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Let’s be honest… it’s hot and we can’t hack it. While we panic buy desk fans from Argos (no shame here), we’ve also discovered 10 incredible terraces that’ll keep you cool (and well fed) during the heatwave:

1. For Cocktails and Cicchetti: Cin Cin

The Lowdown: At its Fitzrovia site, critically acclaimed neighbourhood Italian restaurant Cin Cin has launched a new, al fresco terrace with a dedicated menu, perfect for snacking with a cool cocktail during this heatwave we’re having.

What to Order: Of the light and bright dishes on the menu, the seafood crudo platter featuring cooling slices of cured trout and cured seabass, alongside citrus marinated scallops and oysters, is a refreshing journey from the city centre to the seaside.

Where: 21 Foley St, London W1W 6DS

Photo Credit: Just DeSouza

2. For Sushi: SUMI

The Lowdown: From the team behind Michelin-starred Endo at the Rotunda, SUMI in Notting Hill is a gorgeous neighbourhood spot offering sensational sushi in a chic and stylish setting. Boasting a sun trap terrace with a host of tables, SUMI is the perfect West London restaurant for al fresco dining.

What to Order: Menu highlights include the Tuna Takaki, a small bite of seared bluefin tuna Akami from the Balearic Sea, dressed with a sweet onion ponzu sauce, and finished with a Japanese spice blend. The SUMI Salmon Teriyaki is another must-try – the highest quality salmon marinated in teriyaki sauce and shiitake mushroom stock, served with crème fraiche, pickled Kohlrabi and chopped shiitake mushrooms.

Where: 157 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2RS

Photo credit: Jodi Hinds 

3. For Small Plates: Wild by Tart

The Lowdown: Tucked away in Pimlico’s quaint Eccleston Yards, Wild by Tart was founded by friends Lucy Carr-Ellison and Jemima Jones who built a name for themselves as caterers to the fashion industry’s finest. On its 24-seat terrace, guests can enjoy their relaxed menu (with many of the dishes designed for sharing), focusing on big flavours and sustainably-sourced ingredients.

What to Order: If you order one thing, make it the Cured trout with ponzu, fennel and sesame.

Where: 3-4 Eccleston Yards, London SW1W 9AZ

Photo credit: Safia Shakarchi

4. For Slushies: Pastaio

The Lowdown: Stevie Parle’s popular pasta joint, Pastaio, on Ganton Street is an ideal spot to head to for fresh pasta, Prosecco slushies (seriously tasty) and to soak up the infectious vibes of Soho at this time of year.

What to Order: Alongside the beautiful bowls of pasta (go for the rigatoni with courgette, crusco chilli, rocket, breadcrumbs), don’t miss the Myanmar Sling slushy, a collaboration with Burmese restaurant Laphet. This sunny tipple features gin with pineapple, custard and masala-infused syrups for a fresh and zesty celebration of Burma’s distinctive flavours.

Where: 19 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 9BN

5. For Italian Dishes: Luca 

The Lowdown: If you’re after a gorgeous and secluded foliage-filled terrace, made a beeline for Luca in Clerkenwell. Shade yourself from the heat, and delve into gorgeous Italian-led dishes celebrating seasonal British ingredients.

What to Order: It wouldn’t be a visit to Luca without ordering the Rigatoni with pork sausage ragù, tomato, anchovy and mint. Quite simply: heaven on a plate.

Where: 88 St John St, London EC1M 4EH

6. For Street Food: Lalaland 

The Lowdown: With its lush foliage, fire pits and a fast-flowing, crystal-clear waterfall, Lalaland is Shoreditch’s new culinary and experiential oasis. Get ready for a superb selection of street food from established and up-and-coming food traders.

What to Order: Family-run GuaBao takes the art of the Bao bun to the next level; each one is a soft, pillowy sensation, overflowing with an exotic array of lip-smacking, flavourful fillings. Popular Indian-style street food expert, RockIT, has curated a tasty fusion menu, which sees hearty classics, like burgers, authentically spiced for a palate-pleasing punch.

Where: 17-19 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3EJ

Photo credit: Nic Crilly-Hargrave 

7. For Snacks and Small Plates: Cellar

The Lowdown: Cellar, West London’s hottest new neighbourhood dining destination recently opened its 60-seater al fresco terrace. Situated in Hammersmith, Cellar has partnered with award-winning chef and restaurateur, Andrew Clarke – guests can expect an array of delicious cocktails and Eastern European wines.

What to Order: Whatever you do, don’t swerve the snack selection. We’re talking about the best-selling cod fritters with harissa mayo and lemon and little grilled cheese with leek top kimchi.

Where: Bradmore House, Queen Caroline Street, W6 9BW

8. For a Californian-Inspired Feast: Laurel’s On The Roof

The Lowdown: Head to Mondrian Shoreditch to take advantage of its rooftop restaurant Laurel’s On The Roof. Inspired by 1970’s Hollywood and the legacy of Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles, Laurel’s is an all-day dining and drinking hotspot serving Californian-inspired dishes and cocktails. Think frozen spicy margaritas, Japanese-inspired garibaldis accompanied by lobster rolls and a Malibu shrimp cocktail, set to a backdrop of ambient soul, funk and electric beats.

What to Order: The ultimate heatwave respite: ice cream sandwiches.

Where: 45 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT

Photo credit: Rusne Draz

9. For Riverside Dining: The Waterway

The Lowdown: West London dining institution The Waterway, perched on the Regent’s Canal, provides the perfect al fresco dining setting in (hello, expansive terrace) which to make the most of the current heatwave.

What to Order: Think classic dishes – Salmon fillet with purple potatoes, extra fine beans, sun-dried tomatoes and light creamy chermoula sauce; Burrata alongside Heritage tomatoes, pomegranate, watercress and basil oil; and Rotisserie corn-fed chicken with French fries, salad and beetroot coleslaw.

Where: 54 Formosa St, London W9 2JU

10. For a Middle Eastern Dinner: God’s Garden at Chameleon 

The Lowdown: God’s Garden, Chameleon’s outdoor dining space, splits al fresco Tel-Avivian dishes between two covered canopies. Executive Chef Elior Balbul has curated an a la carte menu for God’s Garden featuring the freshest, seasonal Middle Eastern and Mediterranean ingredients that will take the taste buds to celestial plains.

What to Order: The tuna sashimi, avocado, crème Fraiche, fermented chilli, passion fruit reduction and Josper poussin, leek, saffron butternut squash cream, cashew gazpacho.

Where: 1 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 4AQ