Members choose to dine al fresco to:
- Enjoy a meal in London's tranquil parks and gardens.
- Savour river views with their gourmet food.
- Have a sunny business lunch on a City terrace.
Our restaurant expert Hernan Castro Vidal says: 'Forget dining on a table squeezed onto a roadside pavement when the weather is fine – there are some wonderful locations around London to eat outside when the sun shines. Here are some of the al fresco tables most loved by members all around the capital.'
Aqua
Fifth floor, 240 Regent Street, London W1B 3BR
The London outpost of this modish Hong Kong group has two restaurants, each with its own rooftop terrace overlooking Regent Street. There's sushi at Aqua Kyoto and tapas at Aqua Nueva - both good options for a light, social dinner after a day's shopping on Oxford Street or a pre-theatre meal on a summer's evening.
Le Pont de la Tour
Butlers Wharf, 36d Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE
For a seriously elegant meal by the Thames, the terrace at Le Pont de la Tour is well recommended. With French cuisine, some of the best river views in London, great seafood and at least a nod to vegetarians, it's a popular choice.
Coq d'Argent
1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
A favourite among our City members, Coq d'Argent's rooftop garden is lush with greenery and has views across London (and heaters and canopies for when the temperature drops at night). Food is French fine dining.
The Belvedere
Holland House, Off Abbotsbury Road, Holland Park, London W8 6LU
The terrace at the Belvedere, next to Holland Park, is a lovely leafy, green retreat that's perfect for warm summer days or balmy evenings. The menu is Anglo-French and members recommend it for a cosy weekend lunch on a quiet summer afternoon, surrounded by the lawns and flower gardens of the park. There are four tables of four on the terrace, or the whole terrace can be hired for dinner for 16.
York & Albany
127-129 Parkway, London NW1 7PS
Not many people know about the potential for al fresco dining at Gordon Ramsay’s York & Albany. The hotel and restaurant has a courtyard, beautifully decorated with flowers, where guests can wile away the afternoon over grilled chorizo, cod tagine and crab tagliatelle.
Frederick's
106 Islington High Street, London N1 8EG
Frederick's in Islington has a big garden and conservatory that's good for large, family dinners. It serves modern European food members have complimented its fish dishes and wine list. It's closed on Sundays, but otherwise it's a popular choice for a relaxed lunch.
Hush
10-11 Lancashire Court, New Bond Street, London W1S 1EY
For hay fever sufferers, there are plenty of places in London to dine in less floral environments. Hush, hidden in a Mayfair mews, is one of our restaurant team's favourites. It has a cobbled courtyard that's secluded from the bustle of the street and it serves a brasserie-style menu of comfort food. A great place to stop if you're shopping on Bond Street.
River Café
Thames Wharf, Rainville Road, London W6 9HA
This is the venue that indirectly launched Jamie Oliver (he was working there when spotted by a TV crew), and so put a healthy dash of Italian into British culinary DNA. It has a large terrace for outside dining and the great Italian food plus amazing views make for wonderful al fresco dining.
Oxo Tower Restaurant and Brasserie
Barge House Street, South Bank, London SE1 9PH
Both venues offer al fresco facilities during the warmer months. It is a great place to admire impressive views of London as well as enjoy the sun. The brasserie offers a less formal experience, with live jazz performances daily.
Boundary
2-4 Boundary Street, London E2 7DD
Sir Terence Conran's leafy roof garden sprawls across the top of a Victorian warehouse with views over the spires of East London to the skyscrapers of the City. Bookings are only available in the restaurant area - ask your lifestyle manager to arrange, or to hire out the entire rooftop for a special occasion.
Bentley's
11-15 Swallow Street, London W1B 4DG
The terrace at Richard Corrigan's oyster bar and grill is tucked down Swallow Street, the quiet, sheltered thoroughfare that connects Regent Street to Piccadilly. It's a good spot to sit back with a plate of Maldon natives and a citrusy glass of Picpoul de Pinet while Piccadilly Circus murmurs just around the corner.
Cinnamon Kitchen
9 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YL
Cinnamon Kitchen's covered courtyard is open all year for al fresco dining, though it's best suited to the warmer summer months. It serves a seasonal grill menu of Chef Vivek Singh's celebrated modern European cooking and a selection of signature cocktails - try the cinnamon bellini for a fresh twist on a classic.
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