SPHERE's Guide to London Summer Terraces

The warmth of an English summer's afternoon has a magical effect on London. Suddenly, blue skies take over the usual greys and pub pavements are peppered with after-work drinkers. But there's nowhere better to bask the warmer weather than one of London's newly unveiled summer terraces. Whether it's custom cocktails or a bright take on fine dining, SPHERE has curated a selection of must-visit terraces, offering a taste of what’s tucked away beside the Thames or in an Earl's Court garden.

Searcys Westminster Rooftop Bar – For a Postcard-Worthy View

The timeless elegance of Westminster, complete with Gothic spires and Big Ben ringing its familiar tune, is a sight that could only be improved by a cocktail. For those heading to Searcys to soak up the sun on their Rooftop Terrace Bar, a glass of English wine is already waiting behind the bar. 

Partnering with Bolney English Wine, Searcys Bar and Brasserie at Westminster brings the best of the family-run Sussex vineyard to central London. Bolney Bubbly Rosé NV brings a distinct taste of summer with notes of wild strawberry and raspberry partnered with floral tones, while their Bubbly NV provides a hit of citrus. For a sharper taste, the rooftop bar offers Lychgate Bacchus 2022: crisp and acidic, infused with familiar countryside staple notes such as elderflower, lime and nettle. 

Book here to settle in for an after-drink aperitif at Searcys with a new view over a familiar skyline.

Luca - For Blissful Walled Gardens

Luca, the Latin name of which means “bringer of light”, doesn’t fall short in helping Clerkenwell and in fact London as a whole gleam brighter. The Michelin-starred, wedding-worthy modern Italian restaurant hosts a gloriously rustic, secluded terrace at its rear. In marriage with the dishes served, the setting is light, summery and elegantly presented as foliage climbs the walled garden and a striking marble fireplace takes centre stage.

While the name of the game here might be special occasion, the seasonal dishes – whether Primi like mazera prawn taglierini with coastal herbs and cedro or Secondi such as lamb with spiced artichoke and puntarella – are worth celebrating for alone.

For a taste of Rome book here. 

Soutine - For Parisian Boulevard Chic

If you don’t live in the leafy suburban territory of St John’s Wood, you might not visit too often. There’s good reason to this summer though, as Parisian brasserie Soutine’s streetside dining is in full sunshine swing. Newly inked up white tablecloths, coasters and menus from designer Olivia Sewell give the setting a joie de vivre ideal for chomping down a goat’s cheese tart or steak et frites and sipping from petite wine goblets.

If picnic days is what you’re yearning for, Sewell has also drawn up the restaurant’s very own tote bag, which for £40 comes complete with the French fare of freshly baked baguette, cheese, chutney, olives and rosé.

For a delightful picnic or an unforgettable dining experience book now. 

The Dark Horse - For Posh Pubbing

Following a sundowner on Primrose Hill, meander down to The Dark Horse  – Camden’s local joint in the Stable Block. Opened last year, its al fresco terrace is decked out in red-and-white striped loungers, channelling retro seaside nostalgia. The laid-back setup brings the indoors out – expect live music, crisp stone-baked pizzas and loaded fries, all best shared over a cold lager or a jug of spritz. It’s the kind of spot that feels familiar in the best way, like a back garden with better food and someone else on drinks duty.

Book your spot on The Dark Horse terrace here.

La Môme - For a Provençal Plate

Inspired by the Riviera, The Berkeley’s La Môme whisks guests from Knightsbridge to the Côte d’Azur. Its sun-soaked terrace, complete with sweet gingham seats and lush Mediterranean planting, offers space for thirty to unwind.

For a truly Provençal experience, the menu features seasonal ingredients with an extensive wine and cocktail list to wash it all down. The Smoked Ember cocktail combines Chivas 12 scotch, Amaro Nonino, orgeat syrup, and cacao bitters for a boozy Patisserie-style treat, while Crystal Bay mixes Bacaridi and Supasawa with a signature coconut water and lemongrass syrup ready for island-like living.

Book here for your own sunlit retreat now, and you might just catch a waft of lavender in the air. 

Pyro - For Fire-Fuelled Bites

We might as well reach for our radiant kaftans or crisp linen already, as latest Southern Quarter addition Pyro channels all the breezy, glamorous energy of a beach club in the Med. The space is sleekly exotic, keeping a similar design to previous occupier In Horto, as draping bamboo lanterns flicker, sprawling polished wooden tables shine, and a centrefold open flame fuels the occasion.

Just like a languorous meal enjoyed by the Aegean, plates – like souvlaki skewers glazed with prunes, radicchio and sour apple or slow-cooked lamb over alder wood with fluffy flatbread – are all about sharing. We’ll happily oblige, as with ex-Hide head chef Yiannis Mexis the man behind the affair, this is the making of a (mid)summer night’s dream. 

To take a seat round Pyro's flames and similarly warming menu, book here. 

Wildflowers - For a charming London yard

Wildflowers boasts all the delights of modern European cuisine, while in the confinements of a refined, handsome old timber yard in Belgravia. Stylist Laura Hart (previously of the botanical Petersham Nurseries) has poured soul into the space also peppered with high-end stores. Freshly cut flowers sit atop sleek tabletops, while Victorian brickwork is purposefully retained for character. Move from gnocco fritto with gorgonzola, truffle and honey to grilled sugar pit Iberico pork chops as co-founder and chef Aaron Potter’s menu takes us through his Michelin experience in Italy, France and Spain. What’s more, there’s a glass ceiling, so we may be out in the natural light, but any altercation with mother nature and we’re safely covered.

Book your spot at Wildflowers terrace on their website.

Pollini - For birds, bees and beautiful sculptures 

Dining in the terrace of Pollini – Pollen in Italian – has a tranquilising sing to it, whether from birds twittering in the verdant greenery or smooth jazz drifting out from its building. A harmonious symphony for nature, art, music and Italian food lovers, the lavish garden oasis lives within the cultural backdrop of Notting Hill’s Ladbroke Hall.

Swoon over seasonal plates of handmade tagliatelle with Muscovy duck ragú or wild sea bass with palourde clams, datterini and Sorrento lemon, before being serenaded by a live musical performance or the chiselled sculpture gallery on site.

Waltz away a meal at Pollini and book through their website here. 

Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill - For A Seafood Spread

For over a century, Bentley’s has provided London with the freshest oysters and seafood, previously serving the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Oscar Wilde. Now, it is under the stewardship of chef Richard Corrigan, who focuses on seasonal ingredients from a trusty list of local suppliers.

A well-established figure on the London restaurant scene, Bentley’s maintains its timeless tradition. In a nod to its heritage, Bentley’s still offers its cigar menu. For those that indulge, the ever-full terrace, on a quiet street between Regent Street and Piccadilly provides shelter from the summer sun whilst enjoying British oysters and a Cuban cigar.

Book here to enjoy fruits de la mer at Bentley’s.

Pippin's - For a Fairtale Secret Garden

The private garden at Pippin’s feels as though it could be home to a magical creature. Just a stone’s throw from Earl’s Court station, one meal at Pippin’s and you could forget you’re in the city. The organic feel influences the cuisine too – the chefs use the herbs from the kitchen garden and the signature fig-leaf ice cream is made using leaves from a tree in the courtyard.

The garden is even home to four small rabbits, who you can see bounding across the perfectly manicured lawn as you enjoy tuna tartare or a burrata salad. On Fridays and Saturdays, little ones can indulge in their very own children’s afternoon tea, including cucumber sandwiches and freshly baked scones – how sweet!

For a break from the city without having to get on a train, book here.

King’s Cross does not usually evoke thoughts of rest and relaxation, however, the terrace of Isla at The Standard feels like a serene slice of the Mediterranean amongst the bustle of central London. From breakfast through to dinner, the menu focuses on seasonal ingredients, with dishes such as pumpkin fritti with kumquat and grilled Scottish langoustines. Isla is also a wine bar, offering an extensive range of organic wines, including a variety of skin contact options – perfect for a warm summer evening.

To relax amongst the lush greenery at Isla, book here. 

The ideal summer evening would, of course, be spent on the Amalfi coast, basking in the warm summer light and sipping on an Aperol spritz. In lieu of an Italian getaway, the second-best option is a reservation at InterContinental London Park Lane, where Theo’s on the Terrace returns this summer. Bright colours and bold patterns pepper the interiors and nods to southern Italy can be seen throughout this Mayfair Establishment, with an iconic Smeg Fiat 500 fridge sitting in pride of place

The menu, designed by Theo Randall, centres around well-loved Mediterranean classics like pollo fritto and Sicilian-style pizza, with seasonal gelato to finish. This year, Theo’s has partnered with Lavazza, so the terrace is the perfect place for a cappuccino and sweet cannoli in the sunshine.

To live la dolce vita, book here. 

When the sun comes out, the red, sliding doors of The Hound in Chiswick are pulled back and the classic British pub becomes an indoor-outdoor establishment that feels frankly European. The south-facing courtyard is filled with olive trees, wrought iron chairs and sandy exposed bricks, contrasted by the interiors of the dining room – deep Mahogony wood panelling and herringbone floors.

This summer, The Hound has collaborated with celebrated tequila and mezcal crafters, The Lost Explorer, to design a range of exclusive cocktails. One such concoction is the Honeydrew Cooler, made of cardamom and fennel tequila, mezcal, Aperol, honeydew and soda. Served alongside innovative twists on pub classics, such as black pudding scotch egg and grilled asparagus and burrata – what more could you ask for on a summer’s day?

Book here for a modern, elevated pub garden.

This summer, The Mercer Roof Terrace at Vintry & Mercer Hotel has collaborated with Château Minuty, bringing a touch of Provence to The City. In addition to The Mercer’s British menu, showcasing dishes such as roasted chalk stream trout and spring lamb rump, the rooftop offers a variety of Château Minuty cuvées, including its well-renowned rosé.

The views are undeniably gorgeous, framing London’s perfect juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers and historic architecture, which stretches out beyond the rooftop. It’s a wonderful place to luxuriate in the long evenings.

Smiths of Smithfield - for historic views

Next to the historic Smithfield Market sits Smiths of Smithfield. Set in a grade II listed building that would look at home in a Dickens adaptation, the four-story building has a different offering on each floor – from a cocktail bar on the first floor to a fine dining restaurant on the third. But, in summer, the fourth-floor terrace is the ultimate place to soak up panoramic views of St Paul’s and The Shard over a signature cocktail. Perhaps the St Paul’s Picante – Patron Silver Tequila, triple sec, lime and hot honey.  

For an expertly made drink surrounded by landmarks, book here.

Scott's Richmond - for a view of the Thames

Richmond is perhaps one of the most peaceful and beautiful boroughs in London. In fact, it is so exquisite that it is home to the only landscape view in England that is protected by an Act of Parliament. The riverside is populated with Victorian terraces, jazz musicians busking and lush grassy banks. Scott’s on the riverside aims to celebrate this local legacy.

The terrace is blanketed in wisteria, framing the romantic view of the river. Head Chef Tom Fraser designed the menu to pay homage to the river itself. Cocktails are designed in partnership with Silent Pool Gin, a Surrey-based distillery, and are mixed with sunshine in mind. Live music is Scott’s bread and butter. Piano sessions create an ambience from Tuesday to Saturday and Motown performances fill the restaurant on Wednesday evenings. Scott’s is not just a restaurant – it’s an experience.

For a decadent meal on the riverside, book here.

The Flute Bar - for playful maximalism 

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The Flute Bar could not be more audaciously decorated if it tried. Armchairs are upholstered in leopard print velvet, throw cushions are patterned with Missoni-esque zig-zags and the ceiling is made up of small metallic tiles, as though the room is one giant disco ball. If The Flute Bar doesn’t make you want to dance, I don’t know what can. 

This Aladdin’s cave of a bar lives at the top of The Broadwick Hotel in Soho and its cocktail list reads like a love letter to its home. With drinks like “Secrets of a Windmill Girl” and “The Krays”, The Flute Bar embodies the spirit of a bygone Soho, the former stomping ground of Mick Jagger and Boy George. As the terrace of the bar looks out onto the rooftops of the West End, why not take in the sights while enjoying Champagne and a bump of caviar, of course.

For a hedonistic drink in the heart of Soho, book here.

Joia Battersea - for contemporary design 

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Looking out onto the Power Station, JOIA in Battersea sits 16 stories high. JOIA translates to jewel in Portuguese, the perfect name for this culinary gem. The brainchild of chef Henrique Sá Pessoa who combines Iberian recipes with fresh British produce, JOIA offers mouthwatering dishes such as fennel and saffron grouper fillet and roasted piri piri cabbage.

Delightfully designed in pale pinks and corals, the interiors of JOIA make the perfect setting for a long catch up with friends. To top it all off, the iconic view of the power station can also be seen in the reflection of the rooftop infinity pool.

Book your table at JOIA here.