When the weather is kind enough to play ball, we’re the first to embrace al fresco dining. Here we’ve rounded up the best London courtyards and gardens you can find hidden around the city, from iconic hotel favourites to new openings.
Il Gattopardo
Il Gattopardo is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Nestled in the back streets of Mayfair, this Italian restaurant excels at interiors as much as cuisine. Inspired by ‘La Dolce Vita’, this richly decorated space typifies retro Riviera glamour. Out back, you can also find The Terrazza, which offers all the glorious natural light of eating outside, minus the wind and rain.
As for the menu, we strongly recommend booking in for a long Sunday lunch with the sea bass carpaccio (served with green tomato, pink peppercorns and spring onions dressing) to start, followed by the Astice half lobster linguine with lobster reduction – it’s the best pasta our Editor’s had in years. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with a refreshing glass of Sgroppino (lemon sorbet whisked with Italian sparkling wine and Italicus).
The Astice half lobster linguine with lobster reduction is the best pasta our Editor’s had in years.
address: 27 Albemarle St, London W1S 4HZ
Website: https://gattopardo.restaurant/
No 197 Chiswick Fire Station
For those partial to minimalist interiors, head to No 197 Chiswick Fire Station for interior inspiration and delicious brunching options. Its muted white and wooden colour palette seeps into their walled garden, hidden at the back of the restaurant. In the summertime, it becomes flooded with sunlight and provides the perfect backdrop to any brunch occasion.
Address: 197 – 199 Chiswick High Road, W4 2DR
Website: www.no197chiswickfirestation.co.uk
St James’ Courtyard, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate is folded around a central courtyard that’s as surprising as it is welcome. The quirky and colourful Victorian architecture wills you to stay, and the St. James’ Courtyard restaurant is the perfect excuse.
Outdoors, sip a glass of wine by the gurgling fountain or take in the longest Shakespearean sylvan frieze in the world.
Address: 51 BUCKINGHAM GATE, ST JAME’S, SW1E 6AF
Website: www.tajhotels.com
Corinthia London
Step into Corinthia London’s secluded courtyard and feel the heat of the Mediterranean in an instant. Sit among fragrant lemon trees and sip cool drinks as scents of lavender and jasmine drift through the space.
And when you are ready to order, André Garrett’s menu of many Mediterranean classics will complete your culinary journey from the heart of London to the shores of Italy.
Step into Corinthia London’s secluded courtyard and feel the heat of the Mediterranean in an instant
Address: Whitehall Place, SW1A 2BD
Website: www.corinthia.com
The American Bar, The Stafford London
The American Bar’s courtyard at The Stafford London is one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
Hidden away in the heart of St James’s, the stunning entrance takes you through the former stables courtyard, boasting greenery and cobblestone. Expect to be feasting on American-inspired dishes, summer cocktail menus and even BBQ specials created by chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen and Jozef Rogulski.
Address: 16-18 St James’s Place, St James’s, SW1A 1NJ
Website: www.thestaffordlondon.com
Dalloway Terrace
Changing with the seasons, Dalloway Terrace’s summer makeover may just be our favourite yet. It’s filled with simple seasonal flowers, complete with rattan chairs, marble-top tables and a black and white striped roof for when the sun isn’t shining.
Located at The Bloomsbury Hotel, the restaurant serves up seasonal British cuisine. Menu highlights include a roasted fillet of salmon served with pea puree and tomatoes; fresh crab linguine with chilli and lemon; as well as their weekend brunch buttermilk pancakes topped with crispy bacon, blueberries and maple syrup.
Address: 16-22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3NN
Website: www.dallowayterrace.com
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11 Cadogan Gardens
Unwind at 11 Cadogan Garden’s Chelsea hideaway, The Secret Garden, offering a serene oasis away from the hustle and bustle. This courtyard can be found serving up food and drink come rain and shine. Grab your girls, sip Champagne and make the most of the longer nights here.
No reservations are necessary, everyone is welcome to experience this haven.
The Secret Garden offers a serene oasis away from the hustle and bustle.
Address: 11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea, SW3 2RJ
Website: www.11cadogangardens.com
Lucy Wong
Hidden away upstairs from the bustling basement bar in Fitzrovia, Lucy’s secret terrace space adorned with Asian décor, fairy lights and lanterns makes for the perfect spot for a late summer night drink. Go al fresco with a selection of small plates to share from the Cantonese-inspired menu.
Lucy’s secret terrace space adorned with Asian décor, fairy lights and lanterns, and makes for the perfect spot for a late summer night drink.
Address: 33-34 Rathbone Pl, London W1T 1JN
Website: www.lucywong.co.uk
The Lane
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Overlooking the Covent Garden Piazza, The Garden at The Lane is the perfect summertime hideout. It’s the ideal spot for pre- and post-theatre drinks and dinner. Grab yourself a selection of their light bite menu, and a bottle of Champagne and you’ve got the perfect summer’s night ahead.
Address: Catherine Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 5JF
Website: www.thelane.co.uk
The Royal Exchange
For those in need of respite while in the heart of the City, The Royal Exchange offers a bustling sanctuary. Home to the Fortnum & Mason Terrace it’s just perfect for alfresco drinking and dining.
Located in the courtyard of The Royal Exchange, it’s perfect for work lunches or post-work catch-ups with friends and family.
Address: Bank, City, EC3V 3LR
Website: www.theroyalexchange.co.uk
Home House
You might not know this one if you don’t have a membership but if you can get a peak inside Home House’s courtyard garden, it’s well worth exploring for yourself.
Complete with tent-style seating, greenery and an outdoor bar, we’d recommend grabbing a table early and lazing into the sunset under the twinkling lights. A British garden menu is available for when the hunger pangs strike, as well as gourmet barbecue options when the sun is shining.
Address: 20 Portman Square, W1H 6LW
Website: www.homehouse.co.uk
Great Northern Hotel
Luxury, grade II-listed Great Northern Hotel has launched London’s coolest new al fresco spot. A welcome escape from the bustle of the city, the spacious and buzzy GNH Bar & Terrace is complete with bright blooms, foliage and a menu of classic, signature and barrel-aged cocktails, as well as elevated small plates and light bites.
Must-try serves include The Secret Garden, mixed with Hendricks Flora Adora Gin, elderflower liqueur and chamomile tea; and the Bananarama, a blend of Discard Banana Peel Rum with coconut milk and pineapple.
Address: King’s Cross St. Pancras Station, Pancras Road, N1C 4TB
Website: www.gnhlondon.com
