The ultimate hot summer London terrace guide
A poolside paradise
The Berkeley Rooftop Bar
The five-star hotel’s popular rooftop pop-up “Capri in the City” has a chic beach-club vibe. Order cocktails to drink on sunloungers by the pool: from a Capri Negroni to a Granita della casa (Aperol, freshly squeezed Amalfi lemon juice and sugar with shaved ice). Dine alfresco under the shade of parasols: a poolside pizza oven serves selections (from £28), and there are Italian-inspired sharing platters – including Paccheri with clams, mussels and crab (£29), and small plates of marinated octopus (£32) or a classic Panzanella salad (£24). Tables are booked in two-hour slots (minimum spend £50), while sunlongers are available on a walk-in basis. Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL; maybourne.com
Garden glamour
The Goring: Garden Cham’Pong
There’s nothing more quintessentially British than stepping into the garden at The Goring. This year, guests and visitors are invited to take part in Cham’Pong, a game fusing the art of ping-pong with champagne quaffing. Jaques of London ping-pong tables take centre-stage on the lawn, and guests keen to play can purchase a bottle of Bollinger for a twist on beer pong, where balls are bounced into coupes by hand or using a bat. For a more sedate treat, afternoon tea is served on the Veranda, where guests can watch the action. The experience runs until September, and the hotel is donating £5 for every Cham’Pong Champagne bottle to Hotel School, a charity offering the homeless the chance to train in hospitality work. 15 Beeston Place, SW1W 0JW; thegoring.com
Soho highs
El Fenn at Flute, Broadwick Soho
El Fenn, Marrakesh’s luxurious, bohemian boutique hotel, is recreating its magic at a summer-long residency at Flute, the hotel's rooftop bar. It's one of London’s chicest spots, where guests can dine on bites such as beef kefta sliders (£18); signature salads of heirloom carrot and medjool dates (£20); and delights such as spiced lamb cutlets (£25), alongside a champagne and caviar pairing option (£35).
There's a buzzy atmosphere ignited by an impressive line-up of musical talent. On 31st July, DJ Rita Kamale hits the decks with an experimentalist set of R&B, Gnawa dub and Afro-jazz. Maro brings house and electro funk to the rooftop on 6th August, followed by BBC and Soho Radio’s Zahra B on 7th/27th August). Anissa ramps-up the vibes on 13th/20th August, weaving Maghreb with jazz, soul, disco and funk. On 14th August, Dynamic DJ duo Beatkozina heads the party; and on 21st/28th August, Beats Kebab makes an appearance. Places are limited and booking is required: here. 20 Broadwick Street, W1F 8HT; broadwicksoho.com
Puttin' on the Ritz
The Secret Garden at The Ritz
All the charm of The Ritz – alfresco style. This drink and dine oasis, designed by David Collins Studio, is ensconced in a flower-filled garden of irises and hellebores, hydrangeas, crab-apple trees and white wisteria, all planted by Marcus Barnett Studio. A central water feature fills the air with the soothing sound of trickling water as one sips champagne or samples a botanical cocktail beneath parasols and canopies. Try the Garden of Eden: Boatyard vodka, Nasturtium distillate, melon cordial, Ramos Pinto Port and Meloncello liquor topped with soda water (£25). The Mediterranean-inspired menu features small plates, seafood and signature desserts (£50 minimum spend per person, from Monday to Wednesday, £75 on the remaining days). Book online. 150 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9BR; theritzlondon.com
Hidden pearl
The Ham Yard Courtyard
A retreat in the heart of Soho that feels a million miles away from the surrounding bustle. This year the outdoor terrace is served by an oyster cart offering Coupes de Crevettes, Portland dressed crab, or freshly shucked oysters (12 for £45). Time your visit to coincide with “golden hour” (Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm to 6pm) and the oysters are half-price. For a long lunch or dinner, the à la carte menu can be ordered alfresco: delights include Tuna niçoise salad (£32); smoked haddock and salmon fish cake, poached egg and hollandaise (£26); and poached chicken, summer vegetables and salsa verde (£28). 1 Ham Yard, London, W1D 7DT; firmdalehotels.com
La Dolce Vita
Carbone Terrace
The Italian-American restaurant known for its theatrical service and glamorous decor extends the experience to its swanky alfresco terrace overlooking Grosvenor Square. Tables dressed with white tablecloths are set amongst greenery and olive trees for lunch and dinner. The menu is light and seasonal: from pea and pecorino salad to spring pea cappellacci and spaghetti puttanesca, and guests can also indulge in signature dishes such as Caesar alla ZZ (£34). Desserts of sorbets and gelatos are complemented by the venue’s special dessert tray (sweet treats are £18 each). 30 Grosvenor Square; carbonelondon.com
A moving moment
The Dorchester Summer Garden with La DoubleJ
La DoubleJ’s JJ Martin has created a reverie within the hotel’s hedgerow-wrapped garden, using her expressive and joyous take on print and colour to create a vibrant, Italian-style oasis overlooked by giant flowers and kinetic sculptures by American sculptor Lyman Whitaker. The installations are utterly stunning, adding fantasy to an ensemble of colourful linens, cushions, vases and pretty parasols. Dine here for lunch or partake in afternoon drinks or aperitivo hour. Small plates include swordfish crudo (£26); courgette flower fritti with grilled prawns (£28); and morsetti di lasagne (£14). The installation can be enjoyed in the garden until September. 53 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 1QA; dorchestercollection.com.
Green and pleasant
The Green Bar Summer Terrace at Hotel Café Royal
Watch the world go by in a corner of the thoroughfare to Piccadilly, pairing a cocktail or chilled rosé with seasonal small plates. The terrace’s selection of botanical cocktails – curated by beverage director Matteo Carretta – are organised into three categories drawing inspiration from 1930s mixology. The top-tier “Unique Experiences” option (£30 to £55), offers spirits such as the D'Azur Aperitivo and the Seventy One Gold Martini. Complement with light-bite selections of mini Angus beef burgers (£25); buttermilk fried chicken bites (£18); fried calamari with red mullet (£24); and seasonal vegetable rolls (£18). There's also terrace classics such as black truffle pizzetta (£30) and classic club sandwiches (£28). 68 Regent Street, W1B 4DY; hotelcaferoyal.com
A chic retreat
...At Sloane Terrace
A gem in the heart of Chelsea. The hotel’s west-facing terrace, overlooking Sloane Square, extends from the stunning Dining Room – an Arts & Crafts-inspired space referencing Whistler’s 1876 Peacock Room, created to showcase Chinese porcelain. It serves breakfast and lunch including its Costes ‘les essentiels’ menu featuring tom yam seabass, dim sum and its signature cheesecake. Expect to pay around £80 for a starter and main course. 1 Sloane Gardens, SW1W 8EA; atsloane.com
Inner circle
The Minuty Summer Terrace at Champagne Bar, The Landmark London
Saint Tropez chic inspires The Minuty Summer Terrace at The Champagne Bar - which is set within a grove of hanging lemons, lavender and olive trees. Sip premium rosés complemented by Provençal dishes, which include Soup Au Pistou, a provençal vegetable soup (£12); Pissaladière, a savory French tart with caramelised onion, lemon, thyme, crème fraîche, olives and anchovies (£19); and a classic salad Niçoise, comprising seared yellow fin tuna, green beans, olives, heirloom tomatoes and new potato salad (£26). Live jazz elevates the ambience every Friday and Saturday evening until 31st August. 222 Marylebone Road, NW1 6JQ; landmarklondon.co.uk
Angel delights
Whispering Angel Terrace at Fenchurch Restaurant, Sky Garden
A Provence-inspired oasis perched 37 floors above the city. Chef Kerth Gumbs' sharing menu comes with a bottle of Whispering Angel for a very decent £55 per person. The selection starts with nuts on the table, followed by a choice of two starters (whipped artichoke hummus, Burrata, green asparagus and Serrano ham or beef tartare); two further dishes from a selection of smoked salmon, citrus cured sea bream and Jersey oysters; and one choice of main: fried chicken, charred bavette of beef, or charred king oyster mushroom, topped-off by dessert. Finish the evening with access to Sky Garden’s live music nights - where you can also join its Aperol Spritz parties. 1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF, skygarden.london
Catch of the day
Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill Terrace
Chef Richard Corrigan’s seafood restaurant remains a firm London favourite – with an alfresco terrace that enhances the experience. The full á la carte menu is available year-round, from rock oysters (which start from £27 a dozen for Jersey varieties); to a shellfish platter for two, combining oysters, crevettes, cockles and clams (£75); to mains of chargrilled Dover Sole (£75) and native lobster spaghetti (£42.50). There's even a cigar menu for those who partake. 11-15 Swallow Street, Mayfair, W1B 4DG; bentleys.org
Hidden gem
Templeton Garden x St Germain Hidden Garden Bar
A Kensington boutique hotel with a verdant landscaped garden. This summer, the space has transformed into a St-Germain pop-up bar serving a selection of limited-edition cocktails, including a Frozen Mint Margarita (£15), which can be enjoyed on deckchairs when the weather permits. The hotel’s restaurant Pippin’s, complements the pop-up with a seasonal summer menu, and a “Hidden Garden” afternoon tea: £55 per person; £65 with a glass of Nyetimber Demi-Sec; and £70 with a trio of bespoke cocktails. 1-15 Templeton Place, SW5 9NB; miirohotels.com/templetongarden
Fallow the leader
Fallow Terrace
Hands-down one of the best London restaurants for inventive cuisine - and a sustainable, waste-reducing ethos. Chef-owners Will Murray and Jack Croft have created the same vibrant atmosphere on the restaurant’s wrap-around terrace as inside their busy eatery. Pitched in a prime St. James's spot, it is lined with leafy foliage and warmed by heaters and blankets (on chillier days). Get into the spirit by sampling an Oyster Shell Martini (£17) before ordering one of the restaurant's iconic dishes: from Smoked Cod’s Head (£29) to Mushroom Parfait (£18). 52 Haymarket, SW1Y 4RP; fallowrestaurant.com
An Indian Summer
Cinnamon Kitchen City
An escape from the buzz of Liverpool Street, this vibrant all-weather terrace is decked-out with low-slung seating and layers of pretty textiles. Pop by for a cocktail (from a Cinnamon Bellini, £10, to a Fruits cocktail, blending black cardamon tea and fizz, £13), or partake in afternoon tea at the weekend, which includes a vegetarian option (£28 per person). Spend the evening enjoying a relaxed dinner over dishes such as Kashmir chicken biryani (£18.50) or Spice Crusted Sea Bream (£23) – the menu's delicate flavours are conjured by the renowned executive chef Vivek Singh.
9 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YL; cinnamon-kitchen.com
A chic corner
Pétanque at Bar Antoine, Four Seasons Park Lane
A corner of the Côte d'Azur in the heart of Mayfair, the hotel’s Bar Antoine (part of chef Yannick Alléno’s Michelin-starred Pavyllon restaurant) is hosting a summer-long pétanque pop-up on its terrace. Pétanque, the French game of boules, is being hailed as the “new padel” – but slower, more relaxed, and just a little chicer. Tucked in an alfresco corner, it’s a lovely spot to chill, sip French-inspired cocktails – from Orange Amère (£19) to a Croissant Old Fashioned (£26) – play a game or two, and graze on sharing plates such as its Charcuterie selection (£45). Hamilton Place, W1J 7DR; fourseasons.com/london
City slick
Casa Mana at The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan
A waterfront Mexican-style hangout in Canary Wharf with an outdoor terrace – created with Teremana Tequila founded by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – surrounded by colourful blooms. Sip on frozen margaritas – in classic, peach and coconut versions – or try the Bad Bunny cocktail: a blend of Teremana Añejo tequila, orange curaçao, carrot, orange and lemon juice and agave (all £14.50 each). There are nibbles and small plates to keep you sated: from monkfish satay skewers and popcorn fried chicken (both £12.50) to pea and spinach soup (£9.50). West India Quay, 16 Hertsmere Road, E14 4AX; drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-sipping-room
Take it to the top
Bōkan Rooftop Terrace
Take-in 360-degree views of the cityscape, 39 floors above Canary wharf, at this popular rooftop bar and terrace. Signature cocktails include a Sombra Paloma (£15) and a Highland Fig (15-year-old Glenfiddich, fig liqueur and Campari, £18), which can be sipped while tucking into sharing plates, such as hummus and flatbread (£9). Heartier dishes include Butterfly monkfish (£28) or a sumptuous seafood platter (£29). 40 Marsh Wall, E14 9TP; bokanlondon.co.uk
French connections
Colbert Terrace
A perennial spot for Parisian-style people watching, this terrace remains Chelsea's place to be seen. The French cafe is busy breakfast to dinner, serving classics such as Croque Monsieur (£15.25); pan-roasted Toulouse sausage with braised lentils and Lyonnaise onions (£24.25); and flat iron steak frites with ‘sauce diane’ (£31.75). Magnifique! 50-52 Sloane Square, Chelsea, SW1W 8AX; colbertrestaurant.com
Peak chic
Photography Johnny Stephens
Sushi Samba and the Tree Terrace
Perched on the 38th and 39th floors of the Heron Tower, this is a rooftop hotspot, thanks to its sky-high views, striking decor and fusion Asian and South American cuisine. Dine on small plates of crispy baby squid (£18); raw selections such as tuna ceviche (£22); or sample dishes from the Japanese charcoal grill: from black cod anticuchos (£34) to eggplant with mustard miso and bubu arare (£14). The drinks menu at the Tree Terrace bar is equally inventive: from the Sake Spritz (Château Minuty Prestige Rosé, St. Germain, Mio sparkling sake and grapefruit oils) to the Lychee Cooler (Grey Goose Le Citron, St. Germain, vanilla, coconut cream and lychee water). Both are priced £18 each. Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY; sushisamba.com
The high life
Wagtail London
Accessed by a private lift atop a 1920s building, this rooftop escape is split over two floors, featuring a restaurant with two private terraces, in addition to a rooftop terrace bar with striking panoramic vistas. The terrace menu features “light grazing” dishes including crab salad, pickled fennel and lemon mayonnaise (£25); and baked golden beetroot, feta, golden raisins and chardonnay dressing (£14). Watch the sun go down with a cocktail: from a refreshing watermelon Margarita slushy blended with Patrón Silver tequila, to a Paloma (all £15 each). 68 King William Street (9th and 10th floors), EC4N 7HR; etmcollection.co.uk
Panoramic pleasures
No.3 Rooftop at Smiths of Smithfield
Soak-up breathtaking views of St. Paul's and the city at this vibrant Farringdon rooftop. Chef Jay Bond conjures a fine-dining experience, which includes starters of Dorset crab (£14.50) and seared Orkney scallops (£22), alongside mains of pan-fried bass (£34) and 8oz dry aged Scotch fillet (£45). If you prefer to graze, there's a menu of sharing canapés. 67-77 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HJ; smithsofsmithfield.co.uk
Seventh Heaven
Sabine London, St Paul’s
The dome of St Paul’s frames this seventh-floor rooftop adding to the vibey ambience that’s popular with the city crowd. Live DJ’s charge the atmosphere come sunset – the venue’s resident DJ Munro hits the decks on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Dine for brunch (there’s a 90-minute bottomless option for £35 per person), indulge in small plates such as poached eggs, avocado, labneh, dill, chilli oil and flat bread (£8), or dine à la carte, sampling signature sharing plates such as salt and pepper calamari fries (£15) or meat dishes like sticky pork belly bao bun (£18). 10 Godliman St, EC4V 5AJ; sabinelondon.co.uk
Aperitivo Time
Novikov Terrace
The popular three-storey dining destination in Mayfair, encompassing an Asian and Italian restaurant and a lounge bar, extends the fun to its bustling summer terrace. It’s a great city spot to take in the whirl of Berkeley Square while dining on dim sum, sashimi or Italian dishes such as fresh pastas, grilled fish and meats. Time your arrival for “Aperitivo Time” (from 5pm–7pm) when the restaurant offers free-flowing drinks and food for £35 per person on the terrace. Typically this includes unlimited Aperol Spritz, Negronis and Bellinis paired with charcuterie. 50A Berkeley Street, W1J 8HA; novikovrestaurant.co.uk
A slice of Italy
Franco’s
One of the oldest Italian restaurants in the city, overlooking the boutiques and galleries of Jermyn Street, which first opened its doors in 1945. Secure a seat on the terrace to enjoy what it claims is one of London’s most extensive rosé wine selections; there's more than 60 varieties curated by head sommelier Paolo Pellegrino. Try selections from Domaines Ott and Pascal Jolivet, alongside small-production bottles and rare finds: from biodynamic micro-winery Villa Calicantus to natural wine maker, I Garagisti Di Sorgono. Classic Italian fayre is served all day. The á la carte menu is light and fresh: think octopus carpaccio with fennel, orange and capers (£24); and hand-picked Devon crab with panzanella salad (£28). 61 Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6LX; francoslondon.com
A champagne corner
Perrier-Jouët Champagne Terrace
Slip into a secret champagne garden at the Belgravia hotel’s orchid-filled indoor-outdoor terrace, where Perrier-Jouët has taken residency for the summer. The space has a retractable glass roof, allowing guests to soak up the sun or sip cocktails beneath the stars. There are three special fizz cocktails on the menu: Jasmine Garden blends gin with notes of jasmine syrup and lemon, topped with Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut; Blueberry Shrub is a mix of vodka, blueberry cordial, lemon and Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé; and Caribbean Bubbles infuses The Hari Rum, brown sugar, Angostura bitters and Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut. Enjoy with a selection of Cicchetti – from tiger prawns (£14) to truffle arancini (£8) – and sharing plates (during aperitivo time, from 5pm to 7pm, there is a complimentary plate from the Cicchetti section). The champagne cocktails are £22 each. 20 Chesham Pl, London SW1X 8HQ; thehari.com/london
Ibiza highs
Madison
Bringing Ibiza vibes to London, this is the go-to rooftop for party lovers. By day, the terrace is a Mediterranean-style oasis, framed by views of St Paul’s, offering myriad dining options, such as a weekend bottomless brunch (£41 for two courses and £46 for three). For more leisurely affairs, the á la carte selection boasts classics such as Rigatoni Alla Vodka (£26), and offerings from the grill, including a 10oz Aberdeen Angus sirloin steak (£40). But the live music line-up is the major draw: the rooftop hosts DJs seven days a week, featuring regular resident acts alongside headliners such as Dan Healy. Rooftop Terrace One, New Change, EC4M 9AF; madisonlondon.net
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