29 outdoor bars and restaurants to enjoy this weekend's heatwave in London
We're not sure if you've heard, but there's a heatwave this weekend. There's only one thing for it: head to one of the best outdoor bars and restaurants London has to offer. Whether you're heading for the rooftops for a boozy brunch, a romantic dinner with a view or some too-pretty-to-drink cocktails (but you definitely will), it's time to rally the troops and get booking.
Yes, temperatures are set to hit a practically tropical 30C in some parts of the UK on 10th and 11th June, so slap on that sunscreen, throw on that floaty summer dress, and run (don't walk) to grab a table at one of our favourite beer gardens, rooftop bars or outdoor restaurants.
A word of advice: keep this page bookmarked because you just know you're going to keep coming back and working your way through the list. It would be rude not to.
Enjoy!
Where: Tottenham Court Road
Why we love it: For a taste of the Med in the heart of London, look no further than just-opened rooftop gem, Cavo. Take in the picturesque views over Bloomsbury, Covent Garden and Soho, while tucking into the Mediterranean-inspired menu (such as black cod, Josper grilled lobster tail and Carabinero prawns), and sipping on tasty sangria. Don't miss the ‘Seafood & Sangria Brunch’ every Saturday and Sunday, where you get a full set menu and carafe of sangria or fizz per person (£65).
Where: Knightsbridge
Why we love it: Perched above the bustling streets of Knightsbridge at the top of Harrods, Studio Frantzén is an outdoor oasis where you can snap photos of the views while tucking into a menu bursting with Nordic flavours with Asian influences (don't miss the flame-grilled blistered lobster with curry hollandaise, pomegranate-infused mirin, dried cloudberries, ginger and coriander butter), and an extensive list of cocktails and wine.
Where: Hoxton
Why we love it: An east London go-to in the summer, Queen of Hoxton summer rooftop theme this year is ‘Little Barcelona’ – expect pints of Estrella, Spanish-themed food (including prime beef and chorizo burger, lemon and herb grilled chicken breast fillet and vegetable and three croquettes) and cocktails like ‘Love At First Bite’ (a mix of Sunbird wine with Absolut vodka and apple brandy Avellen Calvados alongside lemon, soda and sugar) and watermelon margaritas. See you there!
Where: Mayfair
Why we love it: Making the most of the longer days and sunsets across Hyde Park, this epic rooftop at the iconic hotel showcases a series of culinary pop-ups overseen by executive chef Mario Perera and featuring The Dorchester’s talented chefs, celebrating British, French and Mediterranean cuisine.
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Where: Southwark
Why we love it: Two things that go hand-in-hand is Summer and seafood. Whether you're wanting a formal dinner, a light afternoon bite, some cocktails in the sun, or a vibey Sunday brunch - Seabird has you covered. The concept of the decor is coastal inspired, from it's scaled dining tables to it's scalloped seating, raw bar and rattan furniture, this place is a dream if you've got a penchant for interior design. The views from this place are incredible.
Where: Finsbury Park
Why we love it: Common Ground has become a firm daytime favourite for locals in North London. So much so that people even queue for hours in the pouring rain to get a seat in this modest little cafe. This Spring, Common Ground launched their evening concept, where a brand-new menu will be served from their beautiful garden restaurant. Choose one of the delicious cocktails or low intervention wines while you relax in the stunning plant-filled space in the heart of North London. Food-wise, the new evening menu includes delicious globally inspired, plant-based and vegetarian small and large plate.
thestandardlondon / InstagramThe Rooftop at The Standard, London
Where: King's Cross
Why we love it: Want a slice of the Big Apple from the comfort of London? The Rooftop at The Standard is where you want to be. Located on the sprawling 11th floor of the hotel, you can opt to indulge in items such as hot dogs while looking famous St. Pancras Clock Tower.
Where: Belgravia
Why we love it: Whether it's a light bite, a full meal or a couple of drinks, the botanical-themed outside terrace is the perfect place to unwind with your friends. The glass-covered interior brings in so much natural light that you can enjoy those long, hot summer days without a hitch. The bar's expert head mixologist crafts the perfect cocktails and spritzes, which are made with infusions, botanicals and exclusive spirits. The produce-led menu is influenced by the combination of Japanese and Nordic cooking. The casual meals are prepared with seasonal ingredients, while more refined dishes offer a taste of their Sachi and Eldr restaurants. Yum!
Where: Mayfair
Why we love it: Want a venue with some old-school glamour? The Maine Mayfair is where you want to head to! You'll feel like you've stepped back in time at this historical townhouse that has been preserved to uphold its classic British style and decadence. If you can handle your spice, they have a whole section of Bloody Marys! From a Bloody Classic to a Bloody Maria, are you brave enough to try them all? To avoid being disappointed, make sure to book in advance!
Where: Marylebone
Why we love it: Want panoramic 360-degree views of the London skyline? This is where you need to be! Of course, the room is filled with foliage and gives off the vibe of being high up in a treehouse. We'd be hard-pressed to choose just one drink from their playful cocktail menu. From a "Royal Kiss" to a "Bees Without Knees", we must try it all!
dalstonroofpark / InstagramWhere: Dalston
Why we love it: As one of Dalston's only rooftop bars, you can bet this is a popular one! Offering the latest musical acts, bottomless brunch, sunrise yoga and much more, you will surely find a very cool and artsy crowd here.
Where: St Paul's
Why we love it: Go for spectacular views of St Paul's cathedral, stay for the laidback vibe and botanical interiors (yep, your Insta game is going to be strong). Sabine will offer two outside terraces, one with a retractable roof for all weather drinking and dining. Tuck into seasonal sharing plates and booze that all of your 'rule of six' are guaranteed to love: seasonal cocktails, local gins, and a wide variety of rosé wines and champagnes.
Where: St Paul's
Why we love it: One of the chicest and happiest watering-grounds in London. Madison London has stunning panoramic views of St Paul’s Cathedral. Once you step out of the outdoor glass elevator you’ll be hit with a wave of summer beats enticing you to stay long past sunset.
PocketSquare Skyline Bar & Terrace
Where: The City
Why we love it: A boujee new rooftop bar perched on the 9th floor of the Hyatt Place London City East Hotel with amazing views of the London skyline. Perfect if you're trying to impress a date, a colleague, the in-laws – you name it, they'll love it. The bar is gin-led and the bar manager Kristian Smith even created each bev recipe in PocketSquare's 'cocktail laboratory'. Yes, they're all good as they sound.
@barstocktonWhere: Deptford
Why we love it: An impossibly trendy café, kitchen and late night cocktail bar at the top of Deptford high street founded by Gordon McGowan, the man behind The Watergate and Buster Mantis. The food here is absolutely out of this world – don't miss the gnocchi with wild mushrooms, spinach and parmesan. Wash it down with a cocktail, obv – Bar Stockton does the meanest Manhattan in SE.
Where: Fitzrovia
Why we love it: The hidden rooftop oasis at the Mandrake Hotel. The terrace, al-fresco dining menu and cocktails are all Inspired by the amazon. It’s a tranquil and tropical little retreat if you just need some downtime in an inner city sanctuary. it has actually won an award for ‘Best Outdoor Space’. There is loads of trendy rattan style furniture, cushions and greenery everywhere that makes the perfect backdrop for an insta-worthy selfie.
Where: Aldgate
Why we love it: When you say ‘party’, we say ‘Jin Bo Law’. The rooftop party bar is one of the most Instagrammable watering holes in the city with views over the iconic London skyline from the roof terrace, while inside, interiors are bright and fun, with Asian-inspired art and a fruity cocktail menu. The drinks are pricey but delicious, so we'd recommend saving up and then going all out.
Where: Shoreditch
Why we love it: Tres stylish, but cute! It’s perched atop the Terence Conran-designed Boundary Project, which also contains a small boutique hotel, three restaurants, two bars and a grocery, bakery and deli. This Spring it is launching the Floral Gin Garden where the terrace has been transformed into a sky high Eden complete with an abundance of foliage and a rose archway entrance.
Where: London Bridge
Why we love it: The team behind Nine Lives cocktail bar will return with its al fresco incarnation Nine Lives Alley this spring, with the Mexico City-inspired street scene, located on the cobbles of Holyrood Street. Alongside a DJ, killer cocktails and crafts beers, chef El Tigre will return to the street with his lauded Tigre Tacos; shrimp, pulpo and Baja Fish varieties included, alongside vegetarian bites. Cocktails will be on rotation, depending on what ingredients are available on the day from neighbouring markets, as well as Howling Hops Tropical IPA and Asahi beer served Karakuchi style.
Where: The City
Why we love it: Aviary is one of the swankiest rooftop destinations the city has to offer. Perched on top of The Montcalm Royal London House Hotel in Finsbury Square, the terrace menus offers a wide range of small plates, larger plates, salads and desserts, including ice creams and sorbets to tuck into alongside a glass of bubbly in the summer. Drinks-wise, Aviary know how to do wine, and there are plenty of very reasonably-priced bottles on the menu, too. The cocktails here are also out of this world. From contemporary creations – don't miss the 'bumblebee' with Reyka vodka, Kamm&Sons, lemon, apple juice, pollen syrup – to perfectly-done classics (we know a good martini when we sip one).
Where: Peckham
Why we love it: Skylight's newest spot launched this month, soaring high above ultra-trendy Peckham Square and offering stunning views across the capital. The decor is crying out for your Insta Stories, the locally-soured grub is ideal for sharing with pals, and the cocktails are unreal.
Where: Kensington
Why we love it: The World's original boutique hotel has a personalised lavender field attached as well as having Blake's bees, their own bees that produce honey for their guests. It's freshly produced, smells amazing and is known for it's classic black decor. The gin, boasting 47 hand-picked herbal ingredients includes fresh floral notes and a flowery lavender aroma. Their cocktails include Fields at Provence Monkey 47 Gin, Suze bitter, Honey Water infused with lavender, Lemon Juice and Egg white, Blakes Bee Monkey 47 Gin, homemade infusion of St Germain and Monkey 47 Gin, homemade lavender syrup, St Germain, Cream the Violette and Lemon Juice and 47 Monkeys Monkey 47 Sloe Gin, Monkey 47 Gin, Lime Juice, Muddled strawberries, Paychaud bitters, Perrier Jouet Rose Champagne, Lavender foam and basil leaf.
Where: Leicester Square
Why we love it: LSQ is perched nine storeys above Leicester Square and the buzzing West End, LSQ has an opulent vibe with floor-to-ceiling glass and a wrap-around private balcony. The views are spectacular with the Shard, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Nelson’s Column, The London Eye and the Gherkin all in view.
Where: Chelsea
Why we love it: Tucked away in a courtyard between two beautiful Victorian buildings, metres from the busy King’s Road is the tranquil little oasis that’s overhauled into a lush, botanical escape, brimming with plants and foliage. Even if the great weather doesn’t hold out - the interior is just as impressive. The cocktail menu has a particular focus on botanical ingredients, with each one inspired by The Chelsea Gardener including The Chelsea Gardener itself that has Kettle One Vodka, Mint, Cucumber and Ginger Beer.
Where: Wimbledon
Why we love it: This gorgeous rooftop number is as close to a vineyard as you're going to get on top of a building in London and offers views over Wimbledon. Plus, when you're not getting your sip on al fresco or tucking into a bottomless brunch of free-flowing Prosecco, Mimosas, Mojitos or soft drinks, you can be dancing it up in their spacious interiors to some of the best DJs in West London.
Where: Angel
Why we love it: Is this California or Islington? Who cares, with these beachy, pastel vibes, it doesn't matter where we are, just get us a cocktail and a big bowl of some typical Miami grub (aka. healthy but hugely Instagrammable). Nestle in among the mint-coloured chairs and trees and settle down for the long-haul, with blankets available incase the clouds suddenly come out.
Where: Waterloo
Why we love it: This rooftop bar whisks you off the well-walked streets of London and into a tropical paradise inspired by the island that Napoleon used as a party palace back in the 1800s. Panoramic views, good vibes and boozy slushies are most definitely on the menu.
The Courtyard, COYA Angel Court
Where: The City
Why we love it: A Peruvian oasis in the heart of the City brought to you by Veuve Clicquot and the team at COYA, tuck into the likes of fresh Peruvian sashimi, ceviche and tiraditos, main courses and mouthwatering desserts. Wash it down with Peruvian-inspired cocktails like Aji Margarita and Pisco Royale. It would be rude not to. Plus, the outside space is joyfully decorated with bright colours and plenty of plants.
Where: Mayfair
Why we love it: A classy spot for a well-deserved boujee lunch with your besties. With a menu inspired by the Mediterranean, highlights include beef carpaccio with rocket, tuna tartare with tomato, lemon and olive and a spaghettini with a lemon cream sauce and red prawns.The bar specialises in rare champagne, as if you needed another reason to splash out and treat yourself.
