Now I really don’t want to jinx it for us but it seems as though the weather is looking sort of maybe quite nice, and we all know what that means: across the city, Londoners are slapping on their suncream and flocking to their nearest rooftop bars, beer gardens, and outdoor terraces.
Dining al fresco really is one of life’s simple pleasures, so we’ve rounded up the very best summer terraces in London for you to make a dash for in the rare moments that the temperature rises to these kinds of temperatures. I know, we’re very kind.
Table Of Contents
Summer terraces in central London
1. Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury
We simply had to kick off our list of the best summer terraces in London with the flower-filled haven that is Dalloway Terrace. You’ve probably seen it all over your Instagram feed already, and for good reason: it’s the perfect summer spot for sipping drinks and snapping pics. Enjoy refreshing cocktails and delicious dishes whilst surrounded by fresh foliage and beautiful blooms.
📍 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN
2. Sparrow Italia, Mayfair
Situated in the heart of Mayfair, Sparrow serves up some of the finest Italian food alongside some of the finest vibes in the city. Their gorgeous roof terrace is a perfect spot to sip on one of their show-stopping cocktails whilst enjoying a front row seat to watch the sunset.
📍 1-3 Avery Row, W1K 4AJ
3. The Botanist, Sloane Square
Credit: @thebotanistonsloanesquare
Summer is in full swing over at The Botanist on Sloane Square. Their terrace offers an enchanting escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, serving up botanical gin, refreshing cocktails, Mediterranean-inspired small plates and delicious pizza. Count us in!
📍 7-12 Sloane Square, SW1W 8EG
4. Bistrot on the Terrace, St. James
Situated within the luxurious Sofitel London St James hotel, Bistrot on the Terrace boasts all of the elegance and grandiose of the South of France with none of the stress of having to locate your passport. What more could you ask for?
📍 46 Waterloo Place, St. James’s, SW1Y 4AN
5. Morena, Belgravia
Nestled away inside Eccleston Yards, Morena is an all-day dining restaurant serving Latin-American inspired dishes and cocktails with a contemporary twist. A gorgeously warm and cosy atmosphere and a total hub for people-watching. Try their iced strawberry matcha if you go – it converted me to matcha!
📍 10-11 Eccleston Yards, SW1W 9AZ
6. Casa Do Frango, Various locations
Credit: @naturallymaz
Casa Do Frango boasts a menu just as gorgeous as the atmosphere, their terraces will transport you straight to the streets of Portugal. What more could you possibly want?
📍 Various London locations
Summer terraces in north London
7. Coal Terrace from Coal Office, King’s Cross
Coal Terrace is a new rooftop destination in Coal Drops Yard, attached to the gorgeous Coal Office restaurant. Looking at it, you might think it’s the perfect spot for a cocktail, and it is (the Rimonana Mezcal in particular is very nice) – but the food here is absolutely divine. Combining flavours and traditions from the Middle East and the Mediterranean, the menu is a journey you are going to want to embark on.
We can’t guarantee the menu will be the same each time, but when we visited our highlights were: the braised hispi cabbage dusted in a spicy, herby ash; the creamy polenta with parmesan and a mushroom ragout; and the freshly baked kubalah (Yemeni brioche) dipped in a Middle Eastern date honey and za’atar dip. We finished things off with a salted chocolate mousse, which meant pushing the boundaries of fullness but was so worth it, and a stunning passion fruit dessert wine. All in all, a 10/10 spot for catching up with friends. Should note that they also have a terrace that runs adjacent to the restaurant and is slightly more sheltered – and has heaters should you need them!
📍 2 Bagley Walk, London, N1C 4PQ
8. The Lighterman, King’s Cross
Credit: @thelightermankx
Contemporary pub and dining room, The Lighterman, is located in the heart of King’s Cross. It offers a casual, relaxed setting spanning across three unique outdoor spaces, so you can admire a different view each time you visit.
📍 3 Granary Square, N1C 4BH
9. Granary Square Brasserie, King’s Cross
Credit: @granarysquarebrasserie
Another al fresco gem of King’s Cross is Granary Square Brasserie. As well as the gorgeous views across Regent’s Canal and the Granary Square fountains, guests can enjoy an extensive menu and live DJs and entertainment.
📍 1 Granary Square, N1C 4AB
10. Rotunda, King’s Cross
It turns out that King’s Cross is the place to be this summer (who knew?) as another restaurant has made the list. This time it’s Rotunda, who are bringing the bohemian-chic vibes of Mexico right to London’s canalside.
📍 90 York Way, N1 9AG
11. The Castle, Islington
Credit: @thecastlen1
Standing proud on Pentonville Road, The Castle‘s charming rooftop is a go-to spot in Islington if you’re looking for a great atmosphere and a great pint.
📍 54 Pentonville Road, N1 9HF
12. Parrillan, King’s Cross
Located in the ever-so-trendy Coal Drops Yard, Parrillan is a beautiful covered terrace that boasts lovely riverside views and celebrates all things Spanish.
📍 Coal Drops Yard, Stable Street, N1C 4AB
13. Common Ground, Finsbury Park
Credit: @commongroundlondon
Neighbourhood favourite, Common Ground, is a laid-back eatery serving up globally-inspired food and drink. Their terrace is adorned with plants and is quite frankly a wonderful option for your next al fresco meet-up.
📍 49 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, N4 3EF
14. Fatto A Mano, King’s Cross
Credit: @fattoamanopizza
If you’re looking for friendly service, affordable (and delicious) pizza, and a great selection of craft beers, look no further than Fatto A Mano. Round up your pals and go and fill your boots with pizza in the sunshine.
📍 Unit 1, 3 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
15. Hoppers, King’s Cross
Credit: @hopperslondon
Yet another King’s Cross hot spot, Hoppers is a Sri Lankan restaurant inspired by the coastal journey from Colombo to Galle. Their menu is full of bar bites, seafood grills and beach-side snacks, all of which can be washed down with an array of colourful and tropical drinks.
📍 Unit 3, 4 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
16. German Gymnasium, King’s Cross
Rounding up the best summer terraces in north London is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that is German Gymnasium. Their outdoor terrace is open for all-day dining with a Mittel-European-inspired menu, including all the traditional German dishes and beer you could hope for.
📍1 King’s Boulevard, N1C 4BU
Summer terraces in east London
17. Aviary London, City
The next entry on our list of the very best summer terraces in London is Aviary. This gorgeous sky-high bar is the perfect spot to spend dun-drenched golden hours. I’ll happily drink to that.
📍 22-25 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1DX
18. The Sipping Room, West India Quay
Credit: @drakeandmorgan
The Sipping Room is found just moments away from West India Quay station and boasts a large terrace overlooking the docks. With seasonal menus, tempting cocktails, and idyllic botanical decor; this gorgeous spot is perfect for all occasions, from working lunches to romantic dinners, and everything in between.
📍 West India Quay, 16 Hertsmere Road, E14 4AX
19. The Light Bar, Shoreditch
Credit: @lightbarlondon
Spread over three floors of an iconic power station in Shoreditch, The Light Bar has created a fun space where the food is generous and the drinks are flowing.
📍 233 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6PJ
20. Mr Fogg’s City Tavern, City
Credit: @mrfoggsgb
This popular Victorian-style tavern in the heart of Broadgate Circle has been transformed into a Guinness Garden for the summer. Decked out with Guinness barrels and flowers with a nod to the iconic golden harp; Mr Fogg’s City Tavern is the place to go for a pint of the Black Stuff, some sun-soaked cocktails, a light bite, and a damn good time.
📍 37 Broadgate, London EC2M 2QS
21. Old Bengal Bar, Liverpool Street
Old Bengal Bar is a super chic cocktail bar found inside a beautiful Grade II-listed building near Liverpool Street. They pride themselves on offering outstanding cocktails, a superb menu and impeccable service.
📍 16a New Street, EC2M 4TR
22. Coppa Club, Tower Hill
Credit: @coppaclub
Coppa Club is the proud owner of those all-year-round igloos that we’ve all seen glistening on the riverbank. With their seasonal decor and their astonishing views of London’s skyline, they were a total shoo-in for a place on this list. Especially now they have frozen margs on tap.
📍 3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street, EC3R 6AH
23. Five Points Courtyard, Hackney
Credit: @officialjohnanothony
One of Hackney’s favourite summer hotspots, Five Points Courtyard is a sun-soaked courtyard, bursting at the seams with delicious food, delicious drinks, and delicious vibes.
📍 61 Mare Street, E8 4RG
24. Clays Bar, Canary Wharf
Credit: @clays_bar
The Terrace on the Thames at Clays Canary Wharf is the perfect spot for guests to sit and socialise before heading inside to put their clay shooting skills to the test.
📍 Unit B1 on the wharf, 1 Cabot Square, E14 4QJ
Summer terraces in south London
25. Seabird, Southwark
Hopping south of the river, you’ll find Seabird – a jaw-droppingly gorgeous roof terrace that’s not only host to some of the best views in the city but also to the longest oyster list in London. Pretty impressive, hey?
📍 14th Floor, South Bank, 40 Blackfriars Road, SE1 8NY
26. No 32 The Old Town, Clapham
For the next entry on the list of the best summer terraces in London, we’re heading to trendy ol’ Clapham. No 32 The Old Town is a lively neighbourhood hang-out with a cosy first-floor roof terrace, overlooking Clapham Common. Delightful!
📍 32 The Pavement, SW4 0JF
27. The Garden Museum Café, Lambeth
The more green-fingered amongst us should consider paying a visit to The Garden Museum Café which is found – you guessed it – inside The Garden Museum. Spend the day wandering around this delightful church-turned-museum and then finish it off with a trip to their award-winning café.
📍 5 Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 7LB
28. Fiume, Battersea Power Station
Fiume serves up delicious Italian cuisine on their gorgeous Amalfi Coast-inspired outdoor terrace. Fiume’s terrace boasts views of Battersea Power Station and the River Thames, so you can sit and watch the boats go by with a refreshing cocktail in hand.
📍 Battersea Power Station, Circus West Village, SW8 5BN
29. Peckham Arches, Peckham
Credit: @drinknewtheory
Tucked away under the railway arches of Peckham Rye station, this bloomin’ massive venue is ready to welcome Londoners for some summertime sunshine (well, fingers crossed). But luckily, even if the weather doesn’t play ball, Peckham Arches is home to one of the largest all-weather outdoor terraces in South East London (phew).
📍 Blenheim Grove, SE15 4QN
30. The Laundry, Brixton
Now we’re off to Brixton and heading straight to The Laundry, an all-day bistro, serving cracking cocktails, sensational Sunday roasts, and an awesome atmosphere.
📍374 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8PL
31. Trivet, Bermondsey
Next up on the list of the best terraces in London is a boujee one, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Trivet is a recently awarded Michelin star restaurant that oozes class, sophistication and a very appealing outdoor terrace. I was fortunate enough to pay a visit to Trivet to sample a selection of dishes from their terrace menu and to say it was delicious is an understatement. The service, the setting, the scrummy food and (of course) the sensational wine were all the perfect level of fancy-but-not-in-a-pretentious-way and made for a truly wonderful afternoon.
📍 36 Snowsfields, SE1 3SU
32. 12th Knot, South Bank
On the rooftop of the Sea Containers hotel, you’ll find 12th Knot, a terrace with an atmosphere as bright and vibrant as the South Bank on which it sits.
📍 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD
33. Forza Wine, Peckham
Over in Peckham, you’ll find the sun-soaked terrace belonging to Forza Wine. Expect scrumptious snacks, delectable drinks, and a pretty lovely view as well.
📍 133A Rye Lane, SE15 4BQ
34. Limin Southbank
We’re wrapping up South London’s section of this round-up with another visit to the (hopefully) sunny South Bank. Limin specialises in bringing a lesser known Caribbean cuisine to London’s table: food from the twin islands Trinidad and Tobago. Located moments from the Thames, this riverside spot boasts true beach club vibes, and is a real oasis amidst the concrete jungle.
📍 56 Upper Ground, SE1 9PP
35. Birdhouse Brewery, Herne Hill
Credit: @birdhousebrewery
Bringing the holiday vibes to south London, Bird House Brewery is the new terrace on the block. Serving up cocktails, beer and sensational street food; this brewery is the place to be if you want a relaxed place to hangout, enjoy some live music and soak up some sun.
📍 Arch 1127, Bath Factory Estate, 41 Norwood Road, SE24 9AJ
Summer terraces in west London
36. Aerial Rooftop, White City
Another wonderful best London terrace comes in the form of Aerial Rooftop. A space for chilling during the day and partying during the night, alongside stunning views over White City.
📍 89 Wood Lane, W12 7FA
37. The Ivy Chelsea Garden, Chelsea
Escape the stress of London life and let The Ivy Chelsea Garden transport you to an oasis of calm and tranquility. An all-day menu as luscious as their garden foliage, and all-day good vibes to go alongside.
📍 195-197 King’s Road, SW3 5EQ
38. Darcie & May Green, Paddington
Now, this one is guaranteed to float your boat. Darcie & May Green are two pop-art barges sat side by side on the Grand Union Canal. Darcie is the perfect setting for al fresco dining, serving delicious Aussie dishes, whilst May, open all day, transforms into a buzzing bar with cracking cocktails and an even-more-cracking atmosphere.
📍 Grand Union Canal, Sheldon Square, W2 6DS
39. Studio Frantzén, Knightsbridge
Studio Frantzen is located at the top of Harrods so surely, it must be good. With their effortlessly luxurious setting and their sweeping views over the city; it’s definitely worth a visit.
📍 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL
40. The Orangery at Number Sixteen, South Kensington
Nestled peacefully on Sumner Place, The Orangery at Number Sixteen is a garden adorned with beautiful mulberry trees and blooming hydrangeas. With a delicious seasonal menu and wine list to go with it, what’s not to love?
📍16 Sumner Place, South Kensington, SW7 3EG
41. Bluebird, Chelsea
Bluebird is a stylish all-day café and restaurant in the heart of Chelsea, serving up modern European cuisine and cocktails on a sun-flooded outdoor terrace. The restaurant’s sister café in White City is also open for outdoor dining.
📍 350 King’s Road, SW3 5UU
42. The Hawk’s Nest, Shepherd’s Bush
You certainly won’t regret paying a visit to The Hawk’s Nest this summer. The plant-filled oasis offers up the perfect backdrop for some summery socialising, this spot, tucked away beneath a railway arch, is a vital organ of Shepherd’s Bush. Head on down to enjoy pizza, cocktails and the most immaculate vibes.
📍 Goldhawk Road, Shepherd’s Bush Market, W12 8DF
43. The Counter, Notting Hill
Our penultimate entry on the list of the very best summer terraces in London is The Counter. This chef-driven restaurant focusses on open-fire charcoal grilling and is the perfect place to spend a warm summer evening in Notting Hill.
📍 108 Golborne Road,W10 5PS
44. Petersham Nurseries, Richmond
Last, but by no means least is the gloriously green Petersham Nurseries. Take a stroll around the garden centre and finish it off with a nice cuppa in the picturesque pergola. I promise that it’s well worth venturing the length of the District Line for.
📍 Petersham Road, Church Lane, TW10 7AB