Sun’s out, and in the world of food and drink, that means it’s time to go all-out on terraces. With many partnering with famous champagne and wine maisons, launching a brand new cocktail list, or even promising to transport guests to idyllic climes, London’s best terraces have been completely overhauled for summer – so what better excuse to go out and enjoy them? You’ll find no rooftops here (we’ve covered that already), but chic cobbled courtyards and Parisian-style street-side spots that will cater for post-work drinks, casual catch-ups and romantic rendezvous alike. Here are the best summer terraces to book in London. 

CENTRAL LONDON

Circolo Popolare, Fitzrovia

Images: Lateef Photography

At Circolo Popolare, Big Mamma’s sunny Sicilian trattoria, Italian summer vibes and an authentic al fresco experience are guaranteed on its beautiful outdoor terrace. Fairylight adorned and plant-filled, Circolo Popolare’s terrace will serve all its signature pizza and pasta dishes – think torciglione ragu, crab linguine and Drama Queen pizzas, topped with San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, prosciutto Toscano, sautéed mushrooms and parmesan – washed down with signature spritzes served under yellow and white striped parasols. Bellísimo!

Open now, visit circolopopolare.com

Bubbledogs at Cut at 45 Park Lane, Mayfair

This summer, 45 Park Lane will welcome the return of famed champagne and hotdog concept Bubbledogs for a special pop-up at the Mayfair hotel’s exclusive terrace: Cut Out. In collaboration with 45 Park Lane’s executive chef, Elliott Grover, and the founders of Bubbledogs and the two Michelin-starred Kitchen Table, Sandia Chang and James Knappett, the bespoke menu of gourmet hotdogs and grower champagne pairings follows in the footsteps of the much-loved Bubbledogs restaurant, which closed in 2020. 

Chef Grover’s flair for modern American cooking will blend seamlessly with Knappett’s focus on British traditions and flavours, matched with champagnes hand selected by Chang. The menu will consist of several innovative flavour pairings served alongside fun finger foods, including American tater tots spiced with Japanese togarashi, Cut’s famed mac and cheese, and Bubbledogs’ signature buffalo chicken wings. In terms of the hotdogs themselves, good luck choosing between the Native Dog – crispy native lobster tempura, Marie rose sauce and beluga caviar – and The Kagoshima: A5 Wagyu striploin, Japanese mayo and shaved summer truffle. 

From 10 May – 29 September 2024, visit dorchestercollection.com

The Maine, Mayfair

One of London’s most coveted summer spots, you’ll need to book in advance to get a seat at The Maine. Located just off Hanover Square, the dog-friendly, 100-cover terrace was redesigned in collaboration with artist and designer Gergei Erdei, who transformed it into The Orangerie; a secret Mediterranean garden where the balmy scent of orange trees extends the long days of summer. The New England-inspired menu includes classics from the raw bar – oysters, shrimp cocktails and fish platters – followed by sticky short rib in a honey mustard glaze, Caesar salads and lobster rolls. Don’t miss the terrace’s champagne and cocktail bar, where martinis, spritzes, and an unrivalled rosé selection flow late into the evening. Plus, every Saturday will see live performances from The Sunshine Boys on the terrace and in the drawing room, playing a mix of Motown, soul, and everything in between.

Open now, visit themainemayfair.com

Hyde Park Garden at the Mandarin Oriental, Knightsbridge

Following the success of its inaugural year last summer, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has reopened its beautiful Hyde Park Garden for another season. Situated in the hotel’s private garden with views over London's famous park, menus have been devised by the team behind Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, featuring favourites such as Hyde Park Porthilly oysters, Heston’s triple-cooked chips and, new for 2024, a sandwich of the month selection: gourmet takes on beloved classics, including lobster rolls and Coronation chicken sandwiches. This is complemented by a carefully selected range of wines and signature cocktails, including a new summer cocktail made with Campari, raspberry eau de vie, mango tea, and fresh berries juice – ideal for sharing during the long summer evenings.

Open now, visit mandarinoriental.com

Dovetale, Mayfair

Dovetale – the Mayfair restaurant which opened at 1 Hotel Mayfair last year – will see in summer on its terrace with a special collaboration with Casamigos. Tucked away on Dover Yard (between Berkeley Street and Dover Street), the terrace will bring live music, fresh flavours and a build-your-own Casamigos margarita from the restaurant’s Knickerbocker Glory trolley, where each guest will be given a nostalgic checklist to customise each element of their marg to match their mood. Choose from three house-made sorbets – strawberry, apricot or cherry – to form the base of the cocktail, followed by tequila from Casamigos Blanco, Casamigos Reposado or Casamigos Mezcal, which are hand mixed and served with a choice of three salt rims. From the Dovetale kitchen, seasonal dishes include Archill oysters from the raw bar, English pea and horseradish tart with sugar snaps, and wagyu flat iron steak for two to share. 

Open now, visit 1hotels.com

Nobu, Marylebone and Shoreditch

Bringing the spirit of Provence to Portman Square, the Nobu hotel in Marylebone is partnering with Chateau d’Esclans to imbue its chic terrace with a rosé hue for the season. Not only will there be plenty of rosé pairings, the space will also be serving a new dish in celebration of Nobu’s 30th anniversary: the Taste of Nobu Platter, featuring world-renowned favourites including black cod butter lettuce wraps, crispy rice and sashimi. All of which, of course, will be perfectly paired with an innovative cocktail menu and Chateau d’Esclans offering, curated by the hotel’s award-winning bar manager, Sophie Bratt. 

Also celebrating the 30th anniversary is the Nobu outpost in Shoreditch, which is reopening its terrace in collaboration with London-based multidisciplinary artist, David Speed. Best known for his series of neon paintings, Speed has created a collection of artworks that will bring to life Nobu’s signature ‘six steps of making sushi’ and serve as a backdrop for the terrace, where guests can indulge in signature cocktails and dishes including crispy rice with avocado, dashi fries, tempura and sushi rolls.

Open now, visit nobuhotels.com

The Perrier-Jouët Jardin Fleuri at AllBright, Mayfair

Maison Perrier-Jouët Champagne and AllBright – the esteemed members' club dedicated to empowering women in business – have launched a new summer terrace: the Perrier-Jouët Jardin Fleuri. Inspired by Perrier-Jouët's signature floral motifs, the French-inspired terrace promises to transport visitors into a world of botanical splendour – think lush greenery, vibrant blooms, and delicate floral arrangements. On the menu will be a curated selection of Perrier-Jouët Champagne’s finest cuvées and a range of delectable Perrier-Jouët inspired cocktails, from the Wild Jardin Spritz – a refreshing blend of Plymouth Gin, herby Italicus, and Mexican soda water – to the Champs-Élysée, a zesty fusion of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV, gin, peppermint syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Complementing these serves will be a selection of gourmet sharing plates, including delicate sea bass ceviche, and decadent Oscietra caviar blinis. 

From 16 May - August 2024, visit allbrightcollective.com

The Churchill Bar, Marylebone

The Churchill Bar and Terrace has overhauled its outdoor space to become a marine-inspired terrace, complete with a new list of uniquely sustainable cocktails and a seafood-focused menu. Awash with cooling tones, inspired by the tranquil beauty of ocean waves and decked out with nautical-inspired decorations, guests will be transported to a coastal escape in the heart of Marylebone. The new cocktail menu, Unity by Water, features 12 sustainable cocktails, created via cutting-edge waste-reducing techniques within the hotel’s newly installed, on-site laboratory. Menu highlights include The Marino, meaning ‘of the sea’, made with cognac, pear liqueur, basil marine spray and in-house Mediterranean tonic water, and The Oceanico – based on the extreme weathers found at rural Scottish town Alness – made with Dalmore whisky, banana rum, nori and woody bitters. Don’t forget to order an array of bar snacks too, from Colchester oysters and butter prawns with tartare sauce, to pork skewers and alfajores Argentinos.

From 15 May - September 2024, visit thechurchillbar.co.uk

The American Bar at The Stafford, St James’s

The characterful cobbled courtyard at The American Bar at The Stafford offers a hidden oasis for al fresco dining and drinking in the heart of St James’s. This summer, the five-star hotel has partnered with Hendrick’s Gin to offer a limited-edition summer cocktail list for the courtyard, while the Kamado Joe grills will be fired up to serve guests special barbecue dishes alongside The American Bar’s US-inspired classics.

Open now, visit thestaffordlondon.com

Twilight Terrace at Bar Antoine, Mayfair 

Sparking joie de vivre all summer long is the Twilight Terrace at Pavyllon London’s Bar Antoine, located at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. The chic terrace blends Parisian elegance with Mediterranean flair, and shifts from a sun-dappled daytime retreat to an evening escape with twinkling festoon lights, and tipples courtesy of Moët & Chandon. Unwind with a crisp glass of champagne or fine wine, or opt for an expertly crafted cocktail by head mixologist, Michele Lombardi – we recommend the Mayfair Royale with Bombay Sapphire, St Germain elderflower, blueberry cordial, Amaro Santoni and Moët & Chandon rosé brut 2015. Hungry? It would be rude not to order the sea bass carpaccio, heirloom tomato salad with pistachio, and classic beef tenderloin Café de Paris with pepper sauce. 

From 17 May - 29 September 2024, visit pavyllonlondon.com

English Meadow Terrace at Pivot, Covent Garden

Popping up at 3 Henrietta Street, Silent Pool Gin has partnered with Pivot Bar and Bistro to open the English Meadow Terrace. Set to celebrate the serene countryside of the Surrey Hills and the mystical Silent Pool that sits within them, the transformed space will be adorned with fragrant wildflowers, lavender and chamomile. Guests can pick from a menu of cocktails and gin and tonics, featuring the likes of the Bee’s Knees combining Silent Pool Gin with zesty lemon and Albury honey, and the White Peach Negroni: a refreshing twist on the classic featuring Silent Pool Gin, Lillet Blanc, white bitter aperitif and a touch of peach liqueur – the ultimate taste of the summer. 

From 22 May - September 2024, visit pivotbarandbistro.com

The Somerset House Terrace Bar with San Miguel, The Strand

A taste of Spain in the heart of London, the Somerset House Terrace Bar with San Miguel is a great riverside spot near Covent Garden. The lounge-style seating, lush foliage and toasty festoon lights all create the perfect backdrop for enjoying dishes by Spanish-English chef Jimmy Garcia and a chilled San Miguel. Food-wise, expect small plates brimming with authentic flavours and ingredients sourced from northern Spain, such as house-cured beef fillet with a truffle emulsion, pan con tomate, and courgette carpaccio with burnt lemon. Also keep an eye out for a roster of San Miguel masterclasses, special supper clubs and live music this summer too. 

Open now, visit somersethouse.org.uk

La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, Covent Garden

Tucked away in Neal’s Yard sits La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, the chic French wine bar boasting a Parisian-style terrace all summer long. With an enviable list of more than 400 handpicked wines, this is the ideal setting for a romantic dinner à deux or drinks with friends. Let the in-house wine connoisseurs lead the way, and don’t miss the restaurant’s roster of regular events and wine tastings.

Open now, visit compagniedesvinssurnaturels.com

Louie, Covent Garden

Adjoining the vibrant Alligator Bar is Louie’s very own secluded garden terrace, an ideal spot to experience Louie’s popular live music events on warm summer evenings. The lemon-hued space is fully equipped with a retractable roof to enjoy cocktails, snacks, and canapés al fresco, while taking in performances from the likes of Celeste, Gregory Porter, John Illsley from Dire Straits, Ben Waters, and many more.

Open now, visit louie-london.com

Château Sheekey at J Sheekey, Mayfair

J Sheekey’s new summer terrace, Château Sheekey, has launched in partnership with Château d’Esclans, and invites all Londoners to enjoy the allure of the Azure. Open until the end of August, J Sheekey will be channelling the French Riviera all summer long with Provençal rosé wines and fresh seafood, while its terrace becomes a hotspot during sun-drenched afternoons and balmy evenings. Elevate your expereince with the Afternoon Sea: a classic J Sheekey shellfish platter for two paired with a bottle of Château d’Esclans 2022. Complementing the wine is a signature cocktail, the Angel’s Spritz: a refreshing blend of Whispering Angel Rosé, grapefruit soda, and averna. 

Open now, visit j-sheekey.co.uk

Bacchanalia, Mayfair

Image: Rusne Draz

Image: Johnny Stephens Photography

To mark the arrival of the summer season, Berkeley Square’s Greco-Roman dining destination, Bacchanalia, has launched its vibrant and verdant outdoor terrace. Inspired by the ancient wonders of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, guests will be immersed in the spirit of the Mediterranean thanks to a new menu – curated by head chef Theo Zarikakis – showcasing elevated traditional Greek dishes, such as a decadent pastitsio and chicken souvla. Pair with a bottle from Bacchanalia’s Greek Discovery wine list and, if you’re stuck for choice, just enlist the help of head sommelier Anastasios Karakasis whose favourite tipples are sourced from the ethereal landscapes of Santorini and Arcadia. 

Open now, visit bacchanalia.co.uk

Villa Minuty at The Rosewood, Holborn

Images: Danny Peace

This summer, much loved rosé wine estate Minuty will bring the French Riviera lifestyle to London via the five-star Rosewood. The hotel’s terrace has been transformed into Villa Minuty – a coastal restaurant inspired by the house’s iconic location on the Côte d’Azur – and is set within the Edwardian courtyard, adorned with beautiful ceramics, wicker lamps, rattan furniture and earthy linens. Here, Minuty’s rosé wines have been expertly paired with Holborn Dining Room head chef Liam Fauchard-Newman’s menu, which features the likes of octopus carpaccio with coriander and citrus, feta-stuffed courgette flowers, and tarte Tropezienne with orange blossom and fresh raspberries. 

Open now, visit rosewoodhotels.com

EAST LONDON

Pan Pacific London, Liverpool Street

Pan Pacific London has partnered with a new star on the French rosé scene, Roseblood, to bring the essence of the Provence countryside to the heart of the capital. Having opened earlier this month, escape to the expansive garden terrace decked out in an array of planters and beautiful blooms for those Insta-worthy moments. The sharing food menu features French classics of charcuterie, fromage, crudités and Mediterranean flatbreads alongside Roseblood wines and cocktails – think the aptly-named Rose, crafted with Roseblood Rosé, Chambord and fresh berries, and the White made with Roseblood White, soda, basil cordial and cucumber. Also on the menu is the Château d’Estoublon 2023 vintage rosé, alongside the crisp Roseblood White 2023 and its red, Château d’Estoublon Baux-de-Provence. Happy sipping! 

From 8 May - 29 September 2024, visit panpacific.com

65a, Spitalfields

Brasserie-style restaurant 65a sits on the edge of the iconic Spitalfields Market, offering an elegant yet uncomplicated menu of classic dishes peppered with French inflections. Seating over a third of restaurant diners, the bright and expansive terrace, designed in collaboration with planting experts Palais London, is the perfect place to relax in the midst of the lively East End with a glass of rosè or cocktail in hand. 

Open now, visit 65arestaurant.com

Sal Rosa at Bibo, Shoreditch

Bibo, situated in the Mondrian Shoreditch hotel, has teamed up with Tequila Komos to transform its charming courtyard into an al fresco pop-up, reimagined as Sal Rosa. Designed to transport guests to the shores of the Mediterranean with floral arrangements, artisan ceramics and woven rattan accents, expect a lively atmosphere alongside contemporary tapas – curated by Michelin-starred chef-patron Dani Garcia – and a limited-edition cocktail menu. Menu highlights include tuna sashimi with red aji sauce, prawn tempura served with spicy mayo, and guacamole and steak tartare made fresh at the table. Cocktails are courtesy of head bartender Michele Gadaleta: we recommend the Blushing Paloma, with Komos Rosé, Aperol, lime juice and grapefruit, and Farra (Komos Anejo Cristallino, zesty lime, tangy grapefruit juice, and a touch of red wine). 

From 1 May - September 2024, visit ennismore.com

La Terraza by Ibérica, Canary Wharf

The warmer weather is nearly here and La Terraza by Ibérica, located in the heart of Canary Wharf, has opened for the summer season. Ready to transport the city crowd to the vibrant al fresco scene of Madrid’s plazas and Barcelona’s terraces, indulge in a menu designed by Michelin-star chef director Nacho Manzano featuring beef tartare on seaweed buttered toast and roasted sweet potato served on a zesty lemon cream – all perfectly paired with a vast selection of cocktails, cerveza, sangria, and mocktails.

Open now, visit ibericarestaurants.com

Allegra, Stratford

It's a focaccia and sundaes kind of summer at Patrick Powell's new terrace concept Terrazza Focaccia, which recently launched at his celebrated Stratford restaurant Allegra. The wraparound terrace and garden is one of the city's largest and makes for the perfect setting for lazy summer days. The focaccia menu is limited to four sandwiches, with Powell introducing a special guest-chef limited series throughout June, July and August, and is paired with a brilliant sundaes menu driven by Allegra's pastry chef Kelly Cullen. Completing the experience is a collaboration with Australian drinks brand Regal Rogue, establishing a vermouth-based cocktail list, alongside a concise wine and beer selection.

Open now, visit allegra-restaurant.com

SOUTH LONDON

The Laundry, Brixton

Images: Jack Lewis Williams

Those looking for an al fresco option south of the river need look no further than The Laundry, Brixton’s favourite neighbourhood bistro and wine shop. Outside, the Parisian-inspired terrace is kitted with rattan chairs and bistro tables, with blankets and heaters to take guests from day into evening. Earlier this month, the New Zealand-inspired bistro introduced a new summer spritz menu, celebrating British seasonality and featuring house-made picante syrup, freshly foraged elderflower cordial, English fizz and more. Expect serves like Not a Campari spritz – Rathfinny sparkling and Doppelgänger, made by Battersea's Doghouse Distillery – and Hugo Spritz, featuring Merchant's Gin, foraged elderflower, mint, lime and prosecco. 

Open now, visit thelaundrybrixton.com

Whispering Angel terrace at The Mitre, Hampton Court

As the warm summer months approach, The Mitre invites Londoners to celebrate the new season in style. Following an extensive refurbishment, the Whispering Angel Terrace reopens at the Surrey hotel with gorgeous floral installations drawing inspiration from the luxurious chateaus of France. Here, indulge in plates by executive head chef Mark Jarvis, crisp glasses of rosé and Lion Brewery pale ales and draft beers, courtesy of the adjoining Lion Terrace. These two spaces, seamlessly connected by a pontoon, beckon all to sip, savour, and bask in the radiant sunshine while taking in the captivating views of the river.

Open now, visit mitrehamptoncourt.co.uk

WEST LONDON

Caia, Notting Hill

Caia, the neighbourhood wine and open-fire restaurant in Notting Hill, opens its summer terrace in collaboration with mezcal brand Ojo De Dios this month to create a rustic outdoor space offering al fresco dining and drinks. Guests on the terrace can enjoy a selection of tequila and mezcal cocktails created by founder Tim Lang using Ojo De Dios, such as a spicy mezcal paloma, or opt for a glass of vino from an extensive wine list that focuses on established and emerging winemakers across France and Italy. As the evening progresses, guests are invited to descend to the restaurant's vinyl Green Room to experience Caia's resident and guest DJs, or linger a little longer over delectable food plates by chef Jamil Hussein. 

From 23 May - September 2024, visit caia.london

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