Best Al Fresco Dining in London
From rooftop bars in Soho and Mayfair to canal-side terraces in Maida Vale and dockside spots in Greenwich, these are the best al fresco dining spots in London right now.
From rooftops and terraces to canal-side spots and hidden courtyards, these are the al fresco places in London that are actually worth knowing about, whether you’re planning a long lunch, a spontaneous drink in the sun, or just trying to make the most of it while it lasts. We have to be realistic, right? If you’re looking for the best outdoor restaurants in London, these are the ones worth bookmarking for sunny days.
1) St Ermin’s Hotel, St James’s Park
The newly refreshed terrace at St Ermin’s leans into that hidden courtyard feel – all greenery, soft corners and a surprisingly calm atmosphere for such a central location.
It’s the kind of place that feels a world away once you’re seated. There’s also a slightly more playful edge to it now, with sushi and lighter plates joining the menu alongside a partnership with Louis Pommery sparkling wine – which makes it an easy choice for a more celebratory drink in the sun.
A good one for when you want something central, but without the intensity.
Address: 2 Caxton Street, London SW1H 0QW
Nearest tube: St James’s Park
2. Vivat Bacchus, London Bridge
As the days stretch longer and London settles into that golden-hour phase, Vivat Bacchus offers an al fresco escape just moments from the Thames
It’s one of those spots where the city softens at the edges – still central, but with a terrace that feels just removed enough to linger. Tucked just off the river, it has that rare balance of being right in the middle of things without feeling overly hectic. South African wine is very much the focus here, with a list that goes well beyond the usual suspects, and staff who are more than happy to guide you through it. The food follows suit — bold, generous and designed for sharing.
Address: 4 Hays Lane, London SE1 2HB
Nearest tube: London Bridge
3. The Dial, Greenwich Peninsula
Out on Greenwich Peninsula, The Dial, near The O2, brings a more relaxed, sociable energy
There’s a working microbrewery at its core, so beer goes straight from tank to tap, and the whole space has that easy, slightly buzzy feel that works particularly well in the sun. The terrace is spacious and unfussy, making it ideal for groups, casual catch-ups or an afternoon that drifts on without much structure.
It’s also leaning into weekends in a bigger way, with a new Saturday bottomless brunch in partnership with Love Brunch. Expect two courses, 90 minutes of bottomless drinks and a resident DJ soundtrack – the kind of setup that naturally turns into an all-afternoon thing. Afterwards, things shift upstairs to their hidden 360° rooftop bar overlooking The O2, which gives it a bit more of a party edge if you’re in the mood.
Address: Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0SL
Nearest tube: North Greenwich
4. Amazing Grace, Canary Wharf
If you want your al fresco with a bit more energy, Amazing Grace delivers
Set in Canary Wharf, the terrace is ideal for daytime drinks that naturally turn into something livelier – DJs, live music and a crowd that’s here for a good time. The menu leans Asian-inspired, designed for sharing alongside cocktails.
It’s also a strong brunch spot. Their Born Again Brunch has had a recent upgrade with a new Bloody Mary menu in collaboration with Absolut® Tabasco™ – classic brunch cocktails with a bit more of a kick. It’s bold, slightly fiery and a fun way to start the weekend if you’re in the mood for something a little less predictable.
This is less “quiet terrace”, more “let’s see where the afternoon goes”. And we’ve all had days like that…
Address: 12 Bank St, Canary Wharf Estate, London E14 4DD
Nearest tube: Canary Wharf Station
5. Porte Noire, Coal Drop’s yard
Tucked just behind the buzz of King’s Cross, Porte Noire feels like a slightly more grown-up escape from the usual post-work chaos
Tucked just behind the buzz of King’s Cross, Porte Noire feels like a slightly more grown-up escape from the usual post-work chaos. Co-founded by Idris Elba, it’s a wine-led spot that leans a little more considered than your average outdoor bar, with a terrace that’s relaxed without feeling overly casual. On a sunny day, you’ll even spot people paddling right up along the canal – which gives it that slightly unexpected, almost continental feel.
The list is global and thoughtfully put together, with a few bottles you won’t see everywhere, and the food follows suit – small plates designed to complement rather than compete. It’s not showy, but it is quietly polished. A good one for early evening drinks that turn into a second round without much persuasion.
Address: 15–17 Stable Street, London N1C 4AB
Nearest tube: King’s Cross St Pancras
6. The Garden Terrace at The Montague on the Gardens, Bloomsbury
Tucked away behind the British Museum, this is one of those quietly magical spots that feels a world away from central London’s bustle.
The Garden Terrace at The Montague is all manicured greenery, crisp white tablecloths and that rare sense of calm you don’t expect this close to the action. It’s a proper all-day option too, you can swing by for a relaxed lunch, tuck into a classic afternoon tea in the sunshine, or settle in for an early evening glass of something cold as the garden lights start to glow. There’s a slightly old-school charm to it, but in the best possible way – polished without being stuffy.
Why go: A hidden central London garden that delivers proper escapism (and you’re minutes from the British Museum if you want to feel virtuous before a glass of rosé).
Address: : 15 Montague Street, London WC1B 5BJ
Nearest tube: Russell Square / Holborn
7. Stanley’s, Mayfair
A slightly more polished option for a special occasion. There are rooftops, and there is Stanley’s rooftop.
Set atop The Chesterfield Hotel, Mayfair, Stanley’s is an elegant rooftop that feels quietly removed from the pace below. There’s a sense of calm up here – refined without being overly formal – making it just as suited to a relaxed drink as it is a more considered evening.
The retractable roof means you’re covered whatever the weather decides to do (always helpful in London), while the setting leans towards understated luxury rather than anything too showy.
Why go: One for when you want somewhere central that still feels like a bit of a step away.
Address: 35 Charles Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5EB
Nearest tube: Russell Square / Holborn
8) The Waterway, Maida Vale
The Waterway sits right on the edge of Little Venice, with a terrace that spills out alongside the water – all slow-moving boats, leafy corners and a much gentler pace.
It’s one of those places where time seems to stretch slightly, especially on a sunny afternoon when the canal traffic drifts by and no one’s in a hurry.
The menu covers everything from brunch through to early evening plates, so it works just as well for a laid-back lunch as it does for a drink that turns into something more. It’s easy, spacious and never feels overly crowded, which is half the appeal. One of those spots you come away from feeling like you’ve had a proper break, even if you’re only a few stops from home.
Address: 54 Formosa Street, London W9 2JU
Nearest tube: Warwick Avenue
9) Sartoria, Liverpool Street
Ease into the evening on Sartoria Liverpool Street’s sunny terrace with its new Aperitivo Hour.
If you’re looking for an elegant after-work alfresco spot in the City, Sartoria Liverpool Street has just launched a new Aperitivo Hour that brings a touch of Milanese terrace culture to Devonshire Square. Available Monday to Friday from 5pm to 7pm, guests can settle into the restaurant’s sunny outdoor terrace and enjoy handcrafted Italian cocktails from £5 alongside a selection of refined cicchetti.
Expect tempting small plates including calamari fritti and delicate crudo di tonno, designed for relaxed grazing with friends or colleagues as the City winds down for the evening. Stylish yet approachable, it’s the kind of place that makes lingering over a negroni in the sunshine feel entirely acceptable, even on a work night.
Address: 16 New Street, Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4TR
Nearest tube: Liverpool Street
