The warmth of an English summer's afternoon has a magical effect on the City of London. Suddenly, blue skies take over the usual greys and pub pavements are spotted with after-work drinks. But there's no more indulgent way to make the most of the warmer weather than by heading to one of London's newly-unveiled summer terraces. Whether it's custom cocktails that take your fancy or you're in the mood for 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 a Marylebone garden.
Sphere's Hot Guide to London Summer Terraces
Words by
Izzy Schaw Miller, Daisy Finch and Pippa Lowe
20th June 2025
Open skies, expertly crafted cocktails, and menus worth lingering over. SPHERE has rounded up the hottest London summer terraces to dine and drink outdoors this season — from Michelin-starred dishes served al fresco to crisp spritzes that evoke Monégasque evenings and Mediterranean ease. Welcome to la dolce vita, London city style.
TOZI's group dining creates a relaxed, open air experience—the ideal complement to its Mediterranean menu
Côte D’Azur by Wolfgang Puck - For Oysters over Hyde Park
Smoking oysters, champagne and views of Hyde Park—what could be better?
Helmed by California fusion pioneer Wolfgang Puck, CUT at 45 Park Lane has extended onto a lilac-dappled terrace overlooking the lawns of Hyde Park. This seasonal outpost leans into seafood and spritz, blending Côte d’Azur elegance with LA panache. The menu is neatly divided into Spritz, Land and Sea—covering all the essentials—with standout dishes like oysters dressed in wasabi oil, a Prime Ribeye Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, and the signature Crab and Lobster Roll with Old Bay aioli.
Take a seat where the Californian coast meets the Côte d’Azur here.
Enjoy a seaside vibe at Wolfgang Puck's new terrace
TOZI x Malfy Gin - For an Amalfi Aperol
TOZI's signature Knickerbocker Glory cart has received a grown-up makeover—no more ice-cream, it's time for drinks!
TOZI has teamed up with Malfy Gin to glaze the towers of Battersea Power Station with a warm Italian glow. Alongside classic Malfy Spritz cocktails, the new ‘Audace’ mixes Malfy Rosa with elderflower, Prosecco Rosé, and London Essence grapefruit soda—a light and floral twist on a simple spritz.
Pair these vibrant drinks with a tempting menu, from small plates to artisan pizzas. Live music on selected Thursday evenings also promises a soothing acoustic set to ease you into a warm summer’s evening just next to the Thames.
Reserve your place at TOZI for a spritz at the power station here.
Dovetale x Casamigos - For Custom Country Comforts
TOZI has brought a natural touch to fine-dining that encapsulates the country club experience
Tucked away next to Green Park, Dovetale unveils the Casamigos terrace. The menu by Two-Michelin-starred Tom Sellers reinvents the classic elements of a Montauk country club into a refined-but-hearty selection from Cobb Salad and grilled peaches to buttery lobster rolls.
The custom frozen Margaritas are a particular highlight, upgrading Dovetale’s signature Knickerbocker Glory cart into a build-your-own experience as the bar staff craft your custom frosty tequila tipple. With a soundtrack of live music from 1pm each day, it’s a country escape to Long Island in the middle of Mayfair.
Book a table to get mixing here.
Mouth-watering lobster rolls are the hearty yet refined choice perfect for a lunch time catch up
Empire Empire - for a Bombay Barbecue
Head to Empire Empire for their specialty lobster biryani and butter chicken. Credit: Jodi Hinds, courtesy of Empire Empire
Empire Empire’s new summer terrace brings a taste of the Indian Ocean to Notting Hill. Harneet Baweja’s Kensington curry house draws inspiration from late-Seventies India, and the chef’s signature menu is now ready to be savoured in the sunshine. Highlights include the lobster biryani and butter chicken—best paired with Gunpowder’s Portuguese wine to extinguish the bold spices.
If the sound of these vibrant dishes has awaked your appetite, book your seat here.
Luca - For Blissful Walled Gardens
The heart of Rome comes to London for a light-filled addition to Clerkenwell's food scene
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.
Luca's sheep's milk ricotta tortellini is a joyful striped and sealed addition to summer dinner plans. Credit: Anton Rodriguez
Scott's Richmond x Bombay Sapphire - For a Romantic Regency Retreat
Wisteria plucked straight from Netflix's screen brings a touch of Bridgerton glamour to Scott's Richmond for a romantic night under the stars
The new Botanical Garden Terrace at Scott’s Richmond is serving up summer with an array of Bombay Sapphire’s signature botanical drinks. Wisteria hangs down from their wooden canopy and flowers bloom throughout the exciting showcase of cocktails – including the Sgroppino combining lemon sorbet with prosecco that captures the essence of sunshine.
This elegant space is also available for private hire, accommodating up to 40 guests for a memorable afternoon overlooking the river.
Whether for a relaxed brunch or a lively gathering, reservations are now open here.
Soutine - For Parisian Boulevard Chic
Street-side dining is no longer the sole preserve of Parisians—Soutine has brought café culture to St John's Wood. Credit: Olivia Sewell
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.
For a truly French affair, head down to the riverside for a relaxed dining experience
The Dark Horse - For Posh Pubbing
Following a sundowner on Primrose Hill, meander down to The Dark Horse—Camden’s latest local joint in the Stable Block. Just opened for the season, 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
Sweet gingham seating and Provençal planting give La Môme a pastoral air and makes the most of their Mediterranean inspiration
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.
Bistrot on the terrace by Sofitel St James - For a Champagne Toast
A cozy champagne or two at Bistrot on the Terrace makes for an ideal summer afternoon. Credit: Beth Crockatt
Saint-Germain? More like St James, at Sofitel’s charmingly Parisian Bistrot on the Terrace. In collaboration with Laurent-Perrier, this is the spot to don a summer dress made for a stroll up the Champs-Élysées and sip a brimming glass of bubbles. The fresh, French-inspired dishes come straight from the culinary mind of Michelin-starred Chef Anthony Demetre of Wild Honey St James. Moving beyond the solo Champagne serve, there’s a selection of spritzes featuring NV Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée, including a delicate rosé spritz and—naturally—a classic French 75.
Book you place, fizzing flute in hand, at Bistrot on the Terrace here.
Pyro - For Fire-Fuelled Bites
Warm flames and a warming menu—Pyro has transformed open fire cooking
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.
When not enjoying the warmth from Pyro's fire, its suntrap seating makes a great lunchtime alternative
Wildflowers - For a charming London yard
Wildflower's signature London charm makes this a good pick for combining a natural escape with the city's urban charm. Credit: Rebecca Dickson
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 Adam 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.
