There’s no better way to make the most of summer in London than eating and drinking outdoors. Here are the best alfresco restaurants and bars to enjoy when the sun is shining
1. Broadway House, Fulham
This smart members’ club has not one, but two, terraces, both offering views over Fulham and beyond. It’s a great rooftop spot for a few glasses of something sparkly in the sunshine, and the members-only policy means it’s never over crowded. broadway-house.com
2. Kensington Roof Gardens
You’ll be in good company at this wondrous secret garden-esque spot – there are several resident flamingos who call it home. The non-feathered guests are equally as glamorous, and pitch up for fancy cocktails in the incredibly pretty paved gardens.virginlimitededition.com/the-roof-gardens
3. Lyric Hammersmith
The recently-refurbished Lyric Theatre isn’t just about what’s happening on stage – there’s a rather impressive outdoor terrace area too, where you can have pre (or post) performance drinks whilst overlooking Lyric Square. They even make their own bar snacks. lyric.co.uk
4. No 32 The Old Town
The view from the balcony bar at this independent pub/restaurant/generally lovely local will keep you occupied for ages. Cast an eye over the hustle and bustle of Clapham Common in the summertime, whilst keeping your cool with a cocktail. no32theoldtown.co.uk
5. Vista
Despite the fact it overlooks some of London’s most iconic sites – Trafalgar Square, the Millenium Wheel and National Gallery to name just a few, Vista at The Trafalgar Hotel is relatively unknown, so get in quick for a glass of bubbly on the terrace before everyone hears about it. thetrafalgar.com
6. Columbia
Boasting breathtaking riverside views, Columbia – the new restaurant, terrace and bar at DoubleTree by Hilton London Docklands Riverside – is like a scene from a Bond film. doubletree3.hilton.com
7. Angler
As close to the seaside without actually being there, the seafood served up at the Angler is quite simply stunning – and their alfresco dining area is now open to take in the City views. anglerrestaurant.co.uk
8. Frank’s
Frank’s has become a summer institution in Peckham. Make the journey up several flights of stairs in a disused car park (stay with us, it’s worth it), and you’ll be rewarded with a good selection of beers and wines, simple – but brilliant – food, and a panoramic view of the city skyline that’s hard to beat. frankscafe.org.uk
9. Moet Ice Imperial
This summer Moet & Chandon are bringing a taste of the Antarctic to Madison Rooftop Bar with the launch of their summer pop-up, the ultimate party destination. madisonlondon.net
10 Proud Camden
Here’s what Alex Proud says about their Secret Garden Bar. ‘It’s the best thing Proud has done in five years! It’s the most beautiful and relaxing outside space in North London.’ Enough said. proudcamden.com
11. The Orangery at Kensington Palace
Overlooking the pristine Kensington Palace Gardens, The Orangery is the best place in London to enjoy an outdoor afternoon tea. Try the English Orangery Afternoon Tea, £26 pp. orangerykensingtonpalace.co.uk
12. VIVO
We already love their modern twist on Italian cuisine in the heart of Upper Street, but their serene roof terrace takes the food and drink to another level entirely. vivotaste.com
13. Dock Kitchen
Stevie Parle’s restaurant has an expansive cobbled terrace that overlooks the Grand Union Canal making it an inviting place for a chilled bottle of wine on a summer’s day. dockkitchen.co.uk
14. The Magazine
Housed in a spectacular curved-structure designed by Zaha Hadid at the Serpentine Sackler Gallery, The Magazine restaurant also has a beautiful outdoor space for dining. magazine-restaurant.co.uk
15. Craft London
Craft London in North Greenwich has a ground-floor café, first-floor restaurant and top-floor bar and terrace with views of Peninsula Square and Canary Wharf. Sip a cocktail and take it all in. craft-london.co.uk
16. Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden
The Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden at the Southbank Centre has a wildflower meadow, a woodland garden, awesome riverside views and a café bar that serves up jugs of Pimm’s. southbankcentre.co.uk
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