We spend all day writing about London’s vibrant culinary scene, from the best places for bao to the finest afternoon tea experience. But come the summertime, like everyone in the city, we long to find that one perfect al fresco spot that’s buzzy and brilliant, and there are several outdoor restaurants in London that keep The Handbook team coming back for more.
From the hottest new rooftop bars to unfussy multi-story car parks-turned-rooftop bars, these are the best outdoor restaurants in London, hand-chosen by the Handbook office.
Seabird
Al fresco dining doesn’t come much better than Seabird. Hidden above The Hoxton Southwark, this rooftop serves up seafood delights and is home to London’s longest oyster list, marble raw bar and views that look out over the city.
Head here for cocktail memories or book in for dinner to sample a few of their legendary oysters and delicious sharing boards of whole boneless sea bass with smoked honey butter and mojo verde or whole lobster rice with manchego and porto blanco.
THE HOXTON SOUTHWARK, 40 BLACKFRIARS ROAD, SE1 8NY
WWW.SEABIRDLONDON.COM
The Lighterman
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If anywhere in London screams summer it’s Coal Drops Yard. Tucked away in King’s Cross, the space is home to so much vibrance and activity in the summer months, from the giant cinema screen on the canal to the flurry of alfresco dining spots. Our favourite? The Lighterman, the three-floor restaurant-turned-bar that’s handily located on the riverside.
Here you’ll find multiple alfresco dining areas, each serving up great food and drinks for all to enjoy. Order something fresh from their British-influenced menu, from salads to artisan cured meats, hot smoked salmon flatbreads to char-grilled Castlemead chicken breast, before spending the evening sipping cocktails at sunset.
3 Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH
www.thelighterman.co.uk
Yasmin
Yasmin was locked behind the privacy of membership to Club 1 Warwick for a whole year before being opened up to the public in April. Now, we can all enjoy its Middle Eastern sharing plates and sundowner cocktails – and best of all, it’s on a rooftop.
With panoramic views of Soho, the menu comes from Executive Chef Tom Cenci, also of Nessa, inspired by his time in Istanbul. Think sumac cured salmon with smoked yoghurt, citrus and chilli, sesame smoked duck with black za’atar and a grilled corn salad, and a baklava ice-cream sandwich with pistachio and honey and date molasses.
1 Warwick St, London W1B 5LR
1warwick.com
Llama Inn
This Brooklyn hotspot made its transatlantic debut last year and was an immediate hit. The vibe is New York meets Peru, inspired by Chef Erik Ramirez’s background.
A pisco sour is a must, of course, best enjoyed on their sun-soaked rooftop which can be accessed through the iconic yellow door.
The vibe is New York meets Peru, inspired by Chef Erik Ramirez’s background
1 Willow St, London EC2A 4BH
llamainnlondon.com
The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch
A favourite all around, the venue serves up immaculate alfresco vibes, from dreamy baby pink interiors to the best views on this side of the capital.
Grab a table and sit back as you relax to the sound of Latin dance music filling up the space, order a round of their signature margaritas and soak up the sunset at this special spot.
100 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch, E1 6JQ
www.onehundredshoreditch.com
Pergola Brixton
Lose yourself in the magic of Brixton’s hidden rooftop terrace this summer. Lost in Brixton is a giant alfresco venue that serves up some of the best buzzy vibes in the capital, from Latin American-inspired cocktails and local craft beers to DJ sets and live music to fuel you into the early hours of the morning.
Wash your cocktails down with food from Brixton Market’s street food vendors, from Jalisco Brizton to Black Bear Burger, Three Uncles to Okan.
Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8PS
www.lostinbrixton.com
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Petersham Nurseries, Covent Garden
If you can’t make it over to their stunning Richmond venue, look to Petersham Nurseries Covent Garden restaurant instead. The outdoor terrace is truly sensational. In keeping with their outdoorsy ethos, expect plenty of greenery and plants to lose yourself in – close your eyes and you can even imagine you’re in the countryside rather than London’s centre…
Great for lunchtime catch-ups when Mum is in town or for a pre-theatre dinner before heading to your favourite show.
In keeping with their outdoorsy ethos, expect plenty of greenery and plants to lose yourself in
27 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DS
www.petershamnurseries.com
Studio Frantzén
Rooftop restaurants don’t get more iconic than this one. Studio Frantzén is situated at the top of Harrods so you can expect killer views over the city.
The restaurant specialises in Nordic gastronomy with Asian influences. Menu highlights include lobster with coriander, curry and brown-butter hollandaise; veal minute with crispy shiso salad; and the Studio Frantzén Caesar salad with grilled guinea fowl and pork bell ‘kakuni’.
87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge Fifth Floor, Harrods, SW1X 7XL
www.harrods.com
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Sabine
Home to sky-high dining and a glass-domed roof, the bar is filled with botanical-inspired plants and interiors, and this theme leaks into the cocktail menu too.
You’ll find them serving up a selection of small plates, from pulled lamb tostadas to tandoori prawn skewers, mac and cheese bon bons to shitake mushroom gyoza.
7TH FLOOR, LEONARDO ROYAL HOTEL LONDON ST PAUL’S, 10 GODLIMAN STREET, THE CITY, EC4V 5AJ
WWW.SABINELONDON.CO.UK
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Luca
Merging beautiful British seasonal ingredients with Italian flavours and techniques, Luca is a prime spot in Clerkenwell for laid-back dining. Their terrace though is where the magic happens. Seating up to 18 guests, dine alfresco in their foliage-filled space, abrim with olive trees and jasmine for a night to remember.
If the weather isn’t holding out, the terrace roof retracts, easily keeping you dry and warm from the drizzle going on overhead.
Luca is a prime spot in Clerkenwell for laid-back dining
88 ST JOHN STREET, CLERKENWELL, EC1M 4EH
www.luca.restaurant
The Glasshouse at NYX Hotel
This sensational panoramic bar can be found 10 stories up and 125 feet high, giving a real wow factor to the sensational view. The interior is full of the latest statement modern art, eye-catching in colour, and full of playful drama.
Just a few minutes from Holborn tube station, the central location makes for easy access and a great view. The perfect rooftop for a cocktail after shopping in Covent Garden, Soho, or Oxford Circus.
50-60 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AR
nyx-hotels.com
Darcy & May Green
As colourful as they come, Darcie & May Green is the canalside venture from brunch specialists Daisy Green. Located in Sheldon Square, this multi-coloured boat is covered in bespoke artwork by British pop artist, Sir Peter Blake.
With seats inside and aboard the top deck, they serve up some of the best Aussie brunch staples in the city, from their award-winning banana bread sandwich with honey mascarpone cream, fresh berries and flaked almonds to The Bondi, a mix of back bacon, poached eggs, chilli and fennel sausage, mushrooms, avo and house chilli pesto on cold fermented activities charcoal sourdough.
SHELDON SQUARE, PADDINGTON CENTRAL, W2 6DS
WWW.DAISYGREENFOOD.COM
Jurema at The Mandrake
Lose yourself in the urban jungle that is Jurema at The Mandrake. The space is surrounded by a hanging garden of jasmine and passionflower and makes for the perfect backdrop to any al fresco occasion.
Arguably the best outdoor restaurant in London, we love this spot’s Sunday brunch offering. Curated by executive chef George Scott-Toft, expect your afternoon to be packed out with a live DJ set and ethnobotanical cocktails.
20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG
www.themandrake.com
Frank’s Cafe
Sometimes all we need is a cocktail in hand to have a good time, and at Frank’s Cafe in Peckham, that’s what you’ll find served up. Situated at the top of a multi-storey car park, the drinking spot has been popular since it opened up in 2009, with London residents from all over coming here to sip into the sunset.
On the menu you’ll find brunch, lunch and dinner served up, all focusing on simplicity and seasonality. As well as plenty of booze to go around too, from beers to spritz.
Unfussy drinking and dining at its finest.
Bold Tendencies, 7th-10th Floor Multi Storey Car Park, 95A Rye Lane, peckham, SE15 4ST
www.boldtendencies.com
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Dalston Roof Park
It might not look like much from the outside but hidden away atop the old Victorian building you’ll find Dalston Roof Park, a pop-up bar that’s destined for summer drinks. Head up and the space makes way for big tables perfect for groups, bottomless brunch and even sunrise yoga sessions.
Kick off your weekend with their Friday night party vibes or book in for their Saturday bottomless brunch inspired by all things disco.
The Print House, 18-22 Ashwin Street, Dalston, E8 3DL
www.dalstonroofpark.com
