We've been dodging showers in the UK recently, but things are starting to brighten up: there’s a mini heatwave on the horizon, meaning alfresco dining is back on the cards. Between London’s glorious gardens, revamped rooftops, secret suntraps, tranquil terraces, and concealed courtyards, there’s almost too much choice (and alliteration).
This is especially true for Mayfair – home to so many of our favourite spots that we’ve rounded-up all our area-specific recommendations into this guide to Mayfair’s best outdoor dining for you. But, for now, here’s where to have supper in the sun across the rest of the city…
In this article:
- Baráki by Pyro, Borough
- Isla at The Standard, London, King's Cross
- Solaya, Shoreditch
- Belvedere, Holland Park
- Peggy Jean, Richmond
- Bar Jackie, Soho
- La Poule au Pot, Belgravia
- Jurema at The Mandrake Hotel, Fitzrovia
- Petersham Nurseries, Covent Garden
- Dinings SW3, Chelsea
- The River Café, Hammersmith
- Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond
Baráki by Pyro, Borough
Best for: fun Greek food.
It’s easy to spot Baráki’s courtyard, thanks to the flame towers flanking the entrance. But what’s less easy is sharing the trio of dips. Tear the hearth-fired potato pitta apart (order at least one per person) and swish it through spiced feta with marinated sweet peppers or an Oreo-esque tzatziki topped with black Kalamata olive crumbs. Another challenge is stopping at just one spicy marg (sip with caution, as the rim is crusted with salt and chilli seeds), or resisting joining the cowboy-boot-wearing DJ for a bass-thumping boogie.
pyrorestaurant.co.uk
53b Southwark St, SE1 1RU | Credit: Issu Crocker
Isla at The Standard, London, King’s Cross
Best for: pairing pale rosé with a pick-up sticks tower of fries.
We're forecasting that this wine bar-slash-jungley terrace will be a hotspot for sharing the palest bottle of Minuty rosé possible when the sun’s out. The vino pairs perfectly with a massive mountain of matchstick fries – a dish so enormous that the waiter told us only a handful of couples end up conquering it, so be sure to order it with a bigger group. Insider tip: ask for the off-menu sticky toffee pudding – we can’t guarantee you'll get it, but we can confirm it’s worth a try. Good luck.
standardhotels.com
10 Argyle St, NW1 2ST
Solaya, Shoreditch
Best for: east London vibes and skyline views.
You’d be right to have high expectations for this one. Not only is it Shoreditch’s highest restaurant (it sits on the 25th floor of the art’otel), but it’s also led by Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson. That means that you’ll a) have 360-degree views of London from the cylinder building's sun-dappled terrace and b) tuck into dishes such as a cracking beef tartare topped with a glossy confit egg yolk. You’d also be correct in planning to save the breadstick-shaped focaccia to scoop up every last bit.
solayalondon.com
25th Flr, 1–3 Rivington St, EC2A 3DT
Belvedere, Holland Park
Best for: a fairytale-like setting.
As the sun starts to set over Holland Park, herons swoop over its gushing fountains, luxuriating in the lavender-scented air as well-dressed couples stroll back from the opera. And that’s your view from the terrace at The Belvedere – a red-bricked, bonsai-filled restaurant that somehow feels like the castle at the top of Jack’s infamous beanstalk. Its food is worthy of a palace too: creative Italian dishes, clearly cooked with care. Try the Gillardeau oysters, served with raspberry granita (similar to a sorbet), or the lamb ragu (a lighter take on the classic Bolognese).
belvedererestaurant.co.uk
Holland Park, Abbotsbury Rd, W8 6LU
Peggy Jean, Richmond
Best for: riverside dining.
A vision in pastel-pink parasols, the latest addition to the Daisy Green empire serves Aussie-style dishes from a restored Jesus College Oxford barge. It’s moored near The Ivy Café in one of Richmond’s prettier spots, and the vibe is decidedly like an Aussie beach club – especially in the sun. It’s an all-Aussie affair from brunch to dinner, and you can also order fist-sized, rainbow-coloured lamingtons to takeaway, courtesy of sister brand, Radio Lamington.
daisygreenfood.com
The Boat, Bridge Boat House, Riverside, TW9 1TH
Bar Jackie, Soho
Best for: aperitivo classics (arancini and antipasti, anyone?).
In typical Broadwick Hotel style, Bar Jackie is choc-full of sumptuous patterns and textures – from the mask-topped, gold-accented bar to the art-smothered, colour-splashed walls. It’s the sister restaurant to the ever-eccentric Dear Jackie, offering a lighter version of its classically Italian menu and a good selection of cocktails: this is a great place for aperitivo hour. If it’s a nice evening, sit on the street-level terrace and soak up Soho’s buzzy vibe whilst sipping something chilled, white, and Italian – and ordering a second portion of pea and lemon arancini.
broadwicksoho.com
20 Broadwick St, W1F 8HT
La Poule au Pot, Belgravia
Best for: people-watching.
Nothing feels more like a French restaurant in London than sitting on the roadside with a glass of red – except when you do so at La Poule au Pot. Often vying with Clos Maggiore for the title of ‘London’s most romantic restaurant’, it’s been serving the same French favourites since 1962 – although, in recent years, several plant-based options have appeared alongside classics such as cassoulet and boeuf bourguignon. Stay late – the people-watching is excellent.
pouleaupot.co.uk
231 Ebury St, SW1W 8UT
Jurema at The Mandrake Hotel, Fitzrovia
Best for: ethnobotanical cocktails.
When you imagine an urban oasis, you’re probably picturing something like The Mandrake Hotel. Jasmine and passionflower are draped from almost every surface, and if you look up, there’s a greenery-filled glasshouse for private dining. Cocktails are ethnobotanical (try the Patchouli Margarita if you like a spicy marg), and dishes are Mexican-leaning and seafood-heavy, such as grilled octopus and sea bass ceviche.
themandrake.com
20–21 Newman St, W1T 1PG
Petersham Nurseries, Covent Garden
Best for: buying fresh flowers.
This flower-filled courtyard is undoubtedly one of the prettiest in London – and it’s home to not one but two restaurants, plus a bar, deli, wine cellar and florist. Come for a long, lingering dinner of small sharing plates at La Goccia, preceded by aperitivo at the adjacent bar (the negroni sbagliato is a must, made with Petersham’s own prosecco). Make sure to leave plenty of time to browse the shop and deli for flowery wares to enhance your own space.
petershamnurseries.com
1 Floral St, WC2E 9FB
Dinings SW3, Chelsea
Best for: sustainably sourced sushi.
Something about this pleasant little Japanese spot makes you feel like you’re on holiday – even if, as the name indicates, you’re at a Chelsea restaurant. It’s concealed down a mews and has a garden that feels like a quintessential West London courtyard complete with plant-smothered walls and wicker chairs that match your chopsticks. To eat, it’s seafood-heavy sushi – although the wagyu, topped with flecks of caviar and preserved spiced yuzu, is also unmissable.
diningssw3.co.uk
Walton House, Lennox Gardens Mews, Walton St, SW3 2JH
The River Café, Hammersmith
Best for: ticking off a London bucket list restaurant.
One of the few London restaurants that can truly be described as iconic, the River Café draws a crowd even on grizzly days. It’s been stretched across the same Thames-facing lawn since 1987; you come here for seasonal Italian dishes and the unmistakable feeling of being on holiday. Of the extensive menu, the freshly made pasta is always a good idea – as is that second glass of rosé in the sun.
rivercafe.co.uk
Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, W6 9HA
Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond
Best for: making a night of it by booking a room upstairs.
This boutique hotel-cum-members’ club-cum-riverside restaurant wears many hats. But none quite as appetising as when chef Vanessa Marx dons her award-winning chef’s hat. After securing your spot on the wrap-around terrace with the Thames trickling past the riverbank below, sit back and relax as Marx and her team serve up seasonal dishes that showcase the best of British produce – like the melt-in-your-mouth catch of the day from Brixham fish market, and a powerful chocolate pot paired with olive oil ice cream.
binghamriverhouse.com
