The capital is coming in strong when it comes to alfresco dining venues. With everything from riverside eateries to quirky neighbourhood spots and rooftop gems that promise to keep you toasty this season, there's plenty to choose from. See for yourself with our guide to the best restaurants with outdoor heaters in London. Now, all you need to do is gather your pals.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 15th August 2024
Part of the legendary Strongroom recording studios, this bar and kitchen in Shoreditch is one creative escape for music fans in London. Hunker down under the heaters in their extensive beer garden and tuck into hearty burgers, toasted sarnies and plenty more.
No.197 Chiswick Fire Station hasn't just one, but two heated outdoor areas to choose from. Opt between their open-air courtyard or covered tables at the front and enjoy some people watching as you chow down on a weekday breakfast, post-work nibbles or Sunday roasts.
Uniquely located overlooking Borough Market, Arthur Hooper's is one of our top picks for alfresco dining in central London. Expect sleek and modern interiors paired with a buzzing atmosphere and some of the finest Mediterranean plates in the capital.
Greyhound Cafe is bringing a taste of Bangkok to Fitzrovia with duck noodle soup, pork knuckle and grilled tofu salad all up for grabs. Nestle into one of their comfy alfresco sofas with your mates and explore a range of new and traditional Thai flavours.
The Kids Table [optional extra for guests with children] and 1 other offer
Barge East's garden is definitely in the running for the best restaurants with outdoor heaters in London. Located by the historic Dutch boat, this Hackney Wick haunt will have you eating seasonal food, made using produce from their own garden, as you sit along the river.
Hammersmith's Kindred has got to be one of the best restaurants with outdoor heaters in West London. Situated just a stone's throw away from the statin, the spot has a sleek outside terrace and a selection of delicious menus.
May Fair Kitchen boasts a stylish terrace space with glowing warm heaters that are perfect for the colder months. Specialising in Italian cuisine, this sleek spot features relaxed seating and hanging lanterns that are sure to add extra ambiance to your nights out in Central London.
Venture over to Balham where The Exhibit's offering up a trio of open-air seating options to see you through winter. Wrap yourself up in one of their blankets and take to the heated terrace for a chinwag over cocktails and a medley of yummy small plates.
Leicester Square Kitchen is a small plates restaurant with outdoor heaters in one of London's most iconic locations. Head here to graze on a blend of fusion Mexican and Peruvian dishes next time you're looking for an alfresco date night or after work catch-up.
Pergola Brixton is a stunning heated rooftop restaurant in South London slinging cold brews and delicious street food. This sky-high joint is a plant-lovers dream with floral decorations covering the space, whilst food comes from a handful of first-rate vendors.
The Builders Arms is a Chelsea staple, famed for its classic, yet gastro approach to pub grub. Get cosy under one of their heaters and indulge in a traditional Sunday roast with a plethora of drinks to match.
Market Hall Victoria is one of the best restaurants in London with outdoor heaters, making it the perfect pitstop for cooler evenings. Head here for bites to eat from renowned street food vendors alongside delicious drinks with a view of the surrounding area.
Whatever the weather, you can always enjoy a bit of alfresco sipping over at The Shacklewell Arms. The Dalston hot spot boasts a pretty Brazilian-themed garden, complete with quirky décor and outdoor heaters to keep you warm throughout the year.
The Arnos Arms is the North London boozer that is ready for all climes. Featuring a huge outdoor terrace which has been decked out with toasty heaters and covered with a trapezium roof, the quaint pub is ideal for springtime sipping.
The Grafton is a cosy pub with outdoor heaters in Kentish Town. Hunker down in this unique beer garden and you can indulge in award-winning ales, local craft beers on tap and plenty more with hearty British pub grub to warm your cockles while dining alfresco.
With fruity cocktails, vibrant interiors - and exteriors for that matter - and South American nosh, Barrio is transporting you away from the streets of London. Gather the gang and revel in the summertime tunes over a bottomless brunch.
This bustling Shepherd's Bush bar is complete with a covered and heated garden terrace, perfect for those cosy pub nights. The Hawk's Nest boasts quizzes and live music every week, alongside fun monthly events, with a fantastic range of cocktails and pizzas to boot.
Skylarking is a stunning Peckham bar which transitions seamlessly from indoor to alfresco dining. Their outdoor terrace is filled with plants and covered with a glass roof, so sit back and enjoy their signature cocktails and sourdough pizzas whatever the weather.
You'll find the iconic music venue, bar and eatery Colour Factory only a moment's walk from Hackney Wick station, fronting a south-facing terrace that's heated in cooler months. This is the ideal spot for sips with friends, and the food vendors are hard to resist too. Tuck into the likes of juicy patties from Burger & Chop and all things Greek courtesy of Pittagoras.
La Goccia's bringing the heat to Covent Garden, quite literally, with their toasty outdoor seating. Spend an evening tucking into Italian dishes made fresh from their open kitchen or, if you're just after a cocktail, check out their daily 2-4-1 aperitivo hour from 5pm til 8pm.
The Parlour is keeping Canary Wharf commuters warm on their heated terrace. Meet your partner at the lush East London bar and restaurant for a lunchtime bite or swing by for some after-work drinks with colleagues.
A stunning East London restaurant, Mare Street Market are keeping you cosy on their fairy-lit terrace with a number of heated lamps. They're also running a digital order and pay system, meaning you can get your fix of brunch dishes, burgers and grilled goodies completely contactless.
One of the best places to eat with heated outdoor seating in London. The Prince is the West Brompton hotspot fronting a gorgeous terrace area, ideal for dining with friends or enjoying a few quality cocktails with the other half.
One of the best places with an outdoor heater in East London has got to be JuJu's Bar & Stage, a fun drinking, dining and party spot in Shoreditch. Along with seasonal cocktails and craft brews, you'll also find a Pan-Asian menu and a tonne of tableside entertainment.
Handily located between Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory, The Princess of Wales is a one-stop-shop for hearty grub and knockout roasts. Its extensive beer garden is also prepped and ready to go for all your eating and drinking needs.
Found yourself south of the river? Then you've got to make a pitstop at Prince of Wales, where the heated terrace space is a cosy retreat for drinking and dining. Offering a hearty menu of gastro grub, this Putney pub is keeping you well fed and watered even if temperatures drop.
The Lillie Langtry is a homely local pub in the heart of Fulham. Blending traditional and contemporary features, this place is just as homely outdoors as it is inside, thanks to its pretty garden furnishings and cosy heaters, ideal for winter drinking sessions.
Just a stone's throw away from Leicester Square you'll find 28-50 Covent Garden, a swanky wine bar and kitchen. Relax in their alfresco den and sample your way through a range of bottles, light bites and sharing platters.
Not only is it one of the best street food venues in the city, but Vinegar Yard also has one of the largest winter terraces in London Bridge. Complete with heaters, an overhead canopy and table service, this place is a real gem for alfresco outings.
A great shout for lovers of Italian food - in other words, everyone - Conchiglia is a charming family-run cafe with heated outdoor seating in Fitzrovia. Grab one of their outside tables to enjoy an evening of classic cocktails, pizza and pasta, while staying toasty.
Did someone say super cute rooftop bar with an outdoor heater? Located slap bang in the middle of the skyscraper district that is Canary Wharf? Oasis Terrace & Bar most certainly did. Home to 360-degree views of Canada Square Park and an 18-metre-long bar, it's the perfect place to get cosy once the evening temperatures drop. Look forward to a wide range of beers, plus signature tipples like the Desert Spring Spritz, made with gin and prosecco, or the Mystic Mezcal Mule.
Touting kitsch and retro decor both inside and out, Flight Club is adding some fun to your catch-up with friends. Enjoy some alfresco cocktails and pizza paddles at this darts den whilst sticking to government guidelines. We'd call that a bullseye.
Flaunting swoon-worthy scenes of the city from its gorgeous rooftop space, Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant is the perfect spot for alfresco sipping without feeling too cold. Equipped with outdoor heaters for the breezier moments, this is a great spot to hang out with friends and take in the views.
Not only does Paradise By Way of Kensal Green host a range of cool events, but it's also home to an adorable outdoor snug. Get down here for an unforgettable feast of smoked aubergine, lamb rump and sticky toffee pudding.
Nestled under the station, Peckham Arches has a huge outdoor area which is both covered and heated, featuring live DJs every weekend. Their menu includes an array of barbecued meat and vegetable dishes, while there's beer, wine and cocktails at the bar.
If you're keen to relax alfresco at the pub but the weather isn't on your side, then head to the Red Lion in Barnes and revel in its vibrant terrace, equipped with an outdoor heater. This characterful spot is a hit with locals and visitors alike, boasting quirky interiors like large stained glass windows and a menu that'll make your tummy rumble upon first glance. Think Cumberland sausages, beer-battered haddock and more.
Looking for restaurants with outside seating in West London? The Builders Arms is serving up heartwarming pub food and freshly poured pints for you and your family in their cute gastropub and on their outdoor tables.
Aqua Kyoto boasts one of the best rooftops in London, so it comes as no surprise that they're ahead of the curve when it comes to restaurants for outdoor dining. Take in the views across Oxford Circus whilst nibbling on unique Japanese food.
For an epic dining experience, check out The Green Room in South London for their wintry covered garden, fairy lights and plush blankets. They're also featuring outdoor heaters so you can stay late with mates over a few tipples.
The Union Bar is one of the best paces to eat in Chiswick, whatever the weather. With its spacious outdoor terrace, this popular spot offers pretty views to enjoy as you feast on seasonal specials, with heaters at the ready for when temperatures drop.
No 32 The Old Town is raising the game on restaurants with outdoor seating in London. Just a few minutes walk away from Clapham Common, this spot has both a ground floor and rooftop terrace, along with a tasty menu of cocktails and comfort food.
Nestled in the buzzing leisure hub of Stratford, STK boasts a cosy, heated rooftop atop the Gantry Hotel's 18th floor, offering remarkable views of London. Offering reimagined American classics, world-famous cocktails and live music spun by renowned DJs, this gnarly vibe-driven meat-spot is one to write home about.
With tonnes of outside seating and plenty of craft beers, it's not hard to see why The Garden Gate is regarded as having one of the best heated beer gardens in Hampstead Heath. Head to this cosy pub for a relaxing afternoon with your loved ones.
Looking to keep warm while dining out? The King of Prussia is the Finchley pub with a gorgeous heated terrace, ideal for when the sun sets. The menu includes a huge range of handmade pizzas, with gourmet bar snacks and kids meals too.
With a fully-heated beer garden for all your alfresco drinking needs, this fun Brick Lane bar is making sure you still get facetime with your mates. Head over to The Apples and Pears for the chance to sink hot cocktails and steaming slices of pizza this season.
Venture to Canary Wharf's Sipping Room where a spacious outdoor terrace awaits. Open seven days a week, the sophisticated riverside eatery promises sharing platters, burgers, salads and grilled meats galore.
Looking for a pretty beer garden with outdoor heaters in Central London? The Duke of Sussex is a brilliant spot, offering its guests luscious green surroundings that'll take them straight out the city and into a lush oasis for dinners outside in cooler months.
Looking for outdoor dining in West London? Check out the charming garden space at The Imperial Arms. Decked out in bold furnishings, with splashes of artwork and pretty foliage, this heated terrace is an absolute must for all seasons.
On the hunt for the best places to eat outside in Camden? The Colonel Fawcett is a good old London pub keeping punters watered, fed and warm on its outdoor terraces. Whether you fancy some comfort food classics or just a few swifters, this is the spot for you.
A haven for heated outdoor dining in London, King's Cross is coming up trumps yet again with Drake & Morgan's alfresco options. For a stylish winter date night idea, meet your other half here for aesthetic cocktails and international grub.
Fancy enjoying some alfresco antics on those colder evenings? No problem. Make your way to South London gem: The Rosy Hue for some fun with pals. Boasting a heated outdoor terrace and a boatload of hearty fare on its menu, this hotspot won't disappoint.
Along with a bustling location in Southbank, Ping Pong has some pretty gorgeous outside areas. With heaters and plush fur throws, it's a cosy venue to settle into while chowing down on delicious dim sum and zesty cocktails.
Cool decor and craft beer than you can throw a stick at; Mercato Metropolitano is a top spot for those after covered outdoor dining in London. The beloved Elephant and Castle food hall is fighting off the chilly weather with heated lamps dotted around their outdoor space.
Situated in Mile End, The Victoria is keeping you toasty throughout the year with heaters both in its cool walled garden and out the front. They've also got an impressive selection of drinks and a range of tasty food, with an emphasis on seafood.
Just a hop, skip and a jump away from St Pancras station, Rotunda is a real winner when it comes to heated outdoor bars in London. The canalside beauty has a selection of deals to see you through the week along with a terrace filled with various high tables, sofas and group seating.
A swoon-worthy hangout with views of the Grand Union Canal, Smith's Bar & Grill has a massive outside area for dining with friends. If their mouthwatering fare doesn't attract you then their daily happy hour is sure to do the job.
Located in Chelsea, The Admiral Codrington is ideal for outdoor dining all year round. Their heated terrace is decked out in floral decor, comfy benches and wooden picnic tables, the perfect place to sip on guest ales and all kinds of cocktails. The menu here is equally impressive, featuring aubergine and chickpea curry, fish finger sandwiches, mussels cooked in cider and so much more.
Undoubtedly one of London's most beautiful restaurants with outside seating, Dalloway Terrace is putting its own stylish spin on government measures. Not only are there table heaters and an autumnal canopy, but the Bloomsbury spot also has an outdoor chiminea.
Peckham's Levan isn't letting the wintry weather stop them from dishing up sustainable fare to hungry Londoners. Treat yourself to a set menu at this neighbourhood spot and feast on six courses of European nosh.
Cauliflower velouté, seared Scottish salmon and confit lamb shoulder... Folie is upgrading your alfresco dinners in Soho with its French and Mediterranean-inspired menu. But don't take our word for it, check out the glamorous spot for yourself.