Mentioned by House & Garden
The best outdoor restaurants in London to book now
"Tucked behind the heart of Theatre Land on St Martin’s Court, the red facade of J Sheekey’s fish, shellfish and seasonal game restaurant is nothing short of iconic. Sheekey’s is as famous and as much a part of the West End as the actors and theatregoers who frequent it pre- or post-show and it’s been top of its game for over 100 years. Devour seafood platters or pop in for oysters and a glass of Champagne or head next door to the more casual, but just as loved, J.Sheekey Atlantic Bar."
"A post shared by London Restaurant Interiors 🇬🇧 (@resturantsoflondon) on Jul 4, 2019 at 11:11am PDT. A cosy and slightly more casual seafood restaurant than its sibling nextdoor, J Sheekey Atlantic Bar is perfect for a first date with a seafood lover. Don't be shellfish and share a platter, or to really impress, ask for the off-menu dessert (frozen berries and white chocolate)."
"Sheekey has been a firm favourite for the wealthy and well-known ever since, with the likes of Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller and Bradley Cooper recently spotted dining there. Located in Covent Garden, the fuss-free, deliciously fresh fish menu makes it a faultless dining experience."
"Restaurants British Moorgate. Bordered by lavender bushes and olive trees, Michelin-starred Angler’s chic outdoor terrace has a retractable roof that shields diners from summer rain and winter chills. Sip premium cocktails while scoffing big-money seafood snacks – Porthilly oysters, Cornish sea-bass tartare, Alaskan king crab cromesquis."
"The Michelin-starred seafood restaurant specialises in all kids of fishy food options, turning your garden variety cod into something spectacular. For lunch, you’ve got to go for their set menu for two courses from £30 or three courses from £34, with an optional wine pairing from £20. That’s super affordable for Michelin-star dining."
"Scott’s started out as an oyster bar in 1851, but it has since evolved into one of Mayfair’s iconic restaurants, and a reliable ‘banker’ for date nights, meetings, or even solo visits at the bar for oysters and champagne. Dover sole rightly remains a Scott’s classic, served either simply grilled or with a silky meunière sauce, expertly filleted at the table by one of the slick front of house. It ain’t cheap, but a fine fish such as this deserves the royal treatment it gets here."
"This Mayfair institution has long been famed for its glorious terrace, where the tables have always been suitably distanced and heaters keep you warm as you sup oysters and crack into the freshest seafood around. For the reopening, the team has collaborated with Perrier-Jouët Champagne, so guests can rest assured the finest cuvees will be on offer."
"The terrace at this Mayfair establishment has long been a spot where you'll find yourself sitting downwind from unrepentant smokers like Ronnie Wood or Charles Saatchi and getting your photo taken by passing paparazzi."
"At its best, seafood relies on unpredictability, freshness trumping all, so calling this shoal of restaurants across London “dependable” might come across the wrong way. That said, a reliable supplier is a good one, and Wright Brothers — which gets much of its catch from its own wholesale operation — offers up daily specials alongside dishes served everyday. Whether fish soup and rouille, a pint of Atlantic prawns, or Cornish sardines on toast, it’s quality fish treated well."
"The Wright Bros. chain is one of our favourites, as they serve seafood of consistently high quality. They also have an oyster happy hour period from 3pm-6pm every day when you can guzzle oysters for £1 each (farmed on their own Cornish Duchy oyster farm), which is the best way to spend an afternoon we can think of right now. We enjoyed a full fruit de mer platter at the Spitalfields branch and have never felt happier."
"The seafood experts of Spitalfields (shown in lead image) focus heavily on responsible sourcing. And, having their own wholesale branch, they are heavily involved in how they get their produce. Fresh and sustainable seafood is key, ensuring the menu is always changing, depending on what was caught that day."
"Fishmongers by trade, the team at POTL mean business when it comes to seafood and have builtt up one of Islington’s best-loved restaurants. With no actual lawn in sight and a lot more to offer than just prawns, they specialise in small and sharing plates, from monkfish satay with coconut sambal to lemon sole dripping in ‘nduja butter and tarragon. Then there’s oysters from all over the British isles, whole grilled fish for the table and the signature POTL Fruits de Mer (served chilled on ice)."
"Functioning fishmonger as well as a restaurant, this Highbury nook largely does very little to the quality seafood shipped up from its base in Padstow. Small dishes might include a tataki-style searing of tuna, cut with hot chilli and croaky spring onion, while a rotating cast of whole fish for the table best represents the considerable pedigree on show."
"Growing from fishmonger to popular restaurant, Prawn on the Lawn has gained cult-status as the place in North London to get good quality, fresh seafood. Focused on providing seasonal and sustainable dishes, the plates showcase the quality of the seafood, with recipes such as ceviche and lightly seared tuna."
"Fried haddock sandwiches are basically the fish finger butty glow-up we never knew we needed. As well as seafood, Orasay in Notting Hill are delivering fresh, sophisticated meals like pot roast duck leg with a soy, orange, and honey sauce and burrata with wild garlic and baby peas. Crucial information: there are batched cocktails for two you should probably order as well."
"Not everyone has an appetite for oysters and shellfish, sometimes all you fancy is a decent fish and chip supper. Hook in Camden has its favourites - famous tacos, nibbles and specials - but it’s the “new school” plates that will definitely fill a gap. There’s the Classic (fresh cod or haddock in panko breadcrumb with homemade seaweed salted chips and homemade tartar sauce on the side); the Cajun Fresh (cod/haddock in panko breadcrumbs and cajun spices with homemade seaweed salted chips and homemade cajun sauce on the side); or the Lemon & Basil (fresh cod/haddock in lemon and basil tempura with homemade seaweed salted chips and homemade garlic truffle sauce on the side)."
"What: Hook doesn’t put on any airs and graces, but instead offers up solid seafood cookery in tried and tested classics, with the odd contemporary twist. The go-to choice here is the classic fish and chips, which gave Hook its name, but we suggest giving the Cajun-style version a go; it comes battered in panko breadcrumbs and Cajun spices and is accompanied by seaweed-salted chips.Where: 65 Parkway Road, NW1 7PP"
"Fans of the film Forrest Gump, starring Tom Hanks, will recognise the name as the shrimp company Forrest sets up with his friend Bubba in Alabama: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. The restaurant sticks to the movie theme throughout with fun references and merchandise, and of course plenty of shrimp alongside other dishes from America’s Deep South such as jambalaya."
"Based on hit film Forrest Gump, this southern American eatery near Piccadilly Circus is themed on the movie's main characters and Alabama location. It’s all about the shrimp at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., with lots of crustacean creations; but there’s plenty for all the family to enjoy, from grilled steaks and salads to jambalaya."
"Day 1: Arrive in London, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, the London EyeDay 2: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Whitehall, Covent GardenDay 3: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market, Tate Modern, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sky GardenDay 4: National Gallery, Greenwich, Prime Meridian, Up at the O2Day 5: British Museum, Portobello Road Market, Victoria and Albert Museum, Harrod’s"
"Additionally, the Amba just might be the best place to stay in London for walking as numerous attractions – including the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, 10 Downing Street, and Covent Garden – lie just steps away. Check rates:Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia Read reviews:on TripAdvisor"
"One church which comes up in very few London guide books is St Brides church on Fleet Street. The current St Bride’s is at least the seventh to have stood on the site, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the 1672 incarnation was damaged heavily during a fire in the WWII blitz in the 1940’s but thankfully able to be restored. The second tallest church in London, after St Paul’s, St Brides is an imposing figure on the London skyline, especially against the modern highrise buildings of today."
"There was a church on this site during the time of the Romans.Some believe that St Bridget, an Irish saint, established the first Christian church on the site in the 6th century. During the Great Plague of 1665, a plague pit was dug within the churchyard. Pepys mentions having to bribe the gravedigger in order to find room to bury his brother."
"Famous for its three-tiered spire which inspired a baker to create a tiered wedding cake. It has an interesting museum underneath 2"