Best Al Fresco Restaurants in London to Visit This Summer
Is there anything better than dining outside during the summer months? Of course, the UK is famed for its rainy weather, but on those most glorious of summer days, there are some incredible al fresco restaurants in London that showcase the very best that the capital has to offer. We’ve already helped you find the most gorgeous rooftop bars in London, and now it’s time to look for some of the best outdoor dining you can find.
As soon as it starts to warm up in London, everyone wants to find those precious outdoor spots where you can relax, get some sun in your life, without it being stifling hot (as it can be in London during the summer in most locations!). Here, we’ve put together those fabulous places where you can sit outside in the sun, in relative peace, and have some tasty food while you’re at it!
Pizza Pilgrims – Liverpool Street
Tower 42, 22 Old Broad St. EC2N 1HQ
Pizza Pilgrims has fast become one of the best pizzas you’ll find in London (and there are loads of Pizza Pilgrim pizzerias spread across the capital highlighting its popularity!).
If you love the double pepperoni with spiced honey, their take on a carbonara, the classic Naples-style pizza or just a simple margarita is a great choice for eating out with a friend or a date, without it costing you the earth.
The Liverpool Street branch of PP is found between skyscrapers and has a charming al fresco dining area with tables for two. Think of the cheesy goodness and the affordable, delicious cocktails you could be having this summer!
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The Gate – Brick Lane
41 White. Church Lane. E1 7QR
With sleek furnishings and fantastic views of the city, The Gate is somewhere where you’ve got it all.
A good view of the Gherkin, with some gherkins in your burger, what’s not to love?
The outdoor terrace is the perfect place in the summer, and it’s somewhere you can eat out with friends all day long – from a brunch-time avo on toast with a sprinkle of feta and chilli, or an evening BBQ on the summer terrace at the end of a long day in the city.
On top of the great al fresco dining options, you can also sign up for yoga classes on the terrace, a great way to stay on top of your body and mind. The Gate is a destination you must visit this summer in London.
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Caravan – Exmouth Market
11-13 Exmouth Market. EC1R 4QD
Exmouth Market is a lovely spot in Clerkenwell, just a 10-minute walk from Farringdon station, and there are loads of great places to eat and drink outside here in the summer, from Caravan to Pizza Pilgrims, Black Bear Burger, Coin Laundry and more.
It’s a great crawl actually, but you should start at Caravan.
It has the best location, the corner spot on the end of the road, with plenty of tables for people watching as you sip on a coffee, a cocktail, and dine out on some scrumptious small plates, such as bourek, grilled sea bass, or spiced cauliflower, to name just three tasty dishes.
The Hawk’s Nest – Shepherd’s Bush
Goldhawk Road. W12 8DF
A pizza kitchen and bar that’s a great date location or night out with a small group of friends, The Hawk’s Nest has an amazing heated outdoor space where you can sit with food and drink.
It’s a casual dining and drinking space. So, you can buy a gourmet pizza and some delicious cocktails (with an incredible offer of a margherita and a margarita for just £12.50 if you order before 7 pm on a weekday).
This is one of the reasons why you’ll see this place filling up early, especially during the warmer summer months when people in the West are clamouring for some glorious outdoor space and chilled vibes.
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Kindred – Hammersmith
Bradmore House, Queen Caroline Street. W6 9BW
A cool place with live DJs, bands, wine tasting, cultural and artist talks, and an al fresco terrace where you can sip on your margarita, have brunch outside and tuck into some delectable plates of buttermilk fried chicken, beef tartare, or some moreish pizzettes.
Kindred is the place to be all year round, but during the summer months you get the best of both worlds, as the cool indoor vibes transcend the space and give you ample opportunity to sit outside in the sunshine with food and cocktails.
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The Narrowboat – Angel, Islington
119 St Peter’s Street. N1 8PZ
A beautiful spot overlooking the canal, The Narrow Boat is one of those magical places when the sun is out, or when the sun is going down.
You can chill with a pint, a cocktail or a glass of wine, and order some great British pub grub to go with it.
Think of the best type of big, juicy pub burgers, fish and chips, curried roast cauliflower, and sticky toffee pudding for afters.
It certainly feels like a quiet oasis, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets just around the corner.
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As a student living in the city, or if you’re visiting over the summer months, you need to get out and explore, find your hidden gems and the places to call your own.
One of the joys of city life is finding the al fresco restaurants in London that fit your vibe, and allow you to soak up the sun with a cocktail in one hand and a taco or a slice of pizza in the other.
In the past, we’ve helped you find the best London spots for bottomless brunch, so we hope we’ve helped you with al fresco restaurants for the summer ahead. What’s your favourite type of cuisine for those long summer days sitting outside with friends?