Al Fresco Dining – The best outdoor terraces in SW London and Surrey
The best al fresco restaurant terraces in SW London and Surrey
Hidden courtyards, rooftop vistas and riverside favourites, here is our ultimate guide to outdoor dining
Main image: The Mitre, Hampton Court
1
Rick Stein, Barnes
Rick Stein’s in Barnes has picture-perfect waterfront views from its large windows that you can enjoy whatever the weather. On fine days though, you can also dine al fresco in the courtyard. The menu fuses Rick’s love for travel with the best ingredients. There is also a fantastic weekday set menu for £29.95 (three courses).
Rick Stein, Tideway Yard, 125 Mortlake High St, London SW14 8SN.
2
144 On The Hill
There’s a gorgeous sun terrace at 144 On The Hill, on Richmond Hill. Pop in for grills, a signature burger and small plates, plus a great range of gins and cocktails to refresh you after a stroll in the park.
3
Trinity, Clapham
Set in Clapham’s pretty old town, Michelin-starred Trinity restaurant offers a cosy and intimate terrace to soak up the sun over some small plates and drinks.
Trinity, 4 The Polygon, Clapham Town, London SW4 0J.
4
Hotel du Vin, Wimbledon village
The Orangery restaurant in Hotel du Vin in Wimbledon is the perfect spot for enjoying views of the park from the large windows, with brunch, lunch and dinner on offer. When the weather behaves, there is a gorgeous terrace.
Hotel du Vin, Cannizaro House, West Side Common, London SW19 4UE.
5
Shambles, Teddington
Shambles is a magical spot for a summer evening, particularly when the wisteria is in bloom, There’s a warm welcome and a great selection of predominantly Italian dishes and wines to choose from.
Shambles, 83-85 High St, Teddington TW11 8HG.
6
Hideaway, Surbiton
With an idyllic riverside location, pop in for brunch or dinner and cocktails while you watch the sun set over the Thames. Brunch favourites include avo on toast and chicken and waffles. For dinner, try a selection of small plates such as calamari, or pulled pork mac n cheese.
Hideaway, Thames Ditton Marina, KT6 5QD
7
No.1 Duke Street, Richmond
This courtyard oasis at No.1 Duke Street is just off Richmond’s high street, and walking distance from Richmond station. Pop in for burgers and beer under the twinkling fairy lights.
No1a Duke Street, 1a Duke Street, Richmond, London TW9 1HP.
8
Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond
Head to the secret garden at Bingham Riverhouse after a stroll along the Thames. Dishes on the menu include fish fresh from Brixham and wild garlic and herb gnocchi. Dogs are also welcome.
9
The Mitre, Hampton Court
The 1665 Riverside Brasserie at The Mitre Hampton Court offers fine dining on the river, and is a romantic spot to relax and watch the boats go by.
The Mitre, Hampton Ct Rd, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9BN.
10
Beaverbrook Hotel, Leatherhead
Head over to the swish Beaverbrook Hotel for its acclaimed Japanese menu and cocktails, which you can enjoy on the main terrace overlooking the rolling Surrey hills.
Beaverbrook, Reigate Rd, Leatherhead KT22 8QX.
11
Patara, Wimbledon Village
Walking past Patara restaurant on Wimbledon Village’s high street, you would never know that it hides a pretty outdoor courtyard on the other side. It’s one of Wimbledon’s best kept secrets – with heater lamps and parasols, and stunning Thai dishes, it’s a must for the summer. The beef salad is a favourite.
Patara, 18 High Street Wimbledon, London SW19 5DX.
12
The Ivy Chelsea Garden, Chelsea
The clue is in the name: The Ivy Chelsea Garden has a stunning garden, abundant with greenery and flowers, and a trickling fountain at its centre. Enjoy The Ivy’s staple dishes al fresco – most of the tables are covered and heated by heat lamps.
The Ivy Chelsea Garden, 197 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5ED.
13
The Terrace by Megan’s, Clapham
The Terrace by Megan’s is in the middle of Clapham Common, offering Megan’s menu al fresco, with a party atmosphere in the sun promised. They also offer take-away picnic boxes.
10 Rookery Road, Clapham Common, London, SW4 9DD.
14
601 Queen’s Road, Wimbledon
601 Queen’s Road is conveniently located directly next to Wimbledon station, making it the perfect meet-up spot. The balcony terrace is covered with a canopy and pretty fairy lights, while the menu offers brunch, lunch and dinner.
Center Court Shopping Center, No, 4 Queen’s Rd, London SW19 8YE.
15
The Bluebird, Chelsea
With a beautiful courtyard in the heart of Chelsea, The Bluebird has become a Kings Road institution ideal for the summer months.
The Bluebird, 350 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UU.
16
Fiume, Battersea Power Station
The Battersea Power Station development offers plenty of al fresco dining opportunities, accessible now via the new tube station – or take the Thames Clipper for a more scenic route.
Enjoy cracking riverside views at Francesco Mazzei’s Fiume. Here you’ll find huge canopies, pretty fairy lights and terracotta pots with lemon and olive trees.
Fiume, Circus West Village, Battersea Power Station, London SW8 5BN.
17
River Café, Hammersmith
The long-standing River Cafe is legendary among London circles, worshipped for both the high-quality food as well as the expansive riverside terrace, which is filled with lush greenery and overlooks the Thames. Here you’ll find plenty of tables, strong heater lamps and cosy blankets.
The River Café, Thames Wharf, Rainville Road, London W6 9HA.
18
No 197 Chiswick Fire Station, Chiswick
Chiswick Fire Station not only has jaw-droppingly suave interiors, but a lovely summer courtyard too, with a vine-entwined pergola and elegant white furnishings.
No 197 Chiswick Fire Station, 197-199 Chiswick High Road, W4 2DR.
19
No29 Power Station West, Battersea
The latest addition to the Darwin & Wallace portfolio, No29 accentuates the modern metropolitanism the newly developed Power Station signifies, with brunch on demand and drinks on tap.
No29, 29 Circus West Battersea Power Station, London SW11 8NN.
20
Ognisko, South Kensington
A stone’s throw from the Science Museum and Natural History Museum, this South Kensington restaurant offers weatherproof al-fresco dining under a gorgeous canopy, overlooking Prince’s Gardens. Ognisko‘s menu serves up Polish cuisine (think salmon, sauerkraut and plenty of vodka cocktails), and the terrace marquee is huge – a great option for large bookings.
Ognisko, 55 Exhibition Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2PN.
21
Daphne’s, South Kensington
Daphne’s restaurant is an Italian mainstay for the well-heeled clientele, known for people-watching and classic cuisine. The interiors are super chic, wrapped in artwork and with tables laid out with white tablecloths and delicate glassware, and the conservatory is inspired by Italian gardens, with a retractable roof and fringed sun parasols.
Daphne’s, 112 Draycott Ave, London SW3 3AE.
22
Stanleys, Chelsea
On the corner of Sydney Street and Fulham Road, this Chelsea restaurant makes the most of its lush courtyard garden. There’s banquette seating, wide parasols and built-in heaters to keep you warm and toasty.
Stanleys, 151 Sydney Street, Chelsea, SW3 6NT.
