London’s Loveliest Sundowner Spots This Summer
We spend all day writing about London’s vibrant culinary scene, from the best places for bao to the finest afternoon tea experience. But come the summertime, like everyone in the city, we long to find that one perfect al fresco spot that’s buzzy and brilliant, and there are several outdoor restaurants in London that keep The Handbook team coming back for more.
From the hottest new rooftop bars to unfussy multi-story car parks-turned-rooftop bars, these are the best outdoor restaurants in London, hand-chosen by the Handbook office.
Le Magritte
Hidden behind The Beaumont, Le Magritte’s discreet terrace is one of Mayfair’s quieter outdoor drinking spots. Alongside cocktails and seasonal menus, guests can enjoy Havana cigars or settle in to watch selected football fixtures outdoors.
Where: The Beaumont Brown Hart Gardens Mayfair London W1K 6TF
Website: www.thebeaumont.com
CÉ LA VI
If your ideal sundowner involves rooftop views and a cocktail deal, CÉ LA VI has both. Every Monday to Wednesday from 4pm–6pm, the West End rooftop serves two-for-one cocktails including a Sichuan Paloma, Shiso Margarita and Lychee Moon, all against one of London’s highest panoramic backdrops.
Where: 1 Paddington Square, London
Website: ldn.celavi.com
Orrery Terrace
Perched above Marylebone, the Orrery Terrace by Renais Gin is a rooftop that feels surprisingly peaceful despite sitting in the heart of central London. Inspired by the laid-back glamour of the South of France, golden hour stretches into the evening over cocktails, a chilled glass of Champagne or a leisurely dinner outdoors. With rooftop views, Mediterranean-inspired surroundings and an atmosphere that encourages you to slow down, it’s an elegant spot for a sundowner away from the city’s busier rooftops.
Where: 55 Marylebone High St, London W1U 5RB
Website: www.orrery-restaurant.co.uk
Orrery’s outdoor space is a rare feature of London’s rooftop scene in that it does not seem to want to be found, I love how secluded and intimate it is – alongside amazing food and drink.
Mallory, Junior Food & Drink Editor
12th Knot
Perched above the South Bank, 12th Knot’s Laurent-Perrier Champagne Terrace is made for golden hour. With panoramic views across the Thames and London’s skyline, it’s the sort of place where a glass of Champagne easily turns into another. Alongside Laurent-Perrier pours and Champagne cocktails, there’s a menu of seasonal small plates designed for lingering long after sunset.
Where: 20 Upper Ground, London
Website: www.seacontainerslondon.com
Stanley’s
Hidden above The Chesterfield Mayfair, Stanley’s is an understated rooftop bar that champions simple pleasures: good cocktails, relaxed conversation and an intimate terrace tucked away from the bustle of Mayfair.
Where: The Chesterfield, Charles Street, London
Website: www.chesterfieldmayfair.com
bbar
Opposite Buckingham Palace and beneath London’s largest living wall, bbar is an easy choice for post-work cocktails. Whether you’re catching live sport, heading to the theatre or simply watching Victoria drift into the evening, its signature cocktails and terrace make for an effortless sundowner stop.
Where: 43 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PP
Website: www.bbarlondon.com
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate
One of Westminster’s best-kept secrets, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate centres around a tranquil ivy-covered courtyard complete with a restored Victorian fountain. It feels remarkably peaceful for central London, making it ideal for evening cocktails in the open air.
Where: 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6JP
Website: taj51buckinghamgate.co.uk
JOIA Rooftop
With sweeping views across Battersea Power Station and the London skyline, JOIA Rooftop is one of the city’s most striking places to catch the sunset over cocktails.
Where: 15th floor, 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ
Website: www.joiabattersea.co.uk
Flute at Broadwick Soho
This summer, Marrakech favourite El Fenn takes over Flute’s rooftop with Moroccan-inspired cocktails, food, art and live music. It’s one of Soho’s most exciting seasonal terraces for sunset drinks.
Where: 20 Broadwick Street, London
Website: www.broadwicksoho.com
Fulham Pier Riverside Market
Long brunches effortlessly become sunset drinks at Fulham Pier. Grab a riverside cocktail, browse the street food stalls and settle into a deckchair overlooking the Thames as golden hour arrives.
Where: Fulham Pier, London SW6 6HH
Website: www.fulhampier.com
EllaMia Terrace
The terrace outside EllaMia at St Martins Lane has been transformed with Champagne Pommery for summer. French-inspired dishes, spritzes and a wraparound terrace make it an inviting spot to linger over an evening drink.
Where: 45 Saint Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4HX
Website: stmartinslane.uk-london.website
Angler
Michelin-starred Angler offers one of the City’s best rooftop settings for sunset. On Sundays and Mondays the terrace is dedicated to drinks, while the rest of the week pairs seafood with Laurent-Perrier cocktails.
Where: 3 South Pl, London EC2M 2AF
Website: www.anglerrestaurant.com
The Lighterman
If anywhere in London screams summer, it’s Coal Drops Yard. Tucked away in King’s Cross, the space is home to so much vibrance and activity in the summer months, from the giant cinema screen on the canal to the flurry of alfresco dining spots. Our favourite? The Lighterman, the three-floor restaurant-turned-bar that’s handily located on the riverside. Here you’ll find multiple alfresco dining areas, each serving up great food and drinks for all to enjoy.
3 Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH
www.thelighterman.co.uk
Smith’s Bar & Grill
Set beside Paddington Basin, Smith’s canalside terrace offers a quieter take on golden hour. Sip £9 Aperol Spritzes while watching the boats drift by, ideally paired with the restaurant’s raspberry soft serve.
Where: Smith’s Bar & Grill, Sheldon Square, London
Website: www.smithsbarandgrill.co.uk
Seabird
Al fresco dining doesn’t come much better than Seabird. Hidden above The Hoxton Southwark, this rooftop serves up seafood delights and is home to London’s longest oyster list, marble raw bar and views that look out over the city. Head here for cocktail memories or book in for dinner to sample a few of their legendary oysters and delicious sharing boards.
THE HOXTON SOUTHWARK, 40 BLACKFRIARS ROAD, SE1 8NY
WWW.SEABIRDLONDON.COM
The Churchill Bar & Terrace
Currently featuring a cacao-inspired outdoor space and cocktail menu, The Churchill Bar & Terrace is the perfect destination for drinks in the heart of the city. Inspired by Sir Winston Churchill and his wife, Clementine, The Churchill Bar & Terrace mixologists serve award-winning cocktails and delicious dining all year long in a glamorous indoor-outdoor setting tucked behind Oxford Street.
where: 30 Portman Square, London W1H7BH
website: www.thechurchillbar.co.uk
The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch
A favourite all around, the venue serves up immaculate alfresco vibes, from dreamy baby pink interiors to the best views on this side of the capital. Grab a table and sit back as you relax to the sound of Latin dance music filling up the space, order a round of their signature margaritas and soak up the sunset at this special spot.
100 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch, E1 6JQ
www.onehundredshoreditch.com
Jurema at The Mandrake
Lose yourself in the urban jungle that is Jurema at The Mandrake. The space is surrounded by a hanging garden of jasmine and passionflower and makes for the perfect backdrop to any al fresco occasion.
Arguably the best outdoor restaurant in London, we love this spot’s Sunday brunch offering. Curated by executive chef George Scott-Toft, expect your afternoon to be packed out with a live DJ set and ethnobotanical cocktails.
20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG
www.themandrake.com
