Mentioned by Absolutely.London
Outdoor Dining: 40 of London's Best Al Fresco Restaurants
"This West End institution takes its name from market trader Josef Sheekey, who, in the 1890s, was granted permission by Lord Salisbury to serve fish and seafood in St Martin’s Court provided he supply after-theatre meals to Salisbury’s guests. More than a century on, it remains an established favourite with the capital’s glitterati, who you can often spot slurping oysters or tucking into the famous fish pie post performance. In 2008 it expanded to include the J Sheekey Atlantic Bar next door for a slightly less formal experience, featuring a buzzing open kitchen and ample outdoor seating for relaxed al fresco dining."
"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."
"No prizes for guessing the thrust of this restaurant atop the South Place Hotel in the city. Led by executive chef Gary Foukes,Angler is all about sustainable British seafood, as well as all manner of other robust British ingredients (look out for the rabbit and squid Bolognese)."
"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."
"There's nothing like a seafood platter to get romance flowing, and Scott's certainly delivers with its gargantuan plate of crustaceans – you can even add lobster for a little extra. Other delicacies at this fish-focused restaurant include skate wing, monkfish and halibut."
"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."
"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."
"One of the original seafood restaurants in London, the Wright Brothers are well-known for their oysters, farmed at their own Cornish Duchy oyster farm, as well as selecting the best from the British Isles and France. From ceviche style to a Mediterranean twist with pomegranate, balsamic and spring onion, the Wright Brothers are truly the kings of oysters. If oysters aren’t your thing, don’t despair as the rest of their menu is just as delicious."
"The restaurant group also sells wholesale and has its own oyster farm in Cornwall. While the original Borough Market site is cosy and charming — though often packed — the newer South Kensington venue comes complete with the elegant downstairs Mermaid cocktail bar. Because the oysters are fairly good value, you’ll be able to consume more of their aphrodisiac goodness."
"Covent Garden — London’s tightly packed, brightly hit hub of pubs, cobbles, and theatres — is about as far from coastal tranquility as it’s possible to get. That’s before stepping into Parsons, accurately self-described as unassuming — the kind of unassuming that betrays quiet, rigid confidence in the seafood offer. Squid with inky rice, honking potted shrimp croquettes, and a whispering sea trout tartare with brisk Bloody Mary jelly: start here, and continue."
"What: If there was one word to describe Covent Garden’s Parsons, it would be unassuming. It would be easy to miss the small seafood joint, owned by the team behind The 10 Cases over the road, but venture inside and you’ll be treated to some delightful cookery. Setting the scene with green and white fishmonger-style tiles, Parsons has a jolly persona."
"Restaurants Seafood Covent Garden"
"What: Uncomplicated, simple serves are the order of the day at The Oystermen, which started life as a pop up. The small kitchen at the Covent Garden restaurant produces delightful treats such as anchovies on toast, smoked cod roe with lavash bread, and, of course, oysters. However, it’s not just about the small plates here; more substantial fish dishes such as Scottish cod with chestnut purée also come expertly cooked.Where: 32 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8NA"
"There is a tiny red alarm button in our brain labelled ‘BOUGIE FUN’ that we mentally hit every single time we have oysters. As all seafood fans know, oysters, octopus, and clams, are all dishes that taste exponentially better when you eat them outside in the sunshine. We have no idea why, it’s just a fact."
"Serving anything in a skillet pan and offering the option of grilled bone marrow (don’t knock it till you’ve tried it) screams splendour, but the food here is also well sourced and great-tasting. Already hailed (by us) as one of the best fry ups in town, their breakfast for twoincludes smoked bacon chop, short rib bubble and squeak, meaty grilled bone marrow, trotter baked beans and trademark HP gravy. It’s the mightiest, meatiest brekky there is."
"One of London’s best steakhouses (if not THE best), this place is also famous of one of the best desserts in London. You’ll find one of the best desserts in London behind its doors. The sticky toffee pudding at Hawksmoor is delectable and something you have to try."
"If you’re all about the home comforts when it comes to your desserts then you’ll be hard pressed to find a better option than the peanut butter shortbread at Hawksmoor. Just make sure you save some room for it after your roast dinner!"
"Restaurants American Soho. Like it says on the tin, you know where you are with the flashily decorated Burger & Lobster chain. Hand-minced burgers (made with Nebraskan beef) and lobsters (shipped over from Nova Scotia) are the star attractions, with back-up from lobster rolls, oysters and other affordably luxurious hits."
"Like it says on the tin, you know where you are with the flashily decorated Burger & Lobster chain. Hand-minced burgers and lobsters (shipped over from Nova Scotia) are the headliners, with backup from lobster rolls, ‘beast’ combos and other affordably luxurious hits. Flagship site: 29 Clarges Street, W1J 7EF"
"For over 300 years, Burgh House has been one of London’s most iconic residences. It was originally built as a lavish home and lived in by characters including Elsie Bambridge, the daughter of Jungle Book author Rudyard Kipling. Today, Burgh House is open to the public and houses the Hampstead Museum, a small but thorough local history museum."
"The Burgh House & Hampstead Museum is a London historic house and museum. Burgh House was first built in 1704. Famous inhabitants include Dr. George Williamson, Captain Constantine Evelyn Benson, the daughter of author Rudyard Kipling, and, in the late 1800s, the Royal East Middlesex Militia, who used it as their headquarters."
"If you’re into pageantry, just round the corner from Buckingham Palace, and officially part of the grounds, the Royal Mews is a fascinating place to visit, and much less popular than its exhibits deserve. Finally, if you’re into afternoon tea, you can experience a fashionable take on the high tea experience at the Berkeley."
"You can visit the Royal Mews (fee*) which showcases the royal collection of historic carriages and coaches, including the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. Art lovers will want to stop at the Queen’s Gallery (fee*) which displays regularly changing exhibitions of art from the royal collection."
"6 Clarges Street, London W1J 8AE (with the Deli entrance on Bolton Street). Why should you care?. Following the death of Joël Robuchon, his famed London restaurant L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon also shut its doors this year."
"A chain on a mission, Leon wants us to eat healthily when we’re on that fast-food treadmill. Ok, lunch comes in a cardboard box with plastic cutlery, but the ingredients are seasonal and eco-friendly, right down to the last green pea. Leon’s worthy message is even easier to swallow when the bill arrives."
"Natural and delicious fast food specialising in hot boxes, wraps and salads, inspired by the flavours, variety and healthiness of Mediterranean cooking."
"The on-trend seasonal menu at this trendy Aussie restaurant in Richmond is peppered with international influences, so diners can expect everything from soft boiled eggs with Vegemite soldiers and avo on toast at breakfast time to crispy wood-fired pizzas, burgers and salads come evening. Antipodea is a chain, but each location has its own winning features; Richmond’s is a cosy wood-burning fireplace that’s perfect for winter warming."
"Sibling of the ace Antipodea restaurant in Kew, this Richmond hangout promises breakfast, brunch and dinner with an Aussie twist. A roaring enclosed fire, potted plants and curios from down under tick all the brand trademarks, while the kitchen delivers some good stuff – don’t miss the steaks or the moist, chunky barramundi (Oz’s answer to sea bass). Tip: any leftover home-baked bread is given away gratis at the end of the evening."
"For something savoury then head to Aussie hotspot Antipodea in Richmond or Kew for its ‘Brew Brunch Bowl’ filled with quinoa, peas, beans, broccoli, feta, pomegranate and a zesty mint dressing."
"Try your hand at a couple of rounds of mini golf at Battersea's Putt in the Park, a unique course made up of rockeries, cascades and canopies. There's even a restaurant to fill up rumbling tummies afterwards."
"Aries Bakehouse should be your number one spot for fresh and flavourful bakes. Photograph: Kate Farr @tinykitchenstories. Aries Bakehouse is a salve; a south London bakery where everything appears to be golden and the consistency of the bakes is second-to-none."
"A massive, browned butter cookie full of M&Ms and chocolate chips, it’s fat and chewy, soft with a powerful crunch. 99 Acre Ln, London SW2 5TU. Open for take-away."