Al fresco? But, of course!
London has changed enormously, and so have the English in the past decade. They’re more like Americans and more like Europeans, too. They’re always eating out, and when they’re at home they don’t cook the way they did ten years ago. They’re all sitting around in cafés, like the Continentals, drinking coffee and chattering and watching the world go by.
Doris Lessing
Perhaps dining outside is not your first thought when dreaming of dining in London. But here’s a short list of five premium restaurants offering a summer-time experience that may set your thoughts al fresco. All are at the top of their game when the warm weather beckons you to inhale the night air as you taste some superb food.
Enjoy!
PAVYLLON
Located in the heart of Mayfair yet so far away from jostling city life, this quiet sanctuary is designed for lazy summer evenings when you sit back and enjoy the glories of summer in the city on the “Twilight Terrace” of Pavyllon’s Bar Antoine at the Four Seasons Hotel. In keeping with the casual summery vibe, the Pavyllon does not take reservations. Walk in, sit on the terrace, and enjoy fabulous food amid a relaxed, friendly ambience. We started with the Seabass carpaccio – flaky, white with hints of mint. For the main – Cornish Lobster cooked in wine broth was too difficult to resist. I’m so happy I didn’t. As is a remarkable wine list, champagne is prominently featured in several shapes and sizes.
Alto by San Carlo
Find your way to the top of Selfridges department store; there, perched on the roof, you’ll find an open and airy Italian restaurant – a perfect retreat for a summer’s afternoon or evening of fine dining. In partnership with Lacoste for the summer of 2024, Alto features large-screen viewing of big matches and cocktails with Lacoste tennis-derived names like “Math Point Spritz”, “Casa Crocodile”, and the René. Was that a raindrop? Not to worry – the retractable roof can be shut! The small Italian dishes are excellently prepared and cheerfully served, whether inside or al fresco. Hint: please don’t miss the Risotto al Basilico with basil pesto and green asparagus. Oh, and have it on a sunny summer’s day.
Somerset House Terrace Bar with San Miguel
Near the river and Covent Garden, Somerset House Terrace Bar with San Miguel offers a taste of Spain. Chef Jimmy Garcia has fashioned a menu with ingredients sourced in northern Spain. The dishes are small, great for sampling and sharing, and feature ingredients like Truffle emulsion, Brixton Honey, and house-cured beef. Prominently a part of the Terrace Bar, San Mugue beer is the perfect summer complement. Somerset House is a platform for innovation and creativity in the heart of London. Exhibitions and shows are constantly developing. Step inside!
Costa Del Croydon
“But, there’s no beach in Croyden, much less a Costa!” For three weeks in August, a floor in Centrale’s multi-story car park will be transformed into a London summertime centre for performances, workshops, dance, tennis, bingo, go-carts, and hook-duck. On Tuesdays in August, Croyden Voluntary Action will mount a community day where performers and groups of performers can apply to show off their talents. Ice creams, candy floss, and doughnuts are near the “pier”, as are halal Indian cuisine and cocktails from the Thirst Trap.
Fiume
In Italian, “Fiume” means “River”. It’s an apt name for this ultra-modern chic eatery on the bank of the Thames near the Battersea Power Station. The menu is rustic Southern Italian from the Amalfi Coast. The piazza-style terrace and the fresh, hearty recipes might make one think they have landed on a Mediterranean coast. From delicately built cicchetti’s to pinsa (a lighter version of classic pizza with a thin crust), the menu is inspired by the South of Italy and the sunny coast.
It’s summer! Let your thoughts turn to the world outside. Eating at one of these fabulous outdoor venues is a grand way to begin.
And so, with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer. There is an almost religious ‘rebirth’ that comes with the end of winter.
F. Scott Fitzgerald, from The Great Gatsby
Research and writing help by JKJ