Alfresco Dining Hot Spots
Revived by the sunshine last week and excited for (hopefully) more warm weather to come, Crab Communications have rounded up some of the best terraces for al fresco dining.
LONDON
Make the most of summer in the city with Fallow’s wrap-around terrace in the heart of St James’s. Lined with leafy green foliage and equipped with heaters and blankets for cooler evenings, make the most of the sunshine while sipping on one of their famed Oyster Shell Martinis. Chef Owners Will Murray and Jack Croft have built a name for their sustainable fare and creative flair through viral cult dishes like the Smoked Cod’s Head and Mushroom Parfait. Sample it all – day or night – and soak in the buzz of St James’s.
Just a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Circus, FOWL, the sister restaurant to Fallow, boasts an expansive terrace on a quiet enclave off Haymarket. The only dedicated chicken shop to feature in the Michelin Guide, it’s known for its well-sourced birds from Sutton Hoo, beer towers and pool table – and don’t miss the £20 set lunch menu, available Tuesday to Friday. Kick Sunday lunch off with the tropical Fowl Colada, before ordering the Chicken or Maitake Mushroom Roasts – the perfect way to while away a balmy Spring weekend.
Bentley’s has been a purveyor of the finest oysters and seafood since 1916. Since renowned Irish chef Richard Corrigan took over 20 years ago, a seat on the terrace has become one of the London dining scene’s hottest tickets. Situated a hop and a skip away from Regent’s Street on the quaint little Swallow Street, you’ll find a timeless terrace with elegant tables draped in white and topped with silverware. The full á la carte is available year round, from Rock Oysters, to Shellfish Platters, to Native Lobster Thermidors and, for those inclined, there’s even a menu dedicated to cigars!
Opening on 27 April on Latimer Road, The Latimer brings the Spiteri family’s hallmark hospitality to a relaxed North Kensington neighbourhood setting. Tucked away on a quiet residential street, the pub boasts a south-facing terrace, perfect for long, easy afternoons and early evening drinks. With a concise bar snack menu featuring Masala Haddock with Curried Tartare Sauce and Potato Churros with Cod’s Roe plus a strong non-alcoholic offering alongside the usual drinks list, The Latimer is set to become a natural go-to for locals this al fresco season.
With some of the city’s biggest towers of commerce looming large overhead and overlooking the South Dock Canal in Canary Wharf, Roe’s wrap-around terrace offers a waterside location for breakfast, lunch or dinner as the weather gets warmer. Known for its Frozen Margaritas and its new Brunch Chef-in-Residence’s Aussie-inspired breakfasts, it’s a suntrap worth settling into. Available each Saturday in April, expect dishes like Rösti, Corn Fritters and Eggs on Toast, best enjoyed in the spring sunshine by the water.
Panzer’s, the 80-year-old deli and grocery in St John’s Wood, long favoured by the likes of Harry Styles and Mick Jagger, is home to one of London’s most exciting terraces. Alongside its acclaimed food offering – think Smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels and Rotisserie Chicken as well as London-style pizzas from Circus Pizza’s Head Chef Kit Delamain – the space plays host to a revolving programme of events, including supper clubs, live jazz and fermentation workshops.
The cult-favourite noodle bar from Chiang Mai, Khao Sō-i, brings a slice of Northern Thailand to Fitzrovia with its relaxed, sun-trap terrace for the warmer months. Set just moments from the bustle of central London, it’s the perfect spot to linger over bowls of its signature Khao Soi, a rich coconut curry noodle soup layered with spice, crunch and your choice of toppings. Alongside cherished family recipes, the line-up of refreshing signature cocktails, such as a Kaad Margarita, are keeping things suitably cool. Ideal for long lunches in the sun or warm evenings that stretch on, with blankets on hand for when the temperature dips.
OUT OF TOWN
The debut opening from Tommy Banks’ Jeopardy Hospitality, The General Tarleton has already received widespread acclaim, including five stars from The Telegraph and named One to Watch at the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub Awards. Its large terrace catches the afternoon and early evening sun, with exclusive garden blackboard specials – ideal for long, relaxed summer evenings. Settle in outside with one of their famed Scotch Eggs and a pint of Turning Point’s Disco King IPA, brewed just down the road.
The Mariners in Rock, Cornwall
Overlooking North Cornwall’s Camel Estuary, The Mariners offers elevated British pub classics with Chef Paul Ainsworth’s signature twist. Enjoy the famed Dog’s Pollock, a crispy pollock hot dog, or a selection of Oysters, sourced just 500 metres away. Its two terraces provide the perfect setting for summer sundowners with breathtaking views. Eagle-eyed viewers may have spotted Gordon Ramsay catching up with Paul here in his new Netflix series.
The Abbey Inn, North Yorkshire
Overlooking the historic ruins of Byland Abbey, The Abbey Inn offers the perfect respite for hardy walkers and gastronomic adventurers alike. Taken over by chef Tommy Banks in 2024, the pub exhibits the hyper-local, sustainably focused ethos for which the Group is renowned, with produce grown and reared on the family’s farm in Oldstead taking centre stage. Take a pew in the garden and enjoy one of their signature Sundaes, with flavours including Forced Yorkshire Rhubarb, Blackcurrant & Sweet Cicely and Sea Buckthorn & Dark Chocolate.
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