The 10 Best Al Fresco Dining Spots in London

Despite London’s unpredictable weather, the city’s al fresco dining spots offer charming outdoor experiences that locals and visitors alike can enjoy. Here are ten of the best places to dine outdoors in London.

1. Dalloway Terrace – Bloomsbury

• Address: 16–22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1B 3NN
• Website: Dalloway Terrace
• Description: Nestled within the Bloomsbury Hotel, Dalloway Terrace is an overgrown greenhouse-themed terrace opened in March 2016. Designed by McQueens Flowers, it features an English country garden style with roses, sweet peas, and tulips. The retractable roof ensures comfort even during British summers.
• Vibe: Relaxed and refined
• Food: Modern European, all-day dining, afternoon tea, and supper club series with four-course dinners and wine pairings.

2. Le Pont de la Tour – Southwark

• Address: 36d Shad Thames, Butlers Wharf, Southwark, SE1 2YE
• Website: Le Pont de la Tour
• Description: Overlooking Tower Bridge, this luxurious restaurant opened in 1991 by Sir Terence Conran. It offers a 1930’s Parisian vibe with a team of expert sommeliers.
• Vibe: Luxurious
• Food: French cuisine with excellent wines, recognized as a Michelin Plate.

3. The Berkeley Bar & Terrace at The Berkeley Hotel, Knightsbridge

• Address: Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL
• Website: The Berkeley
• Description: This terrace, located at The Berkeley Hotel, features an open-air rooftop pool and a pop-up garden restaurant adorned with olive trees, lavender, lanterns, and candles.
• Vibe: Relaxed, great for groups
• Food: Mediterranean-style sharing plates cooked on Green Egg barbecues.

4. JOIA at art’hotel, Battersea

• Address: 1 Electric Boulevard, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ
• Website: art’hotel Battersea
• Description: Located on the 15th and 16th floors of the Jaime Hayon-designed art’hotel, this spot offers an art deco vibe with retro colors and an infinity swimming pool.
• Vibe: Modern, fun, eclectic, casual
• Food: Portuguese and Iberian tapas and cocktails.

5. Acme Fire Cult, Dalston

• Address: 40FT Brewery, Abbot Street, London E8 3DP
• Website: Acme Fire Cult
• Description: This lively BBQ-party-style terrace features open fires and loud music. Opened by chefs Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins, it focuses on sustainability.
• Vibe: Lively BBQ feel
• Food: 50% plant-based BBQ dishes, meats from regenerative farms, and fish from small day boats.

6. Sessions Arts Club, Clerkenwell

• Address: Old Sessions House, 24 Clerkenwell Green, London, EC1R 0NA
• Website: Sessions Arts Club
• Description: Set in a Grade II listed building, this spot offers three terraces with fireplaces, a rooftop bar, and a garden with a miniature vineyard.
• Vibe: Romantic, unique
• Food: Italian/Venetian cuisine.

7. The Rooftop at The Standard, King’s Cross

• Address: The Standard, 10 Argyle Street, London, WC1H 8EG
• Website: The Standard
• Description: Located on the 11th floor, this rooftop offers a casual and fun atmosphere with contemporary designs, astroturf, and industrial styling.
• Vibe: Casual and fun
• Food: Mexican-Spanish cuisine from Decimiño restaurant and cocktails.

8. Jurema at the Mandrake Hotel, Fitzrovia

• Address: 20-21 Newman Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1PG
• Website: The Mandrake
• Description: This award-winning outdoor space features a hanging garden of jasmine and passionflower, overlooking a courtyard with Tasmanian ferns. It enforces a smart/casual dress code.
• Vibe: Laid-back luxury, wellness
• Food: South American-inspired dishes and ethnobotanical cocktails.

9. Brunswick House, Vauxhall

• Address: 30 Wandsworth Road, London, SW8 2LG
• Website: Brunswick House
• Description: Located in a Georgian mansion, this spot features a walled-in garden and a quirky, romantic atmosphere. Opened as a pop-up in 2010, it has become a staple.
• Vibe: Quirky, romantic, and bohemian
• Food: Slightly retro/European cuisine with affordable wines.

10. Petersham Nurseries Cafe – Richmond

• Address: Church Lane, Petersham Road, Richmond, London, TW10 7AB
• Website: Petersham Nurseries
• Description: Owned by the Boglione family, this magical greenhouse restaurant is adorned with a canopy of bougainvillea, vines, and fragrant jasmine.
• Vibe: Romantic
• Food: Italian-inspired, provenance-led seasonal dishes.

These al fresco dining spots in London provide a delightful mix of culinary experiences and charming outdoor settings, perfect for enjoying a meal in the open air.