April 12 is so close we can almost taste it. With the arrival of ‘better times’ almost upon us, get ready to whet your appetite with our pick of London’s best outdoor restaurants to visit when restrictions lift and real menus can opened once more.
Superb views, award-winning cuisine and the ultimate Instagram-worthy settings – here’s where find them all and more this spring
1 Jurema at The Mandrake
The award-winning first-floor Jurema terrace, one of the largest outdoor spaces of any hotel in London, is the perfect spot to spend a tranquil afternoon in the sun. Jurema offers al fresco drinking and dining from lunch to dinner, serving bespoke cocktails and a new bar menu from YOPO, with South American inspired dishes.
The menu created by Executive Chef George Scott-Toft, includes dishes such as Empanadas and Ceviches as well as snacks.
Designed by world-renowned landscape architects Bureau Bas Smets and winning ‘Best Outdoor Space’ at the Global AHEAD Awards in 2019, the Jurema Terrace is scattered with rattan style furniture and cosy cushions for guests to lounge on. Two words – greenery abundance.
How: Find out more via themandrake.com
Where: 20-21 Newman St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1PG
2 The Ivy Soho Brasserie and The Ivy Kensington Brasserie
The Ivy Soho Brasserie and The Ivy Kensington Brasserie will be re-opening their beautiful, heated and covered terraces on 12 April for outdoor dining. Situated in the heart of Kensington and Soho guests will be able to catch up with friends and loved ones al fresco whilst enjoying a delicious selection of wines, cocktails and much-loved Ivy classics including chicken Milanese, shepherd’s pie and the ever so indulgent chocolate bombe.
In line with Government guidelines, guests will be able to reserve tables of up to six guests from separate households, subject to availability.
How: Find out more via www.theivykensingtonbrasserie.com and www.theivysohobrasserie.com.
3 Devonshire Terrace
Who else can’t wait for the return of boozy (and boujee) brunches? Well, good news – grab your five favourite groupies and boogie on down to Devonshire Terrace for its Disco Brunch – running every Saturday from 29th May.
A sophisticated Modern European restaurant, complete with a high glass-roofed courtyard with views of the Gherkin, Devonshire Terrace is ideal for the City foodies.
With tables available to book from 12pm-4pm, outdoors on the covered terrace and inside, expect smoke machines, disco balls, throwback tunes and plenty of glitter! Enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails and fizz as well as your choice of brunch dish: avocado with poached eggs, crispy duck salad, or buttermilk chicken waffles with prices from £34.95 per person.
If it’s evening entertainment you’re after, the bar & restaurant is also introducing new Birdcage Cabaret Dinners featuring a two-hour immersive show accompanied by a three-course dinner, glass of Kir Royale and half bottle of wine.
How: Find out more via www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk
Where: Devonshire Terrace, Devonshire Square, London, EC2M 4WY
4 Madison
If you’re a sucker for a great view, make a mecca to Madison. Arrive at the Penthouse of One New Change and step out on to the rooftop terrace for breath-taking views of the London skyline – sweeping across the sky with views of the city from all around. Sleek and full of stylish visitors, Madison is renowned for its atmosphere, with entertainment from our DJs and live musicians, and spectacular views.
On the food scene, dishes take inspiration from the lively and eclectic New York dining scene, with a focus on the grill and the best steaks from around the world.
How: Find out more via madisonlondon.net
Where: New Change, London EC4M 9AF
5 Circolo Popolare
Circolo, one of the pre-pandemic’s hottest openings, is returning this April with a brand new menu to devour. With bookings available now, the sunny Sicilian trattoria in the heart of London’s lively Fitzrovia district is set to serve a delectable menu filled with incredible Italian products. It offers, among other things, pasta fresca with Cinta Senese pork, our first pizzas by the meter and scandalous desserts, size XXL.
Pull up a pew for 60 incredible seats in its sunny Sicilian terrace, designed to offer a slice of Italian indulgence in the middle of central London.
How: Find out more via bigmammagroup.com
Where: Circolo Popolare, 40-41 Rathbone Pl, Fitzrovia, W1T 1HX
6 The Montagu Summer Terrace
For a harbour-like hideaway, pitstop in Marylebone for a dreamy oceanside escape. Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill is delighted to announce the launch of The Montagu Summer Terrace, in association with the luxury hotel’s signature restaurant, The Montagu Kitchen.
Transporting guests away from busy London to a tranquil oceanside marina, the new terrace will offer a mouth-watering menu of fresh seafood and chilled wines in a relaxed and summertide outdoor setting. The team is excited to unveil this permanent terrace following the success of the alpine-themed Montagu Winter Terrace last year, and the space will now transition with the seasons.
Decked out in a nautical theme, the alfresco terrace in Marylebone has been transformed into a harbour-like hideaway, swapping views of yachts for the leafy green gardens of exclusive Portman Square. With a classic blue and white colour scheme, think light wooden decking, stylish soft furnishings, and rustic blue and white crockery all combine to create a nautical feel.
On the menu, bite into delectable dishes designed for swapping and sharing, including Iced Whitstable Oysters, Lobster & Fries, Cornish Crab Choux, Devon Mussels, and Squid Ink Linguine. Vegetarian options include a creamy English Burrata served with Isle of Wight Tomatoes.
Dishes are complemented with a comprehensive drinks menu, featuring Champagne and English sparkling wines, and the not to be missed ‘Churchill’s Tot’ signature cocktail – a whisky based drink aged in a wooden barrel.
Where: 30 Portman Square, London, England, W1H 7BH
How: Advanced bookings are highly recommended, via OpenTable. Find out more via
7 Dalloway Terrace
For something beautiful, Dalloway Terrace at The Bloomsbury hotel is not to be missed. The picturesque restaurant is returning with atmospheric outdoor dining and a new spring installation, in partnership with Master Florists McQueens and Belvedere Vodka.
The terrace restaurant’s decor will evoke a sense of springtime in nature, inspired by the rolling hills of the British countryside scattered with and in abundance of dried wheat, corn flowers, daisies and pampas grass. Coupled with a new seasonal menu of culinary classics and playful cocktails, the installation is set to transport Londoners to an idyllic, beautiful hideaway in the heart of London.
Heaters along with a retractable roof and canopy, ensure that diners can once again enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and cocktails in this Instagram-worthy setting, without ever worrying about the weather.
PLUS: for something more exclusive, Dalloway Terrace are launching an alternative al fresco dining named The Coral Garden from 17th April onwards, available to hire exclusively and allowing guests to experience the ever-popular Dalloway Terrace menu in their own private garden.
How: Find out more via dallowayterrace.com
Where: 16-22 Great Russell St, Fitzrovia, London WC1B 3NN
8 Covent Garden’s new al fresco dining scheme
Covent Garden is unveiling a new al fresco dining scheme across the estate this spring, featuring over 500 additional new seats across more than 25 restaurants, as restaurants reopen for outdoor dining from 12th April onwards.
The new al fresco seating will span 7 streets as well as the historic Piazza, with the majority of covers providing weatherproof drinking and dining options for visitors, with heaters, large parasols and windbreak screens. Additional streets being pedestrianised to allow for extended al fresco dining include Henrietta Street, Floral Street, Maiden Lane and Southampton Street which join the already pedestrianised Piazza, King Street and James Street.
This initiative will sit alongside a new outdoor picnic and garden dining area on the estate’s East Piazza which will open from 29th March for takeaway dining from Covent Garden’s cafes and restaurants. This area will feature over 1,000 plants creating botanical pocket gardens for visitors to enjoy socially distanced space with takeaway drinks and dishes in the heart of historic central London.
The area will also welcome a six week pop up residency from event planning platform and street food purveyors Feast It on the Piazza, providing visitors with a changing roster of the UK’s most exciting pop up street foods to complement Covent Garden’s existing drink & dining offering. Running from Thursday 8th April until Sunday 16th May, new and up-and-coming street food concepts will pop up weekly from Thursday to Sunday, including Utter Waffle, Smoky Gaucho, The Barrow, Milktree Vegan Gelato, Bubble Bros, The Little Orange Van, Kuka Coffee, Beetle Juice Drinks and Hermanos Tacos House.
How: Find out more via www.coventgarden.london.
9 Treehouse Hotel London
If you’re looking for something cute and casual, Treehouse Hotel London is opening a brand new outdoor drinking and dining spot. Introducing The Courtyard, an informal yet fabulous, sustainable-minded refuge, offering an idyllic oasis for long-awaited catch ups with friends at the top of Regent Street.
Pay a visit for a menu of especially selected beers, slushies, organic and biodynamic wines and informal small plates to take advantage of summer in the city. With everything from locally sourced seasonal salads, sandwiches, flatbreads and bruschettas, guests will be able to unwind and celebrate the end of the country’s longest lockdown to date with those they’ve missed most.
Inspired by the quintessential British summer garden with lawn space and air-clarifying greenery in abundance. Native trees and evergreens sit alongside rustic raised decking, a festooned comfortable seating area, trough planters and plant pots, recreating a convivial home-from-home atmosphere. Throughout the residency, giant games and seasonal events will take place to provide sundown entertainment for the longer evenings.
For something more exclusive, reserve an outside table at The Nest in Treehouse, the now iconic rooftop bar at Treehouse Hotel London. Here, visitors can enjoy a spectacular, uninterrupted 360-degree skyline view, whilst The Nest’s talented bar team serve a range of expertly crafted cocktails – such as complex and interesting Bee Sting, the fresh and floral Botanical Sour, and the fruity yet punchy Pink Apple.
Find out more via treehousehotels.com/london
Where: 14-15 Langham Pl, Marylebone, London W1B 2QS
10 Pergola Paddington
Hankering for a taste of the French Riviera? Pergola Paddington has all the leafy answers. An outdoor venue tucked away near the canal in West London, this summer Pergola Paddington will host bookable beach huts in partnership with Miraval Rose. Inspired by the French Riviera, the huts will resemble classic Provençal-inspired sandy beach clubs decked out with Riviera touches. The cosy huts will be bookable for 6-10 people and will offer special packages to purchase for the table.
There will also be a Moet & Chandon Champagne Garden Terrace, which will transport them to the beachside luxury of a Hamptons Beach Clubhouse without leaving the Capital. As well as parties throughout the summer, guests will enjoy tasty barbecue dishes cooked by a series of guest chefs on special charcoal ovens.
Where: 4 Kingdom St, London W2 6PY
How: Find out more via www.pergolapaddington.com
11 The Beach Bar at The Montague on the Gardens
Bask in the Bahamas without stepping outside of the city. The tropics are coming to London this summer with the return of The Montague on the Gardens’ Beach Bar. Complete with real sand, summertime cocktails, delicious BBQ food, a beach-hut style thatched roof, palm trees and a backdrop of a beautiful beach, you’ll feel like you’re basking in the Bahamas rather than in the heart of central London.
This year, the pop-up ‘Mix It’ will be set on the beach for an interactive one-hour bottomless cocktail experience. Guests will be able to create their own drinks using our spirits, mixers and garnishes, or enlist the help of their own personal bartender, who will be on hand to provide expert mixology guidance. Cocktails are served in coconuts on arrival, alongside a superb selection of wine, beers and spirits.
Guests also have the added option of unlimited drinks packages. The photo booth is the perfect place for capturing memories – and when guests use #SurfMontague they will be in with a chance of winning a luxury escape to Guernsey for two people, including flights.
How: Find out more via montaguehotel.com
Where: 15 Montague St, Holborn, London WC1B 5BJ
12 The Prince
The Prince is a converted pub in West Brompton, converted into a beautiful English garden set across three floors, with a retractable roof protecting against the unpredictable English weather.
This summer, guests will be able to enjoy a selection of refreshing summer cocktails list and food from brand new restaurant pop ups. Filth&Co., Boludo, Rudie’s and Nonna Madonna will continue to serve burgers, latin street food and Neapolitan pizzas. As sporting events start to return over the summer, The Prince will be the perfect place to watch fixtures such as rugby, tennis and the Euro 2021 with a private room dedicated to showing sport on large screens for up to 80 people.
Where: 14 Lillie Rd, Hammersmith, London SW6 1TT
How: Find out more via www.theprincelondon.com
13 Lost in Brixton
For something more secluded, it’s time for Lost in Brixton. A rooftop paradise hidden within Brixton Village, Lost in Brixton is the ideal spot for catching up with missed friends over Latin American inspired cocktails and local craft beers.
The venue will champion its neighbouring restaurants, showcasing food from within the Village itself, including Fish, Wings & Tings (Caribbean), Jalisco Brixton (Latin American inspired dishes), Okan Japanese restaurant, and The Joint (family barbecue). Live music from local talent, as well as DJs will be providing the much-needed party atmosphere all summer long.
Where: Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8PS
How: Find out more via www.lostinbrixton.com
14 Skylight Rooftop
Skylight Rooftop, known for its panoramic and uninterrupted views across London’s skyline and expansive space, is reopening with a tropical beer terrace, further COVID-friendly additions and delicious food galore.
Skylight has made more space for further tables on its rooftop, allowing further flexibility across its sun-drenched terraces and enabling more physical social distancing. Tables will all be bookable, with reservations from £10 per table, and for the time being, guests will need to have secured a booking in advance to guarantee entry.
Social distancing will not detract from the venue’s unique atmosphere, fun and colourful vibe. The popular tropical beer terrace by Mexican pale lager Corona will be returning from April, situated on Skylight’s highest level and boasting some of the best views of the city.
The terrace not only is decorated with tropical (and instagrammable!) foliage, it’s also home to cushioned seating areas and garden booths as well as a pop-up bar serving pints of ice-cold refreshing lager. Skylight will also be welcoming back its games throughout the season, starting with Pétanque from 17th May and followed by indoor and outdoor croquet from 21st June.
Delicious food options will be returning for 2021, with Hikari offering fresh Asian dishes, and State Side serving up the very best in American inspired indulgence.
How: Find out more via www.skylightlondon.com
Where: Pennington St. Car Park Entrance Wapping, London E1W 2SF
Compiled by Sophie Ritchie
