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26 of London’s Best Outdoor Dining Spots for Summer

Writer: Yvette Legge
Yvette Legge
Jul 21
8 min read

Updated: Jul 27

London in a heatwave is a deeply unserious place. The Tube becomes a slow cooker, everyone suddenly owns linen, and iced coffee starts to feel less like a drink and more like emergency medical care.


Still, when the city remembers how to do summer, it does it brilliantly. Think long evenings, cold rosé, riverside tables, rooftop spritzes and the faint collective delusion that we are all one drink away from being on holiday.


In honour of London behaving as though it has been personally sponsored by the sun, here are 26 of the capital’s best outdoor dining spots for when the temperature climbs past 25 degrees and sitting inside feels like a waste of both the weather and your outfit.


Whispering Angel and Aperol Terraces at Sky Garden, the City



Thirty-seven floors above London, Sky Garden delivers two very persuasive versions of summer.


The Whispering Angel Terrace at Fenchurch pairs chilled rosé with sweeping skyline views and a sharing menu by chef Kerth Gumbs, while the Aperol Terrace leans into spritzes, sunshine and live music.


Polished, sociable and blissfully removed from the heat below, it is ideal for days when the pavement feels personally hostile.


Address: Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF


No.3 Rooftop at Smiths of Smithfield, Farringdon



No.3 Rooftop at Smiths of Smithfield is for those who want a proper meal alongside their view.


Overlooking St Paul’s and the City, the rooftop restaurant brings a refined dining atmosphere to summer, with seafood-led plates, thoughtful cocktails and a terrace that feels grown-up without becoming stiff.


It is ideal for long lunches, date nights or stretching a post-work drink into something more substantial.


Address: 67–77 Charterhouse Street, London EC1M 6HJ


Casa Mana at The Sipping Room, Canary Wharf



Casa Mana brings a Mexican-inspired terrace mood to Canary Wharf, complete with waterfront views, bright florals and a tequila-led drinks list.


Created in partnership with Teremana Tequila, the terrace is all frozen margaritas, vivid colours and easy holiday energy. The Bad Bunny cocktail, made with Teremana Añejo, orange curaçao, carrot, citrus and agave, adds a particularly playful twist.


Address: The Sipping Room, West India Quay, 16 Hertsmere Road, London E14 4AX


Bōkan, Canary Wharf



This summer, Bōkan has embraced the French Riviera in partnership with Citadelle Gin, transforming its 39th-floor rooftop terrace into a Côte d’Azur-inspired escape.


Expect azure-and-white styling, lemons, lavender and skyline views stretching from The Gherkin to Greenwich.


The drinks follow suit, with cocktails including the Silky Attitude and Negroni Blanc delivering a bright, summery finish.


Address: 40 Marsh Wall, London E14 9TP


The Minuty Summer Terrace at The Landmark London, Marylebone



The Landmark London has given Marylebone a Saint-Tropez moment with The Minuty Summer Terrace at its Champagne Bar.


Running until 31 August, the space combines Château Minuty rosé, Provençal dishes and Mediterranean styling beneath the hotel’s grand atrium.


It is technically indoors, but during a heatwave that feels more like a welcome advantage than a compromise.


Address: The Landmark London, 222 Marylebone Road, London NW1 6JQ


The Italian Greyhound, Marylebone



The Italian Greyhound’s Sapling Martini Terrace has been designed for aperitivo hour, with a polished but relaxed atmosphere.


Expect inventive martinis, cicchetti and a terrace that works equally well for a quick drink or a longer meal.


It strikes the right balance between smart and approachable, making it a reliable choice when summer dining calls for something easy yet considered.


Address: 62 Seymour Street, London W1H 5BN


108 Brasserie's Provençal Summer Terrace



For those dreaming of the South of France, 108 Brasserie has brought a taste of Provence to the heart of Marylebone.


Created in partnership with Château La Coste, La Terrasse on the Lane transforms the restaurant's outdoor space into a sun-drenched escape inspired by the Provençal estate's wildflower meadows and olive groves.


The summer menu is equally transportive, featuring brioche lobster sub rolls, Caesar salad, crisp frites and a cherry clafoutis served with olive oil ice cream crafted using Château La Coste's own estate-produced olive oil.


Address: 108 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2QE



Clio, Marylebone



Clio’s terrace on Chiltern Street brings a slice of the Mediterranean to Marylebone, offering Greek dining in a relaxed outdoor setting.


Surrounded by greenery, the space is made for leisurely lunches and long dinners.


The menu, led by head chef Louis Korovilas, features dishes including sea bass crudo, grilled octopus and lamb shoulder, accompanied by Greek wines and Mediterranean cocktails.


Address: 66 Chiltern Street, London W1U 4EJ


Kapara’s Sun Club Summer Terrace, Soho



Kapara’s Sun Club is a hidden Soho terrace with retro glamour and Eastern Mediterranean flair.


Tucked away on James Court, it offers a bright and playful setting for golden-hour drinks and relaxed dining.


Expect vibrant plates, easy-drinking wines and a sociable atmosphere suited to everything from casual lunches to lively summer evenings.


Address: James Court, 14 Greek Street, Soho, London W1D 4DP


Pippin’s, Earl’s Court



Pippin’s at Templeton Garden offers a calmer approach to summer dining in Earl’s Court.


Set within elegant garden surroundings, the restaurant focuses on seasonal British cooking with a thoughtful touch.


The terrace is made for unhurried meals, providing a welcome outdoor escape away from the crowds of central London.


Address: Templeton Garden, 1–15 Templeton Place, London SW5 9NB


Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea, Battersea Power Station



Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea brings bold Indian flavours to one of London’s most recognisable destinations.


Located beneath the arches at Battersea Power Station, its terrace is ideal for drinks and casual dining, particularly during its weekday happy hour.


Expect vibrant cocktails, flavour-packed small plates and a lively atmosphere that offers a welcome alternative to more traditional summer menus.


Address: 4 Arches Lane, Nine Elms, London SW11 8AB


Tower House, Richmond



Tower House sits beside Richmond Bridge, with a riverside garden offering a relaxed escape from central London.


The restored setting combines elegance with a laid-back atmosphere, while the menu leans Mediterranean and celebrates seasonal ingredients.


It is particularly well suited to long lunches and leisurely dinners, with views of the Thames adding to its charm.


Address: 11 Bridge Street, Richmond TW9 1TQ


Gaucho x St-Germain, Richmond



Gaucho Richmond features a riverside terrace overlooking the Thames, creating a polished setting for summer dining.


This season, its partnership with St-Germain introduces a spritz-focused drinks menu alongside the restaurant’s signature dishes.


Expect cocktails, small plates and classic Gaucho favourites in surroundings that feel both lively and refined.


Address: Gaucho Richmond, The Towpath, Riverside, Richmond TW10 6UJ


Milk Beach, Soho



Milk Beach Soho brings a relaxed Australian influence to central London from its home inside Ilona Rose House.


The courtyard terrace offers a calm and stylish setting for dining, with seasonal plates and bright cocktails.


It provides a quieter alternative to the surrounding streets, making it ideal for those seeking a more laid-back Soho experience.


Address: Ilona Rose House, Manette Street, London W1D 4AL


Lilibet’s, Mayfair



Lilibet’s offers refined seafood dining in Mayfair, with an elegant terrace suited to warm summer evenings.


The menu focuses on British produce with Mediterranean influences, complemented by Champagne and cocktails.


It is a polished setting for special occasions or relaxed dinners, balancing Mayfair elegance with genuine warmth.


Address: 17 Bruton Street, London W1J 6QB


Nipotina, Mayfair



Nipotina brings a taste of Italian summer to Mayfair with La Lunga Estate, its seasonal concept inspired by aperitivo culture.


The terrace and enoteca feature warm, design-led details, while the menu moves from small plates to larger dishes including bigoli with red prawns and bistecca Fiorentina.


The drinks list centres around Malfy Gin cocktails, creating a cohesive and relaxed summer dining experience.


Address: 49 South Audley Street, London W1K 2QD


COYA City, Bank



COYA City’s courtyard provides a lively outdoor setting in the heart of the Square Mile.


Combining bold Peruvian flavours with a strong cocktail programme, it delivers a vibrant atmosphere that works particularly well for after-work gatherings.


Expect ceviche, sharing plates and pisco-based cocktails served in one of the City’s most energetic outdoor spaces.


Address: 31–33 Throgmorton Street, London EC2N 2AT


Chez Antoinette, Covent Garden and Victoria



Chez Antoinette offers relaxed French dining with outdoor seating at both its Covent Garden and Victoria locations.


The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with classic French dishes and pastries served in an informal terrace setting.


Both restaurants provide convenient options for central London dining, whether for lunch, dinner or a pre-theatre meal.


Addresses: 30 The Market, Lower Piazza, London WC2E 8RE; 22 Palmer Street, London SW1H 0PH


Faros, Oxford Circus



Faros offers Mediterranean Italian dining close to Oxford Circus, making it a convenient option in the centre of the city.


The menu includes pasta, pizza and seafood, with outdoor seating available for relaxed summer meals.


Straightforward and sociable, it works for both casual lunches and easy evening dining.


Address: 22–24 Great Portland Street, London W1W 8QS


The Prince, West London



The Prince features a large open-air courtyard with a retractable roof, making it a reassuringly adaptable option when the British weather refuses to commit.


Combining elements of a pub, restaurant and social space, it provides a lively setting for drinks and dining.


It is particularly well suited to group gatherings, celebrations and informal summer occasions.


Address: 14 Lillie Road, London SW6 1TT


Yauatcha City, Broadgate



Yauatcha City’s terrace in Broadgate Circle combines its signature dim sum with a refined outdoor setting.


The menu includes familiar favourites alongside cocktails and seasonal drinks, creating a polished dining experience in the heart of the City.


It is particularly well suited to business lunches, post-work drinks or an evening meal beneath the surrounding towers.


Address: Broadgate Circle, London EC2M 2QS


The Sea, The Sea, Chelsea



The Sea, The Sea on Pavilion Road offers a seafood-focused menu from its intimate Chelsea terrace.


The dishes highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients, with options including ceviche and grilled fish.


It provides a light and refreshing choice for summer dining, moments away from Sloane Square.


Address: 243 Pavilion Road, London SW1X 0AW


Kitchen at Holmes x Hackney Gelato Ice Cream Terrace, Marylebone



Kitchen at Holmes has partnered with Hackney Gelato to create a playful summer terrace on Baker Street.


The space features themed décor alongside a menu of ice cream-based treats, including sundaes and affogatos.


It is a light-hearted destination for warm-weather indulgence, whether visited after dinner or as an occasion in its own right.


Address: 108 Baker Street, London W1U 6LJ


Casa Altos at Drake & Morgan King’s Cross



Casa Altos introduces a Mexican-inspired terrace to King’s Cross, centred around tequila cocktails and vibrant décor.


The drinks menu includes creative margaritas and fruit-led serves, all offered within a relaxed outdoor setting.


It is a lively option for pre-train drinks, post-work gatherings or casual summer evenings.


Address: 6 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG


GNH Bar and Terrace, King’s Cross



GNH Bar and Terrace at the Kaya Great Northern Hotel offers a convenient outdoor space beside King’s Cross and St Pancras.


The terrace serves food and drinks throughout the day, while live music and seasonal events add to the atmosphere.


It is a practical but polished choice for central meet-ups, pre-travel drinks or relaxed summer evenings.


Address: Kaya Great Northern Hotel, Pancras Road, London N1C 4TB


TOZI Pizzeria and Cicchetti Bar, Battersea



TOZI Battersea offers Italian dining on Electric Boulevard, with a terrace suited to leisurely summer meals.


The menu focuses on cicchetti, pizza and cocktails, with dishes designed for sharing.

Sociable and relaxed, it works equally well for daytime lunches, drinks with friends or an informal evening meal.


Address: 3A Electric Boulevard, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ

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