Mentioned by Hot Dinners
The very best restaurants in London for eating alfresco
"One of the undisputed leaders of the craft beer movement, Camden beer is becoming increasingly easy to find away from the capital (great for us country folk), but it’s best enjoyed in Camden itself. Completely unpretentious and genuine about their passion for brewing and quest for the perfect pint, if you want to experience them at their best head to their Brewery Bar (home of the original Hells lager). Best Brew– Hells, 4.6% – The original and still their best work."
"See how top beers including Camden Hells Lager and Camden Pale Ale are brewed by joining a tour of the Camden Town Brewery in Kentish Town. Either drop in on a Saturday between 1 and 2 p.m. for a 30-minute informal tour or book a tour in advance on Thursday or Saturday for a more in-depth look at brewing techniques and the chance to taste several beers straight from the tank."
"Inspired by Brooklyn brews, Beavertown Brewery owner Logan Plant (the son of Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant) first started brewing using a 50 liter rice pan at home before opening a small brew house in Duke's Brew and Que restaurant in 2011. The brewery now operates from an industrial estate in Tottenham and sells cans and bottles emblazoned with arguably the coolest designs in town."
"As well as winning kudos for being one of our favourite looking beers (ever!), we also love their Saturday hangout taproom. They make beer fun and interesting, but most of all they make beer taste great with a cheeky inventiveness which is so much more than just labels and funny tweets. Quality beer with a smile."
"In the centre of town sits King’s Head, a former coaching house dating back to 1455. While the stables are now used as a National Trust exhibition, The Farmer’s Bar is very much still a hubbub of social activity. The bar is well stocked with draught ales from the local Chiltern Brewery – a pint of Beechwood Bitter proving to be the most popular – and wines from the Rothschild Estate (home to Aylesbury’s most prominent family)."
"From the line of massive steel tanks behind Howling Hops’ Hackney Wick bar, beers (both the brewery’s core and seasonal) are served unpasteurised straight from tank to tankard without touching a keg, can, or bottle on the way. Clearly, visitors don’t hold back — in the late evenings, the taproom erupts into a disco of sorts, with limb-throwing patrons all too willing to get involved. Until nightclubs start serving their own lemon goses and US-hopped pale ales, this is the next best thing."
"Quench your thirst with bold beers from Hackney Wick's Howling Hops brewery, where the tanks are connected directly to the taps. Take your pick from the Tropical Deluxe Pale Ale or the strong Platform Contest, alongside more tank-tastic sour beers. And if a pint is not enough, order a flagon."
"Another Hackney Wick hideaway, this unique brewery serves its homemade beers straight from the tap, making it a literal taproom!. With ten beers on sale, you can also find a range of freshly made snacks, meats and coffees made in-house before your very eyes."
"This two-time CAMRA award-winner just outside Old Street Tube features a list of 20-odd keg and cask beers from some of the best brewers in the country. Dark Star, Tiny Rebel, Siren, Kernel and Redemption are often well-represented on the bar top."
"Majestic Wine Warehouse sell wine by the case ensuring better value for money as well as a selection of beers and soft drinks. A glass hire facility is also available upon request and the staff are knowledgeable and helpful ensuring that your every need is met. A local delivery service is also provided."
"Alight at Angel tube station and follow the faint scent of hops towards this hidden gem of a brewery pub. Offering up a relaxed atmosphere and a delicious spread of fresh food, the Brewhouse is probably best known for its extensive array of beer. Settle in, grab a bite to eat and plot a way through an international menu that won't fail to impress."
"The Fusilier Museum is a museum dedicated to gathering and displaying the uniforms, medal and artifacts of the Lancashire Fusiliers. The museum's collection honors more than 300 years of Fusiliers history. The Fusilier Museum has five Victoria Crosses awarded to members of the regiment on display."
"It’s a cultured pairing and the precise reason why Bel Canto is so unique amongst the best French restaurants in London. The waiters at this Hyde Park eatery are talented opera singers with professional training, singing to guests every 15 minutes in solos, duets and group arias. On top of that, there’s classic French dishes prepared by Gilles Martin, the Brittany-born and Parisian-trained head chef."
"This opera-themed restaurant near Hyde Park serves up French fine dining with a difference: it’s delivered by waiters singing opera classics. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the music – don’t worry, you’ll not have to sing for your supper."
"This brightly coloured bistro on Brick Lane ticks just about every stereotype box, from poster-clad walls, candles and the kind of furniture that looks as if it might belong on a patio, through to a menu of unashamed clichés. From tartare to confit via terrines, moules and escargot, Chez Elles serves exactly what people want at very decent prices, taking itself with far too little seriousness to feel French at all. Bravo.Chez Elles, 45 Brick Lane, E1 6P"
"Run by the same duo behind Bocca di Lupo in Soho, Gelupo doesn’t really need an introduction. The smoothest, creamiest, most generous scoops of gelato in creative flavours like Snickers, ricotta sour cherry – tangy, slightly nutty, always a favourite – and custard millefeuille, follow Gelupo on Instagram for the latest specials. 7 Archer St, Soho, London W1D 7AU"
"Try every flavour at Gelupo Gelateria, offering true Italian gelato and ice cream available in eight changing flavours each day – a great excuse to keep coming back to try all they have to offer. Keep an eye out for the pistachio flavour."
"With its blue-and-white tiled decor, you could easily be in Italy and not the middle of Soho. It’s all about authentic Italian gelato here made with fresh and natural ingredients. But strictly traditional this ain’t!"
"Snowflake is renowned for its luxury gelato, but has introduced a new healthier item to its menu: the Avolato, a treat that consists of a smooth and creamy avocado gelato served in two avocado half shells complete with an avocado stone made from a peanut butter-flavoured superfood gelato. Entirely natural and plant-based and gluten free, it is made by combing 60% fresh avocado with a homemade grape sugar-based syrup, which gives the dessert a subtle sweetness. Once mixed, the Avolato is allowed to set in scooped out avocado shells before a ‘stone’ that is made from a peanut butter-flavoured gelato that contains flaxseed, almond, Brazil nut, walnut and co-enzyme Q10 is added."
"Serving up scoops of joy across London, Snowflake offers over 40 different flavours and a selection of tasty treats that span from blissfully rich brownie sundaes to cinnamon crepes. Offering all the usual classic gelato flavours as well as refreshing sorbets, you’re never too far from one of their shops, with locations in Soho, South Kensington and beyond. Those looking to treat themselves to something a little extra are advised to try their Italian-style hot chocolate, a thick, rich and creamy delight of a dark chocolate drink that any chocolate connoisseur will appreciate."
"Fall in love with luxurious desserts at Selfridge's Snowflake. This artisan ice-cream maker offers sweet puddings created from organic milk and nuts grown in the Italian mountains. Choose from waffles, crepes, ice-cream sundaes and vegan desserts."