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Al Fresco Dining in London
 
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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.
  Anglesea Arms
 35 Wingate Road, W6 0UR European / British It's hard to believe with its trendy dining crowd, stripped wooden floors, intentionally mismatching tables and wooden chairs, but this west London gastropub was where the 1963, £2.6 million Great Train Robbery was planned (apparently). Infamy aside, the Anglesea Arms is now a popular, largely-local, spirited supping spot. While the neighbourly drinkers normally sit in the front, the dining crowd flocks cosily to the open kitchen at the back. In summer months, we recommend you stake out one of the quaint, umbrella-shaded tables on the calm streets outside and enjoy some of the pub's fresh, tasty fare in dappled sunshine. The skilful kitchen serves up a modern mix of seasonal, traditional European/British dishes to satisfy both meat-lovers and vegetarians, while the varied drinks list serves more than 20 wines by the glass. If you're here for the superb food, arrive early. Tables operate on a first-come-first-serve basis, and we expect the wait to be a little longer than usual this year due to the recently-installed air conditioning which will prove popular as temperatures soar outside. Once you've had your fill, head over to budget chain Primark to scoop up catwalk trends for under a tenner. Address: 35 Wingate Road, W6 0UR Phone: 020 8749 1291 Cuisine: European / British Lunch: Mon to Sat 12:30 - 14:45, Sun 12:30 - 15:30 Dinner: Mon to Sat 19:00 - 22:30, Sun 19:00 - 22:00 Bar: Mon to Sat 11:00 - 23:00, Sun 12:00 - 22:30 Guide Price: £25 per person Nearest Station: Ravenscourt Park Tube Anglesea Arms - Information  The Wallace
Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN French The presence of a permanent glass shelter may declassify this as a true-blue alfresco restaurant, but trust us, you'll be thankful for The Wallace's stunning, clear-roofed atrium as summer's evening chill sweeps over the streets. This is the place to dine in style on summer days when you want to appreciate the outdoors but don't particularly want to experience it first-hand; diners at The Wallace are subtly protected by the restaurant's transparent alpine roof, ornamental silk fringed parasols and formal rows of laurel hedges and camellia trees. Lounge on gold-trimmed, crimson cushions decorating wrought iron chairs in an elegant, limestone courtyard as you tuck into the all-day seasonal French menu of chef Thierry Labourde. Labourde's light, easy-going French dishes and impressive array of terrines, cheeseboards, shellfish and charcuterie platters are supported by an exclusively French wine list. After this sordid French affair of good food and wine, explore the galleries of The Wallace Collection for some post-cuisine culture. Address: Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN Phone: reservations@thewallacerestaurant.com Cuisine: French Breakfast: Mon to Sun 10:00 - 12:00 Lunch: Mon to Sun 12:00 - 15:00 Afternoon Tea: Mon to Sun 15:00 - 17:00 Dinner: Fri & Sat 17:00 onwards Guide Price: Breakfast £15 per person / Lunch & Dinner £25 to £40 per person / Afternoon Tea £15 - £27 per person Nearest Station: Bond Street Tube The Wallace - Information  Cafe 2
Tate Modern, Bankside, Sumner Street, London SE1 9TG International / Brasserie If you want to combine your summer dining with some art, this gastronomic gem at the Tate Modern is the perfect choice. The floor-to-ceiling windows of Café 2 allow access to sunshine and breathtaking views over the river Thames. For an even closer inspection, walk past the long, sleek bar and pull up a sunny fuschia seat at the smart tables outside. Although the prices here can be slightly inflated (understandable for the panoramic view, prime location, and kid-friendly environment), the fresh seasonal menus (including a healthy classic menu for children) that reflect Modern European and Mediterranean influences are a cut above the usual museum-cafe offerings. Address: Tate Modern, Bankside, Sumner Street, London SE1 9TG Phone: 020 7401 5014 or cafe2.modern@tate.org.uk Cuisine: International / Brasserie Opening Times: Sun to Thu 10:00 - 18:00, Fri & Sat 10:00 - 23:00 Guide Price: £20 per person Nearest Station: Blackfriars Tube / Rail Cafe 2 (Tate Modern) - Information  The Orangery (Kensington Palace)
Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX Cafe This classic, 18th century building, which forms part of Kensington Palace, continues to fulfil its original purpose - as a place of summer entertainment. Designed by Sir John Vanburgh for Queen Anne in 1704, this window-lined structure (at one point a functioning greenhouse) is a pretty place for a summer meal. The white-bricked interior and dramatic Corinthian columns are surrounded by neatly manicured gardens and towering shrubs which flourish in the warmer months. Stop at this bright and airy historical cafe after touring through the dark panelling that covers the walls of Kensington Palace (State Apartments) for some light lunch or traditional afternoon tea. Sit outside and admire the sandstone-coloured palace and lush lawn while indulging in the signature Orangerie Cake (a dense yellow cake with orange butter cream icing) or one of their light lunch selections of sandwiches and soups. Queen Anne couldn't have commissioned better. Address: Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX Phone: 020 7376 0239 Cuisine: Cafe Opening Times: Mar to Oct: Mon to Sun 10:00 - 18:00 | Nov to Feb: Mon to Sun 10:00 - 17:00 Guide Price: Main courses £7.95 - £11.50 / Set tea £7.95 - £16.95 Nearest Station: High Street Kensington Tube / Queensway Tube The Orangery (Kensington Palace) - Information  Clos Maggiore
33 King Street, WC2E 8JD French / Modern European LondonTown presents the key to your very own secret garden; this independent gastronomic gem in the vicinity of Covent Garden's chain-filled streets provides an endearing glimpse of rural southern France. A cosy, indoor courtyard is festooned with decorative branches of blossom, which come into full bloom when the glass roofs slide open in radiant summer months. Discretely placed mirrors reflect the crackling light of a log fire, magically illuminating a lush, leaf-covered archway. When night falls, the candles and stardust skies combine to create an irresistibly romantic backdrop. The modern European menu is inspired by the tastes and traditions of France, with a focus on quality ingredients and sophisticated presentation. With an award-winning, international wine list that features over 30 bottles by the glass, an afternoon here will seem too short. Address: 33 King Street, WC2E 8JD Phone: 020 7379 9696 Cuisine: French / Modern European Lunch: Mon to Fri 12:00 - 14:30 Dinner: Mon to Fri 17:00 - 23:00, Sat 17:00 - 23:00 Guide Price: £60 per person Nearest Station: Covent Garden Tube Clos Maggiore - Information  No. 5 Cavendish Square
5 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PG Modern European Enjoy the gentle breeze soaring above the hot streets of London at this modish roof garden hideaway overlooking the stately sycamores of Cavendish Square. Perched atop a handsome, Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse, this al fresco haven comes complete with its own cocktail-conjuring bar, and comfortable, cream, rattan and wicker furniture. The opulent interior is held together by alluring crimson walls, matching seats, chandeliers and oversized paintings. If you'd rather be among greenery, you have the option of heading downstairs to nestle in the sun-trap patio adjoining the Ground Floor Bar. The roof garden's menu offers simple platters, burgers and sandwiches and a large variety of cocktails. For a more extensive selection of dishes, pop into the contemporary European restaurant that serves dishes with an Italian twist - you might even catch Victoria Beckham, Billy Zane or Charlize Theron on their night out. If you do, why not chance your luck and see if you can score an entry into the funky members-only nightclub below to party with the stars. Address: 5 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PG Phone: 0870 780 8164 Cuisine: Modern European Breakfast: Mon to Sun 7:30 - 10.30 Lunch: Mon to Fri & Sun 12:00 - 15:00 Dinner: Mon to Sat 19:00 - 23:00 Guide Price: £55 per person Nearest Station: Oxford Circus Tube No. 5 Cavendish Square - Information  RIBA Cafe & Restaurant
66 Portland Place, W1B 1AD Modern European London's architecture seamlessly blends the old and new world together, and there could not be a more appropriate place to admire this fluid magnificence than at the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Café & Restaurant. Only five minutes from Oxford Circus, RIBA offers a private yet exciting dining experience with the fresh and natural Modern European menu by Michelin-starred chef David Cavalier. Mouth-watering dishes like Tortellini of Black Leg Chicken in an Onion Ragout and Lemon Cheesecake topped with Lavender Ice Cream can be savoured on the spacious sunlit roof terrace of this 1930s Grade II-listed building. Although surrounded by tall modern structures, every inch of this well-exposed urbanite's patio is drenched with sunlight in the summer. After lunch, venture indoors to the funky award-winning architect-designed café-bar or explore the RIBA's amazing Architecture Gallery. Address: 66 Portland Place, W1B 1AD Phone: 020 7631 0467 Cuisine: Modern European Opening Times: Mon to Fri 8:00 - 18:00, Sat 9:00 - 16:00 Guide Price: £28 per person / Set lunch £16.95 for two courses, £20.95 for three courses Nearest Station: Great Portland Street Tube / Oxford Circus Tube RIBA Cafe & Restaurant - Information  The Terrace at The Ritz
150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR British It would be bordering on foolish to leave out the opulent terrace at the grand Ritz Hotel when writing an article about summer dining. A meal here, or at any of the Ritz restaurants for that matter, is seen as the epitome of British high society living. When the heat starts to soar, head for the Terrace's protective sunshades and while away your afternoon in stately, wrought iron chairs in front of elegant tables laden with crisp white tablecloths and gleaming tableware. Indulge in the simple and traditional, but fresh, light and seasonal, "Palace style" cuisine, unique to Executive Chef John Williams, as waiters in tuxedos pander to your every need. The hotel and its restaurants are endorsed by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and regular guests include politicians, film stars, members of the English aristocracy and American tycoons. There will be plenty of star-gazing opportunities here so be sure to gawk all you want. After all, we believe it's part of the hefty price tag. Just remember not to go overboard. Address: 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR Phone: 020 7493 8181 Cuisine: British Breakfast: Mon to Sat 7:00 - 11:00, Sun 8:00 - 11:00 Lunch: Mon to Sat 12:30 - 14:30 Afternoon Tea: 12:00, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30 Dinner: Mon to Sat 18:00 - 22:30, Sun 18:30 - 22:30. Guide Price: £60 to £90 per person Nearest Station: Green Park Tube The Ritz Restaurant - Information  The Terrace in the Fields
Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3LJ Modern Eclectic This modest gem is back to grace our list. Plum in the middle of London's oldest park, Lincoln's Inn Fields, this organic structure of sandy-coloured wood pillars, navy blue borders and a translucent white canopy, resembles a well-kept shed in an enchanting landscaped garden. In reality, it is a charismatic fusion restaurant flanked by a large alluring terrace along the back, and a barbeque area that livens up in the summers with Caribbean-style cook-outs. Led by Celebrity chef Patrick Williams, the Terrace's unconventional cuisine is an exceptional blend that combines British tradition, French structure and Caribbean flair. The creative menu changes regularly to reflect the availability of fresh ingredients brought about by seasonal trends, while stability is achieved with the small but impressive wine list and superb quality of service. If dining in the sunshine is not your thing, sit under the umbrellas or inside under the canopy, or make use of the restaurant's unique location that renders the park a private playground when its gates close to the public at night. (Note: You have to get in to the restaurant before the park closes to qualify for this privilege.) Address: Lincoln Inn Fields, London WC A3LJ Phone: 020 7430 1234 or info@theterrace.info Cuisine: Modern Eclectic Breakfast: Mon to Fri 8:00 - 11:00, Sat 11:00 - 14:00 Lunch: Mon to Sat 12:00 - 15:30 Dinner: Mon to Sat 17:30 - 20:30 Guide Price: £26 to £40 per person / Set lunch £13.95 for three courses Nearest Station: Holborn Tube The Terrace in the Fields - Information  Lost Society
697 Wandsworth Road, Clapham, SW8 3JF Modern European Back in her heyday, Queen Elizabeth I hosted a banquet in this historic 16th century Manor House. It can't be hard to imagine what it was like, especially since this two-storey former barn has been transformed into a lavishly decadent bar and restaurant that features modish chandeliers, regal wallpaper prints, silky curtains and deep mahogany beams among the many opulent decorations. Interestingly, the ghost of a flower seller is said to haunt the halls (killed when she asked for payment maybe?), so as soon as you feel your spine tingle, head outside to the Secret Garden where the earthy summer breeze will calm you and take you away from contemplating the unknowns of the paranormal realm (this is where you should be anyway - it's the best "room" in the building). Order up one of their many exotic stiff drinks or international bottled beers (no pints here), but don't down it before you've tucked into Lost's Modern European dishes, which is superb bar-food. Don't be fooled by the retro-sounding dish names - the flavours are contemporary and well-matched. Address: 697 Wandsworth Road, Clapham, SW8 3JF Phone: 020 7652 6526 or info@lostsociety.co.uk Cuisine: Modern European Opening Times: Mon to Thu 17:00 - 1:00, Fri 16:00 - 2:00, Sat 12:00 - 2:00, Sun 12:00 - 1:00 Guide Price: £40 per person / Set dinner £22 for three courses on Fri and Sat nights, £14 for two courses on Tue to Thu between 18:00 - 19:30 Nearest Station: Clapham Common Tube Lost Society - Information
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