Get ready for a sun-drenched, alfresco experience in London! As the weather warms up, the city transforms into a haven for outdoor dining and drinking. Hotels across London are opening their doors, literally and figuratively, to embrace the sunshine.
This guide highlights some of the most exceptional spots to soak up the rays and savor delicious food and drinks in stylish settings.
Sophisticated Sips and Bites
Imagine a world where flamboyant design meets exquisite cocktails and delectable food. That’s the essence of The Broadwick, a Soho gem. Designer Martin Brudnizki has infused the space with a playful mix of English eccentricity, Jazz Age extravagance, and disco decadence.
The main attraction is Flute, the rooftop bar. Amidst manicured trees and overflowing flower pots, you’ll find marble tables, plush chairs, and a bar serving inventive cocktails. Try the Cruella, a tantalizing blend of Tanqueray 10, bitters, kumquat, turmeric, and vermouth or the Peeping Tom, a sophisticated concoction of Ron Santiago de Cuba 12-year-old rum, acai berry, Oloroso sherry, black tea, and bitters.
Accompany your drink with a selection from the all-day menu, featuring tempting options like wild mushroom and pumpkin gyozas, a king prawn and yuzu beurre blanc salad, and a mouthwatering Hereford ribeye steak slathered in brown butter and Bernaise sauce.
A Touch of Parisian Charm
The Chiltern Firehouse, a former fire station transformed into a luxurious hotel, has become a London social hub. Known for its culinary delights and alluring ambiance, the hotel boasts a captivating courtyard terrace that comes alive in spring.
Nestled under Parisian-style awnings, the terrace features an open fire to keep you warm on cooler evenings. Chef Luke Hunns’ menu is a fusion of Mediterranean and American flavors. Don’t miss the chargrilled Galician octopus, Black Angus striploin steaks, monkish tail, and the renowned 48-hour chicken.
And if you’re a smoker, venture downstairs to the secluded smoker’s lounge, reminiscent of a New York alleyway.
Country Hospitality with a Cosmopolitan Twist
Nestled in a restored Victorian pub in Notting Hill, the Princess Royal exudes a cosmopolitan charm while retaining a down-to-earth feel. This unique blend is reflected in the hotel’s two outdoor spaces designed to transport you to a tranquil oasis.
Step into the greenhouse-esque Garden Room or unwind on the terrace, crafted by celebrated urban gardener Jinny Blom. Both locations provide a serene backdrop for savoring Chef Ben Tish’s hyper-seasonal menu.
The menu, a testament to fresh, local ingredients, showcases Mediterranean flavors, featuring produce from Natoora, day-boat catches from Wright Brothers, and sustainable meats.
Literary Delights and Alfresco Brunch
For a literary-inspired escape, head to the Bloomsbury Hotel, a tribute to iconic writers like Woolf, Forster, and Strachey. Designer Martin Brudnizki’s touch is evident in the hotel’s exquisite interiors, adorned with gilded accents, shell-shaped furniture, and parlor palms.
The hotel’s alfresco gem is the Dalloway Terrace, where Lutyens benches and cane bistro chairs line a lush wall of greenery. Weekend brunches are a popular draw, featuring delectable dishes like shakshuka, native lobster rolls, and buttermilk pancakes topped with crispy bacon or blueberries and maple syrup.
A Historic Inn with Modern Flair
The Bull & Last, a historic inn in Hampstead, has been serving locals for over 300 years. This charming inn boasts a kitchen led by an ex-Corrigan’s chef who crafts dishes with top-notch produce that changes daily.
Although the outdoor seating is straightforward, consisting of pavement tables, the delicious food and the nearby Hampstead Heath will quickly distract you. Start with the classic ham hock terrine with quince chutney, pickles, and country toast and follow with the barbecued cod served with shimeji mushrooms, kale, rösti, and trout caviar butter sauce.
The inn’s six rooms pay tribute to famous Hampstead residents, including John Keats and Dido Belle.
A Gothic Escape on the Thames
Escape the city for a short trip to Oakley Court, a Gothic manor house located just an hour train ride from Paddington station. This riverside retreat boasts stunning interiors designed by Eagle & Hodges, who have preserved the Victorian charm while infusing a modern touch.
Down on the riverbank, you’ll find the River House, a members’ club that comes alive in the warmer months. Open to guests and members, the River House is housed within a vast, timber-floored bell tent adorned with comfortable furniture.
Throughout the year, the club hosts chef residencies, with the 2024 lineup including Akira Shimizu, Mateo Zielonka, and Johnnie Collins.
A Night of Glamour and Seduction
When the sun goes down, Mayfair hotel and members’ club the Twenty Two is the place to be. This seductive nightclub, with its mirrored ceiling, scarlet walls, and animal-print floors, features two tucked-away outdoor terraces.
For breathtaking views, head to the rooftop terrace at Vintry & Mercer, a City of London hotel. Enjoy fine wines tapped directly from the barrel, oysters, and stunning panoramas that span from St Paul’s to the Shard.
The Standard, London’s rooftop offers an equally unforgettable experience. Ride the red-pill-shaped elevator to the top floor, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of King’s Cross and the grand Gothic tower of George Gilbert Scott.
For a Japanese-inspired evening, The Londoner’s bamboo-enclosed Shima Garden is the perfect spot to sip sakes and whiskies while enjoying panoramic views of Leicester Square. Order from the tempura, wagyu steaks, and robata-grilled delights menu until 11:15 pm.
London’s hotel terraces are a haven for outdoor dining and drinking. This guide highlights just a few of the city’s most exceptional spots, where you can savor delicious food, sip on creative cocktails, and enjoy breathtaking views. So grab your friends, soak up the sun, and experience the magic of al fresco dining in London.
