Embrace the sunshine and indulge in a delightful al fresco dining experience at some of London’s most celebrated hotels. London is a city that truly blossoms when the sun shines. In April, as the weather warms, the city awakens from its winter slumber and transforms into a vibrant, outdoor paradise.
Rooftop Retreats & Garden Delights
London’s hotels offer a range of alfresco options from chic rooftop bars to charming courtyard terraces. From trendy Soho hotspots to historic Hampstead inns, these hotels beckon with their inviting outdoor spaces.
The Broadwick, a vibrant Soho hotel, offers a dazzling array of colors and textures. Designer Martin Brudnizki has crafted a space that embodies English eccentricity, Jazz Age opulence, and disco glamour. The main restaurant, Dear Jackie, boasts a salon-like ambiance with Murano chandeliers, red silk walls, and plush booths. But when the sun shines, head to the Flute rooftop bar, where marble tables and plush seating are nestled amidst manicured trees and overflowing flowerpots. The cocktails at Flute are meticulously crafted, showcasing unique flavor combinations like the Cruella (Tanqueray 10, bitters, kumquat, turmeric, and vermouth) or the Peeping Tom (Ron Santiago de Cuba 12-year-old rum, acai berry, Oloroso sherry, black tea, and bitters). Enjoy these delicious drinks alongside the all-day menu, which features tempting options such as wild mushroom and pumpkin gyozas, a king prawn and yuzu beurre blanc salad, and a Hereford ribeye steak with brown butter and Bernaise sauce.
The Chiltern Firehouse, a former fire station, is a London socialite haven. The hotel’s leafy courtyard terrace is a delightful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, with a cozy open fire and Parisian-style awnings to provide shelter from the elements. Executive chef Luke Hunns’ menu offers a blend of Mediterranean and American influences, featuring favorites such as chargrilled Galician octopus, Black Angus striploin steaks, monkfish tail served on the bone, and the decadent 48-hour chicken. For those who enjoy a post-dinner cigar, there’s a hidden subterranean smoker’s lounge downstairs, where tables are set in a New York-esque alleyway.
Historic Inns & Contemporary Flair
London’s charming pubs and inns are bringing a fresh perspective to outdoor dining, offering stylish terraces and menus bursting with flavor.
Nestled in a restored Victorian pub in Notting Hill, the Princess Royal exudes a cosmopolitan charm. This unpretentious pub, owned by the hospitality experts behind the Cotswolds favorite, the Double Red Duke, has teamed up with gastropub group Cubitt House to create a lively bistro with a menu by British chef Ben Tish, formerly of Norma and the Salt Room. The Princess Royal offers two outdoor dining options: the greenhouse-esque Garden Room and the terrace, designed by renowned urban gardener Jinny Blom. The menu focuses on hyper-seasonal Mediterranean fare, using ingredients sourced from Natoora’s farms, Wright Brother’s day-boat catches, and a carefully curated selection of sustainable butchers.
The Bloomsbury Hotel, a literary-themed haven inspired by the neighborhood’s literary giants like Virginia Woolf, E.M. Forster, and Lytton Strachey, is another destination for those seeking stylish outdoor dining. Designer Martin Brudnizki has injected his signature flair into this historic building, creating a space that embodies the era’s elegance with gilded accents, shell-shaped furniture, and parlor palms. The hotel’s alfresco option, the Dalloway Terrace, is a charming oasis with Lutyens benches and cane bistro chairs set along a wall of greenery. The weekend brunches are a popular draw, featuring dishes like shakshuka, native lobster rolls, and buttermilk pancakes topped with crispy bacon or blueberries and maple syrup.
London’s Beloved Locals & Thameside Treats
From traditional pubs to chic Thameside retreats, London’s hotels are offering a diverse range of al fresco dining experiences.
The Bull & Last, a historic Hampstead inn, has been serving locals for over 300 years. Tables at the Bull & Last are coveted for good reason: the kitchen is led by an ex-Corrigan’s chef who creates dishes using top-tier produce that changes daily. The outdoor seating is simple, with tables placed on the pavement, but the delicious food and the picturesque view of Hampstead Heath across the road will surely distract you from any passing traffic. Start your meal with a classic ham hock terrine with quince chutney, pickles, and country toast, followed by the barbecued cod with shimeji mushrooms, kale, rösti, and trout caviar butter sauce. The chefs are known for their innovative dishes, so expect a menu that evolves with the seasons.
Though not technically in London, Oakley Court is an easy day trip. This Thameside retreat, located just an hour from Paddington Station, offers a unique blend of Victorian charm and modern sophistication. The gloriously Gothic interiors, designed by Eagle & Hodges, are both elegant and uncluttered, showcasing the building’s historical significance while embracing a contemporary aesthetic. The River House, a pint-sized Soho House members’ club, comes alive in the warmer months, offering a relaxed and stylish outdoor setting. Open to both guests and members, the River House occupies a large bell tent furnished with Ercol sofas and Pierre Jeanneret chairs, creating a truly unique and inviting atmosphere. Throughout the year, the River House hosts chef residencies, featuring renowned culinary talents. In 2024, the River House will welcome Akira Shimizu of Akira restaurant in Japan House, Instagram sensation Mateo Zielonka (aka ‘The Pasta Man’), and Johnnie Collins of the Strand’s 180 Lofts.
After-Dark Glamour & City Skylines
For those seeking a night out with a view, London’s hotels offer stunning rooftop bars and nightclubs.
The Twenty Two, a Mayfair hotel and members’ club, is a sophisticated destination for a night out. The hotel boasts a seriously seductive nightclub with a mirrored ceiling, scarlet walls, and animal-print floors. The club’s two tucked-away outdoor terraces are as popular as the club itself.
At the Vintry & Mercer, a City of London hotel, you can enjoy sunset drinks at the rooftop terrace, where the views stretch from the illuminated dome of St Paul’s to the gleaming tip of the Shard. The terrace offers a tempting selection of oysters and fine wines, tapped directly from the barrel.
The Standard, London offers an unforgettable rooftop experience, accessed via a red-pill-shaped elevator that ascends the Brutalist building’s side. Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of George Gilbert Scott’s grand Gothic tower and the King’s Cross skyline.
The Londoner’s bamboo-enclosed Shima Garden, located on the hotel’s rooftop, is the perfect place to sip sakes and Japanese whiskies while gazing on Leicester Square from above. Indulge in tempura, wagyu steaks, and robata-grilled delights until 11.15pm.
From charming courtyard terraces to dazzling rooftop bars, London’s hotels offer an abundance of alfresco dining experiences. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner under the stars, a casual lunch with friends, or a night out with a view, London’s hotels have something for everyone. Enjoy the sunshine, the good food, and the vibrant energy of London’s outdoor dining scene.
