Outdoor Drinks and Dinner

BEST PLACES FOR OUTDOOR DRINKS & DINING

Aqua

One of the best rooftop terraces in London to enjoy the sun is at Aqua Kyoto, just off Oxford Circus. Cafe del Mar type of music, great wines and amazing cocktails  (I didn’t try their cocktails but they looked like a piece of art). They serve snacks outside, dinner only inside. 240 Regent Street (entrance at 30 Argyll Street) | Tube: Oxford Circus | +4420 7478 0540 | £££ | Website

Gordons Wine Bar

In the summer they have lots of wine barrels outside that everyone uses as standing tables to have drinks. In the winter you can go inside the cellar which is really cosy. You can get a bottle of wine at the bar and try and find a seat somewhere. You can’t make reservations here. It’s a self seating bar. They also have delicious cheese platters… With French guys standing behind the counter to give advise. 47 Villiers Street | Tube: Charing Cross | +442079301408 | ££ | Website

Julie’s Restaurant & Bar

Nice, very romantic restaurant and a great place to sit outside in the summer. The restaurant inside is set over two floors and very cosy and homy. I sat next to Keith Richards… Also, the restaurant is located in an extremely lovely neighbourhood near Holland Park Tube Station. 135 Portland Road | Tube: Holland Park | +4420 7229 8331 | £££ | Website

Pizza East Portobello

Loving the new Pizza East in West London by Soho House Group! The ground floor consists of an open kitchen and dining area in a really cool decor, think of exposed bricks, stripped-back wood and reclaimed furniture. The upper floor is more like a sitting room with fireplace etc. (for members only at the moment). They have a little terrace upstairs and you can find some tables on the pavement as well. The food is lovely and affordable, although the pizza’s tend to have quite a big and doughey crust. They don’t take reservations unfortunately. 310 Portobello Road, Notting Hill | Tube: Ladbroke Grove | +44 (0)20 8969 4500 | ££ | Website

Tom’s Terrace

At Tom’s Terrace you should not expect to work on your tan and find any kind of customer service – most of the tables are in the shadow and there are not enough waiters to cater to the entire terrace. We do however feel we need to mention it as it is a nice place to go for summer drinks at night when the sun has set and the temperatures are up. The terrace is situated at the impressive Somerset House and overlooks the Thames, London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. South Building, Somerset House | Tube: Strand | £££ | Website

Waterway – Maida Vale

This place has an amazing terrace overlooking a pretty canal in Maida Vale. It makes you feels you’re at the countryside as it’s just so chilled, laid back and calm (except for a few screaming children here and there). Great for sunny brunches and dinner/drinks. I had eggs benedict which weren’t overly exciting but I loved the non-alcoholic appel&mint mojito. 54 Formosa Street | Tube: Warwick Avenue | +4420 7266 3557 | ££ | Website

The Westbourne

A favorite among the Dutchies.. but also a lot of locals can be found here. Great place to go on a summer day and drink lots of Pimm’s…  I love the crowd that comes here; very Bohemian and trendy in a casual easy way.. Just Love it.  101 Westbourne Park Villas | Tube; Royal Oak or Notting Hill Gate | +442072211332 | ££ | Website