Tiers 2 Ideas: 10 Bars in London with Outdoor SeatingBy Alicia Grimshaw
With the government recently announcing London is now in Tier 2, new regulations have been brought in meaning different households can’t meet inside, but outside (max six people) is a-ok. Bringing you all some fresh Tier 2 ideas, we’ve handpicked ten bars that have expansive outdoor spaces, meaning everyone can meet for good ol’ booze in a safe way. Get planning:
1. For a Central London Spot: Swift Soho
The Lowdown: Adapting to Tier 2 regulations, Swift in Soho now features outdoor seating which leads out to Old Compton Street. The new Hospitality Menu highlights the area’s iconic heritage, people and places with a creative collection of cocktails. While five of Swift’s old favourite drinks remain on the list, there are 15 new additions, each drink being influenced by Soho’s staples: the LGBT, coffee and music movements
Where: 12 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 4TQ
2. For Award-Winning Cocktails: Tayer + Elementary
The Lowdown: Award-winning cocktail bar Tayēr + Elementary, by Alex Kratena and Monica Berg, re-opened its doors following its closure during the lockdown period. The all-day casual bar features a new outside terrace to help enable social distancing, as well as a bottle shop for takeaway.
Where: 152 Old St, London EC1V 9BW
3. For a Rooftop Terrace: Madison
The Lowdown: Overlooking St Paul’s, Madison brings bundles of style, fun and a slice of modern Manhattan to London, all complemented by the views of the City skyline. Complete with an expansive rooftop terrace, Madison is home to a bar and cocktail bar – both banging out top-notch tipples.
Where: New Change, London EC4M 9AF
4. For a Secluded Terrace: The Hari
The Lowdown: A hidden gem in the heart of Knightsbridge, The Hari’s Garden Terrace is an elegant suntrap on warm days and a cosy retreat in winter. A retractable roof keeps you dry all year round and built-in heaters keep you warm on the coldest of winter evenings. Now serving an exciting new menu and cocktail list, the terrace provides the perfect setting for an afternoon Aperitivo or long, lazy lunches and dinners al fresco.
Where: 20 Chesham Pl, Belgravia, London SW1X 8HQ
5. For a Heated Terrace: The Standard, London
The Lowdown: The Standard, London have turned their summer terrace into a warm and cosy winter terrace, complete with a crackling fire pit, festoon lighting and sheepskin furs. By far one of the city’s cosiest spots to curl up in with friends this winter.
Where: 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG
6. For a Huge Outdoor Space: Vinegar Yard
The Lowdown: Vinegar Yard has transformed its outdoor garden into a heated tier 2-compliant eating and drinking space; with canopy cover, plenty of heaters and tables of up to 6, the perfect drinking spot with friends outside your bubble. Street food heroes Nanny Bill’s, Baba G’s, Sugo and Nik’s Kitchen are serving up food, and Vinegar Yard’s bar offer drinks including homemade mulled wine and hot apple cider.
Where: 72-82 St Thomas St, Bermondsey, London SE1 3QX
Photo Credit: Haydon Perrior
7. For Craft Beer: Crate Brewery
The Lowdown: Housed in a former print factory and occupying a large outdoor space along the River Lea, Crate Brewery is home to their famous home-brewed delights along with a concise cocktail menu. Wear your winter coat and bed in for an afternoon on Crate’s terrace.
Where: Unit 7 Queen’s Yard, Hackney Wick, London E9 5EN
8. For an All-Weather Terrace: The American Bar at The Stafford
The Lowdown: If a classic cocktail is your thing, then look no further than The American Bar at The Stafford, London. One of the longest surviving American Bars in London, it is the place to be if you like a slice of history alongside a perfectly shaken martini from bar director, Benoit Provost. Out the back of The American Bar is a beautiful all-weather terrace, perfect for enjoying drinks and nibbles under waterproof awnings and kept cosy with blankets and outdoor heaters.
Where: 16-18 St James’s Pl, St. James’s, London SW1A 1NJ
9. For Weekend Drinks: Barge East
The Lowdown: Barge East boasts an incredible outdoor deck with a view of London’s skyline and the Olympic stadium. Stop by for a drinks menu which showcases the best of London’s choice of beers, coffees, wine, cocktails, soft drinks and East London spirits.
Where: River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Ln, Hackney Wick, London E9 5EN
10. For Frozen Cocktails: Night Tales
The Lowdown: Open on Fridays and Saturdays, East London’s Night Tales hip, industrial-style hangout includes ample seating along with global street food, glorious frozen cocktails, and live music from a string of local DJs. Get booking a spot so you don’t miss out.
Where: 14 Bohemia Pl, London E8 1DU
