Where Chefs Drink Outside in London

This enduring sweaty summer is (maybe) on its last legs – and this August bank holiday weekend, we’ll be giving it one last so long. Thanks to the ongoing heat, it’s been a summer of outdoor drinking and dining. If you’ve run out of decision-making steam about where to head next, we’ve asked some of London’s leading chefs and restarateurs where they like to drink outside for inspiration.

My favourite outdoor drinking spot in London has to be Prince of Peckham. It’s local to me, the vibes are always spot on and it’s one of those places that really feels like the heart of the community. The food is a big draw, too; it’s from White Men Can’t Jerk, which never misses! When the sun’s out, the terrace is packed with great energy and if there’s football on, the atmosphere goes up a different level.

I love going to The Pelican in Notting Hill – I think Public House Group are brilliant at what they do, always excellent food and great service. When it’s warm, I’ll always try to get an outdoor seat. The neighbourhood has a really fun and young vibe, and it’s always a good place to take friends old and new.

For me, it’s Bruno in Victoria Park. It completely changes with the seasons. In winter, the former stables are cosy and candlelit; in summer, they open up the doors and the whole place spills out onto the terrace. It’s a real sun trap and one of my favourite spots to sit with a glass of the good stuff. It has a relaxed feel, you could sit solo with a book or pull up stools as friends arrive – before you know it you’ve been there for hours. They’ve also had some brilliant chef residencies over the years; I particularly enjoyed what Coko Becker and Diarmuid Goodwin did there. It’s worth following their Instagram to keep up with whoever’s cooking next. It’s the sort of place that, if you stumbled across it on holiday, you’d spend the rest of the trip feeling very pleased with yourself for having found it.

The Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich is a big, beautiful historic pub, and I love sitting outside with a view of the river, ideally with a crisp apple cider in hand. It’s hard to beat on a sunny day.

One of my favourite outdoor drinking spots in London is The 10 Cases wine bar. It has this wonderful, almost Parisian feel to it – a long row of seats facing the street where you can sit in the afternoon sun and watch the world go by. As someone who loves wine, it's a place I keep coming back to because the list is always changing, incredibly well-curated and great value. It feels like one of those little European wine bars where you can settle in for a glass and suddenly realise hours have passed. Despite being right near Covent Garden, it feels tucked away from the crowds. It is honestly simple – just great food, great wine and a crowd that genuinely love their wine.

My absolute favourite al fresco drinking spot is the Anchor & Hope in Clapton. Tucked away and right on the water, plus jerk wings?! What more could you want?

My favourite outside table, other than The Victory, would be the Clock House in Peckham Rye. I like to stop for a Negroni or Old Fashioned mixed by the excellent manager, Jacob Harris. A cheeky little drink with my rescue dog, who also enjoys the dog snacks on offer, whilst getting my steps in around the park – which is just three minutes from my home - at the end of a busy day.

I’d probably start with the Seventy5th Balcony Bar at the Royal Festival Hall on the Southbank. If you’re feeling a little whimsical, it’s such a lovely spot. Sitting out on the balcony overlooking the river feels very London, especially because I’m away so much these days.

Dalston Curve Garden is another favourite. It’s super casual and unpretentious, but the atmosphere is always so good, especially on a warm evening, and I just love being around greenery.

And then Wilton Way Deli & Wines is another really lovely al fresco spot, particularly for a glass of wine and some people-watching. It has that very relaxed neighbourhood feel that I love.

I live on Brixton Hill, so one of my favourite ways to spend an afternoon is walking through the park to Herne Hill for a few drinks. A swim at the lido followed by a coffee at Four Hundred Rabbits is always a winner – especially an iced americano in the summer sun. From there, I like heading down Railton Road to Sessa for an early evening drink and a few small plates. I don’t drink alcohol, but they have a great selection of non-alcoholic options, including cordials from our neighbours Gimlet and Rothaus Pils, and the team are always friendly and happy to make recommendations. To finish, it’s a short walk to Bird House Brewery for a Nirvana Lemon Lager – the perfect way to round off the afternoon.

For me, you can’t beat The Montpelier [Peckham]! I love anywhere that has alcohol-free beer on tap, and they also have the BEST burger. Not to mention it’s approximately 30 seconds from Bara.

For me it is best to keep it local. One of the biggest outside spaces on Blackstock Road is actually hidden in The Gunners Pub. It’s a huge outside space, great for sunshine drinking and always playing football. Would probably avoid it if you’re not an Arsenal supporter, though. Second to that the Bank of Friendship [in Highbury]has a massive beer garden out back, but gets busy so get there early and bag a table.

The Faltering Fullback also has lots of terraced outdoor seating so can be good for a summer pint.

I like bar Bruno, they have the Muri drinks, made with koji. Muri is not a kombucha and is not a wine, it layers multiple fermentations. You have yeasts and kefir, it is like liquid gastronomy. I love the blackcurrant with chamomile and fig leaves – but I actually like them all!

89 Social is a seriously casual neighbourhood wine bar with genuine Italian hospitality. It’s tucked away on Stroud Green Road and has a leafy little terrace that’s surrounded by rosemary, tomatoes and plenty of greenery, which makes it feels hidden from the bustle while still being ideal for people-watching. The wine list is well curated, with Italian beers, spritzes, limoncello and amari alongside really good pasta, bruschetta, and well-sourced cheese and cold cuts. It’s understated but in the best way, with a knowledgeable team and a great menu to back it. Hospitality you don’t find every day.

The Culpeper rooftop is my favourite spot. It’s on Commercial Street, Spitalfields. It feels like a hidden garden above east London, surrounded by herbs, fruit trees and the city skyline.

When it comes to outdoor drinking in London, it’s hard not to mention The Fox on the Hill in Denmark Hill. I also love being crammed into the barriers outside The French House.

It has to be the De Beauvoir Arms. It has a big (enough) outdoor area, great beer (and wine!) selection and all the food is pretty delicious. It is very easy to sit there snacking on some chorizo and bread alongside a cold pint for hours on end. Dan’s wine bar [in Dalston] also has a terrace that catches late afternoon sun, making it the best spot for that cheeky glass of wine.

When it's hot, I always go to Soho House White City. The rooftop there has amazing views, a swimming pool to help you cool down, great drinks and nice people. I’ll usually go for a cold beer or a nice refreshing cocktail.

Anywhere on Lonsdale Road! The whole road becomes a terrace. We live close by and are always having a coffee and pastry at Don’t Tell Dad – it gets a great bit of sun in the mornings. I also love Bar Blondie, which recently opened there, too – it has great wine, great service and a fantastic selection of bites to keep you going. When it comes to pubs, I’m a big fan of The Pelican in Notting Hill (can you tell I live and breathe north London). It’s the perfect place for faultless food and to soak up a gorgeous summer evening on their terrace.

The courtyard at Westerns Laundry [Highbury] is one of my favourite spots for drinking far too much wine. It feels tucked away with a good bit of shade. Perfect for when you burn in under 10 minutes like me! The service and grub are also always fab. Sitting outside of Cafe Boheme and people watching is also lovely way to spend a day off in Soho.”

Italo [Vauxhall] – I was the chef there for a few years and I still love going back. It feels like not even a part of London but it is so central. Best fresh orange juice and focaccia sandwiches, as well as baked cookies.

The Roebuck, Richmond Hill, is probably one of my favourites. A pint outside overlooking Richmond Hill and the Thames. It’s incredibly beautiful, especially around sunset. Another one of my favourites is going to see Ruth [Rogers] at The River Cafe – nothing beats having may be one of the best Negronis in London sitting on their beautiful terrace. Another one of my favourites is the little terrace at Josephine in Marylebone. It’s a stunning spot to sit and watch the world go by with a glass of wine and some oysters. And for a stunning rooftop, I recommend Coq d’Argent, right in the middle of the City. Nothing beats a nice relaxing cocktail or glass of champagne watching the sunset over the city.

Drinks bought on Broadway Market and taken to sit by the canal. Sat by the water is always a bit calmer than the buzz of the main “strip”, but always a bit of a vibe that makes you feel like you’re on holiday. And it’s often a good place to watch the sunset.

If I’m absolutely forced to leave the serenity of my back garden … Some of my favourite spots to drink outside include The Faltering Fullback in Finsbury Park – it’s got plenty of nooks, crannies and leafy shady spots to escape the full sun in your face. the People’s Park Tavern is great, the beer garden opens up directly into Victoria Park, so it’s great for letting the kids run riot while you enjoy a cold pint. And if you can ditch the kids for the day there’s a certain charm to standing outside The French House in Soho drinking your half pints of beer, which will never sit around long enough to lose their chill.

I love the outdoor area at The Palm Tree in Mile End. Inexplicably, it stays open till 2am, and there is live jazz most weekends. It has the atmosphere of someone’s front garden, and when added to the cash-only bar, carpeted floors and red velour hangings on the wall, make the ingredients for my perfect pub.

For me it has to be Soho in the sun, so The Toucan is the classic. Outside on a sunny day, on the railings opposite with a zero per cent Guinness in hand, catching up with friends before some dumplings just round the corner. What more could you want?

The Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich is a big, beautiful historic pub, and I love sitting outside with a view of the river, ideally with a crisp apple cider in hand. It’s hard to beat on a sunny day.

My favourite place to drink outdoors is Cadet, just around the corner from Perilla. If you manage to grab one of their tables outside, it’s a great place to watch the uniqueness of Newington Green with a delicious glass of wine, and the food is outstanding.

The Garden Gate in Hampstead is the perfect place for a drink on a day off. I can vouch for hand pump ales and sunshine in the garden more than the food.

I literally don’t think there’s a better place for outdoor drinks than Exmouth Market. Streets lined with tables, iced drinks and a buzzing “on the continent” atmosphere – you can’t go wrong. I’d start it off at Passione Vino for a chilled glass, charcuterie and snacks, then work my way over to Cafe Kick for caipirinhas and watch the street come to life for the bank holiday.

I think the garden at Updown Farmhouse [Kent] is beautiful. Updown is sort of in the middle of nowhere, but they have beautifully made drinks, including lovely softs, and thoughtful snacks. I can think of few nicer places to sit and enjoy a drink and some food.