Ten places to have a meal before the lockdown – also al fresco

As England prepares to go into its second national lockdown on Thursday, there are just a couple of days left for everyone to eat out once more before all restaurants, bars and pubs close and switch to takeaway. This is disappointing news for foodies, so we’ve put together ten places to have a final meal, which you can enjoy with your household – or friends outdoors when al fresco is available – and also to support hospitality.

Frog by Adam Handling, Covent Garden

Arguably the best place to eat in Covent Garden, Adam Handling’s flagship restaurant embraces seasonal cooking and technical innovation. Frog by Adam Handling is all ready for truffle season with some of the best British sourced white truffle from Alba for two delicious dishes. For bold and elegant food, this is the place to go before lockdown two.

To book a table at Frog at 34-35 Southampton St, London, WC2E 7HF, call 0207 199 8370 or visit the website here.

Orrery, Marylebone 

This delightful French restaurant in Marylebone Village offers a sophisticated set menu at very reasonable cost, as well as a charming lavender lined terrace for alfresco dining. Those who choose “Early Bird” can have a fine-dining dinner for just £40 which will include three courses and a glass of bellini. 

To book a table at Orrery at 55 Marylebone High Street, London, W1U 5RB, call 020 7616 8000 or visit the website here.

Kol, Marylebone

Although Kol doesn’t have an outside space, it’s London’s hottest new opening. Celebrating the best of British ingredients whilst exploring the intricacies, innovation and diversity and Mexican food and culture, Kol is sure to impress. Must-try dishes include Langoustine Tacos with Smoked Chili and Sea Buckthorn, Kohlrabi with Pink Mole and Pumpkin Aguachile and Smoked Beetroot.

To book a table at KOL at 9 Seymour Street, Marylebone, London, W1H 7BA, call 02038296888, or visit the website here.

Aquavit London, St James’s Market

Michelin starred Aquavit London in St James’s Market has an expansive heated and covered terrace making it a great place for a group of six to sip on a cocktail and enjoy delicious Nordic-inspired cuisine. They won’t be offering takeaway during lockdown two so it’s the last chance to enjoy it before December.

To Book a table at Aquavit London at St James’s Market, 1 Carlton Street, London, SW1Y 4QQ, call 02070249848 or visit the website here.

Frenchie, Covent Garden

The sister restaurant to Paris’ famous Frenchie Ru du Nil, Frenchie Covent Garden now has its own terrace for outside dining on Henrietta Street. Enjoy a chilled bottle of rosé and expect twists on classic French cooking and authentic French hospitality. Recommended seasonal dishes include Delicia Pumpkin & Ricotta Tortellini, Amaretti, Sage & Smoked Egg Yolk.

To book a table at Frenchie Covent Garden at 16 Henrietta Street,  London, WC2E 8QH, call 020 7836 4422 or visit the website here.

The Hawk’s Nest, West London

As the evenings get cooler it’s important to go somewhere cosy but also Covid secure. The Hawk’s Nest offers eating and drinking in a covered and heated garden where you can enjoy stone baked sourdough pizza in an autumnal al fresco setting. There’s room for 120 seated and socially distanced, making it a great destination for that final pizza out, the Nduja and Chilli sounds perfect for those who like it hot. 

To book a table at The Hawk’s Nest at Goldhawk Rd, Shepherd’s Bush Market, Shepherd’s Bush, London, W12 8DF, call 07901 317873 or visit the website here.

The Dorchester, Mayfair

The iconic London hotel, The Dorchester, has a beautiful terrace and garden perched on the forecourt. Enjoy one of their six new cocktails commemorating inspiring moments and people from the history of the hotel whilst surrounded by greenery. There’s also an Italian inspired menu to indulge in as you watch the world pass by on Park Lane.

To book a table at The Dorchester at The Dorchester Terrace & Garden, Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA, call 020 7629 8888 or visit the website here.

Morso, North London

Morso now has two locations, St. John’s Wood and Kensal Rise, to enjoy flavour-packed Italian food at an affordable price. With home made al dente fresh pasta, Grappa-based cocktails and small plates, guests can enjoy a delicious variety of flavours. There is also some outside seating, but not much so be sure to book.

To book a table at Morso, 130 Boundary Road London, NW8 0RH, call 020 7624 7412, or 43 Chamberlayne Rd, Kensal Rise, London, NW10 3NB, call 020 8968 4387 or visit the website here.

Twist Connubio, Marylebone

Twist Connubio offers Italian tapas with a Spanish twist from chef Gonzalo Luzzaraga. They’re passionate about wine, sourcing sustainably and creative cooking. Again, no outside seating, but this one is worth going to with your household, the Fried Courgette Flowers look delicate and delicious. 

To book a table at Twist Connubio at 42 Crawford Street, Marylebone, London, W1H 1JW, call 020 7723 3377 or visit the website here.

Fenchurch, Sky Garden

Offering the option to dine-with-a-view or al fresco, Fenchurch on level 37 of Sky Garden is the perfect place to soak up panoramic scenes of London before we’re told to stay at home. Michael Carr, former head chef of Michelin-starred Box Tree in Yorkshire, has created a beautiful contemporary British menu driven by seasonal ingredients and clean, vibrant flavours.

To book a table at Fenchurch at Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk, London, EC3M 8AF, call 0333 772 0020 or visit the website here.

Lilly Subbotin