Outdoor bars in London - where to go now
When the very first hint of spring sunshine comes glowing softly through our windows, something is awoken and our penchant for outdoor drinking in London is rekindled. Outdoor pubs, bars and restaurants are without a doubt one of the most popular summer- and springtime hangouts, and for good reason. And even in the colder days of winter – when well equipped with heaters and blankets – drinking outdoors can also be surprisingly cosy and atmospheric. There’s something about enjoying your favourite cocktail, wine or beer in the fresh air with friends that takes socialising to a new level of enjoyment. Plus, we’re practically obliged by law to make the most of any good weather with which the UK deigns to bless us.
Outdoor bars in London
Whether by the river, canal-side, spilling into a verdant garden or overlooking the cityscape, there and endless outdoor bars in London that provide ample opportunities for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries or simply catching up over an Aperol spritz. That said, booking is generally advised, especially for weekends and on sunnier days; do check before you go, or accept that you might end up in the darkened hush of a pub’s interior rather than its beer garden.
And, once you’ve finished with the drinking part, how about checking out the best outdoor restaurants – and the best restaurants in London more generally – to continue the occasion?
The best outdoor bars for drinks in London
1/31The American Bar at the Stafford Hotel, St. James's
Tucked into a quiet back street in St James's is The Stafford, a five-star hotel you’d be unlikely to find unless you were looking for it. Even more surprising is its huge terrace, surrounded by towering townhouses but with a huge amount of space for its neighbourhood. Opening out from one of the longest running American Bars in London, this is the place to go to enjoy an expertly-mixed cocktail on a warm summer’s evening. There’s an extensive menu of classic and seasonal cocktails, a great wine list, and a food menu serving everything from charcuterie to fish and chips. What more could you want?
16-18 St James's Place, SW1A 1NJ.
2/31The Standard Rooftop, King's Cross
The Standard already has one excellent al fresco spot with Double Standard’s terrace at ground level (and new-ish opening Sweetie’s up on the tenth floor is a great indoor bar), but they’ve upped the ante by opening up their rooftop and the sweeping views of London of offer up there. As the lift doors open on the 11th floor, you’re welcomed with an uninterrupted close up the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel’s characterful rooftop and beautiful clock tower. Over the other side of the roof, London spreads out southwards beyond you as you sip from a select menu of just three cocktails and three wines on tap, as well as a short but sweet “build your own hot dog” concept to tide you over until the sun sets, or longer. Reopening on the 7th of April, be sure to add a visit to your weekend plans.
10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG.
3/31Vermuteria, King's Cross
This is a hidden gem within the Coal Drops Yard development in King's Cross. It’s based on vermouth bars found in Europe, peppered with cycling memorabilia and does absolutely stonking food. Since opening, they had added a Big Green Egg to the terrace space so you can always be sure that the smell of food cooking on that will tempt you in. There's a lovely outdoor seating area that works year-round and if you're a cycling fan, they show the big races on the TV under the outdoor stairs too.
38/39 Stable Street, N1C 4DQ.
4/31The Mitre, Surrey
Riverside rosé in the sun is a pretty lovely prospect and the stylish surrounds of The Mitre in Hampton Court – designed by none other than Top 100 interior designer Nicola Harding – offer just that. It's a peaceful, elegant place to enjoy long lunches and sensational sunsets.
Hampton Court Road, East Molesey KT8 9BN.
5/31The Hari, Belgravia
The garden terrace at The Hari hotel in the smart surrounds of Belgravia is a secret enclave where the well-heeled in the know snap up bookings. It’s protected from any weather eventualities and has just launched an Amalfi coast-inspired menu to nibble on.
20 Chesham Place, SW1X 8HQ.
6/31Hotel Café Royal, Soho
Regent Street's grande dame, the Hotel Café Royal has sussed the issue with the sun moving all day, via two terraces on either side of their hotel. At the front, Cakes & Bubbles offers sweet treats from the world's best pastry chef, Albert Adria, with champagne and the ideal spot for people watching. Once the sun moves round, head to The Green Bar on the other side for a charming terrace on pedestrianised Glasshouse Street, grazing boards and a hearty list of cocktails, wine and champagne.
10 Air Street, W1B 4DY.
7/31The Hawk's Nest, Shepherd's Bush
Strings of festoon lights, a roaring pizza oven and tables sheltered from spring showers – what more could you want? Add in a menu of popular cocktails and buzzing atmosphere in this hidden slice of Shepherd's Bush and head immediately for The Hawk's Nest.
Goldhawk Road, W12 8DE.
8/31London Shell Co, Paddington
Known for having some of the freshest seafood around, London Shell Co operates two barges on Regents Canal with indoor dining aboard. Expect crisp white wine and oysters.
Union Canal, Sheldon Square, W2 6EP.
9/31The Ivy Chelsea Garden, Chelsea
This serene garden was created by Anthony Challis and Dan Curran of Ginkgo Gardens. Trailing wisteria and climbing roses adorn the garden's pergolas, stone clad fountains and leafy trellises. The garden is part of the restaurant, so guests will need to order food in order to have a table or seat at the bar.
195-197 King's Road, SW3 5EQ.
10/31The Lighterman, King's Cross
Granary Square in King's Cross has become a lively destination in the capital, little wonder when it boasts a plethora of chic eateries and bars to frequent. Lighterman - a bar-come-restaurant-come-pub - takes the prime spot, with a terrace sprawling into the square and another one overlooking Regent's Canal.
3 Granary Square, N1C 4BH.
11/31The Boundary, Shoreditch
High on the Boundary rooftop sits the enchanting Rooftop Bar & Grill. Boasting one of the best views of London's skyline, the bar is now sporting a newly designed garden. Including a canopy of grape producing vines, together with a subtle garrigue and wild herb theme, this is the perfect place to escape the busy streets below.
2-4 Boundary Street, E2 7DD.
12/31Jurema Terrace at The Mandrake, Soho
Picture this: you're in a tranquil jungle setting, sat on a cushioned cane sofa in soft candlelight, surrounded by wooden decking and verdant foliage. It sounds peaceful, secluded and miles from anywhere yet this utterly delightful spot is just two minutes' walk from Oxford street. You can understand why Jurema Terrace won an award for its outdoor space, and its food and drink offering are just as tempting; we recommend the jalapeño cocktail for a perky pick-me-up.
20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG.
13/31Skylight Rooftop, multiple locations (Pecking & Wapping)
Selling themself as the purveyors of London's most imaginative rooftops, Skylight has venues in Peckham and Wapping. For the Winter they have installed heated igloos, fairy lights as well as other heated booths – so cosiness is always guaranteed.
Skylight at Tobacco Dock: Tobacco Dock, E1W 2SF.
Skylight Peckham: Theatre Walk, 120 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JT.
14/31Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant & Castle
Located in Elephant & Castle, Mercato Metropolitano is a vast outdoor space with oodles of tables as well as a plethora of different food vendors to choose from. Whether you're in the mood for Vietnamese phô, Neapolitan-style pizza or a scoop or two of rhubarb-and-custard ice cream, there is plenty to choose for the hungry and peckish, all under the Mercanto's airy, massive market space.
Elephant & Castle: 42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR.
15/31Brunswick House, Vauxhall
Brunswick House provides much-needed interesting food and drink in Vauxhall. As the cafe doubles as an architectural salvage, every corner of the garden is home to curiosities for you to snoop through. The 18th-century house sits on the roundabout at Vauxhall but the high brick walls keep you pleasantly shielded from the bustle. The wine list and the cocktails are imaginative and well-worth travelling for.
30 Wandsworth Road, SW8 2LG.
16/3140FT Brewery, Dalston
Chilled craft beers and wood-fired sourdough pizza from Dusty Knuckle - what more can you ask for on a warm summer night than some good company to take with you? Even better when the beers are made on-site in Hackney micro brewery 40ft, whose outdoor seating area is a must-visit.
Bootyard, Abbot Street, E8 3DP.
17/31Sager + Wilde Paradise Row, Bethnal Green
Underneath the railway arches by Bethnal Green, the team behind wildly popular Sager + Wilde opened a location that uses the outdoor space to great effect. It's buzzing, relaxed and the food and drink offering is superb.
250 Paradise Row, E2 9LW.
18/31Keeper's Garden at the Royal Academy, Piccadilly
Designed by one of our Top 25 Garden Designers, Tom Stuart-Smith, the Keeper's Garden at the Royal Academy is a veritable oasis and one of the capital's best-kept secrets. It's normally reserved for members of the academy only, but of an evening, anyone can enjoy a drink in the courtyard.
Burlington House, W1J 0BD.
19/31The Pilgrm, Paddington
The terrace at Paddington-based hotel The Pilgrm (and yes, it is supposed to be spelled that way) feels like a quasi-Parisian secret balcony that only a select few have access to. The sliver of decking allows for just 30 covers, meaning if you get a spot, you won’t be keen to give it up quickly, especially once you cast your eye over the mouth-watering menu of light snacks and the stiff drinks they dish up. Just don’t tell anyone else.
25 London Street, W2 1HH.
20/31Rochelle Canteen, Shoreditch
Margot Henderson's ever popular Rochelle Canteen not only dishes up some of the most delicious plates in London, it also has a secret sliver of garden where customers can nibble on her excellent food, drink a crisp wine and make the most of the few glimpses of sunny weather that Londoners enjoy.
16 Playground Gardens, E2 7FA.
21/31Frank’s Rooftop Bar
Quite simply, Frank’s in Peckham has some of the best views of London. It is achingly cool – a sparse concrete former car park that plays host to South London’s hipsters all summer long, drinking in more than just the epic sunsets. Grab your friends, pitch up to one of the tables and you won’t leave until the evening chill has set in. Open from 19 May 'til 16 September, Wednesdays through Sundays from 11am until 11pm.
Bold Tendencies, Floors 7-10 @ Peckham Multi-Storey Car Park, 95a Rye Lane, SE15 4ST.
22/31Petersham Nurseries, Covent Garden
With its main outpost deep in West London, Petersham also has a central address in Covent Garden. There, they have set up a terrace bar and restaurant in the newly redeveloped Floral Court and serve up long drinks, small plates and an excellent atmosphere. It's one to know if you're in the need of a breather after a long day in town.
31 King Street, WC2E 9DS.
23/31The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen, Mayfair
What better scene to watch over as you sip on a chilled glass of wine than the swimmers - both avian and human - in the Serpentine? This spot is so dreamy, that if you manage to get one of the few sun-soaked seats available, you really will find it very hard to leave.
Hyde Park, Serpentine Road, W2 2UH.
24/31Chelsea Physic Garden Café, Chelsea
Sit amongst the lush grounds of Chelsea's best-kept garden, marvel at the beautiful planting and sink into a bottle of wine. What more could you ask for? It truly is an idyllic spot - the best part is that it's open to everyone now, not just members. Keep in mind, however, for those eager to dine out on the weekends, the CPG's café is closed on Saturdays, but open on Sundays from 11am 'til 5pm.
66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS.
25/31Gordon's Wine Bar, Mayfair
Gordon's is an institution in London, packed every night with thirsty tourists and longstanding locals. In clement weather, the crowd spills onto the many tables that line the alley outside and the lucky few nab one of the highly-prized tables that look onto the neighbouring park. Expect to drink a lot of wine if you can grab a spot.
47 Villiers Street, WC2N 6NE.
26/31Dishoom, Shoreditch
Dishoom is a not only a Bombay-inspired modern Indian café and restaurant, it also has a delightful cocktail lounge and elegant veranda to help you escape the streets of Shoreditch. Settle into a soft antique armchairs set amid well-thumbed books, faded old photographs and pockets of greenery spilling over from the many planters and hanging baskets dotted around. The all-weather space is heated for colder days, and the retractable walls and canopy provide protection from the British weather whenever it's needed.
7 Boundary Street, E2 7JE.
27/31Dalloway Terrace, Bloomsbury
Tucked away in the heart of Bloomsbury this beautifully designed indoor-outdoor restaurant is a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, but feels completely at a remove from London's frenetic centre. Quiet, chic with very nice food and cocktails, we'd suggest this as a perfect location for romantic dinner on a balmy night. But don't worry if the weather is slightly inclement - there's a retractable roof, heating and blankets on chairs (always a nice touch).
16-22 Great Russell Street , WC1B 3NN.
28/31Pub on the Park, Hackney
A traditional pub located on the upper green's edge of London Fields, the Pub on the Park is one of the city's ultimate outdoor watering holes. Laid back and unpretentious, guests can snag a picnic table and a few pints, enjoying the balmy spring weather and making friends with neighbouring groups. Sports fans and games lovers alike will enjoy catching a match on one of the large televisions or playing a round or two of boules round the back of the pub; those more interested in music will not want to miss the rotation of fun DJs who provide a diverse range of tunes throughout the weekend. Whether you're there to enjoy the weather, listen to a set or play a game with friends, know that an afternoon posted up at the Pub on the Park is not your average picnic.
19 Martello Street, E8 3PE.
29/31The Virgin Queen, Hackney
In a residential area of Hackney just a stone's throw from the Columbia Road Flower Market and Haggerston Park is the tiny Tudor pub, The Virgin Queen. With a small but mighty outdoor area, enjoying a quieter pint or glass of wine in the sun is idyllic at this traditional pub, especially after a morning spent fighting for the freshest bouquet of tiger tulips or eucalyptus fronds. What's more, the pub is dog-friendly, at the ready to welcome your well-behaved pups. With a lovely, elevated selection of snacks and meals from halloumi fries to padron peppers to generous Sunday roasts for veggies and meat-eaters alike, too, one will leave feeling more than satisfied – and determined to return for more.
94 Goldsmiths Row, E2 8QY.
30/31Shoreditch House, Shoreditch
On the rooftop of a converted warehouse, one can find swathes of coolly-dressed, off-duty DJs and ebullient creative consultants sunning themselves on striped sun loungers and chatting the afternoon away poolside, sipping Picantes and dipping fried bits of courgette into zingy tzatziki sauce. With vibe-y music, endless chatter and a fabulous cocktail menu, it seems as if there is not another place as cool and oasis-like in London. Whilst currently a member's only spot, guests are allowed, so do send a text (or impersonate Annabel Bronstein, à la Sex and the City's Samantha Jones) and get up there.
4 Ebor Street, E1 6AW.
31/31Dalston Roof Park, Dalston
Summer nights never were so sweet than those spent amongst good friends and fun music at Dalston's rooftop bar, the Roof Park. Above an old printery and under twinkling fairy lights, the bar hosts a wide variety of DJs and music acts and serves a lovely selection of local ales, ciders and wines, as well as, yes, a few summery spritzes. On certain summer days, too, the Dalston Roof Park hosts yoga sessions and gardening tutorials – dreamy. At the moment, the rooftop is offering quite the promotion: £5 drinks all day and night… so, if you're willing to brave the chill, your wallet will thank you in kind.
The Print House, 18-22 Ashwin Street, E8 3DL.
