The Provençal Rosé Paradox occurs when a mediocre rosé produces earth-shattering results somewhere on the south coast of France, but tastes like Blossom Hill in foggy England. On each of these terraces, ignore this rule: each terrace is blessed, leafy, sun-drenched (let’s hope) and charming; where the ills of the world are quickly forgotten and replaced only by good drink and good food. From the rooftops of Soho to the palatial Mayfair enclaves, these restaurants and bars are among the best for outdoor dining in London. All places to spend an afternoon this summer. And yes, there are many, but that’s because we are in England after all, not Provence.
Claridges
Thin in form but not in offering, Claridge’s terrace is a place to drink a portion of Château d’Esclans Les Clans 2022 or 2021, depending on your bank balance, and sample one of London’s most inventive new snacks to taste, the ‘chef’s crumpet selection’. ”, a changing fun wheel of pieces on top of spongy crumpets.
Claridge’s, Brook Street, W1, claridges.co.uk
The Devonshire
“It will not be bookable due to the vagaries of the British weather,” Devonshire landlord Oisín Rogers told the Standard. “But if you are already booked and the roof is open, you can make a decision.” This is the roof of the most famous pub in the world (you read about it here first), a place where you can gaze out over the busy streets of Soho while drinking the best pint of Guinness in the country with a plate of buttery langoustines. Wine is also encouraged.
Denmanstraat 17, W1, devonshiresoho.co.uk
Luca
Desperate for an Italian escape? Search no further. Complete with retractable roof and crackling fireplace to ward off the cold and rain, this cobblestone courtyard is a divine place to enjoy Parmesan fries, rigatoni with pork sausage ragù and tiramisu. That’s an order.
88 St John Street, EC1, luca.restaurant
Dovetale
A gift from Tom Sellers, the man behind the famous Restaurant Story. This may not be the most affordable terrace to eat in the city, but it is certainly one of the most beautiful. This super chic space offers oysters, burrata (if that’s your thing), juicy fried chicken and plenty of fizz. And there is a DIY knickerbocker glory trolley.
3 Berkeleystraat, W1, 1hotels.com
Fallow
This fantastic terrace offers both the sustainable dishes of Jack Croft and William Murray and some of London’s best frozen margaritas. Highlights include a silky mushroom parfait, fire-grilled smoked cod head and an old ex-dairy cow burger with an ultimate design.
52 Hooimarkt, SW1, fallorestaurant.com
Coaster
With two Michelin stars but no refined splendor, Trivet is the epitome of reliable, relaxed luxury. Tucked away on a serene street in Bermondsey, chef Jonny Lake and sommelier Isa Bal promise dishes such as Cornish sea bass crudo, ox tongue rolls and crispy wings in spicy panko crumbs with honey mayonnaise, alongside a list of more than 450 wines.
36 Snowfields, SE1, trivetrestaurant.nl
Bentleys
An oldie but a goodie, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Richard Corrigan’s fish-forward setting. From the freshest oysters to surprisingly deep bisque, the famous fish pie to platters of fruits de mer, here you will find just about everything you could wish for, as well as a divine list of sparkling wines.
11-15 Swallowstraat, W1, bentleys.org
Western laundry
Fancy natural wine? This Highbury neo-bistro features an excellent selection of low-intervention bottles and small plates laced with regenerative products. The menu changes in a flash, but keep your eyes peeled for recent gems like Sicilian salsiccia, labneh-stuffed peppers, and calamari.
34 Drayton Park, N5, westernslaundry.com
Terrazza Focaccia at Allegra
As the name suggests, the famous Tuscan bread takes center stage here, with four Patrick Powell ‘hero sandwiches’ on the menu, including a roast chicken club and a vegetarian option made with stracciatella and Mediterranean vegetables. There are also fine wines and jazzy sundaes courtesy of pastry chef Kelly Cullen.
Manhattan Loft Gardens, 22 International Road, E20, thestratford.com
Llama Inn
High above the Hoxton in Shoreditch lies Llama Inn, a New York import that serves excellent Peruvian food. On the terrace pisco sours, snacks and lots of sun, in nice weather thanks to its south-facing location. Lamb empanadas, leek with gazpacho, cod and yuca and sugar snap peas match the rosé and cocktails.
1 Willowstraat, EC2, llamainnlondon.com
Los Mochis
Find the newest branch of Mochis near Liverpool Street. It’s an outdoor space that rises high above Broadgate Circle, a huge 3,000 square meter spot with a landscape of views from St Paul’s to the London Eye. The menu features Los Mochis’ Mexican-Japanese dishes – lots of tacos – and an extensive selection of tequila and mezcal. Enjoy the 3am license.
9th Floor, 100 Liverpool Street, EC2, losmochis.co.uk
Seabird
Seabird, the cheerful seafood palace above The Hoxton in Southwark, became Casa Seabird at the end of May, shifting the emphasis to the summers of Ibiza. And so a view of the city with Mediterranean-inspired food and refreshing tequila-based drinks from maker Casamigos. To the soundtrack of resident DJs, guests – from Thursday to Saturday – settle down on a terrace full of tropical plants and drink frozen palomitas.
14th Floor, 40 Blackfriars Road, SE1, seabirdlondon.com
TT drink
TT Liquor is an impressive East London attraction, with a cellar bar, cinema room and food and drink offering spread over several floors. The rooftop features a menu of snacks, crudo and wood-fired sharing plates, including grilled pork belly, grilled Cornish cod, lamb koftes with sumac, onions and garlic. Find well-made cocktails, a large wine list and beer.
17B Kingslandweg, E2, tt-london.co.uk
Lord Napier star
Next to the canal, Hackney Wick rings with the sound of clinking pints at the Crate Brewery, with the Alfred Le Roy cocktail ship especially enchanting when the roof is open. Just around the corner is the Lord Napier Star, the pub once famous for its dilapidated state. The graffiti-covered drink has now been restored and brings pints in abundance and cheap margins.
Witte Postlaan 25, E9, lordnapierstar.co.uk
The Culpeper
Enjoy a beer in the sun: the roof of the Culpeper was built exactly for that purpose. The garden atmosphere is always popular here and is determined by the produce growing around the tables. Come hungry for snacks such as cheese croquettes and enjoy well-pulled cask beers. Don’t feel like taking the stairs? People pour into the street below.
Shopping street 40, E1, theculpeper.com
Franks
Of all the Peckham rooftops used for pale ale at sunset, this one shines as one of the brightest. Frank’s was one of the first bars to bring Negronis south of the river, and the views are amazing, which explains its long-lasting appeal: you may well lose unintentional hours here.
Multi-storey car park on floors 7 to 10, 95A Rye Lane, SE15, boldtendencies.com/franks-cafe
Netil360
Located in the heart of Hackney, Netil 360 is a simple, no-frills East London retreat. The interior portion of the bar appears to be made largely of chipboard, but beyond that lies a seriously relaxing sunbathing area of an outdoor terrace. The drinks menu features mostly local breweries and distilleries, including Truman’s and Five Points.
1 Westgatestraat, E8, netil360.com
Hopper’s King’s Cross
The redeveloped King’s Cross is no less attractive in the open air – the terraces of Coal Office, Parrillan and Vinoteca all get a thumbs up – but Hoppers is the prettiest, not least for its views over the Regent’s Canal and the lively goings-on and sailing from Granary Square. Expect eponymous hoppers, dosas, mutton rolls, butter squid and lamb shank biryani.
Unit 3, 4 Pancras Square, N1, hopperslondon.com
Forza wine
Forza Win, the modern and fun Italian restaurant where the pasta is delicious and where custard coffee (Custardo™) was born, may have moved to Camberwell, but Forza Wine, the bar and small plates, remains in SE15. It’s an aperitivo paradise and a place for fritto misto, tomatoes with garlic and olive oil, and bream with pickled fennel.
The Roof, 133A Rye Lane, SE15, forzawine.com
The roof of The Standard
The Standard is one of London’s coolest hotels and the Rooftop is a celebrity hit. Visit it any day and there will be people drinking champagne and admiring a cheerful slice of North London from all angles. There is a faint New York atmosphere. Just ignore the artificial grass.
10 Argylestraat, WC1, standardhotels.com
Sam’s riverbank
The terrace is tucked away to one side of the restaurant, which isn’t a bad thing if it means a passing skater doesn’t end up off the Thames Path into your lunch. Yet the river (the trees swaying on the other side) is still very much present. Simple things done well is the kitchen’s mantra: beef tartare perhaps, or lobster rolls. Top cocktails encourage you to linger.
1 Sharp Road, W6, samsriverside.co.uk
Trinity
Small is beautiful at Trinity, where the small terrace overlooks Clapham Common. Although all eyes are just as likely to be on the plates of Michelin-starred food coming out of chef Adam Byatt’s kitchen. On the menu: crispy rice with salmon, a top shrimp cocktail, chicken Milanese and flat iron steak.
4 The polygon, SW4, trinityrestaurant.co.uk