Ten terraces in London to enjoy a drink with your friends

London’s terraces have opened up and they are already teeming with city-dwellers who can’t get enough of the fresh air and al fresco vibes. In fact, there’s so much excitement about being outside in the sun that it can be hard to work out which places are worth risking the rain, which is why we have rounded up a few of our favourite spots for a drink, whatever the weather. Whether you’re in the mood for a classy cuppa or thirsting for a refreshing cocktail, this list has you covered, encompassing some of the best sites across the capital.

Mariage Frères Tea Terrace in Covent Garden

For an afternoon tea that will take your Instagram to the next level, we recommend a trip to Mariage Frères’ tea terrace. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, the tables are perfectly situated to offer up a view of one of London’s most popular tourist spots during a remarkably peaceful period. After shopping ’til you drop, take a seat on the cobbles and indulge in their incredible array of teas, all sourced from the huge emporium (take a peek inside if you want to be impressed). You won’t be disappointed if you choose to indulge in the Covent Garden Afternoon Tea. As well as an array of decadent tea-infused savoury sandwiches including a prawn and dill wrap tied up with ribbon, there are homemade scones with their own Gelées Extra de Thé and butter; and an exquisitely presented selection of French patisserie – our favourites are a chocolate mousse oozing with salted caramel, flavoured with Black Magic tea and encased in 24-carat gold leaf; and the cheesecake, which is shaped like an adorable toadstool and tastes just as magical. Book a table here.

Harvey Nichols’ Malfy Terrace

This spring, Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Terrace has been transformed into a blissful Mediterranean escape, with Malfy Gin bringing the enchanting spirit of the Amalfi Coast to the heart of London. The Malfy Lemon Grove, a lemon-adorned outdoor terrace bedecked with Amalfi-style tiles, is serving up an Italian-influenced spring menu exclusive to the terrace and a selection of delightfully refreshing Malfy Gin cocktails. The vibrant serves on offer include the zesty Amalfi Settantacinque with Malfy Con Limone, clementine juice, simple syrup and Perrier-Jouet NV Brut, perfect for toasting the start of the summer. For a tangier choice, go for the Arancia E Miele Sour with Malfy Con Arancia, lemon juice, blood orange juice, honey, egg white and cardamom bitters, or for the sweet-toothed, the Frutta Candita with Malfy Gin Rosa, Crème d’Abricot and ginger beer. The terrace is set to be the destination this spring, with guests able to sip on delicious cocktails and soak up the electric atmosphere until 27^th June. Book a table here.

Bloomberg Arcade in City of London

Bloomberg Arcade, the culinary and cultural destination in the heart of the Square Mile, has officially reopened, offering a wide range of dishes from some of London’s top independent eateries to enjoy outdoors this spring. Bloomberg Arcade’s top independent eateries are open to welcome guests under a covered terrace to enjoy the culinary delights come rain or shine. Bloomberg Arcade’s restaurants include all-day dining house-roasted coffee and cocktail bar Caravan, NY/London burger sensation Bleecker Burger, Nordic dining hero Ekte, sizzling Indian barbeque tavern Brigadiers, Hawaiian sunshine-in-a-bowl restaurant Ahi Poké, award-winning pizza hangout Homeslice, continental wine bar favourite Vinoteca and home of the best Udon noodles in London Koya. For further information about what’s on offer, visit here.

Tanqueray Royale Garden Escape at The Sipping Room in Canary Wharf

Created in collaboration with Tanqueray Gin’s new Blackcurrant Royale, one of London’s largest terraces has had a stunning makeover. Dressed in cascading purple blooms and festooned with strings of fairy lights, this riverside hotspot has sheltered tables, heaters, blankets and table-top sharing cocktails including The Aviation – Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale blended with Violette liqueur, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice & prosecco (£34.95, four cocktails to share). The new show-stopping, Instagrammable entrance is not to be missed. Come June, a large outdoor screen will be showing all of the summer’s sporting action. Book a table here.

The Dorchester Rooftop Sri Lankan pop-up in Mayfair

Following the successful launch of its first ever rooftop restaurant and bar in April 2021, The Dorchester is pleased to announce that executive chef Mario Perera will be taking the helm of The Dorchester Rooftop until 30^th May. Sri Lankan-born chef Perera will combine his 20 years of experience at The Dorchester with a dining concept that’s close to his heart and heritage: a menu inspired by his beloved homeland. Perera describes his menu as a celebration of Sri Lankan cuisine with a touch of The Dorchester. The family-style sharing menu offers diners a culinary journey through colourful, vibrant and delicately spiced food, showcasing the authentic flavours of Sri Lanka through ingredients sourced from the best of British producers. Book a table here.

Sea Containers London X Laurent-Perrier Summer Terrace on the Southbank

This May, Southbank hotel Sea Containers London is partnering with famed champagne house Laurent-Perrier to launch the Sea Containers London X Laurent-Perrier Summer Terrace. Launching on Wednesday 19^th May, and popping up for the duration of the summer, the terrace will be a plant-filled oasis on the river Thames that brings to life the British hedgerow in the heart of the Southbank. Guests will be surrounded by an urban garden filled with British native woodland trees, ferns and shrubs – such as Field Maple and Hazel trees, Barrenwort and Coral Bells – whilst sipping on Laurent-Perrier champagne and taking in the terrace’s unrivalled views across to St Paul’s and the City of London. Diners will be able to enjoy Laurent-Perrier’s iconic Cuvée Rosé by the glass or bottle, as well as the delectable La Cuvée and a selection of cocktails, served alongside a menu of fresh seafood small plates and a new sustainably sourced Sea Containers Restaurant summer menu. For further information or to book visit here.

The Refinery Bankside in Southwark

Summertime and Aperol go hand in hand and there’s no better place to enjoy one than at The Refinery Bankside. The picture-perfect terrace, complete with a flower wall and branded neon sign, has been kitted out with an abundance of beautiful blooms, bright orange parasols, bunting and fairy lights. Relax on a deck chair with an aperitivo in hand or if you’re with a group why not opt for an Aperol Tree, with four Aperol Spritz cocktails for £32.95. Also, If you’re deciding where to watch the Euros and Wimbledon, look no further as there will be a giant screen installed from June so you won’t have to miss a minute. Book a table here.

Limin’ Beach Club on the Southbank

Limin’ Beach Club brings a slice of Caribbean sunshine this spring to locked-down Londoners who can’t escape to their favourite island retreat. Located in Gabriel’s Wharf on the South Bank (next to the Southbank Centre) with a three outdoor beaches just moments from the Thames, Limin’ Beach Club allows for plenty of social distancing as you sink your toes between silky sand, enjoy a rum punch (or three) and feast on sizzling Caribbean beach BBQ dishes to the backdrop of chilled-out soca beats. Customers can enjoy a mouth-watering array of dishes, with the likes of succulent jerk chicken, soft shell crab and roasted vegetable salad and barbecue sweetcorn, as well as cocktails including the chilled Rum N’ Coconut served in a coconut, a frozen piña colada served in a pineapple, the signature Mr Rum’s Punch, the Limin’ Daiquiri and the Backyard Mezcal Smash. Book a table here.

The Tropical Terrace at Drake & Morgan King’s Cross

The new London Essence Tropical Terrace at King’s Cross, with its plethora of colourful flowers, lush greenery, palm trees and pretty, gold pineapples, is the perfect setting for catching up with friends. With pineapples being the symbol of hospitality, there is no better fruit to feature in this installation! Enjoy a refreshing G&T with London Essence Company’s Fresh Serve, premium draught tonics, available in a range of flavours including elderflower, cucumber, and grapefruit. Book a table here.

The Rooftop at the Hippodrome in Leicester Square

Perched five stories above London’s glittering West End, Leicester Square’s newest open-air bar, The Rooftop at the Hippodrome, is open until 2am, making it one of London’s few late-night al fresco destinations. Spread across three spacious floors, The Rooftop offers an open-air oasis in the heart of the West End – the perfect spot for socially distanced drinks and light bites with your five favourite friends. Open until 2am seven days a week, this is the place to nab a booking post lockdown and, what’s more, retractable roofs and terrace heaters mean you’re covered – literally – if April showers hit. 

The bonus: Evenings at Rye by the Water in Brentford

Yes, we said ten, but here’s the bonus entry. This May, Robin and Sarah Gill, along with co-founder Dan Joines, are very pleased to announce the launch of Evenings at Rye by the Water. Having opened last year as a bakery and coffee house in the heart of Brentford, the canal-side spot has gathered a cult following amongst SW London locals. Robin has worked closely with Head Chef Aisling, formerly of Petersham Nurseries and José in Bermondsey, to create a thoughtful menu in keeping with Robin’s ethos of using seasonal produce, working with the restaurant’s network of suppliers. As the sun goes down, the terrace lights up, with twinkling festoon lighting and music making it a perfect spot for an evening aperitivo at the al fresco bar. Book a table here.

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