London Al Fresco Dining Guide

Jul 26th 2010

Summer is here again, and with a prolonged bout of hot weather undoubtedly right around the corner, the time is right for dining outside in one of London’s many al fresco dining spots. But with so much choice available, how do you decide where to eat and when?

The London Hotspots al fresco dining guide has a selection of the best outdoor dining locations in the capital, from the West End to the City.

The Bleeding Heart Bistro – Photograph by dainee

Bleeding Heart Bistro, Holborn

As part of the Bleeding Heart Restaurants group, the Bleeding Heart Bistro offers first-rate outdoor dining at a tucked-away location in Holborn, serving honestly prepared, quality French food. Its sister venue – the nearby Bleeding Heart Restaurant – was named “Best Restaurant in London for a Business Lunch or Dinner” by Hardens UK restaurant guide, and the Bistro is no-less ideal for an out of office lunch. The delicious food is matched only by the extensive wine list, featuring over 450 wines from all over the world.

Tom’s Terrace at Somerset House

The venue formerly known as River Terrace Cafe has been transformed into Tom’s (as in Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens) Terrace for its grand reopening. Still situated in an amazing location right next to the Thames, Tom’s Terrace offers a variety of tasty al fresco bar and restaurant dishes including marinated dill and beetroot salmon, and grilled steak sandwich – a perennial favourite. Tom’s Terrace is also handily located a very short distance from our London meeting venue at Hudson House, making it the perfect location for an outdoor lunchtime bite.

The Albion, Thornhill – Photograph by Ewan-M

The Albion, Thornhill Road

Another pub-cum-restaurant, The Albion on Thornhill Road offers an enjoyable menu consisting of hearty British pub favourites such as steak, lamb shank and fish of the day, mixed in with more esoteric dishes like lobster, quail and guinea fowl. Prices are reasonable for the quality of the food on offer, and the outdoor garden seating area is situated within the Barnsbury conservation area.

The Carpenter’s Arms, Hammersmith

The Carpenter’s Arms in Black Lion Lane – a mere 10 minute walk from our Palladia Hammersmith London meeting venue – is a cross between a pub and restaurant, yet never finds itself stuck in the dreaded gastropub gloom that so frequently blights similarly-billed establishments. With a menu that has won rave reviews for some time now, The Carpenter’s Arms fits our al fresco dining bill by virtue of possessing a sizable garden/yard area, perfect for enjoying a cool drink or one of the items of inventive and delicious food on offer.

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