With London’s weather heating up, there’s only one way we’d like to spend our time: sipping cocktails at one of London’s best summer terraces.
From cosy, roadside al fresco terraces perfect for people-watching to secret courtyards, these are the summer terraces worth visiting this season.
Summer terraces worth visiting this heatwave season
The MAINE Mayfair
Looking for a sun-filled spot to while away an afternoon on? Look to The MAINE Mayfair and the opening of their private terrace.
Located in the original gardens of 20 Hanover Square, the 100-cover space is abrim with wicker furniture and greenery, as well as plenty of cocktails and rosé to fuel you through the summer. The menu features raw bar items, charcuterie, small plates and wood-fired fish and meats, and also a delicious brunch menu perfect for lazy weekends.
6 Medici Courtyard (behind 20 Hanover Square), W1S 1JY
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The Terrace at The Lane
Overlooking the Covent Garden Piazza, The Terrace at The Lane is the perfect summertime hideout. Head up before your West End Frozen performance and delight on cocktails such as the English Garden, made with No.3 Gin, green chartreuse, house Sichuan syrup, Sichuan bitters, grapefruit, lime and cucumber; Rhubarb & Mint, made with No.3 Gin, Franklin & Sons Elderflower tonic, mint and lemon; and Young Dutch, with Grey Goose Vodka, Italicus, Orgeat and lemon.
Catherine Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 5JF
The Churchill Bar & Terrace
Perfect for the nights when it’s a little chillier, The Churchill Bar’s terrace is heated and a cosy oasis from the hustle and bustle of Marylebone Village. Expect to find a leafy terrace hidden outside, complete with subtle nods to the former prime minister Winston Churchill.
The bar’s UNITY cocktail menu celebrates the treasured traditions of the bar team’s respective culture, all while using sustainable practices and ingredients.
30 Portman Square, W1H 7BH
Dalloway Terrace
Head to Dalloway Terrace to uncover this season’s most Instagrammable terrace makeover. The Bloomsbury hideout has once again been transformed into a natural garden abrim with simple seasonal flowers, rattan chairs, marble-top tables and its signature black and white striped roof.
16 – 22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3NN
The Happenstance by Drake & Morgan
Looking out over St Paul’s Cathedral, The Happenstance by Drake & Morgan is the perfect oasis to catch up with friends over cocktails.
This summer the venue has partnered with champagne brand Laurent-Perrier to transport guests to the French coast. Expect the space to be filled with blush florals, pink decor and plenty of Champagne to go around.
10 Paternoster Square, EC4M 7DX
Aqua Kyoto
Sushi and Champagne, need we say more? Aqua Kyoto has transformed its iconic terrace for the summer season, providing the ultimate sunset oasis.
Partnering with Veuve Clicquot, the terrace is abrim with radiant yellow and pink tones, blossoming flowers and views over the city. Enjoy small plates inspired by Tokyo’s Ginza district and glasses of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Lable or Rosé.
Regent Street Entrance 30, 240 Argyll Street, W1B 3BR
Union Social at The Gantry
For all-day lounging, Union Social at The Gantry is the prime summer terrace spot. Whether you’re after a strong coffee to fuel you through a study session or expertly mixed cocktails for a laid-back get-together with friends, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got the best seat in east London.
40 Celebration Avenue, Stratford, E20 1DB
London Shuffle Club
With outdoor space at a premium in Shoreditch, a table on the London Shuffle Club outdoor terrace is a hot ticket. The venue is best known for its supercharged game of shuffleboard but it makes way for the ideal spot for beers and cocktails in the sun too.
The cocktail menu changes with the season, but you can always go classic with an Aperol Spritz or a refreshing Margarita to mentally transport you to holiday climes. With a fully retractable roof, the sun shines down on the terrace from dawn till dusk, making London Shuffle Club the perfect spot for a lunchtime pint or post-work cocktails in the evening sun.
4 Ebor Street, Shoreditch, E1 6AW
Corinthia London
A little slice of the Mediterranean right in the heart of London, The Garden at Corinthia returns for another summer season. Expect a high-end take on Mediterranean favourites prepared by Executive Chef André Garrett and elegant cocktails that reawaken past holiday memories.
Tuck into dishes such as oven-roasted tiger prawns with aleppo chilli and lime; spiced and lemon-rubbed spatchcock chicken with oven-roasted veggies; and risotto frutti di mare with baby squid, red mullet, mussels and lobster.
Whitehall Place, SW1A 2BD
Pan Pacific London
From seafood specials to tempting cocktails, Pan Pacific London’s outdoor terrace has been given a makeover courtesy of its partnership with St Germain. Located on Bishopsgate Plaza, the space is abrim with greenery, cosy cushions and hanging ivy overhead.
On the food front, expect a fresh seafood menu with Asian influences, from lobster rolls to tuna ceviche, lemongrass steamed mussels to a classic salmon poke bowl.
80 Houndsditch, EC3A 7AB
Eataly
Aperol lovers, look to Eataly’s Al Fresco – Aperol Spritzeria restaurant to get your spritz fix this summer. The ground floor terrace, located out the front of the building, is complete with orange trees, neon signs and orange accents.
Enjoy bruschetta di parma; tagliatelle alla bolognese; and ricotta e zucchine, all paired alongside an Aperol Spirtz of course.
135 Bishopsgate, EC2M 3YD
The Roof Terrace at The Sloane Club
This summer The Roof Terrace at The Sloane Club has been utterly transformed thanks to its special partnership with rosé heroes, Whispering Angel.
You’re invited to enjoy crisp rosé accompanied by dishes conjured up by The Club’s talented chefs, from a messy aromatic lemongrass chicken burger with garlic aioli, pineapple salsa and spicy Asian slaw to seafood and basil risotto with native lobster, Devon crab, tiger prawns and squid.
52 Lower Sloane Street, Chelsea, SW1W 8BS
116 Pall Mall
For a secret summer terrace experience, 116 Pall Mall is home to a wonderful, secluded garden and terrace perfect for dining and drinks. Step into this tranquil terrace surrounded by lush greenery for a delicious post-work alfresco cocktail with colleagues or friends. You won’t find many gardens like this in the heart of London, located just a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Circus and Regents Street.
116 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5ED
Norma
Charlotte Street’s Norma is the Italian dining destination you need on your radar. Part of the Stafford Collection, the contemporary restaurant beholds a charming outdoor sun-trapped terrace.
Soak up the last few flickers of sun and delight on classic Italian dishes, from aubergine parmigiana to robata-grilled seasonal whole fish with Sicilian tomatoes, black olives, capers, garlic and basil.
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8 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 2LS
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Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill
With over 100 years serving up Champagne and oysters to hungry Londoners, Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill needs very little introduction.
While the weather’s still warm, grab yourself a seat on the terrace and enjoy the freshest oysters, fish and steaks this side of the city.
11-15 Swallow Street, W1B 4DG
The Campaner
The Campaner may have only its doors earlier this year but it’s already become a firm Handbook favourite. It’s a restaurant inspired by Barcelona’s vibrant soul and focuses on using local, seasonal UK produce.
Located on Garrison Square, the restaurant boasts a petite summer terrace. Simple but cosy, expect marble tables and signature red chairs with warm blankets for when the sun goes down.
Chelsea Barracks, 1 Garrison Square, SW1W 8BG
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The Hari
Set in the heart of Knightsbridge, The Hari’s hidden garden terrace is a suntrap on the warmer days. The space boasts cosy sofas, foliage-filled walls and even a retractable roof meaning you can enjoy this spot even when it’s pouring or on the chillier side.
Order the table a mix of sharing plates while you catch up, from chicken goujons with Korean chilli sauce to beef brisket croquettes with ‘nduja mayo and parmesan cheese.
20 Chesham Place, SW1X 8HQ
