London's Al Fresco Food Spots

Terrines on terraces, roast dinners on rooftops, whelks in walled gardens and risottos on riverside balconies, whatever your tastes, and wherever you are in London you are never more than a few minutes from a comfortable outdoor table laden with delicious food. Here's our pick of the bunch...

A Grelha at The Gun

27 Coldharbour, Docklands, London, E14 9NS
Sardines, tapas and Portuguese grilling on a riverside terrace in Docklands

Flanked by the Thames, The O2 and Canary Wharf, the Martin Brothers have turned The Gun in Docklands into one of the city's finest gastropubs. The huge outdoor terrace offers a great view of the river, making it easy to imagine Lord Nelson having a furtive tryst with Lady Emma Hamilton - apparently, they used to meet secretly in an upstairs room here in years gone by. Every summer, from May to September, the terrace is converted into A Grelha - a free-standing al fresco restaurant serving Portuguese specialties. The Mediterraneans' passion for grill cooking is demonstrated here right before your eyes. Fish, poultry and steak are all selected by the diner, weighed (to determine the price), then flash-fried or more likely grilled while you wait. There's an extraordinary array of tapas and dipping sauces, freshly baked bread and a specially imported selection of robust Portuguese wine. Yum. If this doesn't tickle your tastebuds the pub also serves good bar food, while the dining room offers a very respectable, seasonal menu.

A Grelha at The Gun - Information

Babylon at the Roof Gardens

99 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA
Rooftop views, barbecues, flamingos and secret gardens in Kensington

Babylon at the Roof Gardens is hidden on top of the old Derry and Toms (later Biba) department store, one hundred feet above Kensington High Street. This rectangular-shaped restaurant is made up of various sections - the Fishtank Lobby, the Roofterrace, the Restaurant, the Hanging Gardens and the Oval Office, which is a private room. All areas afford amazing views of west London but the Roofterrace, Restaurant and Hanging Gardens are best for al fresco dining. During the summer they hold barbeques on the terrace - you're more likely to bag a prime outdoor spot at lunchtimes. If you're eating in the evening you have the option of following your meal with a spot of clubbing. The Roof Gardens Private Members' Club is in the same building and Babylon patrons can, at a cover charge, gain access to the club. Surrounding the restaurant are also 1.5 acres of lush rooftop gardens which you're strongly advised to explore before you enjoy your evening meal or after a long languishing lunch. The gardens are divided up into three distinct areas; traditional English, formal Spanish and Tudor. The English garden, with its wild woodland theme, appears the most extraordinary, considering its position on top of an office block. Over 100 trees (all of which are under a preservation order), a stream and garden pond with flamingos and ducks combine to create a magical environment that defies its unique elevation. Fountains, vines and palm trees define the Moorish idyll, while the Tudor garden provides a delicate contrast with roses, wisteria, ivy and leafy arches. This really is one of London’s secret treasures and guaranteed to whet your appetite before your feast.

More info: Babylon at the Roof Gardens Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Bingham

61-63 Petersham Road, London, TW10 6UT
Heated balcony, rural setting and river views in Richmond

The best part about dining at Bingham, a tastefully tarted-up riverside townhouse-turned-boutique hotel outside Richmond, is its proximity to the water. With a covered, heated balcony overlooking the Thames, separated by carefully manicured gardens, it's a scenic and exclusive spot. The calming waters are a welcome break from the city bustle, an atmosphere that Richmond itself perpetuates, making this a chic and romantic choice. Shay Cooper gives the modern British food a rich taste, bringing more than 15 years experience to the table including stints at Folga Polizzi's Hotel Endsleigh and at the Michelin-starred Juniper in Altrincham. The regularly changing menu typically presents mains like suckling pig, braised veal cheeks and saddleback pork served with black pudding, barbecue beans and smoked potato. On Sunday, a traditional roast is served.

Bingham - Information

The Carpenter's Arms

91 Black Lion Lane, London, W6 9BG
Walled garden, five-star food, oysters and game in Hammersmith

The Carpenter's Arms became Le St Pierre, then The Lazy Vine and now it's back to The Carpenter's Arms again. This return to the original name is typical of the no-nonsense approach favoured by the current owners. Opened in summer 2007 it soon proved a huge hit. You can expect the place to be swamped with 'Times' readers after AA Gill gave it a glowing review; it's not often the acerbic critic calls a restaurant "b****y brilliant" and gives it a 'Mighty Mouse' five-star rating. It's the simplicity of the place that recommends it and the calming walled garden that offers a tranquil retreat for summer dining. And as for the food, chef Paul Adams, previously at the Coach & Horses in Farringdon and The Pig's Ear in Chelsea, is clearly doing something right. After your meal head towards the river for last orders in the Dove.

The Carpenter's Arms - Information

Gilgamesh

The Stables, Camden Market, Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8AH
Pan-Asian food, retractable roof, space and more space in Camden

Gilgamesh is huge - it's a restaurant, bar, lounge and traditional tearoom all under one roof. And what a spectacular roof it is too - floating 40ft above the restaurant the ceiling can be retracted to give the room a refreshing al fresco feel. Ideal in stuffy summer months, the roof forms part of one of the most lavish interiors you'll see in a London restaurant - as well as one of the most extravagent, costing a hefty £23 million. The Gilgamesh kitchen is operated by Ian Pengelley, who serves an array of Pan-Asian culinary delights for which he is renowned. The open plan kitchen facing the restaurant floor means that customers not only experience a fabulous view of the night sky whilst they dine but also the visual delights of Asian kitchen theatrics by the chefs, wok chefs and sushi chefs.

Gilgamesh - Information

Inn The Park

St James's Park, SW1A 2BA
Idyllic setting, terrace views and Peyton cuisine in St James's Park

Inn The Park (unfortunate name) is the brainchild of famed restaurateur Oliver Peyton, his idea being to rustle up quality alternatives to the soggy sandwiches and warm cola of picnics past and create a new era of 'inn-park' dining. And, it must be said, he's done a remarkable job - simple and seasonal British food is served in a contemporary, no-fuss environment that succeeds in being inviting at the same time. You can also grab a range of picnic goodies to takeaway. The icing on top is the restaurant's unrivalled location in the heart of St James's Park, overlooking Duck Island and the lake. Bag a table on the terrace and drink in the view as you scoff down your food. The stroll through this glorious green expanse to reach the restaurant is another high point - if you stop on the bridge you can look one way to see Buckingham Palace and the other for the London Eye standing picture-perfect behind the Foreign Office.

Inn The Park - Information

Le Coq d'Argent

1 Poultry, EC2R 8EJ
Rooftop views and fine French fare in the City

The City of London does many things well, but green space is not one of them. So, when summer strikes the suits roll up their sleeves and head to Le Coq d'Argent (formerly a Conran restaurant). The huge roof terraces at this fabulous French eaterie perched atop No 1 Poultry makes it the most sought-after alfresco spot on the Square Mile. The menu is tailored to suit the City's distinctly conservative tastes. Dishes such as suckling pork belly with octopus, chorizo, almond and caper salad are so scrumptious that they even distract from the fantastic views. Everything's exceptionally well-made if somewhat on the pricey side and there is plenty of caviar for those seeking to impress either a date or a client. Another advantage of the rooftop outdoor space is, post smoking ban, this is one place where you can happily puff away without having to loiter around the door downstairs.

More info: Le Coq d'Argent Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Leon

35 Great Malborough Street, W1F 7JE
Fast but friendly food, outdoor tables and people watching near Carnaby Street

Inside it looks a little like a fast food joint and it is. The food is served in shoots, like McDonald's, so there's hardly any waiting, and it's neatly wrapped for consumption on the move. The difference comes when you open the box. Rather than greasy burgers you get grilled chicken wraps, slathered in aioli; spicey, succulent kebabs spiked with chilli; Moroccan meatballs, scented faintly with cumin and served in a thick tomato ragu. There are also plenty of veggie options too, like the extra-healthy (and rather tasty) salads made with Super Foods (broccoli, rocket, sprouts etc). All the food at Leon is seasonal, well-sourced and, where possible, local. It's not totally organic, but it's all free-range, which means you get well-flavoured food that tastes like it should. This spot just off Carnaby Street has outdoor seating and is an ideal spot in summer to sit, scoff and induge in a bit of people watching / sunbathing. It's open in the evening too with an excellent selection of wine.

Leon - Information

Lyric Hammersmith Roof Garden

Lyric Square, London, W6 0QL
Theatrics in the roof garden at the Lyric

On the first floor of the excellent Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith is an elevated oasis overlooking the fountains in Lyric Square. Last time we were up on this outdoor terrace we were watching the voyeuristic play 'Contains Violence', a piece of site-specific theatre from Shunt's David Rosenberg. Now the terrace has blossomed into a roof garden, a welcome addition to soften the Lyric's rather austere seventies concrete block exterior. With food and drinks brought to you from the Cafe Brera downstairs, you can taste their delicious Italian food - panini, pizzas and antipasti - up here among the leaves, trees and greenery. Sip on a cold beer or choose a glass of fine Italian wine and take refuge under the bespoke pergola. It's also reassuring to know that this horticultural haven has been created using environmentally sustainable materials with help from Mark's & Spencer's 5p per plastic bag scheme. Reclining in the summer sun, it's easy to imagine you're far, far away from the hoi polloi of Hammersmith - the Queen of King Street you might say.

More info: Lyric Hammersmith Roof Garden Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Metro Garden Restaurant and Bar

9 Clapham Common Southside, London, SW4 7AA
Twinkly lights, lush setting and romance in Clapham

Perfect for the Clapham Common set, this bar-come-restaurant has a dinky, twinkly garden area which sets it apart from other eateries on this popular stretch. In the summer browse the menu with a little help from the night stars and the glow of some carefully strung fairy lights surrounded by a lovely courtyard. In cooler months a tent-type covering protects diners from the elements, while environmentally un-friendly heaters warm up chilly bones all year round. We've heard good reports about the food and the ambience, which leans towards the romantic, and prices are reasonable. Well worth a visit if you're in the area.

Metro Garden Restaurant and Bar - Information

The Park Terrace

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA
Butlers, country gardens, afternoon tea and parkside views

Quintessentially English, this pretty al fresco spot attached to the exclusive Mandarin Oriental hotel near Hyde Park offers a real summer treat. Enjoy a light brunch, refreshing lunch, delicate afternoon tea or substantial evening meal surrounded by seasonal colourful blooms, perfectly manicured lawns and spectacular views over the park's informal meadows. Bursting with country house elegance, you'll even find a butler on hand to dispense dollops of sun screen lotion, cooling sprays and soothing iced towels if you work up a sweat scoffing your way through a scone. Forgotten your designer sun-specs? Fear not, for you can borrow a pair, along with a book, fan, shawl and magazine ('Country Life' of course) to see you through the afternoon. This is understated English decadence at its very best so if you fancy injecting an element of chilled-out refinement into your summer, look no further...

"More lotion, Jeeves!"

The Park Terrace - Information

Petersham Nurseries Cafe and Teahouse

Off Petersham Road, Petersham, Richmond, London, TW10 7AG
Herb gardens, home-made food and riverside tranquility outside Richmond

When a top chef claims to be opening a "simple", "low-key" restaurant, it is usually press-speak for some folie de grandeur two doors down from The Ivy with an £85 tasting menu. Skye Gyngell's cafe at Petersham Nurseries is the exception. A lovely spot for an al fresco meal, this award-winning eatery is idyllic on a sunny summer's day. It's essentially a rather grand garden centre with an adjoining little café, totally engulfed by the rolling greenery of surrounding paddocks, meadows and woodland between Richmond Hill and the Thames. Perfect for lazy lunches and tranquil tea-times, the kitchen is located in an old shed and the whole place exudes an old-world cottage charm. The slightly rustic setting has no bearing on the food, which is absolutely exquisite. Elegantly delivered, the owners use only top quality products, quite often grown on site. The menu changes daily and you can scan the day's specials on a blackboard propped up outside the door. Summer gazpacho and the wild seabass are particularly good. As a lighter alternative, you can always settle for a cup of tea (from exotic flower infusions to traditional English Breakfast brews) and a nice slice of cake in the Teahouse. Admittedly, the food isn't cheap, however rest assured that all the meats and dairy produce are organic and the fish have been line-caught. The quality is astounding for such a uniquely rural setting. This is a lovely summer escape, but be warned, you'll have to plan ahead. They require two weeks advance notice for weekday and one month's advance notice for weekend bookings.

Petersham Nurseries Cafe and Teahouse

The River Terrace Cafe at Somerset House

Strand, WC2R 1LA
Sun traps, river breezes and 18th-century grandeur off the Strand

This riverside cafe commands wonderful views of the Thames from outside 18th-century Somerset House. A welcome new addition to the cafe for 2009 is the Bombay Sapphire Dusk Bar designed by Tom Dixon where you can sip on a Bombay Sapphire Angel cocktail devised by Milk and Honey bar manager David Hobbs. Take your drinks out onto the spacious terrace - at night, this outdoor bar glows blue at 6pm as the sky darkens. By day the al fresco seating area becomes a bit of a sun trap where large sunshades shield customers from the sun's reflective glare and cooling breezes waft off the river. Order a salad and some fresh fish and watch the boats meander along the river as the sun goes down. Enter from the Strand side for easy access to the famous Courtauld Gallery and to enjoy the full effect of the grand courtyard with its fun fountains. Away from the bustle of the Strand, overlooking Waterloo Bridge and across the river to the Southbank it's easy to forget you're just minutes away from the West End. A pleasant summer venue.

The River Terrace Cafe at Somerset House - Information

Serpentine Bar & Kitchen

Serpentine Road, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
Rustic charm and an affordable Italian menu on the edge of the Serpentine boating lake

Formerly the Dell Cafe, the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen on the eastern edge of the Serpentine in Hyde Park has been given a facelift and is now run by Ben and Hugo Warner, of Benugo fame. These two have already transformed the restaurant at the BFI and, from April 2009, they've brought their winning formula to this lake side eaterie. Helpfully, the idyllic setting has already been done for them. After a pedalo on the lake, a skate in the park or (if you're brave) a swim in the lido, you can stop here for meals at any time of day from breakfast to lunch and on to tea and cake. The restaurant's elegantly undulating roof, built in 1965, remains and it's a joy to sit facing the water, watching the ducks which are easily visible through the west-facing wall made entirely of glass. Later in the summer the Benugo boys plan to bring in an old fashioned Citroen H ice cream van from which they'll sell their own gelato. In the meantime, you can enjoy the Anglo-Italian menu featuring wood fired oven cooked pizzas and slow-cooked whole pig as you watch the ducks float by.

More info: Serpentine Bar & Kitchen Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube