London's best alfresco dining

London's best alfresco dining

12 May, 2011
by: Spoonfed Team

A guide to some of the best places to eat outside in the capital.

There’s nothing more glorious than eating outdoors in London during the summer. It makes us feel so civilised, so European. Who cares if the service is bad? We’re getting a tan! This city has plenty of lovely alfresco places to eat, from rooftop terraces to greenhouse cafes. Here is a list of some of our favourites...

Rooftop @ Boundary
Shoreditch

The Boundary Project’s crowning glory is undoubtedly its rooftop restaurant with a 48-seater grill kitchen serving all kinds of charcoaled delights from spatchcock poussin to lobster. With impressive 360 degree views of the city skyline, a wood-burning fire, olive trees and a humidor, it’s no wonder this place is so popular when the sun comes out.

Coq d’Argent
City

Sitting on top of No.1 Poultry, with a private lift to take you straight to the top, stunning roof gardens and views over the Square Mile, St Paul's Cathedral and the Gherkin, Coq d'Argent is a classy joint indeed. The outdoor terrace is heated and has a cheaper bistrot menu than the main restaurant, serving the likes of confit duck leg, foie gras terrine and onglet steak.

Petersham Nuseries Cafe
Richmond

Yes, it’s in Richmond but boy, is it worth the trip. On a sunny day, catch a boat from Westminster Pier past Richmond Lock to Ham House. The nurseries are a short walk away down the river. If you’re the green-fingered type you might want to stop and buy some plants. If like us, you’re the more greedy type, head straight to the cafe. Head chef Skye Gyngell uses seasonal produce with herbs, salads and fruit from the walled garden to create simple, beautiful menus. Located in a quirky glasshouse, full of plants, herbs and antique tables, this has to be one of the most charming alfresco restaurants in the capital.

Tom’s Terrace @ Somerset House
Victoria Embankment

Michelin chef Tom Aiken’s restaurant at Somerset House offers great views of the Thames, nibbles, sharing boards and delicious cocktails like the Red Chilli Martini. Hire the entire space for a party or drop in for a quick bite during a leisurely walk along the river.

Babylon @ Kensington Roof Gardens
Kensington

The Kensington Roof Gardens are a big draw in the summer months. Located just off Ken High Street, the 1.5 acres of parkland contain three themed gardens, 70 trees, a flowing fish stream and 4 resident flamingos. The Babylon restaurant and terrace are to be found on the seventh floor, with breathtaking views of the gardens, a regular changing menu of classic British dishes and a barbecue serving burgers and hot dogs.

River Cafe
Hammersmith

For those who can afford it, Hammersmith’s River Cafe has long been a popular destination for delicious, seasonal Italian food. In the summer months you can sit outside on the large riverside terrace, soak up the sun and enjoy the likes of chargrilled leg of lamb and calamari, chilli and rocket grown from the kitchen garden. It’s not hard to see why the New Yorker dubbed it “the best Italian restaurant in Europe.”

The Waterway
Maida Vale

It might not quite be as beautiful as Venice, but when the weather’s right, it comes close. The Waterway restaurant is built on Little Venice’s Grand Union Canal and during the summer, you can sit on the terrace and watch the barges cruise past. There is also a cheaper brasserie menu outside, with modern European dishes, burgers and choice cuts from the grill.

EM

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Spoonfed Team