Britain may not be famed for its dependable weather but when it comes to grabbing a table on the pavement and watching the world go by there can be few finer cities to dine alfresco as you tuck into some delicious fare.
So whether you're people watching, staring out at an incredible skyline or surrounded in an intimate courtyard setting or lush garden backdrop take a look at our list for London's best restaurants for alfresco dining.
This great North African restaurant is on the buzzy Heddon Street, a little enclave filled with eateries and tables on pavements. Momo however has a separate terrace, sumptuously decorated with Moroccan lanterns, colourful cushions and carved wooden shutters. Order food, have afternoon tea, or have a go on a shisha pipe.
Sitting on the terrace at The Summerhouse you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to the Med (well, as long as it isn’t hailing) thanks to its prime position right by the canal in Little Venice. The menu has popular choices like fish and chips, risotto and platters to share.
Ruth Rodgers and the now sadly deceased Rose Gray opened this Italian restaurant in 1987. Their use of seasonal, good quality ingredients to produce simple rustic dishes has been a huge influence on British chefs, and the restaurant has kept its Michelin star ever since 1997. Outdoors seating is provided in a leafy garden.
This French restaurant is in Holland Park, surrounded by well-kept grass, flower gardens and fountains, perfect for a romantic tête-à-tête as the sun goes down. Popular with tourists and wedding parties.
Bluebird may have recently appeared on Made In Chelsea, but it’s been delighting the neighbourhood for quite some time, particularly when it comes to breakfast. The courtyard has a barbecue and screens for showing sporting events.
For the ultimate in posh dining head to The Ritz, where smart dress is essential. Food is innovative (lamb with smoked aubergine and rosemary curd, butter poached turbot with oxtail and lemon verbena) and with a set dinner menu for £50 not as exorbitant as you’d imagine. The terrace provides a pretty, yet unfussy alternative to the dining room.
A large terrace with views of the river sits between the brasserie and the more formal restaurant on the eighth floor of the Oxo Tower. The brasserie fuses Mediterranean and Asian flavours, while the restaurant sticks to British and European cuisine.
The restaurant of the Bingham hotel has a charming terrace that overlooks the river, specifically the narrow, leafy bit that runs through Richmond. Chef Shay Cooper’s flair for combining British ingredients with lighter European flavours earned them a Michelin star in 2010.
This restaurant has a mixture of vintage French fare such as sole meunière and coq au vin, and contemporary dishes like grilled tuna with sweet and sour aubergine compote. There are no less than two terraces and a rooftop, all offering great views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and beyond.