Eating Out In London

Top 10 Al Fresco Dining Recommendations: From rooftop terraces to riverside gardens, there are loads of brilliant places to eat al fresco in London. So why not enjoy some fresh air when the sun is shining and sit outside at one of these London restaurants.

Boundary: Terence Conran's Boundary opened in 2009 and has been a resounding success. One of the highlights is the large rooftop terrace, with an outdoor bar, seating around an open fireplace, a 48-seat grill restaurant and a designer garden. The 360-degree views take in Canary Wharf, the Gherkin and the rooftops of East London.

Coq d’Argent: From its penthouse position at the top of No. 1 Poultry, Le Coq d'Argent enjoys panoramic views over London's Square Mile. The venue's stylish roof terrace and beautifully manicured gardens make it the perfect upmarket al fresco destination. You can choose from a menu of classic French dishes with contemporary flavours.

Heddon Street: In the heart of London's West End, peaceful Heddon Street is home to a wide variety of eateries, including Momo and Mo Café, The Living Room, Aubaine, Piccolino, Strawberry Moons, Tibits, BelowZero and the Absolut Icebar. Sit outside and enjoy pavement dining among the palms and olive trees.

Inn The Park: High up above Kensington High Street, Kensington Roof Gardens is a stunning oasis in the centre of London. You can dine al fresco on the terrace at Babylon restaurant, and explore the Spanish garden, Tudor garden and English woodland. There's even a stream stocked with fish, and a pond complete with ducks and flamingos!

Serpentine Bar & Kitchen: The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen opened in spring 2009, on the banks of the Serpentine in Hyde Park. Sit out on the waterside terrace and enjoy seasonal dishes such as whole roasted mackerel with green beans, and mussels with shallots and cider. There's also a selection of sandwiches, afternoon teas, and homemade ice cream.

Shad Thames: With its riverside location and fantastic views of Tower Bridge, Shad Thames is an idyllic outdoor dining destination. Choose from fine French food at Le Pont de la Tour; British favourites like fish and chips and roast beef at Butler's Wharf Chop House; delicious sandwiches at the Design Museum's café; and pub fare at All Bar One.

St Christopher's Place: Just off Oxford Street, in St Christopher's Place, you'll find an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants and coffee shops. The area boasts one of London's largest concentrations of pavement dining. Whether you're looking for Italian, Spanish, French or Japanese cuisine, or even a pub lunch, St Christopher's Place has it all.

The River Café: The Michelin-starred River Café is one of the best places in London to enjoy authentic Italian food. Signature dishes include wild mushroom risotto, wood-smoked fish, and the chocolate Nemesis cake. For a real taste of the Mediterranean, visit during the summer months sit outside in the pretty riverside garden.

West India Quay: Situated on the waterside near Canary Wharf, West India Quay is perfect for al fresco dining. Enjoy modern British food at the Museum of London Docklands' 1802 restaurant; or sit on the terrace at Curve Restaurant & Bar, where you can sample fresh fish from nearby Billingsgate Fish Market.

Afternoon Tea in London:
Tea in a pot, scones with cream and jam, finger sandwiches and dainty cakes... nothing could be more British than afternoon tea in London.
At these top London restaurants, advance booking is often essential and smart dress codes may apply.

The Ritz: Tea at The Ritz is nothing less than an institution. It has become so popular that there are now five sittings every day at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Booking at least four weeks in advance is essential. Afternoon tea is served in the elegant Palm Court with music by a pianist or a harpist.

Fortnum & Mason: In Fortnum & Mason's St James's restaurant you can enjoy a range of teas from around the world, all specially selected by Fortnum's tea taster. The afternoon tea menu includes sandwiches, scones and pastries. There's also a Champagne Afternoon Tea; a Birthday Afternoon Tea; and a range of afternoon teas for special dietary requirements, including vegetarian, gluten free and diabetic.

The Berkeley: If you're a fan of fashion, head to the Berkeley's Caramel Room for the Prêt-à-Portea tea. The éclairs, cakes and fancies are all inspired by the latest fashion collections, and are served in miniature mouthfuls for the figure-conscious. Madonna, Gwynneth Paltrow and the Beckhams have all been spotted here.

The Lanesborough: The award-winning afternoon tea at The Lanesborough includes freshly baked scones, thick clotted cream and homemade fruit preserves. If you have trouble choosing from the wide range of teas on offer, you can call on The Lanesborough's Tea Sommelier – the first in England – who will be happy to advise you.

The Connaught: One of the loveliest afternoon teas in London can be enjoyed at the Connaught hotel’s Espelette restaurant overlooking Mayfair. The tea menu is extensive; the sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries are sublime and the service exactly is what you would expect at one of London’s premier hotels – discreet and knowledgeable.

The Dorchester: Afternoon tea is served at 2.30pm and 4.45pm in The Dorchester's famous marble and gilt Promenade. Treat yourself to the Laurent Perrier Rosé Champagne Tea, or enjoy the classic Dorchester Afternoon Tea. For something more substantial, opt for the Dorchester High Tea, which is served until 8pm and is the perfect pre-theatre meal.

The Waldorf Hilton: Traditional afternoon tea at the Waldorf Hilton is served daily in Homage Patisserie between 2.30pm and 5.30pm. Expect a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, homemade tartlets and other Homage specialties. There's also a champagne option.

Swissôtel The Howard: You can eat your way around London at Swissôtel The Howard. Their TLSee (tea-london-sightseeing) menu features teatime treats in the shape of London attractions like Tower Bridge and the London Eye, plus finger sandwiches and home-baked scones with clotted cream.

The Metropolitan: The Metropolitan has reinvented afternoon tea with a touch of waist-friendly chic. Their guilt-free Afternoon Delight tea is served in the exclusive Met Bar. The menu has a hearts and flowers theme and includes cakes, cupcakes, macaroons and breadless sandwiches, plus a selection of fruit teas and Eco-tini cocktails.

The Orangery at Kensington Palace: Queen Anne built the idyllic Orangery in the grounds of Kensington Palace in 1705. Fresh strawberries and double cream are a seasonal speciality. Or try the Tregothnan English Tea, which comes with a glass of English Pinot Noir. Tea is served between 2.30pm and 5pm. Booking is not necessary.