Summer is here, and that means it’s time to embrace the great outdoors with some fantastic alfresco dining and bar experiences. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a meal under the open sky, surrounded by good vibes and even better company. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect rooftop bar to watch the sunset, a lively patio for brunch with friends, or a serene garden for a romantic dinner, we’ve got the scoop on the best spots to hit up this season. Ready to discover your new favourite hangout? Check out our top picks for the ultimate summer alfresco dining and drinking.
An Experiential Outdoor Dining Experience
A Sky Full of Stripes returns to Beaverbrook for the summer. Grounded within Beaverbrook’s magnificent gardens blooming with flowers, each balloon will seat up to four and offers guests the rare chance to savour authentic Japanese cuisine in an extraordinary setting of a classic hot air balloon basket.
With a dynamic menu curated by Beaverbrook’s Executive Development Chef, Wojciech Popow, guests will step into their striped hot air balloon and let a myriad of handcrafted dishes take them on a head-in-the-clouds culinary adventure. This year’s menu starts with a luxurious selection of Takumi Sashimi, beautifully presented on ice. The main event of the meal is the Yakiniku grill, where guests will cook the finest cuts of meat and fish, including Kyushu Island Wagyu, West Country Lamb, Royal Windsor Park Fallow Deer and Acorn-fed Iberian Pork. For a magnificent finale to the menu, Beaverbrook will serve a Japanese Baked Alaska, crafted in tones of raspberry red and rose pink to match the design of the hot air balloons. Moet & Chandon have curated a Grand Vintage Champagne Flight designed with a trio of their finest vintages to complement the menu. A Sky Full of Stripes is available from Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner with rates from £85pp. Overnight packages are also available.
Best for Fine Dining
Bar Antoine’s Twilight Terrace at the Four Seasons, Park Lane is perfect for lunchtime soirées, evening drinks and al fresco gatherings. Led by renowned Chef Yannick Alléno, the menu seamlessly blends French flavours with the finest British seasonal ingredients. The cocktail list has been curated by Alléno himself, alongside Head Mixologist, Michele Lombardi, with drinks featuring extractions, foams, fermentations and fruits.
Unwind with a crisp glass of champagne or fine wine in hand and enjoy innovative and highly crafted plates.
Best for English Sparkling Wines with Quintessential British views
Cliveden House is set in 376 acres of Grade-I listed formal gardens and enjoys panoramic views over the River Thames. It is renowned as a venue for entertaining royalty and prime ministers, with tales of parties, privilege and power. This summer guests of the hotel can enjoy a lovely alfresco drink and dinner on The Astor Grill summer terrace in partnership with Nyetimber, the renowned sparkling wine brand. Located by the charming old stables, which once housed Lord Astor’s most prized fillies and adopting an equestrian theme in its décor, The Astor Grill terrace’s relaxed environment is the perfect place to enjoy a summer evening.
Best for a lakeside brunch
The Lakes Bar & Kitchen at Lakes By Yoo is a family-based community hub in the heart of the Cotswolds – a space for visitors to socialise, relax and enjoy brunch-style cuisine and tipples alongside picturesque lakeside views. Tucked amongst a grove of trees between the shores of Marley Lake and Sailing Lake, two conjoined tipis comprise space, alongside al fresco lakeside tables perfectly positioned for guests to spend evenings sipping rosé listening to live music as the sun sets. There’s also an outdoor adventure playground for kiddies.
Best for a City Sunset
The Terrace at The Royal Horseguards Hotel, is a secret city gem, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of London life. Echoing the Victorian grandeur and elegance of The Royal Horseguards Hotel, The Terrace provides a stunning backdrop for watching the sunset over the London skyline and River Thames, whilst treating yourself to some killer cocktails and sharing platters. The Terrace boasts rose-tinted flowers, an extensive selection of champagne, sparkling wine, or their limited-edition cocktails including the ‘Rasberry Fizzante’, a fresh summer drink made from Belvedere vodka, cranberry, sparkling wine and fresh raspberries.
Known for providing first-class hospitality to its guests with an unbeatable location, The Terrace is just a stone’s throw away from Embankment, Big Ben and the South Bank.
Best for a Cocktail Stop in the Heart of Chelsea
Sister hotel to Beaverbrook in Surrey, this not-so-secret Sloane Street hit is all about socialising, and this summer guests can sip glasses of chilled rosé al fresco on the sun-kissed terrace, fondly known as ‘Chelsea’s tiniest terrace’. Hugging the front of the two classic Georgian townhouses that make up the hotel and with views over Cadogan Gardens, The Terrace is an extension of Sir Frank’s Bar and Fuji Grill, serving an elegant yet frivolous menu of sushi and nigiri alongside signature tipples such as the Sloane Martini and the rum-based Sir Frank’s Libation.
Best for Sophisticated Sips for Alfresco Dining
Hidden away in the heart of Belgravia, The Hari’s Ruinart Champagne Summer Terrace is an ethereal secret garden, brimming with blooming orchids, rose petals and flowering lily stems in varying jewel tones of pink.
The terrace offers a series of exclusive champagne cocktails that promise to be some of London’s most sophisticated summer sips thanks to Ruinart’s synonymity with the French art de vivre. Meanwhile, a highly curated pairing menu of seasonal nibbles from il Pampero’s Italian kitchen is available offering beautiful sharing plates.
Featuring a retractable glass roof, as well as outdoor heaters, The Hari’s Ruinart Champagne Summer Terrace offers guests an idyllic setting to catch up with friends or a first date.
Covent Garden’s Best Kept Secret
Situated in Covent Garden, The Yards is an urban oasis away from the crowds featuring boutique shops, and fabulous restaurants. Rucola at The Conduit is The Yard’s best-kept alfresco secret. Located on the fifth floor of the private members club, with panoramic views across London, you can indulge in a delicious Northern-Italian-inspired menu. The open kitchen and buzzing central bar lead out to a lush green rooftop retreat, giving Brooklyn vibes. Whether you opt for brunch, lunch or dinner you can expect appetizing dishes, made with thoughtfully-sourced ingredients, with a particular accent on plant-led plates. From the handmade pasta to the focaccia, sustainability is at the heart of the menu, only using low carbon emission ingredients in all their dishes. Soft, silky risotto, punchy pastas and delicate salads are just some of the options. An extensive sustainable cocktail list and natural wine menu are also available.
As the summer sun shines bright, these alfresco dining and drinking spots offer the perfect escape for enjoying the season’s best moments. Whether you’re seeking an elegant fine dining experience, a cozy lakeside brunch, or a hidden city gem for sunset cocktails, these curated locations provide unique atmospheres and exceptional menus. From the serene gardens of Cliveden House to the lively rooftop at Rucola, each venue promises a memorable experience with delicious food and drinks. So gather your friends, soak up the good vibes, and savour the delights of outdoor dining this summer. There’s no better time to discover your new favourite spot and indulge in the ultimate alfresco experience.
