Alfresco Drinking In London

One Fitzrovia's favourite party spots, Simmons is a corker of kitsch cocktails, darling interiors and top notch antics to boot. While heralded for their decor, the Fitroy Street bar also boasts a wee selection of alfresco seats for outdoor supping. With its fake grass and white picket fence, it's a cute ol' place to grab a cocktail or three. 

Open early in the morning and shutting up shop close to midnight each day, this pretty venue serves breakfast, dinner and everything in between. If that wasn't enticing enough, the venue boasts a cosy outdoor terrace that's perfect for both cocktails in the scorching summer and hot toddies during the colder months.

There's so much going on at The Star of Kings it can be tricky to keep up. Offering a completely different dining experience every three months, fronting an entertainment schedule brimming with live music and DJs yet retaining the good old-fashioned feel of a solid pub, The Star completes its impressive résumé with a lovely alfresco area.

Vinoteca is a King's Cross restaurant bar offering handpicked bottles from across the globe and an all-day menu of top-quality eats. Topping it off, the alfresco area offers comfortable and casual seating in a prime location for London's after-work drinking crowd. 

Take your drinks outside with a visit to one of Vagabond's various terraces. From a stunning fairy-lit snug in Battersea through to street-side wining and dining in Fulham, you're guaranteed quality menus in gorgeous settings.

Overlooking Notting Hill from the banks of Little Venice, Skylark really is a unique rooftop drinking den in London. If you're a sucker for cocktails, this all-new bar concept will provide the perfect setting for after-work tipples and date nights alike. 

This quirky pop-up alfresco drinking spot takes pride of place in (you guessed it) a former car wash in Homerton. Head here for socially distanced catch ups, fuelled by a top-notch bar selection of quality cocktails and craft brews, with a banging happy hour to boot.

Looking for a pre-National Theatre pitstop? Look no further than The Green Room, the stunning glass-walled bar and restaurant that sits in the heart of Southbank. Grab a table in the light-flooded dining room or head outside for cocktails and canapes on the lawn. 

Alfresco drinking doesn't just mean standing out in the rain by yourself for a smoke, it means embracing a love of nature and the great outdoors. People's Park Tavern has a beer garden which creates a sense of love for our British environment, with its views of Victoria Park and constant influx of happy smiling sun-revellers. There isn't anywhere better to drink alfresco in East London. 

A gastropub wonder at the heart of the Lee community, The Crown Tavern is known for its stunning front terrace, which becomes a hive of activity for contented drinkers when the weather is fine. Pop along on your way home from work where you'll find a selection of cask ales, world-class wines or refreshing long drinks waiting for you.

Set within the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, The Old Brewery is a unique and historic pub located just yards away from the legendary Cutty Sark. An ideal spot to sample London-brewed craft beers and a healthy range of distilled spirits, there's a relaxed outdoor terrace with plenty of room for when the sun makes an appearance.

With a heated rooftop terrace and garden, Inamo in Camden has a range of outdoor areas to enjoy. Head to North London to enjoy a range of sushi, sashimi and Pan Asian food along with a range of Asian spirits in the pretty surround of their alfresco drinking spots.

A trusted boozer on the Balham High Road since way back in 1821, one of the biggest draws of The Devonshire is its beautiful garden. Pick out a sunny day and set up camp here for a top choice of ales, craft beers, spirits and wines that should more than spoil you for choice.

This cheery beer garden doesn't need the sun to shine to make it smile. Bright yellow cladding surrounds comfy booths, heaters warm happy boozers and fairy lights cast a flattering glow. Potter inside and peruse the stylish 1960s décor and vibrant artworks, and make sure you check in with their programme of fun events.

A greenhouse-style bar, Corney & Barrow Exchange Square is the perfect place to be in the summer months. With a croquet pitch and outside seating, it is made for alfresco drinking and chatting in the sunshine. Ideal for some after-work drinks or a long, relaxing lunch, you'll find them serving up the wine that it's known for, alongside cocktails and pints aplenty.

Offering a gorgeous sun trap stretching out over Eccleston Yards, this steak and seafood restaurant is one of the top spots in London to grab a quirky cocktail and soak up some fresh air and sunshine. Head over for the chance to enjoy a decadent meal, complete with quality sips and a sublime alfresco terrace.

Become acquainted with Brazil's famous carnival vibes this summer on Floripa's fun-filled outdoor terrace. This vibrant and colourful Latin oasis is a haven for cocktails fans, as well as catering to ravers ready for festival season with its stream of upbeat sounds and its dynamic atmosphere.

You can't get much more alfresco than on a boat, surely? Bar&Co is permanently moored a stone's throw from Temple Station, sitting on the iconic River Thames. With views looking out on the OXO Tower, the London Eye and Big Ben, this wondrous vessel is ideal for an after-work tipple, full on party night or private function. 

Boasting one of London's prettiest outdoor terraces, this canalside haunt is the only place to sun yourself this summer. Grab a cocktail oFf their impressive list, and head for these nearest sofa where you can sip away to your heart's content with stunning views of the water.

Located in the heart of Knightsbridge, The Hari Hotel is home to a gorgeous rooftop terrace, decked out with lush green botanicals and twinkling fairy lights. The perfect luxe spot for a tipple or two under the stars or drawn-out lunches, it's a must-visit spot.

Clapham's old town is one mighty brunch babe, and prime for outdoor spots; but when it comes to serious dining and drinking under the London light, there's no better than No 32. Seasonal, stylish and boasting a really - and we mean really - nice roof terrace, this is a hard alfresco terrace to beat.

Truman's Social Club is an all-new alfresco drinking and dining destination in Walthamstow. Currently acting as a large beer garden and street food market, the venue has hopes of expanding to include an on-site brewery, taproom, live music space and artist studios in the near future. 

Cool off after an innovative fusion meal of modern Indian cuisine and classic British touches at Cinnamon Kitchen by heading out to their large outdoor terrace for some alfresco drinking and dining. Candle-lit tables and comfy chairs set the scene for an atmospheric night of sipping under the stars, perfect for a summer evening spent in the buzzing heart of the capital.

Newly revamped Q is a bar and club in the heart of Shoreditch and it's known for a lot of things. From their excellent steaks through to the hidden games room and pool tables aplenty. However, they also have a secret outdoor terrace, with cool art work and excellent cocktails.

Regularly playing host to amazing live music from both bands and DJs, The Lock Tavern has become a part of nightlife folklore in these parts. Alfresco drinking seekers have been enjoying the cosy garden for years with its thick beamed wooden canopy wrapped in ivy keeping you dry through those typical English summers.

The hip and trendy Shoreditch venue that is Queen of Hoxton boasts a remarkable open top terrace that's always a big hit amongst patrons and visitors alike. Coming with its own bar, garden, kitchen and BBQ, it's a truly ideal spot for alfresco drinking, especially during summer nights.

May Fair Kitchen's alfresco space is perfect once the weather warms, with relaxed seating and cosy laterns, you can feast on Mexican and Peruvian sharing plates and sip on cocktails from the afternoon through till late.

Rocket can do almost anything; if there isn't a drink you like on the menu, the staff are happy to concoct a new creation for you. Better yet, you can soak up 360-degree views of the 02 Arena and the West India Quay docks as you sip.

Opening just in time for summer, Paper Dress Yard is a shiny new al fresco drinking spot in the heart of Hackney. Part of the stylish vintage boutique of the same name, this outdoor space will boast live DJs, tasty tipples and table service throughout - making social distancing that little bit easier.

Cool, casual and cosy, The Castle's beaut of a rooftop terrace helps it to stand out from its Pentonville Road neighbours. Get yourself up here for some pub grub and a few drinks, with a delicious open-air vantage point over Islington, and plenty of heaters to keep you toasty in the evening.

Looking for a spot to spend those long balmy summer nights? Look no further than Vauxhall Food & Beer Garden - the al fresco spot that's decked out with tasty street food stalls, spacious seating and a huge screen - screening all the major sports fixtures.

One of the best outdoor drinking spots in London, the German Kraft Brewery is an Elephant & Castle gem. Head over to Mercato Metropolitano where you'll fine them serving up fresh pints of authentic German beer within a huge, sprawling garden.

One of the best spots for alfresco dining in London, this unique pop-up restaurant on the South Bank is letting you grill up your own seven-course dinner with views over the Thames. The only way keep the summer vibes going this September, they're offering delicious food and a BYOB drinks policy.

A "stylish gastro wonderland" just around the corner from King's Cross, head to the rooftops to find The Fellow's handsome open-air terrace. Fitted with a handful of wooden tables and cosy corners, settle in for the long run and knock back a few of the venue's signature cocktails. It's heated and covered too, so there's no need to retreat inside should the weather turn.

Located in the upscale area of Mayfair, this award-winning pizzeria is serving up authentically made pizzas, summery spritzes and delicious desserts in a light and airy setting, complete with an open-plan kitchen and alfresco tables.

If you're looking for places to drinks outdoors in London, head to The Coral Room in Central London. Not only will you find Italicus drinks and cheeseboards, but also an Instagrammable setting that's perfect for day dates.

Colourful, creative and cultural, Barrio Shoreditch brings an exotic twist to East London with its quirky outdoor terrace. Spend your summer months in its kitsch but cool garden area as you absorb the chilled-out, Cuban quality of life. Cocktail heavy, revel in the fragrant fruit juices or sup at some cold beers.

Laid-back beers on a summer evening aren't hard to come by when The Miller has anything to do it. A cool plot for London Bridge locals and after-work patrons alike, grab a seat in their heaving garden and work your way through their ice-cold drinks list, there's even a roof terrace for those with more summer hankerings.

Sitting at the base of the gherkin, it's highly unlikely that you'll find as iconic an alfresco space in London as this. With London's most recognised building looming over guests in the sunshine, The Sterling is just that, a truly sterling plot. From its grand selection of tables and notably large space, parties are ever hankering to get their mitts on it.

Mooch around the delightful outside area of The Fentiman Arms and soak up the sizzling sounds of their BBQ's during the hazy summer months. Here you can glug on a refreshing pint or crisp glass of wine on their beautiful terrace which offers an oasis space in the heart of London. 

A cool place to drink outside, PITCH Presents is serving a number of fun events throughout August and September. Head over to the Stratford venue and spend your Saturday dancing with your mates to live DJ sets, tucking into tasty food and sipping on fresh brews.

Take things to the next level and elevate your usual alfresco drinks with a visit to this West End favourite. Not only will you find a gorgeous garden setting, but there's even classes in everything from pasta-making to wine tasting.

Explore four floors of modern elegance and timeless style before arriving on The Driver's prized rooftop terrace. Towering high above the King's Cross metropolis, drink in those picturesque views and while away those sunny afternoons with a few cocktails for company. There's also resident chefs on-hand to cook up a host of BBQ treats for when the weather is fine.

Laurel hedges enclose the delightful outdoor space at the Coat & Badge, which is rightly considered one of the best beer gardens in South West London. Ideal for everything from people-watching to live sport with drinks in tow, there's also plenty of cover to retreat to if the weather should turn.

Home to a pretty and expansive outdoor terrace, this excellent bar and restaurant offers a premium selection of sippable cocktails and tasty dishes. Head over to New Street Square, or their Bankside location, when the sun is high and bed down with an Aperol spritz in one hand and a plateful of bar snacks in the other.

Whether it's a special occasion or just some after work drinks, there's nothing like a great view to take your night from humdrum to oh, honey. Head over to Limehouse where The Narrow's alfresco terrace is the perfect place to pitch up for a pint or a few crafty cocktails while you watch the sun set over the river.

A pedigree destination in the heart of Liverpool Street, Devonshire Terrace is an outdoor space in London with plenty of architectural cool on its side. An embedded plot of bespoke tables and darling foliage, grab a glass of champers and relax on one of its two terrace areas.

One of the best beer gardens in London, you may have to travel the length of the district to see this absolute dime of a drinking space, but by golly is the journey worth it. Not only grand in size, it's grand in style, with circus-themed booths and festoon lighting, to outdoor heaters and blankets for chilly nights.

The Dog & Fox's inviting alfresco space is one of the best beer gardens in Wimbledon. The front garden fills up quickly at the first sight of sunshine, as drinkers and diners flock to this Wimbledon Village hub to enjoy quintessential British food and a vast array of boozy favourites in sunny style. There's also a roofed hotel garden available come rain or shine.

Something of a beer garden and alfresco drinking destination crossed with some of the city's best street food traders, Vinegar Yard has it all. That means food from the likes of Baba G's, and Up in My Grill just to name a few.

A lush lavender-toting garden in the heart of Battersea, The Four Thieves are coming up trumps when it comes to scoping out alfresco drinking spots in London. From their green hue and tinkering of fair lights, to craft beers and home-made gin, The Four Thieves is a good ol' dose of something different.