Mentioned by Hot Dinners
The very best restaurants in London for eating alfresco
"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."
"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."
"Restaurants British Covent Garden. J Sheekey lures lovers in with its red canopies on St Martin’s Court. What could appeal more than the chance to knock back a plate of native oysters overlooked by photos of the finest stars of stage and screen?"
"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"
"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)."
"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."
"What: Owned by the people behind The Ivy, Scott’s has earned its place as a London institution and rightly so. Come here for service that will make you feel like a VIP and, decadent seafood dishes, and Champagne by the magnum. Once you’ve made the decision to go to Scott’s it would seem wrong to order anything other than a whole lobster, or at minimum a whole fish on the bone to share.Where: 20 Mount Street, Mayfair, W1K 2HE"
"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 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."
"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 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."
"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."
"From a whole menu dedicated to meat-free sides to their garlic chilli paneer, there's no holding back on vegetarian food at Mint Leaf Lounge. Join them for sumptuous Indian plates in a slat-up, City of London setting."
"Cuisine: IndianHalal Options: Halal Lamb and Chicken optionsAddress: 1B Suffolk Pl, London, SW1Y 4HX Website: https://www.mintleaflondon.com/Nearest Tube Stop: Charing Cross"
"Not technically a children’s farm, but we just couldn't resist including Golders Hill Park!. With its large expanse of greenery, it’s the perfect place for a picnic and some animal spotting. Golders Park is home to a large pond with both black and white swans, a deer park, butterfly house and even a small but free zoo where you can meet exotic birds and mammals including laughing kookaburras and ring-tailed lemurs - so there’s no shortage of animal fun here!"
"A grade II listed Art Deco classic, originally built in 1938, but a refurbishment in 2005 brought an unusual stainless-steel liner being added to give the water some extra shimmer. A large pool that is popular with families, it has good hot showers and a café for after swim snacks. You’re guaranteed a lot of fun at this swimming pool."
"Hampstead Heath‘s popular outdoor pool has been rated as one of the best in London. Here you will find a variety of water-based activities. The shallow paddling pool and the outdoor pool are great for younger swimmers who want to practice their swimming skills."
"The Lido at Hampsted Heath is uncovered and unheated, so is definitely one for hot, sunny days!. However, the whole experience of swimming outside is one not to be missed. There is even a paddling pool for younger children."