Looking for a drink or a bite to eat in the sun? Here's a mix of London's best summer terrace takeovers, long-time favourites and pop ups for eating and drink in the sun...
Lead Photo: Nine Lives
1 Tattu London, West End
A fairly new addition to London's dining scene, modern Chinese restaurant Tattu offers sweeping views over the West End from on top of the Now building. The restaurant recently launched a Sunday Sunset series which will now run through to the end of September. For this sundowner session, expect sets from the likes of Lost Desert and Duke Boara to take you back to your Ibiza glory days as you dine on lavish cocktails and dishes off the a la carte menu.
Address: The Now Building, Outernet, WC2H 0LA
Website: tattu.co.uk
1 Citadelle Summer Terrace at OXO Tower, Bankside
The original French gin will be taking over London’s iconic rooftop destination this summer, delighting guests with a range of cocktails inspired by summer in the South West of France. Boasting views over the Thames and decked out with citrus trees and nautical design elements, escape the busy streets below and transport yourself to faraway shores at this Summer pop up.
Address: OXO Tower, OXO Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, SE1 9PH 2.
Website: harveynichols.com
2 Stripes Amalfi Terrace, Mayfair
A brand new for the Summer terrace has opened at Mayfair’s iconic Brown Hart Gardens. Drawing inspiration from Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the design led location is a welcome offering to London’s food and dining scene, serving up spitz cocktails, authentic Italian pinsa and gourmet Italian street food in an idyllic setting.
Address: Upstairs, Brown Hart Gardens, W1K 6WP
Website: stripes-london.com
3 12th Knot Summer Terrace, Bankside
Sea Containers London are celebrating British summertime with impressive views over the city, bespoke summer drinks and decor inspired by the heart of the British countryside. Cocktails are tailored around Grey Goose's newly launched essence flavours, and to further the countryside theme, guests will be treated to an ‘urban picnic’ of delights, including new and unique flavours such as smoked BBQ jackfruit sliders and Guinness flavoured ice cream.
Address: Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground SE1 9PD
Website: seacontainerslondon.com
4 GONG at Shangri La The Shard, London Bridge
One of London’s most iconic landmarks has teamed up with Canaïma Gin and Diplomático Rum to bring a tropical slice of Latin America to the city. The space has been transformed into an Amazon style space with lush foliage and impressive views over London, and will be serving up a range of new and exciting cocktails, as well as a special collaboration with award winning bartender Simon Caporale.
Address: Level 52, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU
Website: gong-shangri-la.com
5 Laurent-Perrier at Nobu Terrace, Marylebone
Nobu Hotel London Portman Square has launched its champagne and sushi terrace for the summer. Now open for lunch as well, the terrace pays homage to Nobu's rich Japanese heritage with lush natural foliage and a modern design. Signature dishes, like the black cod miso, are paired with a selection of vintages and start from £43. Groups of four or more can try the Nobu Signature Sharing Platter featuring the chef’s selection of hand cut sushi maki and nigiri. Vegetarian options available on request.
Address: 22 Portman Square W1H 7BG
Website: london-portman.nobuhotels.com
6 Homeboy, Embassy Gardens
In the capital's south west, Irish bar Homeboy in Embassy Gardens (there's another one in Islington) has a terrace that runs the length of the venue which makes it a perfect spot for after works drinks in the sun or a catch up with friends. Priding themselves in top notch Irish hospitality, the bar can whip up a an array of superb cocktails which you can quaff alongside dishes from its hefty, hearty menu.
Address: Unit 6, Embassy Gardens, Nine Elms, SW11 7AY
Website: homeboybar.com
7 The Lowback, Canary Wharf
A new (ish) bar for the east London business district, The Lowback is part of the Hawksmoor empire and the first new bar for the steakhouse since it opened its Spitalfields site. Found on Canary Wharf's floating pavilion docks, the sprawling venue has a great terrace from which you can soak up the surrounding cityscape while you sip on a martini served at a cooling sub-zero degrees.
Address: 1 Water Street, Canary Wharf, E14 5GX
Website: thehawksmoor.com
8 Roku Gin Summer Terrace at Pantechnicon, Belgravia
Japanese-Scandinavian powerhouse Pantechnicon will soon open its summer terrace which is set to offer visitors a taste of Japan. It will combine a menu featuring cocktail twists on kakigori, a traditional Japanese shaved ice dessert, made with Roku gin, as well as authentic street food dishes such as octopus takoyaki, veganyaki and yuzuyaki - cardamom pancake balls with yuzu curd and strawberry. Punters can enjoy all this set against a stunning bar backdrop, inspired by artist Ikko Tanaka. Launches June 30 until September 11.
Address: 19 Motcomb Street, Belgravia SW1X 8LB
Website: pantechnicon.com
9 Nine Lives, London Bridge
Tucked beside London Bridge's arches you'll find Nine Lives, an inviting neighbourhood bar that has transformed its outside seating area into something that is more sunny Cali vibes than grey London town vibes. Dubbed Nine Lives Alley, the bar's outside bit is cobbled and pedestrianised, so head down for cocktails and tacos from the bar's resident street food kitchen Tigre Tacos.
Address: 8 Holyrood Street, London Bridge SE1 2EL
Website: ninelivesbar.com
10 Bermondsey Larder, Bermondsey
Following on from The Dairy in Clapham, Bermondsey Larder opened in 2020. The venue has recently launched a new 40-seater terrace with live music and DJ sessions at weekends. Focusing on provenance the kitchen plates up seasonal dishes, and summer highlights include fried courgette flowers with goats curd and salt marsh lamb with Nutbourne tomatoes and green olive vinaigrette. Also, 5pm-7pm is aperitivo hour - sunny cocktails such as Aperol spritz and the bee's knees served with homemade crisps and crab mayo.
11 The Princess Royal, Notting Hill
This recently opened pub from hospitality group Cubitt House has a cracking garden created by award winning designer Jinny Blom. While soaking up the sun, guests can enjoy the full Princess Royal menu and enjoy a pint of cask ale from the bar.
Address: 47 Hereford Road, Notting Hill W2 5AH
Website: cubitthouse.co.uk
12 Whitcomb's at The Londoner Hotel, West End
Restaurant Whitcomb's has opened its summer terrace in partnership with ST GERMAIN. In the very floral, very sun-drenched terrace in a tucked-away corner of Leicester Square, drink cocktails and dine alfresco from Whitcomb's French Mediterranean menu. You can also take a swing in the terrace's loveseat.
Address: 38 Leicester Square WC2H 7DX
Website: thelondoner.com
13 The American Bar at The Stafford London, St James's
For a touch of sophisticated luxury, The American Bat at The Stafford London leads on to a secluded, cobbled terrace in the the heart of St James's. With a newly launched American-inspired all-day dining menu by Lisa Goodwin Allen, tuck into the likes of BBQ pork ribs or a lobster thermidor sub while you try sublime concoctions from the revamped cocktail list.
Address: 16-18 St James's Place, St. James's, SW1A 1NJ
Website: thestaffordlondon.com
14 Fiume, Battersea
The riverside terrace at Fiume, Francesco Mazzei’s Battersea restaurant, has been transformed into a southern Italian oasis this summer in partnership with Ortigia Sicilia and Malfy Gin. Enjoy dishes that pay homage to the coastal cuisine of southern Italy right on the banks of the Thames at Battersea Power Station.
Address: Battersea Power Station, Circus West Village, SW8 5BN
Website: fiume-restaurant.co.uk
15 Pont De La Tour Terrace, Tower Bridge
Stalwart French restaurant, Le Pont de la Tour has partnered with award-winning rosé brand, Maison Mirabeau, to launch a south of France inspired seafood and rosé terrace this summer. With one of the best views of London Bridge there is, feast on gin cocktails and rose, as well as a fresh seafood and seasonal French fare while you overlook the Thames. Open until September.
Address: 36D Shad Thames,Tower Bridge SE1 2YE
Website: lepontdelatour.co.uk
16 Somerset House Terrace, Strand
The Somerset House terrace with San Miguel returns to be one of the best terrace pop ups of the summer in central London.The bar is serving up ice cold beers, including alcohol-free beer and gluten-free brews, and something called a sundown spritz cocktail, as well as a spectacular view of the city, from the terrace’s riverside spot. Tapas is available to nibble on, and on Fridays between 6pm-7pm for ‘Sundown Hour’ you can get two pints of San Miguel Especial and two tapas dishes for £20. Open until October.
Address: Somerset House, South Wing, WC2R 1LA
Website: somersethouse.org.uk
17 Alex Webb at Number One Park Lane
The InterContinental’s terrace restaurant have launched its chef pop up series, and first up is MasterChef the Professionals 2020 winner Alex Webb. The chef is plating up dishes that are both delicate and comforting and loaded with British nostalgia. These include sharing plates of the likes of Devon crab and duck scotch egg, citrus cured salmon and cold water cod with champagne sauce.There's also fairy floss for dessert which you can rip and shred to eat with strawberries and pieces of meringue. Pair all this with Hattingley Valley wines and the most delicious cider you'll ever quaff. Alex's menu is on until July 28.
Address: 1 Park Lane, W1J 7QY
Website: parklane.intercontinental.com
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