Where to Drink
Make The Most Of The London Sun With Outdoor Bars
Ditch the layers and step out while the weather is still good. Save this comprehensive list of outdoor bars for your next drinking plan!
It may largely be a gloomy, grey city but Londoners sure know to party when the sun shines!
Right from canal-side shacks to beer gardens to rooftops overlooking the city - London has an endless number of bars and restaurants that are opening themselves up to the great outdoors this season.
We’re not just talking about the 5 extra tables outside almost all restaurants, we’re talking about fully outdoor restaurants that you can enjoy for your dose of day drinking, or a dreamy date night. Here are some of our top choices -
Located on the first-floor terrace, Jurema is surrounded by a hanging garden of suspended jasmine and passionflower and overlooks the Courtyard with its soaring Tasmanian Ferns. Serving up summer ethnobotanical cocktails and Mexican inspired dishes, it is no wonder that the jalapeno cocktails seem to be all the rage in town. From 12pm to 4pm, guests may indulge in a spirited and gastronomic brunch experience exclusively available on Sundays
It is surprisingly peaceful, secluded and miles from anywhere yet this utterly delightful spot is just two minutes' walk from Oxford street. You can understand why Jurema Terrace was the Global Winner of Outdoor Spaces by AHEAD awards.
Address : 20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG
Reservation : 020 3146 7770
MERCATO METROPOLITANO
Built on a disused paper factory, MM’s values of community, quality and social responsibility are maintained throughout the property. From recycled materials to no-frills layout, the entire site is based on a sustainable economic model that is an asset to the local community.
This is a vast outdoor space with oodles of tables as well as a plethora of different food vendors, 40 independent partners to be precise, to choose from. This means you can enjoy everything you've been missing of late in one fell swoop.
It is a haven for college students with cheap drinks, a wide variety of food and a super central location.
Address : 42 Newington Causeway, London SE16DR
Reservations : First come first serve basis
They’ve also recently opened Mercato Mayfair, a classy version of Mercato Metropolitano with the same setting and format.
THE SERPENTINE BAR & KITCHEN
The iconic building on the Eastern Edge of the Serpentine in Hyde Park houses the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen. Inspired by English country living, the restaurant aims to be a retreat for both Londoners and visitors alike.
What better scene to watch over as you sip on a chilled glass of wine than the swimmers - both avian and human - in the Serpentine? This spot is so dreamy, that if you manage to get one of the few sun-soaked seats available, you really will find it very hard to leave.
Address : Serpentine Road, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
Reservation : 020 7706 8114
Tucked away in the heart of Bloomsbury Hotel, Dalloway Terrace is a beautifully designed indoor-outdoor restaurant, in partnership with The Botanist gin. Quiet, chic with very nice food and cocktails, we'd suggest this as a perfect location for romantic dinner on a balmy night. But don't worry if the weather is slightly inclement - there's a retractable roof, heating and blankets on chairs.
Address : 16-22 Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3NN
Reservation : Dalloway Terrace
Vinegar Yard is a bit of an ‘Eat Drink Shop’ location sitting in the shadow of The Shard. The flea-like spacious outdoor area at Vinegar Yard is a godsend for socially-distanced drinkies with your buddies.
It’s a cool hangout spot, with a decent range of local craft beers, wines and spirits on offer and street food eats from the likes of Baba G’s, Nanny Bills and Sugo to munch on alongside.
Address: 72-82 St Thomas St, Bermondsey, London SE1 3QX
Reservations : Vinegar Yard
Recently awarded Taste of London 2022, and rated London’s #1 Restaurant on Tripadvisor in 2019 and 2020, Barge East is inspired by seasonality, with produce from their very own gardens, and specially selected, sustainable suppliers.
Whether you drink on the giant boat perched jauntily on its mooring on the River Lee or in the idyllic awned garden pitched up alongside, it’s little wonder it’s become a local favourite in Hackney Wick.
Address: River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Ln, Hackney Wick, London E9 5EN
Reservations : +44 20 3026 2807
The Hawk’s Nest is a garden bar hidden under a glittering arch in West London. With plenty of themed evenings – Margarita Mondays, Quiz Tuesdays, and 2-4-1 Student Wednesdays – you’re always sure to be in good company.
The cocktail menu is very impressive, including the 'Passionfruit Mezcalita' & 'Lychee Martini' alongside a seasonal wine list full of crisp whites and rosés, an array of exciting spirits, and London's best craft beer and cider.
Address: Goldhawk Rd, Shepherd’s Bush Market, London W12 8DF
Reservation : +44 7570 820944
Sabine is hidden away in the city of London with stunning views of St Paul's Cathedral. Inside is plat-filled, creating a botanical garden vibe, and the retractable roof means it's ideal even for the most unpredictable weather.
One service Sabine offers is a DIY cocktail, with the mixologists asking for your usual preferences when it comes to flavours and spirits and concocting a unique cocktail designed to suit your individual palette.
Address : 10 Godliman St, London EC4V 5AJ
Reservation : Sabine London
With a little imagination and a lot of love, they’ve turned a hidden corner of Brixton into a secret rooftop terrace, big enough to get lost in.
Enjoy Latin American inspired cocktails, local craft beers, DJs and live music, plus food from Brixton Village delivered right to your table.
Sip cocktails as you wait for Franco Manca pizza or tapas from The Tapas Room.
Address : Brixton Village, Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PS
Reservation : lostinbrixton
Found in Wapping's Tobacco Dock, and Peckham as well, Skylight offers impressive panoramic views of the city. Book one of their outdoor summer games - croquet, ping pong, shuffle-board and more while enjoying your drinks and of course the views.
The Tobacco Deck is arguably more popular, and the original Skylight site has outdoor as well as indoor seating, kickass cocktails and pets all around.
Address : Tobacco Quay, Wapping Ln, London E1W 2SF
Reservation : Skylight Bars
(Bookings are highly recommended)
Stretching over the 11th floor of the hotel, The Rooftop at the terrace of The Standard Hotel turns unparalleled views of the London skyline into the perfect backdrop for outdoor cocktails and bubbles on tap. Located in the heart of King’s Cross, next to Coal Drop’s Yard and minutes away from the St Pancras Station, it offers drinks and snacks atop cheery green AstroTurf with stunning panoramic city views.
The Rooftop also has bottomless drinks and breakfast every Sunday starting 11am.
Address : 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG
Reservation : The Rooftop
