday 2pm–2am.
www.opentable.co.uk/r/the-rooftop-at-the-hippodrome-casino-london
EAST
The Happenstance, St Paul’s
Head to The Happenstance in the heart of the City on Paternoster Square, home to a beautiful all-weather terrace overlooking London’s most iconic landmark. Catch up with friends and family whilst you sip on signature cocktails and enjoy an array of moreish dishes from delicious sharing boards, to fresh salads and fully-loaded burgers. Open Wednesday – Sunday, 11am-11pm.
www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-happenstance/
The Sipping Room, West India Quay
Venture East to The Sipping Room, transporting you to a place far removed from the concrete jungle. Relax and unwind on the expansive Thames-side terrace and enjoy creative cocktails from the dedicated outdoor bar like the Good Night Out; a refreshing mix of Tanqueray 10 gin, Crème de Mure, lemon, champagne & gold shimmer or why not try the London Spritz; Tanqueray gin, cucumber, elderflower, apple, sprigs of mint and lashings of soda. Cosy blankets and hot water bottles are also available for those chilly nights. Open Wednesday – Sunday,11am-11pm.
Devonshire Terrace, Liverpool St
Moments from Liverpool Street Station, Devonshire Terrace is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of City life. Drink and dine alfresco with family and friends on the sophisticated yet welcoming terrace, with its beautiful glass domed roof to protect you from the elements. The perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine, leisurely lunch or boozy brunch. Open Wednesday – Saturday, 11am – 11pm.
www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk/devonshire-terrace/
The Parlour, Canada Square
Located in the Park Pavilion on Canada Square, a stone’s throw from Canary Wharf station, The Parlour is a gorgeous bar & restaurant perfect for all-day drinking, dining and unwinding. This stunning alfresco terrace, complete with its own bar and overlooking Canada Square Park, is the ideal location to enjoy an afternoon with friends over good food, fine wine and creative cocktails. Open Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 11pm.
www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-parlour/
Cinnamon Kitchen, Devonshire Square
Cinnamon Kitchen’s all-weather terrace in Devonshire Square is perfect spot to escape The City and drink or dine on the colourful Indian-inspired decking. Sip on a spiced infusion like the Assam Manhattan or Coconut Kir cocktail, or go all out with an al fresco brunch this spring. Open Tuesday-Saturday 12noon – 11pm and Sundays 12noon – 10pm
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