Al Fresco Restaurants in London

 
 
 
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Inn The Park

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Inn The Park
Inn The Park
Petersham Nurseries Cafe and Teahouse
Serpentine Bar & Kitchen
Lyric Hammersmith Roof Garden
The Summerhouse, Little Venice
SushiSamba
Brockwell Lido Cafe
Bluebird Cafe
Dishoom Shoreditch
Ham Yard Bar and Restaurant
The River Cafe
The Ivy Chelsea Garden
Boundary Rooftop
Pi Pizza Battersea
No 197 Chiswick Fire Station
Harry's Dolce Vita
Harry's Dolce Vita
The Coach, Clerkenwell
Selfridges' Rooftop: San Carlo
Fiume terrace at Battersea Power Station
Parrillan
Art Yard Bar & Kitchen terrace
Gin Mare Mediterranean Garden, Iberica Canary Wharf, summer 2019
Somerset House Terrace
 

 

Sun-dappled terraces, rooftops with a view, private walled gardens and riverside balconies, wherever you are in London you're never more than a few minutes from a comfortable outdoor table laden with delicious food. Check out our pick of London's best garden restaurants and al fresco food spots to find your top table for outdoor eating.

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Parrillan

DIY on your own grill at Parrillan, the outdoor terrace from Barrafina at Coal Drops Yard.

Coal Drops Yard, London, N1C 4AB

Tube: King's Cross Station

 
 

Outdoor dining doesn't come much better than sitting out on the terrace at Parrillan. The partially covered 100-seat restaurant bar and grill is run by the nearby Barrafina, with a menu by Executive Chef, Angel Zapata Martin. For the parrilla, they give you with your own mini charcoal grills, or parrillas, so you can cook meat, fish and vegetables at your table. Ahead of the main grilling course there's DIY to be done, too, in the Pan con Tomate where you assemble your own pan con tomate with toasted sourdough, rubbing it with garlic to your taste. Other snacks include salmorejo, escalivada, Cantabrian anchovies, Presa Iberica and the Barrafina favourite, banderillas - soft-boiled quail's egg wrapped with an anchovy.

 
 
 

Art Yard Bar & Kitchen

On the mezzanine of the Bankside Hotel, the Art Yard Bar & Kitchen has a terrace with views over St Paul's.

2 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 9JU

Tube: Southwark Station , Blackfriars Underground Station

 
 

From 1st May 2019 the outdoor terrace at the Bankside Hotel opens, offering views over St Paul's Cathedral, wood-fire pizzette and Hambledon sparkling wine. Run by the team at the all-day restaurant within the hotel, Art Yard Bar & Kitchen, the food is overseen by head chef Lee Streeton, previously of 45 Jermyn Street and Brown's Hotel. Enjoy a 10 pound lunch of goats cheese and basil ravioli or spelt squid ink risotto on the mezzanine level terrace and, when temperatures rise, cool off with an 'Everyday is Sundae' - five huge scoops of ice cream, chocolate brownie chunks, fudge pieces, nuts and lots of sauce.

 
 
 

Iberica Canary Wharf

The garden of Nacho Manzano's award-winning Spanish tapas restaurant gets a Mediterranean makeover.

10 Cabot Square, Tower Hamlets, London, E14 4QQ

Tube: Canary Wharf Station

 
 

In summer 2019, the back garden of Nacho Manzano's award-winning Spanish tapas restaurant Iberica in Canary Wharf's Cabot Square gets a Mediterranean makeover. Partnering with botanical gin makers, Gin Mare, the Med Garden is the perfect place for relaxed outdoor drinking and dining. At lunchtime, meat and seafood is cooked on the Josper grill and served alongside light and healthy seasonal salads, traditional Spanish sandwiches and sharing platters. Evenings at La Terraza are relaxed. Watch the world go by with a gin and tonic in hand and classic Spanish tapas.

 
 
 

The Coach, Clerkenwell

Enjoy apple sorbet in the 'bear garden', named after sports hosted here in the 18th century.

26-28 Ray Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 3DJ

Tube: Farringdon Station

 
 

A landmark public house in Clerkenwell since 1790, The Coach reopened in January 2018 and has getting more than its fair share of publicity with positive reviews from Giles Coren and Tom Parker Bowles. This summer it throws open the doors to its expansive terrace, known as the 'bear garden' as the outside spot used to play host to animal fights during the 18th century. Nowadays the decked garden offers tables and chairs for eating and drinking, with overhead lighting and foliage. Henry Harris has come up with some lovely seasonal dishes including asparagus soup, broad bean, pea, pea shoot, red onion, pine nut and cacioricotta salad, and fillet of cod. Finish with apple sorbet and a shot of Calvados for the ultimate summer refresher.

 
 
 

No 197 Chiswick Fire Station

The old fire station in Chiswick High Road has an inviting, airy courtyard at the back.

197-199 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 2DR

Tube: Turnham Green Station

 
 

The old fire station on Chiswick High Road is repurposed as an independent neighbourhood bar and restaurant, No 197 Chiswick Fire Station, with a forgotten courtyard, restored and refurbished to make an impressive outdoor drinking and dining space. No 197 Chiswick Fire Station is the fourth location belonging to the independent bar group Darwin & Wallace, adding to sister locations at No 32 The Old Town, overlooking Clapham Common, and No 1 Duke Street in Richmond. The open, naturally lit, stripped back utilitarian feel to this dining room recalls its heritage as a fire station. Interiors feature soft pinks, chalky whites and pale greys with upholstered sofas and terracotta tiles. The space, "more home than high-street", is a modern vision of the local pub with a cocktail menu and good quality food - from chicken kiev to blueberry ricotta pancakes - for relaxed all day eating and drinking.

 
 
 
 

Harry's Dolce Vita

All-day Italian from the Caprice group, emulates the glamour of 1950's Italy.

27-31 Basil Street, London, SW3 1BB

Tube: Knightsbridge Station

 
 

An all-day Italian restaurant from the Caprice group, Harry's Dolce Vita mixes stylish decor with seasonal plates, and has all the elegance and glamour of 1950's Italy. Named after Harry's Bar in Mayfair, the 64 seat Knightsbridge restaurant has a large terrace for al fresco dining. Chef Director Diego Cardoso brings with him extensive experience at several Michelin-starred restaurants, most notably at Murano, in Mayfair. Authentic antipasti, pasta e risotti and pesce e carne are added to with signature dishes including linguine vongole; pappardelle al ragu bolognese; and spigola al cartoccio - a whole seabass baked in a paper bag. The pudding or 'Dolci' menu, reflected in the restaurant's name, is extensive with traditional treats such as gelato cannoli, tiramisu and panna cotta. A grappa trolley brings an aperitif or digestif to your table while Italian wines and classic cocktails are also on the drinks list. Carefully curated photography and artwork adorns the walls, celebrating la dolce vita.

 
 
 

Selfridges' Rooftop: San Carlo

Pasta, risotto and seasonal Italian fare on the rooftop of Selfridges.

Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, Marylebone, London, W1U 1AB

Tube: Bond Street Station , Marble Arch Station

 

Dates: 27th April - 01st September 2018

 

A walkway of foliage and citrus trees creates a slice of Italy on the rooftop of Selfridges as the San Carlo Group - who run restaurants at Selfridges in Manchester and Birmingham - sets up a special Italian restaurant. The rooftop garden hosts 'alto by San Carlo', serving a day-to-night menu of pasta, risotto and seasonal Italian fare. Meat dishes made using Chianina beef from Tuscany and fish grilled in a Josper oven as well as fresh shellfish are the order of the day. Dine in the restaurant, where the retractable roof makes the best of the weather, or 'al fresco' on the sun terrace. The terrace also has special residencies throughout the summer including The Peroni Ambra Terrace (15th May to 10th June) and the Veuve Clicquot Rose Garden which runs from 17th June until 15th July and where, rumour has it, you'll be able to see all the on-court action from Wimbledon.

 
 
 

Pi Pizza Battersea

Artisan pizza in a vibrant, beautiful restaurant with a glass covered dining room.

4-6a Battersea Rise, London, SW11 1ED

Tube: Clapham South Station

 
 

The first thing you see when you arrive at Pi Pizza Battersea is a glorious ceiling made from hundreds of dried flowers, which took six staff members 80 hours to create. The ceiling sets the summery tone for the rest of the restaurant, where the main dining room has a glass ceiling, a vibrant blue tiled wall, cheery yellow sofas and even its own in-house tree. A side room has opens onto the streets of Battersea while the crowning glory is an open kitchen with a huge, mirror ball pizza oven. From the oven comes delicious artisan pizzas with a perfectly thin base, doughy yet crispy crust and an imaginative array of toppings. On a summer's day, the lemon meringue is the perfect fresh and zesty conclusion. What's more, there's an entire menu of starters, pizzas and desserts suitable for vegans.

 
 
 

Somerset House Terrace

This riverside cafe commands wonderful views of the Thames from outside the 18th-century Somerset House.

Somerset House, Strand, Covent Garden, London, WC2R 1LA

Tube: Temple Station

 
 

For summer 2019 the riverside terrace next to Somerset House is partnering with San Miguel beer to offer a summery menu of Spanish-inspired tapas and an outdoor swing. The enviable riverside location commands wonderful views of the Thames from the other side of the 18th-century courtyard. Large sunshades shield customers from the sun's reflective glare, while cooling breezes waft in off the river. Order padron peppers or stone baked flatbreads topped with chorizo, manchego and rocket and watch the boats meander along the river as the sun goes down. Facing away from the bustle on the Strand, overlooking Waterloo Bridge and the Southbank it's easy to forget you're just minutes away from the West End. As well as Spanish beers by the bottle there are exclusive beers on tap, including San Miguel London, and beer-based cocktails.

 
 
 

SushiSamba

This stylish restaurant has two outdoor terraces that boast spectacular views of the City.

Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, City, London, EC2N 4AY

Tube: Liverpool Street Station , Aldgate Station

 
 

Opening its first European location in London in the summer of 2012, SushiSamba serves Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian food from its lofty location, 175 metres up, on the top three floors of one of the tallest buildings in The City, Heron Tower. Already a huge hit Stateside with restaurants in New York, Miami, Chicago and Las Vegas, SushiSamba offers sushi and sashimi along with taquitos and tiraditos, with a choice of sophisticated cocktails from their Samba signatures to Latin classics like mojito and calpirinha, muddled with fresh fruit. Cetra/Ruddy, a New York-based architecture firm set up by John Cetra and Nancy Ruddy whose notable designs have included One Madison Park, is responsible for designing the restaurant's 1,247-square-metre space which includes two outdoor terraces and a Sex and the City style sky bar. Entry via elevator from a dedicated entrance on Bishopsgate brings you directly to the 39th floor restaurant and there's a second restaurant, Duck & Waffle, on the floor above.

 
 
 
 

Inn the Park - St James's Park

An idyllic setting and terrace views appeal at Oliver Peyton's lakeside St James's Park restaurant

St James's Park, St James's, London, SW1A2BJ

Tube: Westminster Station , St James's Park Station

 
 

Inn the Park is the brainchild of famed restaurateur Oliver Peyton, his idea being to cook 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. The menu changes through the day from brunch to buffet to cafe to proper restaurant, and there are picnics to take away in summer. The food - especially the buffet - can be a little variable in quality, but it is often excellent. Prices are reasonable, and the location, in the midst of the royal park, overlooking Duck Island and the lake, more than makes up for any complaints. 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.

 
 
 

Coq d'Argent

When summer strikes city workers roll up their sleeves and head to Le Coq d'Argent

1 Poultry, Bank, City, London, EC2R 8EJ

Tube: Bank Station , Mansion House Station, Cannon Street Station, Monument Station, St. Paul's Station

 
 

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. The huge roof terraces at this fabulous French eaterie atop No 1 Poultry makes it the most sought after alfresco spot on the square mile. The menus - an all-day brasserie menu, and a gourmet evening a la carte - are tailored to suit the City's distinctly conservative tastes. Dishes such as traditional Coq au Vin and Sea Bass fillet with ratatouille and shellfish are so scrumptious that they even distract from the fantastic views. It's suitably pricey and there is plenty of caviar for those seeking to impress either a date or 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.

 
 
 

Dishoom Shoreditch

This Shoreditch branch of the Indian restaurant boasts a beautiful verandah.

7 Boundary Street, Shoreditch, London, E2 7JE

Tube: Old Street Station

 
 

Based on the original Bombay cafes from the 1960s, Dishoom brings Indian cuisine to London and this Shoreditch branch is the second venue to open follow the success of the original restaurant on St Martin's Lane, Covent Garden. These cafes were all the rage in India in the 1960s, with almost four hundred popping up around the city. Today, fewer than thirty remain but with Dishoom drawing upon the heritage and legacy of these cafes and its all day menu paying homage to the cuisine of Bombay, the memory won't soon be forgotten. There's a wide variety of options to choose from on the menu, combining traditional Indian dishes with an Anglo infusion - look no further than the Bacon Naan Roll or the Lentil Mulligatawny as examples. This Shoreditch branch on Boundary Street also boasts a beautiful verandah with a retractable ceiling and walls, which proves a perfect choice for lunch or brunch in the sunshine.

 
 
 

Petersham Nurseries Cafe and Teahouse

Petersham Nurseries' chef can pick herbs fresh from the adjacent garden. Rustic simplicity at its best.

Church Lane, Petersham, London, TW10 7AG

Tube: Richmond Station

 
 

Located in what can only be described as a shed (spacious, light and furnished, but definitely a shed), Petersham Nurseries is the sort of restaurant where you'll see the chef popping out of the kitchen to pick herbs from the garden, and where homemade lemonade sits above the Pinot Noir on the drinks list. And it's absolutely perfect, especially in summer, when you can sit in the garden. Superb meat and glowingly fresh vegetables peep from beneath mountains of herbs. Of course, all this rustic simplicity doesn't come cheap. Dirt floors, rickety furniture and food bought directly from tiny organic farms all over Europe are ferociously chic and prices are high for a restaurant that is such a long way from anywhere. In 2017-8 Petersham Nurseries branched out to add a shop in Covent Garden where there are two restaurants, a bar and a courtyard.

 
 
 

Serpentine Bar & Kitchen

Rustic charm and an affordable Italian menu on the edge of the Serpentine boating lake

Serpentine Road, Hyde Park, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH

Tube: Knightsbridge Station

 
 

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, since taking over this large Hyde Park site in April 2009, they have been bringing their winning formula to the lake side eaterie. Helpfully, the idyllic setting has already been done for them. After a pedallo on the lake or (if you're brave) a swim in the lido which also has a cafe next to it, you can walk around the lake to the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen 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.

 
 
 
 

Metro Garden Restaurant

Twinkly lights, lush setting and romance in Clapham

9 Clapham Common Southside, London, SW4 7AA

Tube: Clapham Common Station

 
 

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 surrounded by lush greenery with a little help from the night stars and the glow of some carefully strung fairy lights. In cooler months a tent-type covering protects diners from the elements, while environmentally un-friendly heaters warm up chilly bones all year round. The British menu features dishes such as Hereford beef and Ink Spot pale ale pie, roasted venison loin with peppercorn sauce, and Banbury duck breast with salad and fresh prune chutney. There's also a supper club with two courses for £12.95 or, for the gym bunnies, a post workout supper club that include two healthy courses and a whey protein shake for £15. 

 
 
 

Lyric Hammersmith Roof Garden

The Lyric's delightful roof garden feels a world away from King Street below

Lyric Square, London, W6 0QL

Tube: Hammersmith Station

 
 

On the first floor of the excellent Lyric theatre in Hammersmith is an elevated oasis overlooking the fountains in Lyric Square. 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 inside, 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 Summerhouse

Open all year round, The Summerhouse makes the most of its Little Venice setting

Jason's Wharf, Opposite 60 Bloomfield Road, Little Venice, London, W9 2PD

Tube: Warwick Avenue Station , Royal Oak Station

 
 

When the owners of the popular Waterway restaurant in Little Venice noticed a constant demand for outside tables during the summer months it made sense to open The Summerhouse which offers an additional 60 seats situated directly on the Union Canal a stone's throw from its famous sister restaurant. Open all year round, there's a blue and white striped nautical theme in this establishment, with excellent seafood taking centre stage on the menu. Favourites include good old British fish and chips, swordfish steak, fish pie, mussels and halibut with bearnaise sauce, or transatlantic inspired specials such as New England clam chowder and popcorn shrimps with sweet chilli sauce. There is also a nice range of summery salads. It's not the easiest place to find, tucked away behind a red door and a long wall extending along the bank of the canal, but if you manage to hit off on a sunny Sunday for a waterside meal you'll feel as though you've unearthed a hidden gem. If you've got more than just your lunch hour to spare you can get on board for the boat trip - Jason's Trip run from Little Venice to Camden Lock, ideal for messing about on the river.

 
 
 

The Boundary Rooftop

The rooftop restaurant at Boundary is open all year round.

2-4 Boundary Street, Shoreditch, Shoreditch, London, E2 7DD

Tube: Old Street Station

 
 

This Shoreditch project is the first from Terence Conran since he signed over his well known restaurants - Bluebird, Quaglino's and plenty more besides - to D & D. The creation of Boundary saw an impressive makeover of this imposing building, a former Victorian warehouse, includes two restaurants (Boundary and Albion), twelve spacious hotel rooms and a rooftop bar, all stylishly done up - as you'd expect from the man behind Habitat and largely responsible for the 1990s revolution on London's restaurant scene. The guest rooms are named after famous designers and themed in their style, so you can stay in the Eames room or sit in the Corbusier chair. The more formal of the two restaurants, the Boundary, is located in the basement, cooking up a choice of classic French and English recipes including a top-notch traditional Sunday roast. The Albion caff is a more casual affair, offering British classics like fish pie from its ground floor spot, with pavement seating spilling out onto the street. Steeped in history, the bar includes the boundary stone which originally marked the end of the land belonging to drapers Jeremiah Rotherham & Co and the start of the London County Council's property. Today, Boundary Street separates Hackney from Tower Hamlets. The weekend lunch menus are great value at £19.50 for two courses or £24.50 for three.

 
 
 

Brockwell Lido Cafe

This cafe has a prime poolside location.

Brockwell Lido, Dulwich Road, London, SE24 0PA

Tube: Brixton Station

 
 

Overlooking the lovely Brockwell Lido, The Lido Cafe makes the best of its prime poolside position. On a warm day you could believe you're in a coastal resort in the Mediterranean rather than sunny South London. The cool vibe is felt throughout the cafe on the boarders of Brixton and Herne Hill where the menu gives British seasonal ingredients a European slant. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can have boiled egg and soldiers after an early morning dip in the pool, or lounge around on the outside terrace enjoying a well earned smoked haddock fishcake served with creamed spinach, sorrell and a poached egg following some lunchtime lengths. Evening menus which change monthly might include choices of Gloucester Old Spot pork belly with curly kale, Guinea fowl cooked in red wine, or dry aged rump steak which, like all their meats, comes from rare and traditional breeds with the beef hung for up to five weeks. A wide selection of wines is available and beer, brewed locally in Greenwich, is a welcome thirst quencher after a long hard day in the sun.

 
 
 
 

Bluebird Cafe

A spot on the terrace at this cafe is perfect for Sloane Ranger watching.

350 King's Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 5UU

Tube: South Kensington Station

 
 

Less exclusive than the Bluebird restaurant on the same site, this D & D London (formerly Conran Restaurants) eaterie is nonetheless very popular with Chelsea locals and European tourists alike. Serving a varied menu composed from the ingredients stocked in the attached epicerie, the Bluebird is affordable by local standards and boasts an excellent location on the King's Road. Grab a table on the terrace in summertime to watch the Sloane Rangers parading past in their faintly ridiculous couture. The food is pretty good as well, although a huge number of covers ensure that it is never wildly exciting.

 
 
 

Ham Yard Bar and Restaurant

A civilised courtyard hidden in the heart of Soho.

One Ham Yard, Soho, Soho, London, W1D 7DT

Tube: Piccadilly Circus Station

 
 

The civilised courtyard outside the Ham Yard Hotel is ideal for an al fresco meal in the heart of Soho - usually associated with standing drinkers and uneven pavement tables. Parasols and oak trees provide shelter from the sun while white tablecloths and mint green patio furniture create a refined, tranquil space. The restaurant features a frequently changing menu that revolves around fresh, seasonal ingredients that showcase the best of British produce. Expect dishes such as grilled red mullet and gurnard with a mussel, fennel and tomato broth; porchetta with black pudding croquette, spring greens, Bramley apple and rosemary; and calf's liver, swede and black pepper puree with capers and pancetta. The restaurant also serves breakfast and afternoon tea, as well as a generous cocktail menu.

 
 
 

The Ivy Chelsea Garden

Climbing roses, stone clad fountains and leafy trellises.

197 King's Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 5ED

Tube: South Kensington Station

 
 

Spin-off of and 'little sister' to the famous Ivy, The Ivy Chelsea Garden is the second opening under the Ivy Market Grill banner which first launched with an all-day restaurant in Covent Garden in December 2014. The King's Road restaurant is made up of various areas, each with a distinctive character. These include a bar and bar lounge, café, restaurant, orangery, terrace and garden. The interiors, a combination of parquet floors, antique mirrors and bronzed wall lights, have been designed by Martin Brudnizki and his team who were also responsible for Caprice Holdings 34. The modern British menu includes international dishes like raw yellow fin tuna carpaccio with spiced avocado, lime zest, crème fraîche and coriander shoots and chopped lobster rigatoni bake with Amalfi lemon and zucchini. Vegetarians are catered for with poached hen's eggs with sliced avocado, weekend brunch includes 'light & healthy' options and there are seriously tempting desserts like melting chocolate bombe with milk foam, vanilla ice cream and honeycomb centre with hot salted caramel sauce. But the secret surprise is at the back where the orangery, terrace and garden lie, with wisteria and climbing roses, stone clad fountains and leafy trellises making this a magical place to dine in the heart of Chelsea.

 
 
 

The River Cafe

This Michelin-starred restaurant is perfect for summer dining.

Thames Wharf, Rainville Road, London, W6 9HA

Tube: Baron's Court Station

 
 

Italian food, with its bright colours, and powerful flavours, doesn't lend itself to gourmet cooking in the way that complex French or Oriental cuisine can. So when an Italian restaurant in England receives a Michelin star, you suspect it may be something very special indeed. And the River Cafe is one of those restaurants that makes you want to get a 150-hours-a-week job as an investment banker, just so you can afford to eat there every day. The food is as simple and unpretentious as Italian should be, with great kicks of lemon, parmesan, tomato or chili. Sourcing is the key here, and the sheer quality of the ingredients shines through in every mouthful. Richard Rogers' unassuming dining room is light, comfortable and looks out onto a charming little riverside park. It's a perfect venue for summer dining, and since there is no booking on the outdoor seats, it is often possible to turn up and get a table, even at the weekend.

 
 
 

Blixen

This beautiful brasserie boasts an inviting outside area.

65A Brushfield Street, Spitalfields, London, E1 6AA

Tube: Liverpool Street Station , Aldgate East Station, Aldgate East Underground Station

 
 

An all-day brasserie found next to Old Spitalfields Market, Blixen is the fourth restaurant from Clive Watson - the man behind popular eateries The Garrison, Village East and The Riding House Café. The first of Watson's sites away from the Village London group, Blixen sees him partner up with Justin Gilbert. An informal yet stylish affair, the brasserie has an open kitchen, terrazzo-tiled flooring, mid-century furniture and enticing baby blue banquettes. Featuring options such as banana bread with whipped butter, almond milk porridge and American-style blueberry pancakes, the breakfast spread is just as appealing as Watson's other all-day brasserie, The Riding House Café - providing a great alternative to those dedicated individuals queueing for hours at the nearby Breakfast Club. Further menu options include crumbed ox tongue salad, monkfish tail with cauliflower and salsify, and rhubarb meringue roulade with pistachio ice cream. The former bank vault downstairs has also been transformed into an intimate underground cocktail bar, serving old hotel classics with an up-to-date twist, while the outside terrace has been filled with plants, cacti and flowers to create the perfect spot for some al fresco summer eating.

 
 
 
 

The Modern Pantry

Enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner overlooking the cobble St John's Square.

47-48 St John's Square, Clerkenwell, London, EC1V 4JJ

Tube: Farringdon Station , Barbican Station

 
 

Overlooking the cobbled St John's Square, the Modern Pantry is a quaint outdoor spot to enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner in the sunshine. The Clerkenwell restaurant is just down the road from Fergus Henderson's landmark eaterie St John. This well known restaurant opened to great excitement in August 2008 and, over time, has proved that it more than lives up to the hype. With a ground floor cafe, first floor restaurant and pantry (deli) under one roof, you can sample the internationally influenced three course menu, order birthday cake or take a sandwich away for lunch. We'd recommended settling in for the full experience, sampling innovative dishes like red cabbage and miso soup and cassava chips served with tomato chilli jam and crème fraiche. Mains continue the treat for adventurous eaters - with choices of sake and soy butternut squash risotto dressed with cashew and mint pesto, and roast pork belly with chocolate and balsamic vinaigrette. For afters, Earl Grey panna cotta served with blackberry and liquorice jelly or chocolate mousse cake with tamarind caramel and cocoa chilli crumbs are typical of the tempting choices that you'll surely find room for.

 
 
 

Fiume

An outdoor terrace lined with lemon and olive trees at Battersea Power Station.

Circus West Village, Battersea Power Station, London, SW8 5BN

Tube: Pimlico Station

 
 

The third restaurant from Francesco Mazzei, the Italian chef behind Sartoria on Savile Row and Radici in Islington, Fiume at Battersea Power Station is, aptly, named after the Italian for 'river'. The 120-cover restaurant, right next to the Thames, has an enviable terrace overlooking the piazza. Filled with lemon and olive trees, the outside space has room for 50 to dine al fresco. Menus pay homage to the Mezzogiorno, the Southern area of Italy that holds a special place in the heart of Francesco, a Calabrian native. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, zucchini fritti, seafood fregola and tiramisu emerge from the open kitchen with its wood-fired oven. One of 23 restaurants in the Circus West area of Battersea, Fiume and sits alongside Wright Brothers, No 29 Power Station West and mother pizzas.

 
 
 
 
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