Last Updated on June 24, 2026 by dancinginhighheelsft
There is something undeniably special about dining outdoors in London. When the sun appears, the city reveals a different side — hidden hotel gardens become peaceful escapes, rooftop terraces transform into sunset destinations, and elegant courtyards become the perfect setting for long lunches that stretch effortlessly into the afternoon.
London’s alfresco dining scene offers far more than simply a table outside. The best terraces combine exceptional food, beautiful surroundings and a sense of occasion, whether that means cocktails overlooking the skyline, a relaxed lunch surrounded by greenery, or an evening spent beneath the glow of summer lights.
From luxury hotel gardens to rooftop restaurants with panoramic views, these are some of the best terraces and outdoor dining spots in London to visit this season. After exploring some of the capital’s most talked-about alfresco destinations, I’ve rounded up the places where the setting is just as memorable as the food and drink.
If you’re looking for more places to dine out with your four-legged companion, I’ve also shared my guide to the top dog-friendly restaurants in London, featuring restaurants where dogs are genuinely welcomed rather than simply tolerated.
Bar Antoine Terrace at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Mayfair
Best for: French-inspired cocktails, Riviera-style afternoons and sophisticated aperitifs in Mayfair
Dog-friendly: Yes
Postcode: W1J 5BS
Tucked beside Hyde Park within Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Bar Antoine’s terrace brings a taste of the French Riviera to one of Mayfair’s most prestigious addresses. Inspired by the convivial spirit of the French table, the outdoor space blends elegant surroundings with a relaxed atmosphere — creating a stylish retreat that feels far removed from the pace of Park Lane just beyond the hotel gates.
For the summer season, Bar Antoine has introduced Savoir-Boire, a new cocktail menu celebrating French ingredients, traditions and drinking rituals. Set against the backdrop of the terrace’s Riviera-inspired design, it’s the perfect excuse to settle in for a leisurely afternoon of cocktails and small plates beneath the London sunshine.
The cocktail menu is creative without feeling overly complicated. The Croissant Old Fashioned puts an unexpected spin on the classic, bringing subtle pastry-inspired notes to the familiar bourbon-based drink, while the Cornichon Martini offers a savoury twist that feels playful yet surprisingly refined.
Alongside the drinks, the food menu showcases the kitchen’s French influences through a collection of refined sharing plates and bar snacks. Standout dishes included the indulgent CFC ‘Caviar Fried Chicken’, Carabineros prawn toast and beef tartare on toast, alongside classic French favourites such as pissaladière and Croque Monsieur. The tiger prawns flambéed with Pastis and sauce vierge proved particularly memorable.
Adding to the Provençal atmosphere, the terrace now features its own pétanque court — a charming addition that gives Bar Antoine a character of its own. Guests can enjoy a casual game between drinks or simply soak up the relaxed Riviera mood from their table.
Dog owners will be pleased to know that four-legged guests are welcomed just as warmly as their human companions. If you’re looking for more dog-friendly dining inspiration across London, I’ve shared more of my favourite spots in my guide to the top dog-friendly restaurants in London .
With its French Riviera atmosphere, inventive drinks menu and beautifully executed small plates, Bar Antoine offers a refreshing take on alfresco dining in Mayfair. Whether visiting for afternoon cocktails, a leisurely lunch or pre-dinner drinks, it is a terrace that captures the relaxed elegance of summer dining in London.
Bar Antoine at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane — Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London W1J 5BS. Open daily. Reservations via fourseasons.com/london
Coq d’Argent, City of London
Best for: Rooftop lunches, City skyline views and leisurely summer dining with Mirabeau rosé
Dog-friendly: Yes
Postcode: EC2R 8EJ
The Endless Lunch: Every Friday & Saturday, 12pm–4pm | £95 per person | Running 1 May – 29 August 2026
Perched above the iconic No. 1 Poultry building, Coq d’Argent has long been one of the City of London’s most recognisable rooftop restaurants. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and overlooking the rooftops of the Square Mile, it offers a rare opportunity to escape the energy of the financial district without leaving the centre of London.
This summer, the rooftop has even more reason to visit with the launch of The Endless Lunch, a new four-course dining experience created in partnership with Mirabeau. Designed around the spirit of long summer afternoons, the experience pairs seasonal French-inspired dishes with flowing Mirabeau rosé — encouraging guests to settle in and enjoy lunch at a slower pace.
During our visit, the British weather had other plans, meaning the rooftop garden and live-fire cooking experience on the Big Green Egg were unfortunately not operating. However, we were still able to enjoy a glimpse of the terrace before the rain arrived, and it was easy to see why Coq d’Argent remains such a popular destination for alfresco dining in London. On a warm summer day, it is easy to imagine spending several hours here, moving effortlessly from lunch into afternoon drinks.
The menu stays true to Coq d’Argent’s French heritage, combining seasonal British ingredients with classic techniques and modern presentation. Paired with the rooftop setting and relaxed atmosphere, The Endless Lunch captures exactly what makes summer dining in London so appealing. For those looking for a rooftop restaurant in London that combines greenery, views and a leisurely dining experience, Coq d’Argent remains a City classic.
Coq d’Argent also welcomes four-legged guests in the restaurant and on the terrace, and Charlotte received a particularly warm welcome from the team.
Coq d’Argent — No. 1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ. Endless Lunch bookings via coqdargent.co.uk
Hyde Park Garden at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Knightsbridge
Best for: Elegant alfresco dining overlooking Hyde Park
Dog-friendly: Yes
Postcode: SW1X 7LA
Set beside one of London’s most famous green spaces, Hyde Park Garden at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park offers one of the capital’s most elegant outdoor dining experiences. Despite its central Knightsbridge location, the terrace feels surprisingly peaceful — a refined retreat away from the pace of the city streets.
Located alongside the hotel’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, the garden combines luxury with a more relaxed summer atmosphere. Surrounded by manicured planting and overlooking Hyde Park, it is a setting designed for lingering lunches and slow afternoons in the sunshine. Better still, dogs are welcome, allowing Charlotte to join us as we settled in for a leisurely afternoon.
For the summer season, the team behind Dinner by Heston brings its celebrated approach outdoors, showcasing exceptional British produce through a menu that feels lighter and more relaxed while maintaining the same attention to detail.
We began with two of the restaurant’s signature dishes. The famous Meat Fruit remains an impressive creation, cleverly presented to resemble a mandarin while revealing a rich chicken liver parfait beneath its glossy exterior. The Native Lobster Roll was equally enjoyable, generously filled and perfectly suited to a relaxed garden lunch.
For mains, the whole monkfish was beautifully cooked, served with brown butter, capers and samphire that allowed the quality of the fish to shine. The Hereford rib-eye with peppercorn sauce offered a more indulgent option, especially when paired with the restaurant’s Perfectly Imperfect Triple Cooked Chips. No visit would be complete without the legendary Tipsy Cake. Rich, comforting and unmistakably indulgent, it was the perfect ending to an exceptional meal.
Practical details have also been carefully considered. Large canopies, outdoor heaters and a retractable awning mean the terrace remains enjoyable even when the British weather is unpredictable.
Combining exceptional cooking, a beautiful park-side setting and genuinely thoughtful service, Hyde Park Garden is one of London’s most refined alfresco dining destinations.
Hyde Park Garden at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park — 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA. Seasonal (spring/summer). Reservations via mandarinoriental.com
Solaya at art’otel London Hoxton, Shoreditch
Best for: Rooftop sunsets, Mediterranean-inspired dining and skyline views
Dog-friendly: No
Postcode: EC2A 3LN
Rising above art’otel London Hoxton, Solaya brings the atmosphere of the French Riviera to East London. Combining Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with panoramic city views, this stylish rooftop restaurant has quickly become one of Shoreditch’s most exciting destinations for summer dining in London.
The terrace is undoubtedly the highlight. Arriving just before sunset, we watched the city shift into golden hour as the rooftops of London were bathed in warm light. From its elevated position above Hoxton, Solaya offers uninterrupted views across the capital — creating an impressive backdrop for long lunches, sunset drinks and evening dinners.
The menu is overseen by Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson, known for his acclaimed Newcastle restaurants House of Tides and Solstice. His London debut takes inspiration from the Côte d’Azur, with a menu focused on sharing dishes, seasonal produce and relaxed Mediterranean flavours.
We began with warm Solaya focaccia, followed by marinated scallops with sauce vierge and succulent king prawns. The seafood continued to impress with the roasted octopus, served with Kalamata tapenade, roasted tomato and wild herb emulsion, offering a beautiful balance of smoky, fresh and vibrant flavours. For something more substantial, the aged grilled sirloin delivered rich flavour and excellent quality. Dessert was equally memorable, with the delicate apple tarte fine offering caramelised pastry and fruit, while the dark chocolate pavé provided a more indulgent finish.
For an atmospheric rooftop dinner in Shoreditch, particularly at sunset, Solaya is one of the city’s most exciting new alfresco destinations.
Solaya at art’otel London Hoxton — 1 Arches Lane, London EC2A 3LN. Open Tuesday–Saturday from 5pm. Reservations via the art’otel website solayalondon.com
The Garden at Corinthia London, Westminster
Best for: Hidden courtyard dining, year-round alfresco lunches and elegant dog-friendly dining
Dog-friendly: Yes
Postcode: WC2N 5AE
Hidden behind the grand façade of Corinthia London, The Garden feels like one of Westminster’s most charming alfresco dining escapes. Tucked away from the bustle of Whitehall and Trafalgar Square, this elegant courtyard offers a peaceful setting that feels surprisingly secluded despite its central London location.
The setting is a major part of its appeal. Framed by the hotel’s impressive architecture and softened with floral displays, the courtyard balances luxury with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Two large retractable canopies allow the space to be enjoyed throughout the year, making it one of the few outdoor restaurants in London that truly works across every season. During our visit, the warm weather made it the perfect place for a leisurely lunch, with the garden creating the feeling of being transported away from the city streets.
The menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and refined British flavours. We started with the Cornish crab salad, which captured the freshness of summer beautifully, followed by the pan-seared sea bass served with a rich caviar butter sauce. For something more indulgent, the grilled Hereford rib-eye with Marmite butter delivered deep savoury flavours while allowing the quality of the beef to remain the focus. To finish, the Eton Mess provided a light and refreshing ending — perfectly suited to a sunny afternoon in the garden.
Dog owners will particularly appreciate the thoughtful welcome extended to four-legged guests. Charlotte was provided with a water bowl, a blanket to relax on and even a surprise ice cream treat to help her cool down in the sunshine.
Combining beautiful surroundings, attentive service and genuine dog-friendly hospitality, The Garden at Corinthia London is one of the capital’s most enjoyable alfresco dining destinations — equally appealing for summer lunches and cosy autumn evenings.
The Garden at Corinthia London — 10a Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5AE. Open daily, year-round. Reservations via corinthia.com
The Terrace at Kimpton Fitzroy London, Bloomsbury
Best for: Aperitivo hour, Italian summer vibes and dog-friendly terrace drinks
Dog-friendly: Yes
Postcode: WC1B 5BE
Tucked within the elegant courtyard of Kimpton Fitzroy London, The Terrace offers a little taste of the Italian Riviera in the heart of Bloomsbury. Returning for the summer season in partnership with Campari, the space has been transformed with the spirit of Portofino in mind, bringing a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere to central London.
The redesign, created by Emily Gunning of Gunning Bespoke Ltd, introduces warm timber details, yellow and coral accents and beautiful Giallo Siena stone tabletops. The result is stylish yet relaxed — a terrace that feels equally suited to a spontaneous drink, a long lunch or an evening spent slowly working through the aperitivo menu. A retractable roof ensures the terrace remains enjoyable regardless of the notoriously unpredictable British weather.
Naturally, Campari plays a starring role on the drinks menu. A classic Campari Spritz proved the perfect choice on a sunny afternoon, while the signature Fitzroy Aged Negroni, created with gin and the hotel’s own sweet vermouth blend, is a standout for cocktail lovers. The food menu follows the same Italian-inspired theme, with dishes designed for relaxed sharing. Expect stone-baked pizzettas, marinated tuna crudo and saffron and lemon risotto, alongside indulgent desserts including rum baba and a refreshing limoncello sgroppino.
With its Riviera-inspired design, excellent aperitivo offering and relaxed atmosphere, The Terrace at Kimpton Fitzroy is a wonderful spot for summer dining in Bloomsbury.
The Terrace at Kimpton Fitzroy London — Russell Square, London WC1B 5BE. Open daily from noon–9:30pm during the summer season. Reservations via kimptonfitzroylondon.com
The Whispering Angel Terrace at Sky Garden, City of London
Best for: Sunset rosé, skyline views and a memorable rooftop dining experience
Dog-friendly: No
Postcode: EC3M 8AF
Few rooftop dining destinations in London can compete with the views from Sky Garden. Located 37 floors above the City within the iconic Walkie Talkie building, London’s highest public garden offers a unique perspective of the capital, with the Thames, historic landmarks and skyline stretching out in every direction.
This summer, part of the rooftop has been transformed into the Whispering Angel Terrace, a seasonal collaboration with Château d’Esclans bringing a taste of Provence to the City. Surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic views, it feels made for long summer evenings spent sipping chilled rosé as London transitions from day into night.
The experience centres around a sharing menu designed by Kerth Gumbs, Chef de Cuisine at Fenchurch, created specifically to complement Whispering Angel Rosé 2024. Known for combining British produce with Caribbean influences, his menu brings together fresh flavours and creative touches. We shared a selection of dishes including beef tartare topped with Oscietra caviar, citrus-cured sea bream, oysters, and charred bavette of beef. To finish, chocolate and raspberry cornets provide a playful sweet finale.
The experience continues beyond dinner on selected evenings, with reservations including access to Sky Garden’s Music Nights, allowing guests to enjoy live music surrounded by the gardens and city views.
Combining panoramic views, one of the world’s most recognisable rosés and a thoughtfully curated dining experience, the Whispering Angel Terrace offers one of the most distinctive rooftop experiences in London this summer.
The Whispering Angel Terrace at Sky Garden — 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF. Seasonal, limited availability. Book via skygarden.london
I’ll continue updating this guide as I discover more of London’s best terraces and alfresco dining destinations — from hidden hotel gardens to rooftop restaurants with unforgettable views.
If you have a terrace or outdoor dining spot in London that deserves to be included, let me know in the comments below or email me at felicia@dancinginhighheels.com.
