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Johnny Stephens al fresco dining

Outdoor dining streets

OUTDOOR DINING STREETS

OUR FAVOURITE LOCAL ENCLAVES FOR ARTISAN AL FRESCO DINING

Image: No.29 Power Station West outdoor dining area, Johnny Stephens Photography.

Words: Imogen Willis

Pre-pandemic, open-air dining was the preserve of sun-soaked streets in the Med. Yet now, many of our local pubs and restaurants are embracing al-fresco, with entire enclaves being given over to dining, with tables and chairs spilling across the street in a tableau of clinking glasses, laughter and delicious scents. To make sure you don’t miss out on this relaxed revelry, we have compiled this list of popular local spots for outdoor eating and drinking. Enjoy the summer ambience without the need for a trip abroad.

1

NORTHCOTE ROAD

Delighted local businesses have welcomed back the pedestrian scheme to Northcote Road this summer, closing the road to traffic on the weekends. Amble along and take in the colourful house fronts and festival atmosphere. If you are heading out with the family, discover glorious ribbons of fettuccini pasta with pesto and delicious pizzas at friendly Italian Restaurant Buona Sera. Or if you’re catching up with friends, Northcote Records is just the place. They have opened their garden with fun tunes to tap your foot to, pizzas and cocktails pitchers.

Circus West Village Al Fresco Dining

Image: Battersea Power Station by Charlie Round-Turner

2

BATTERSEA POWER STATION

A classy dining spot perfect for couples, offering views of Battersea power station and the river. Restaurants have terraces that spill out onto the waterfront, including seafood delicacies at Wright Brothers Battersea to decadent Italian dining at Fiume. For those looking for a bite to eat after a walk in Battersea Park, Megan’s offers a wonderful selection of brunch eats, or enjoy a view of the river in the new outdoor dining space BattersEats.

Duke of York Square Al Fresco

3

DUKE OF YORK SQUARE

Hidden away in the heart of Chelsea just off the King’s Road, this is a lovely local secret. Visit the Saturday Fine Food Market on the running green, then dine on delicious food in the sunshine at one of the square’s restaurants. Share a Venetian platter at Polpo or a mezze plate at Comptoir Libanaise.

4

KINGSTON RIVERSIDE WALK

This beautiful stretch of riverside is a stone’s throw from Kingston centre, and is the perfect place to relax and watch boats sail by. Sip a drink at Haché Riverside Social, or slurp noodles at Busaba Eathai and feel yourself unwind as the light glistens on the water beside you. Afterwards, visit Kingston’s ancient market or stroll across the bridge and walk along the river to Hampton Court Palace.

5

OLD YORK ROAD

Removed from the hustle and bustle of Wandsworth, this pedestrianised street offers a great place to dine. A wall of plants separates the al fresco tables from the cycle lane, a beautiful way of greening the local area whilst helping local business to thrive. Enjoy crowd pleasers at Konnigans, pizza at Zia Lucia, or sit on the benches outside The Alma pub and enjoy a beer in the sun

6

CHURCH STREET, TWICKENHAM

A pedestrianised riverside street in the heart of Twickenham, it is transformed in the evenings under a canopy of lights, and there is music from local bands and buskers. Enjoy food from a large range of different cuisines, and as night falls feel yourself transported. Try Italian from Osteria Pulcinella and Indian tapas from Tsaretta Spice.

Looking for places to book when restrictions ease? Check out our local’s guide to Wimbledon’s Restaurants:

WIMBLEDON RESTAURANTS: THE LOCAL’S GUIDE