Mentioned by Absolutely.London
Outdoor Dining: 40 of London's Best Al Fresco Restaurants
"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."
"What: West End regulars will have undoubtably walked past the bright red façade of J Sheekey on many occasions before but if you haven’t ventured inside before, it’s a great spot for a pre-show meal. Diners come to J Sheekey for its inimitable fish cookery which courts all the classics with a light touch. Tuck into rich fish pie, potted shrimps or fruits de mer for a satisfyingly retro meal.Where: 28-32 St Martin's Court, WC2N 4AL"
"Restaurants British Covent Garden"
"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."
"Perched atop South Place Hotel, Angler’s 40-seat west-facing roof terrace boasts lovely views of the city. Chef Gary Foulkes heads up the Michelin-starred kitchen, which serves up a fish-focused menu of dishes like Cornish turbot with scallop stuffed courgette and Dorset crab with bouillabaisse sauce. anglerrestaurant.com"
"Rub shoulders with the A-listers on Scott’s terrace – many a celeb has been papped dining al fresco at the Mayfair institution. The food lives up to the hype with a menu dedicated to the finest traditional fish and shellfish dishes alongside meat and seasonal game favourites, all paired with some seriously good cocktails – we’re big fans of the crisp Green Apple Bellini. Food-wise, the menu is decadent to say the least (come with deep pockets), from caviar to oysters, lobster to whole dover sole, but it’s without a doubt one of those places you have to tick off the list."
"As one of the oldest restaurants in London—it started out as an oyster bar in 1851—Scott's Restaurant has certainly proved its ability to evolve with the ever-changing trends of co..."
"The seas surrounding our little island are home to some of the best oysters on the planet – a fact Wright Brothers knows only too well. This crop of London restaurants began life as a Borough Market seafood merchants, and it still supplies oysters and seafood to more than 300 restaurants across the capital. Inside its own five restaurants, Wright Brothers serves a seasonally changing selection of oysters from across England, Ireland and occasionally France, which punters can enjoy dressed, smoked and cooked with variations including tempura fried with bonito flakes and sweet miso, or ceviche-style with lime and chilli."
"The Wright Brothers have made seafood many things: sustainable, curated, and very cool. Embedded in Spitalfields Market within a stone's throw of folksy menswear boutiques and the vintage racks, The Wright Brothers seem to have absorbed the identity of the east for their latest addition to their set of restaurants and oyster bars. But all that brassy, stylish veneer hasn't distracted from the Wright Brothers's commitment to taste and sustainability."
"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."
"It’s international status as a pillar of British cooking may be slightly overblown, but fish and chips is still a longstanding Friday night favourite. Poppies’s founder Pops has been honouring it for quite some time: he’s been working in the chippie business since 1952. The rockabilly-themed restaurants get their chunky fish fillets daily from a third-generation Billingsgate fishmonger, fry them until the batter is crunchy but yielding, and serve them with fabulously fluffy proper chips."
"Open since 1945, award-winning Poppies is one of the tastiest cheap eats in London. Costing from as little as £5.95, Poppies’ menu which is full of secret family recipes, fresh fish, scrumptious savouries, and golden chips will keep you coming back for more. Located in Spitalfields and Camden, Poppies’ will transport you back in time with their newspaper-wrapped takeaways, 1940’s decor and even live music at their Camden fish bar."
"Recognised as one of the best independent fish and chips shops in the UK, Poppies Covent Garden offers a large selection of outdoor terraces across its three locations. Enjoy locally sourced fish wrapped up in recyclable newspaper al fresco in the sunshine."
"Restaurants British Regent Street. The Hawksmoor name means masculine clubby interiors and a penchant for the best of British beef, but this capacious offshoot overlooking Regent Street also adds a generous helping of luxury seafood to its offer. As ever, the atmosphere crackles and engaging staff are bang on the money, while cosy booths, snugs and corners make it irresistible for couples."
"There's something fishy about the Air Street branch of the Hawksmoor steakhouse group. The menu is packed full of elegantly executed classics like crab or shrimps on toast, Dover sole, turbot, and a killer fish pie. There's steak too, of course, which you can order with half a lobster for surf and turf action, or with a side of lobster macaroni cheese, or both."
"Restaurants British Regent Street"
"Go hungry - and thirsty - for breakfast at the Hawksmoor, Guildhall (serving breakfast Monday-Friday 7-10am). The menu features 'Anti-fogmatics' which were coined by the Head Bartender at The Savoy in the 1920s as an 'anti-fogmatic, eye opener, bracer, corpse reviver or morning glory' to be drunk 'before 11am, or whenever steam and energy are needed'. Choose a Marmalade Cocktail or a Green Maria (not your average green juice, this has Mezcal and Green Tabasco in) to give your morning a kick."
"What: You know those chocolates that everyone enjoys at Christmas, which come in gold wrapping and have the fancy name?. Yeah, well this Hawksmoor dessert is definitely not inspired by those (especially if any lawyers are reading this). The ‘Ambassador’s Reception’ does feature similar ingredients though, pairing chocolate and hazelnut in a giant choc-tastic serving.Where: 10 Basinghall Street, EC2V 5BQ"
"You know what you’re getting with a Hawksmoor – top quality steak, expertly cooked over the grill. The result is rich, perfectly seasoned meat accompanied by tempting sides like creamed spinach or crisp, beef fat chips."
"‘Food, passion, glamour’ is the mantra at this Richmond restaurant and cocktail bar, which comes flamboyantly kitted out with mirrors, candles, floral wallpaper and swanky furniture. On offer is a global mishmash taking in everything from ‘champagne & lobster treats’ to lavish dessert platters by way of pan-Asian nibbles (crispy pork belly with black vinegar etc.), monkfish curry, racks of ribs, miso-glazed cod and duck à l’orange."
"Ornate chandeliers, botanical prints and the odd sequined decoration add plenty of glamour to this striking bar/restaurant that’s something of an oasis in the heart of Richmond. Diners can expect freshly prepared Mediterranean/Asian-style food and seasonal cocktails, such as the spiced blood orange mix that’s served hot. Prices are steep, but the weekday set menu is good value."
"Rock & Rose established 2016 with a vision to create a stylish glamorous restaurant and cocktail bar where customers and comfort are a priority with a sense of excitement for customers so that they feel very special A casual and fun ambience with…"
"Londoners cannot get enough pasta these days and Pastaio is a favourite, reliable and fun haunt to get a fix. The terrazzo marble communal seating, bright tiles and eye-catching murals in the two sites show that as much care has gone into the stylish decoration as the ingredients. The chefs hand roll and cut fresh pasta in the window pre-service, serving it with seasonal toppings; the slow-cooked sausage sauce is a year-round winner and you’ll simply never go wrong with a classic of carbonara, zhuzhed up with bucatini instead of spaghetti and pancetta’s flavourful cousin guanciale."
"Restaurants Italian Soho. Dreamed up by Stevie Parle (of Rotorino and Palatino fame), this cheap and cheerful, no-bookings pasta pit stop is a terrific addition to the Soho scene. Everything is handmade (of course) and the menu delivers some big hits – don’t miss the magnificent bucatini cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper)."
"Mini Éphémère, a lemon and yuzu meringue and cream version of the Merveilleux. Finding a delicious sweet treat for less than £2 anywhere in London is rare but finding something that will put your sweet tooth into a trance in South Kensington for £1.20 is some kind of miracle. At Aux Merveilleux de Fred, the mini versions of their namesake confections are so light – and inexpensive – that you can indulge without guilt."
"For the melt-in-the-mouth pastry experience only a true French chef such as Frédéric Vaucamps can achieve, book yourself in at Aux Merveilleux de Fred. Famed for their brioches, meringues and truffles, which are must-buys, the whole menu is highly acclaimed. Do yourself a favour and get some takeaway buns to enjoy as you travel around the rest of the city – they are truly merveilleux."
"Philippe Conticini is a legend of pâtisserie and both of his eponymous Londoncafés are home to some of the finest gourmet pastries on this side of the channel. Paying a visit to Phillipe Conticini is like paying your respects to the butter gods. His Paris Brest is a thing of delicate, complicated beauty; his vanilla flan a reminder of what heights custard can achieve; and his pain au chocolat, a pastry so layered and flaky that it makes all pretenders seem a sham."