On the 12th April restaurants lucky enough to have outside space will be allowed to open their doors (gates?) once more for al fresco dining.
This has sparked a frenzy of bookings and if we have any sense, the purchasing of waterproof clothing, as nothing will stop us from making our way to a terrace the moment we can. Living in London, we may not have vast pub gardens to meet in, but we do have the most amazing choice of dining establishments. Here are just a few of our favourites. See you by a patio heater soon!
1. Da Henrietta
Da Henrietta by Italian Supper Club will re-open at Henrietta Hotel, Experimental Group’s vibrant boutique townhouse in Covent Garden following this lockdown. On April 12th, the restaurant will be spread into the residential terrace in front of the hotel allowing for an outside dining environment. Founders Silvio Pezzana and Toto Dell’Aringa will bring their trademark flair to Henrietta Hotel to re-open Da Henrietta, taking guests on an experimental journey along the Italian West Coast, with a menu inspired by the rich cuisine of Liguria, Toscana, Lazio, Basilicata, Campania and Calabria. Think dishes like lamb accented with anchovies in the abbacchio alla romana, a classic dish found in any Roman trattoria and regional favourites such as farinata and ravioli with Delica pumpkin, bergamot and hazelnuts. A bowl of pasta and glass of chilled white wine on a Covent Garden terrace sounds just the ticket.
2. Treehouse Hotel London
Treehouse Hotel London (main image) is opening a brand new, casual outdoor drinking and dining spot called The Courtyard, right by Regent Street. Informal, relaxed and offering a verdant refuge from the hustle and bustle (remember that?!) of the West End, it will be an idyllic oasis for long-awaited catch ups with friends. Over the warmer months, The Courtyard at Treehouse will be popping-up to provide a menu of especially selected beers, slushies, organic and biodynamic wines and informal small plates to take advantage of summer in the city. With everything from locally sourced seasonal salads, sandwiches, flatbreads and bruschettas, guests will be able to unwind and celebrate the end of the country’s longest lockdown to date with those they’ve missed most.
14-15 Langham Place, London W1B 2QS (treehousehotels.com)
3. Rosewood London
Inspired by the Scottish Highlands and The Macallan Estate, The Macallan Manor House is an immersive terrace (above), located in the heart of Rosewood London’s iconic courtyard. The terrace will evolve throughout the seasons, reflecting the estate’s countryside setting so that guests can enjoy al fresco dining all year round. With some outstanding cocktails and seasonal menu, it will be a popular spot.
252 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7EN (rosewoodhotels.com)
4. American Bar at The Stafford London
Old-school, classic British dining in a cobbled courtyard in the West End. If you’re looking for a touch of sophisticated luxury with your first al fresco drink of 2021, look no further than the American Bar at The Stafford. Their beautiful cobbled terrace is Mayfair’s hidden gem – the ideal venue for catching up with friends and family in the spring sunshine. Executive Chef Josef Rogulski is the man behind the menu, blending hotel favourites with more exotic flavours and techniques from across the globe
16-18 St James’s Place, London SW1A 1NJ, (thestaffordlondon.com)
5. FOLIE
Re-opening its terrace April 13th, FOLIE, the opulent restaurant and bar on Golden Square draws inspiration from all along the French and Italian Mediterranean coastline. The menu is a gentle combination of luxurious ingredients and the humble recipes of the region. Combined with a well curated wine list and great cocktails, it’s a great spot for dinner and to people-watch.
37 Golden Square, Soho, London, W1F 9LB (folie.london)
6. 28-50 Wine Bar
Independent wine specialists, 28-50 Wine Bar & Kitchen Covent Garden & 28-50 Wine Workshop & Kitchen Marylebone will open up both terraces to allow for friends and family to dine outside whilst sampling Executive Chef, Julien Baris’ new seasonal dishes. 28-50’s varied wine-list with vintages have been thoughtfully curated from their own vineyard in the French Alps.
10 Upper St Martin’s Lane London WC2H 9FB, 15-17 Marylebone Lane, Marylebone, London W1U 2NE (2850coventgarden.co.uk, 2850marylebone.co.uk)
7. Paddington Central
There’s a fantastic selection of outside spaces to eat and drink in at Paddington Central. Some by the canal, and some on it like Darcie & May Green – barges designed by legendary British pop artist Sir Peter Blake. Darcie Green is the perfect setting for alfresco dining serving Aussie dishes while May Green, open all day, transforms into a buzzing bar with delicious and creative cocktails.The two boats share an open air deck overlooking the Grand Union Canal, making them the perfect outdoor hangout spots. The Grand Duchess offers the finest and freshest fish in London and a drinks list focused on sparkling wine, It’s permanently docked on the Grand Union Canal and boasts a large outdoor seating area.
By the canal is Vagabond Wine, a renowned wine bar and shop with an incredible 120 wines by the glass, with new wines hitting the store each week. The tables outside are complete with fire heaters, perfect for outdoor socialising in the evening. The Union – Set up right alongside the canal, with parasols for both rain and shine, this outdoor terrace is ideal whatever the weather. The Union serves up the freshest of ingredients with a tapas menu served every day after 5pm.
8. The Montague
If you are desperate to be on a beach again (who isn’t?) head to The Montague on the Gardens’ Beach Bar. Complete with real sand, summertime cocktails, delicious BBQ food, a beach-hut style thatched roof, palm trees and a backdrop of a beautiful beach, you’ll feel like you’re basking in the Bahamas rather than in the heart of central London. Enjoy your first BBQ of the year helmed by Chef Martin Halls who will be putting on some home classics alongside gourmet delights all to be enjoyed alongside tropical tipples.
15 Montague Street, London, WC1B 5BJ, (montaguehotel.com)
9. Pergola
Pergola Paddington is a beautifully leafy, outdoor venue tucked away near the canal in West London. This summer, Pergola Paddington will host bookable beach huts in partnership with Miraval Rose. Inspired by the French Riviera, the huts will resemble classic Provençal-inspired sandy beach clubs decked out with Riviera touches. The cosy huts will be bookable for 6-10 people and will offer special packages to purchase for the table. Also exciting news as on June 2nd Pergola will launch their first bricks and mortar site in East London, as they open the doors to their new permanent home: Pergola on the Wharf.