If you enjoy a little rooftop tipple, lunch on the terrace, a pavement side cuppa, the breeze in your hair with a nice G’n’T, this post is for you.
I shared this post waaaay back in 2015, so I’ve added a few more options into the mix.
Each spot deserves a spot on your “To Do” list, and all for very different reasons.
The weather is set to be glorious for the next few weeks! So let’s get started, shall we?
Aqua Kyoto
Where?
Smack bang in the middle of London, just off Oxford Street.
Why?
Cracking place for cocktails if you find yourself in central London. I’ve been on many a date here, and it remains a firm favourite. You get a great view of Regent Street, the cocktails are excellent and you can get a good lick of sunshine while you’re there.
Wear?
A bit fancy, I doubt they allow ripped jeans. Girls can get away with anything from work attire to a full on cocktail dress and heels. Chaps probably need a shirt, cotton jacket wouldn’t go amiss.
Website (Don’t bother to book.)
The Boundary
Where?
East. Just off Liverpool St.
Why?
Roof terrace that’ll knock your socks off. Exceptionally good food, great drinks, fairy lights, fragrant herb garden. Book dinner in the restaurant and start with drinks and nibbles outside. You’ll love it.
Also bookable for private events, which would be rather dreamy.
Wear?
Smart casual.
Website. (Priority is given to hotel guests and dinner bookings, so worth giving them a buzz.)
The Ivy Garden
Where?
The Kings Road, Chelsea.
Why?
The holy trinity: eating, people watching, drinking.
Great food, great cocktails. Good for lunch in the sun, or sit by one of the outdoor fireplaces at dusk.
Wear?
Gents – red trousers, obvs.
Ladies- anything goes. Jeans and a crisp white shirt. Summer dress. Shorts. Leave the towering heels and bandage dress at home, it’s more laid back that that.
Website (Booking recommended, essential at peak times.)
The Ship
Where?
Wandsworth. West London, just south of the river.
Why?
A boozy weekend with a big group of friends. Loud, busy, laid back! If you want to let your hair down, get boozed and snog a banker in a rugby shirt, this one’s for you.
Wear?
Super, super casual.
Website (Just turn up. Don’t drive.)
Chiltern Firehouse
Where?
Marylebone, Central London.
Why?
White marble tables, leafy shade, simple food, great cocktails, cheeky little sun trap, the best people watching in town.
A bit unreasonably pricey, but really can’t be beaten for location, staff and surroundings.
Wear?
Smarten up a bit. Men will want a jacket in the evenings.
Website (Make sure you book.)
Sushi Samba
Where?
Liverpool Street, East.
Why?
Cocktails in the stars. The best view of London you could ask for. Very good sushi. Magical for a date, but works for friends or business meetings too.
Wear?
A bit fancy. Dress + heels, shirt and jacket.
Website (Book!)
The Rosewood Courtyard
Where?
Holborn, Central.
Why?
A blue + white oasis in bustling central London. The courtyard of an unbelievably beautiful hotel, perfect for cocktails and nibbles. Not especially sunny, but gloriously breezy when it all gets a bit muggy.
Wear?
No ripped jeans or trainers.
Website (Book for peak times.)
River Cafe
Where?
Hammersmith, West.
Why?
Wonderful Italian restaurant by the river. A favourite for all London mum’s birthdays as far as I can tell! Great, simple, seasonal food, good wine list, nice drop of sunshine. A winner all round.
Wear?
Smart casual.
Website (Make sure you book.)
Coq d’Argent
Where?
The City
Why?
Oasis in the sky. A huge green lawn, surrounded by London’s sparkliest high rises.
Way above the bustling streets and wonderfully sunny. Great for drinks, I’ve never had the food but hear good things.
Wear?
Smart casual, fancy on weekend evenings.
Website (Don’t book for drinks, but anything else get in touch.)
Pizza East
Where?
Portobello Rd, Notting Hill
Why?
Seriously good pizza. Great cocktails. Sit on the pavement and watch the world go by. A short stroll from Westbourne Grove.
Wear?
Whatever you want, very casual.
Website (Don’t think you can book outside, sadly.)
Hush
Where?
Mayfair
Why?
A very pretty little terrace in the heart of Mayfair, recently made even prettier with an abundance of silk roses. A great spot to rest up between shopping bursts. Good cocktails, good nibbles.
Wear?
Smart casual.
Website (No outside reservations, but lots of tables so take a chance.)
There we go! Hopefully that’s enough to get you going!
A bit of a different Londoner post, but I hope one you’ll find handy! Feel free to Pin away to your London Pinterest boards, or follow mine here.
Now let’s keep our fingers crossed that this sunshine holds!
