London’s Best Spots for Al Fresco Dining on a Sunny Weekend
The sun's out, and so should you be
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Oh, how we love sitting outside in the sun soaking up the warmth and happiness while nibbling olives. But where to do it? From the glamour of the Chiltern Firehouse to the foliage of Petersham Nurseries, we’ve got your outdoor lunch covered this weekend.
The tricky part is choosing which one…
The River Cafe, Hammersmith
The ultimate London spot for a long lunch in the sun with sublime Italian food and a perfect atmosphere. You’ll have heard of this, no doubt. Just don’t miss the boat. Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, London, W6 9HA
The Chiltern Firehouse, Marylebone
One of London’s most glamorous and notorious of spots in London isn’t just about celebrity spotting and crab doughnuts. The restaurant and hotel have a beautiful terrace, perfect for afternoon cocktails. The steak tartar is also worth a go. And have a Kiss + Tell cocktail (or four). 1 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, London, W1U 7PA.
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Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, Mayfair
The legendary Bentley’s is tucked away on a rare pedestrianised road just off Regent’s Street, and the al fresco terrace is a lovely spot for lunch away from the hustle and bustle of central London. With 50 covers, some of the best oysters in town and a fabulous fresh seafood menu, you could almost imagine you’re dining on a terrace in the Riviera… almost. A real treat after a day of shopping (especially if you add champagne). 11-15 Swallow Street, London W1B 4DG
The Boundary, Shoreditch
East London’s offering is the rooftop at the Boundary Hotel. Great food and views spanning the area’s urban shine. Go on a Sunday evening for half price seafood. Also, the Boundary rooftop is open all year round, with cosy raclette evenings in the winter and hearty breakfasts to fend off the biting cold. 2-4 Boundary St, London, E2 7DD.
SUSHISAMBA, Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate
The fusion restaurant – Japanese, Peruvian, Brazilian – takes the three different cultures and merges them together to create something a little different. But it’s the views that are searingly impressive. On the 38th and 39th floor of the Heron Tower, the sights over London are pretty much unparalleled (matched, we suppose, only by The Shard). Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY.
The Modern Pantry, Clerkenwell
This New Zealand-inspired restaurant in Clerkenwell’s St John’s Square is ideal for anyone in the mood to people watch. The raspberry and ricotta pancakes with berry and liquorice compote would do quite nicely for a spot of brunch… 47-48 St John’s Square, Clerkenwell, Greater London, EC1V 4JJ.
Petersham Nurseries, Richmond
Nestled in between the foliage, plant pots and greenhouses is a restaurant at Petersham Nurseries. An idyllic spot even when the sun hasn’t got its hat on… Petersham Rd, Richmond, TW10 7AB.
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Bernardi’s, Marylebone
This sophisticated Italian restaurant in Mayfair has a cute little space outside. It’s charming, and we like whiling away the hours with a bit of people watching and rosé. 62 Seymour St, London, W1H 5BN.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden, King’s Road
Well, it would be wrong not to include this popular Chelsea haunt. When the sun’s out, few places beat The Ivy’s garden. 197 King’s Rd, London, SW3 5EQ.
Sartoria, Mayfair
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhv_yGgBTGF/?taken-by=sartoriarestaurant
The terrace at Sartoria will transport you to an enchanted area of Italy this summer, with every kind of spritz from Campari and Aperol on the menu. The perfect place to watch the hustle and bustle of the busy West End go by. 20 Savile Row, London, W1S 3PR.
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Coq d’Argent, Bank
One of London’s well-hidden gems, this is the perfect place to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon sipping cocktails and eating nibbles. The view makes one hell of an Instagram photo, too. No.1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
Cafe Laville, Little Venice
Spend your weekend watching boats glide through Little Venice with a slice of Italian Rustic and Contemporary flavours on your plate. Drew Barrymore even loves it: the secret hideaway features in her latest movie, Miss You Already. 453 Edgware Road, London W2 1TH
