When visiting London while the weather is good we all want to be the ones basking in midday sun or enjoying the golden hour glow while we eat. But we’ll be the first to admit that acquiring an outdoor table in London can sometimes feel like a higher stakes endeavour than getting Glastonbury tickets. So whether this article urges you to rethink your tactics (call ahead, arrive earlier etc.), or simply inspires you to try somewhere new, it’s thanks to our partnership with South Western Railway, that we bring you these al fresco dining recommendations. So go forth and secure your spot in the sun – before someone else does!
1. The Dusty Knuckle Bakery
Despite living in a car park that hides it from any passing trade, The Dusty Knuckle Bakery has garnered an almost cult-like following. The menu changes regularly so it would be redundant to advise too heavily on how to order. But if you want a chance at getting one of their outdoor tables, we suggest arriving early. Start with a Morning Bun (a cinnamon bun made with croissant dough). Then savour that with a coffee until it’s time to revisit the counter and order multiple sandwiches at lunchtime.
Dalston: Abbot Street Car Park, E8 3DP
Harringay: 429 Green Lanes, N4 1HA
2. Acme Fire Cult
If, after breakfast and lunch at The Dusty Knuckle you’ve resigned yourself to a three-meals-out kind of day, then good. Because metres away from the bakery, within the same unassuming car park, lies Acme Fire Cult. Although this isn’t necessarily conveyed by the name nor the general aesthetic, the menu at this modern BBQ restaurant is surprisingly vegetable-led. That’s not to say there’s no meat, because there is, and it’s fantastic. But their ingenious veggie starters are the perfect warm act to be enjoyed on the heated terrace, with one of their great cocktails. Abbot St, E8 3DP
3. Antipodea
It seems as though there is an unwritten rule amongst foodies that sometimes, just sometimes, a place that categorises itself as ‘all-day dining’ should be approached with caution. But not this one. Antipodea has genuinely got all the makings of somewhere you’d like to eat and drink… all day! With their outdoor seating you can enjoy Richmond’s peaceful atmosphere whilst feasting on everything from Turkish pides to Sichuan lamb ribs with crispy ginger and garlic. 30 Hill St, Richmond TW9 1TW
4. No.197 Chiswick Fire Station
Another all-day al fresco dining spot to add to your list, which also happens to be in leafy west London. And nestled away behind the restaurant and bar area is a secret sun-trap terrace. This spacious garden area keeps an intimate feel thanks to its high walls and fairy light-adorned pergola. Select a delicious meal from their sustainable menu, and if it’s one of those days, you can enjoy bottomless drinks for 90 minutes for an extra £30 per person. 197-199 Old Mkt Pl, Chiswick High Rd., Chiswick W4 2DR
5. Gremio De Brixton
Even long-standing Lambeth locals can be forgiven for not knowing that this place exists. Gremio de Brixton is a rustic tapas bar tucked away in a vaulted cellar beneath St Matthew’s church. But their outdoor seating spills onto the church’s courtyard, affording diners the opportunity to people-watch whilst eating their padron peppers. The food is very reasonably priced and the bar is open till 3am on weekends, with DJ GIIO hosting Latin Nights, if their ‘Brixton Sangría’ has got you feeling that way inclined. St Matthew’s Church, Basement, Brixton Hill SW2 1JF
6. Wes and Sandy’s pick of the week
South Western Railway’s winged friends, Sandy and Wes are always ready to share their top London recommendations. Sandy loves the arts, theatre and lunching with the girls, while Wes loves clubs, pubs and going to gigs with his mates. But one thing they have in common is that they’re both serious foodies, and they both love The Hawk’s Nest. Directly opposite Goldhawk Road station, this lovely spot has a cosily lit terrace on which guests can enjoy its offerings. This includes arancini, sourdough pizza and an irresistible variety of cocktails, alongside your draft, wines etc. It’s a wonderful place to be any day of the week, but visit between 12pm-7pm Monday to Friday and you can enjoy a margarita (pizza and cocktail!) for the astonishingly reasonable price of £12.50. Goldhawk Rd, Shepherd’s Bush Market W12 8DF
7. Mare Street Market
London’s markets are always a good al fresco dining option, and while Hackney’s Mare Street Market might not be a traditional market in the strictest sense of the word – it is an excellent spot for an indoor or outdoor bite to eat. This leafy spot is home to a stunning heated garden terrace, restaurant, deli, bar, florist, record shop, barber, tattooist and more. Not to mention that with SWR Rewards you can get 20% off all food and drink at Mare Street Market when you present your valid SWR ticket! 117 Mare St, Hackney, London E8 4RU
8. Seabird
Sitting at your rooftop table, indulging in exquisite seafood, you might suddenly be overcome by the feeling that you’re in actual heaven. And no, entry to heaven doesn’t come cheap. But if you are partial to a crustacean or mollusk of the premium variety, Seabird is a good place to find it. And with that view? We challenge you to find a more show stopping al fresco dining scenario. 14th Floor, South Bank, 40 Blackfriars Rd, SE1 8NY
9. Sage Kitchen
Just a five minute walk from Clissold Park you’ll find Sage Kitchen which is perfect for if you really want to make the most of a nice sunny day. Their eclectic menu offers everything from vegan mezze to salads, burgers and an all encompassing breakfast menu. The handful of outdoor tables lining the pavements are perfectly situated to soak up the sun all day. And it’s here that we’d recommend tucking into a plate of Colombian eggs with one of their breakfast cocktails. N.B. These guys source their sourdough from The Dusty Knuckle – need we say more? 88 Mountgrove Rd, Finsbury Park N5 2LT
10. Forza Wine
It would be wrong for us not to include a more wallet-friendly, sky-high option somewhere in this round up – especially as London is so saturated with amazing rooftop drinking and dining spots. This only creates more need for said establishments to differentiate themselves with better food and better drinks. And in our opinion, Forza Wine has done that. Sometimes less really is more when it comes to menus, and what theirs might lack in size, it certainly makes up for in quality. And in the current climate, a trendy rooftop bar with a cocktail menu capped at £10 is not to be sniffed at. So this is your sign to graze on mouth watering small plates, sip excellent cocktails and soak in the stunning city views on your next summer’s evening. The Rooftop, 133A Rye Ln, SE15 4BQ