London’s Best Secret Courtyard & Garden Dining Spots

Rosewood London

The concealed courtyard at Rosewood London has been transformed this summer to replicate a quintessential English garden. Think lavender plants, lush green vegetation and British brasserie style food to match. 

The courtyard adjoins Holborn Dining Room so you know you’re in for a treat. Menu highlights include crispy cod skin with nori salt and lemon aioli; octopus carpaccio with citrus dressing and coriander; Maubourguet duck breast with cherry puree, turnips and baby beetroot; and whole grilled courgette with a romesco sauce, basil and mint.

London Stock

Hidden in a warren of fashionable former Wandsworth warehouses, London Stock is exactly what you’d hope for from a courtyard restaurant. Excellent food, a local restaurant (no need to head into town) and a sheltered courtyard discovery.

The British fine fining concept under head chef Sebastian Rast is simply sublime, from their regular-changing tasting menus to their staple Sunday lunches.

No 197 Chiswick Fire Station

For those partial to minimalist interiors, head to No 197 Chiswick Fire Station for interior inspo 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.

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. 

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.

Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill

Oysters are best enjoyed out-of-doors, and preferably, at Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill. 

The restaurant has been serving up Champagne and oysters for over a century, and today, you’ll find them championing their heritage with a menu centred around British seafood. 

Their newly refreshed courtyard-terrace is ready and waiting, with a prime people-watching location. Heated and covered, it’s the perfect spot no matter what the British summer brings.

Los Mochis

Marrying Tokyo and Tulum, Los Mochis boasts a small but cosy sun-drenched terrace at the front of its Notting Hill restaurant. 

Blending the two cultures, guests can look forward to a flavour-packed menu filled with the likes of guacamole packed with snow crab, lime, coriander cress and smoked paprika; seabass ceviche; carne asada tacos; and maki rolls. 

Those looking for a Happy Hour experience, book in for their frozen paloma hour, available Monday to Thursday from 5pm to 7pm where you can enjoy two-for-one frozen palomas.

The Lane

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, bottle of Champagne and you’ve got the perfect summer’s night ahead.

Native at Brown’s

Another secret London restaurant is Native at Brown’s, the little sister restaurant from the team behind Native. The restaurant’s Courtyard is perfect for a summer soiree, boasting natural wines, signature cocktails and a small plates menu. This summer they have partnered with Sussex wine estate, Rathfinny, so expect plenty of sparkling wine options too.

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. 

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.

Pan Pacific London

Partnering with liqueur brand St-Germain, Pan Pacific London’s summer terrace comes complete with seafood delights and cocktails. 

Running until the end of September, expect delicious including the signature St-Germain Spritz, a mix of St-Germain, Prosecco, soda and lemon – simple, refreshing and screams summer.

SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden