London’s Best Summer Terraces
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 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
www.themainemayfair.com
The Terrace at The Lane
Overlooking the Covent Garden Piazza, The Naked Wines Terrace at The Lane is a lovely summer roof terrace where you can enjoy a brand-new weekend brunch menu with gorgeous sharing boards and light bites. Think crispy waffles with maple syrup and lime creme fraiche with cured smoked salmon or crispy bacon toppings, Cornish yoghurt with summer berries, pecan granola and London’s bee honey, Evesham asparagus and poached eggs topped with truffle dressing among others, or the iconic smashed avocado, sourdough served with poached eggs. There’s lots to love here!
Catherine Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 5JF
www.thelane.co.uk
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
www.thechurchillbar.co.uk
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. Perfect for a delicate but indulgent afternoon tea. If that’s not your thing, there’s a new Sunday roast special that’s freshly launched and ready to dig in.
16 – 22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3NN
www.dallowayterrace.com
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.
For starters, dig into a prawn cocktail or tomato and mozzarella arancini. For sharing, there’s a very Instagrammable charcuterie board. Expect the space to be filled with blush florals, pink decor and plenty of Champagne to go around.
10 Paternoster Square, EC4M 7DX
www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk
Lucy Wong
Serving up an Asian-inspired twist on a classic British afternoon tea as well as creative cocktails, Lucy Wong’s terrace is the perfect place to enjoy something just a little unique.
Served up is a tiered stand for two comprised of delicate Cantonese-inspired savouries, traditional dim sum, and pretty hand-finished Patisseries, alongside a free-flowing teapot serving your choice of Chinese tea.
33-34 Rathbone Pl, London W1T 1JN
lucywong.co.uk
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
www.thegantrylondon.com
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; grilled half Norfolk chicken; and risotto frutti di mare with baby squid, mussels and lobster.
Whitehall Place, SW1A 2BD
www.corinthia.com
Bacchanalia
Bacchanalia is known for its indulgent, opulent interiors and food (we’re sure you’ve seen their artwork). Now, in time for warmer weather, Mayfair’s iconic Greco-Roman restaurant has an unlimited wine offering to compliment their brunch menu every Sunday – so you can enjoy some of the best Greek discovery wines in London for just £29.
To accompany the mouth-watering Mediterranean menu, guests can sit back and watch the world go by in Bacchanalia’s enchanting outdoor terrace, inspired by the ancient wonders of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
Bacchanalia is known for its indulgent, opulent interiors and food (we’re sure you’ve seen their artwork)
1-3 Mount St, London W1K 3NB
bacchanalia.co.uk
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 zucchini, all paired alongside an Aperol Spritz of course.
135 Bishopsgate, EC2M 3YD
www.eataly.co.uk
The Roof Terrace at The Sloane Club
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. Plus, there’s live music from 6 to 9pm.
52 LOWER SLOANE STREET, CHELSEA, SW1W 8BS
WWW.SLOANECLUB.CO.UK
116 Pall Mall Brasserie
With an outdoor terrace that overlooks a beautiful garden, Searcy’s Champagne bar makes the perfect spot to linger over bespoke cocktails and delicious food prepared by award-winning chefs here. Expect seasonal cuisine with signature dishes that include chicken caesar salad and Hereford beef steak. If you’re looking for a place to head to on a balmy summer afternoon, this makes the ideal escape for a summer celebration.
Expect seasonal cuisine with signature dishes that include chicken caesar salad and Hereford beef steak.
Where: 116 Pall Mall, St. James’s, SW1Y 5ED
searcys.co.uk
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 sun and delight in classic Italian dishes, from aubergine parmigiana to robata-grilled seasonal whole fish with Sicilian tomatoes, black olives, capers, garlic and basil.
8 Charlotte St., London W1T 2LS
Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill
With over 100 years of serving up Champagne and oysters to hungry Londoners, Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill needs very little introduction.
While the weather’s warm, grab yourself a seat on the terrace and enjoy the freshest oysters, fish and steaks this side of the city.
With over 100 years of serving up Champagne and oysters to hungry Londoners, Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill needs very little introduction
11-15 SWALLOW STREET, W1B 4DG
WWW.BENTLEYS.ORG
The Campaner
A restaurant inspired by Barcelona’s vibrant soul, The Campaner focuses on using local, seasonal UK produce and is a firm Handbook favourite.
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
WWW.THECAMPANER.COM
The Rooftop at The Standard
Freshly reopened for the season this month, The Rooftop is spread across the 11th floor of The Standard, conveniently located in the heart of King’s Cross. Offering gorgeous views of the London skyline, it makes the ideal spot for cocktails after work or sunset soirees with bubbles on tap.
10 ARGYLL STREET, WC1H8EG
WWW.STANDARDHOTELS.COM
Smith’s Bar and Grill
Overlooking the Grand Union Canal, Smith’s Bar and Grill is a gorgeous year-round terrace with a new spring menu perfect for the weather. Look forward to dishes like crispy courgette flowers, prawn cocktail, beef rib with port truffle sauce and chargrilled lamb loin chops with mint chimichurri that are best enjoyed under the open sky.
25 SHELDON SQUARE, PADDINGTON, W2 6EY
WWW.SMITHSBARANDGRILL.CO.UK
Jurema Terrace, The Mandrake
For some tropical vibes in the heart of London, head to Jurema Terrace and dine amidst a glorious hanging garden of suspended jasmine, passionflower and towering Tasmanian Ferns. Jurema makes for a truly unique bar experience in London – perched on the first-floor terrace, you can dig into food from The Mandrake’s South American restaurant, YOPO and sip on ethnobotanical cocktails and enjoy a lovely tropical vibe.
20-21 NEWMAN STREET, W1T 1PG
WWW.JUREMA.COM
The Terrace at Athenaeum
The Athenaeum Hotel has transformed its terrace into a natural haven adorned with blooming floral displays, offering a quintessentially British summer spritz menu created in partnership with Hayman’s Gin.
What’s more, the delicious spritzers will be topped with a mini charcuterie board*, of welcome nibbles, which will taste just as delicious as it will look on guests’ Instagram.
The Athenaeum Hotel has transformed its terrace into a natural haven adorned with blooming floral displays, offering a quintessentially British summer spritz menu
116 PICCADILLY, MAYFAIR W1J 7BJ
WWW.ATHENAEUMHOTEL.COM
The Rooftop at The Trafalgar St. James
The Rooftop offers unbeatable views of Trafalgar Square and the London skyline and makes a great spot to unwind after work or over the weekend. Look forward to European-inspired dishes on the menu and carefully curated cocktails, plus the signature Tipple Tea that includes a mixture of savoury and sweet nibbles along with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
2 SPRING GARDENS SW1A 2TS
WWW.TRAFALGARSTJAMES.COM
The Constitution
Hang out by the canal in Camden at The Constitution, an all-year-round rooftop terrace with a retractable roof- so even if does rain, you don’t have to run inside. The seasonal menu features small plates to share, gluten-free options and fresh seafood. Lamb belly croquettes, Earl Grey cured trout and wild mushroom pate feature on the menu for starters. For mains, we spotted smoked pork rump, fried chickpeas, cyder battered haddock and more.
42 ST. PANCRAS WAY, CAMDEN NW1 0QT
WWW.THECONSTITUTIONCAMDEN.CO.UK
Lima Cantina
For an authentic taste of Peruvian cuisine, head to Lima Cantina and journey back to the roots of the Peruvian capital. With dishes inspired by the markets and home-cooked meals of Lima, must-tries include the traditional pollo a la brasa (Peruvian rotisserie chicken), Aji Panca pork ribs, and Peruvian-style paella.
14 GARRICK ST. LONDON
WWW.LIMA-CANTINA.COM
Alto by San Carlo
After you’ve shopped to your heart’s content at Selfridges, pop on over to Alto by San Carlo, a rooftop Italian restaurant that’s open long after the iconic department store shuts its doors for the day. Sit underneath a floral canopy as you enjoy signature Italian dishes like the burrata e pomodoro (burrata from Puglia served with marinated beef tomato carpaccio and fresh basil), Sicilian arancini (rice balls filled with beef ragu) or Agnello scottadito (lamb cutlets with sweet and sour peppers).
THE ROOFTOP, SELFRIDGES, OXFORD ST W1A 1AB
sancarlo.co.uk
