If you’re hot, thirsty and hungry, we have the answer: terraces. Looking for a new outdoor cocktail spot or fancy dinner alfresco? We’ve rounded up 10 gorgeous terraces you need to visit in London this week.

1. For a Secret Garden: The Regent

The Lowdown: Slip through the closet and into The Regent’s Secret Garden, a brand new secluded slice of paradise tucked away from the busy streets of Balham. Once through, you’ll find yourself in a botanical hideaway, decked out with festoon lighting, bamboo, flowers, rustic wooden tables, cosy lounge chairs and bright décor; bringing a magical, festival feel to South West London.

Eat: The Regent sources all produce from the very best suppliers and serves up elevated pub favourites – think burgers, sharing boards and small plates of duck arancini, sticky crispy wings, and calamari.

Drink: Order Aperol Spritz, jugs of Pimms and pale rosé, and tuck into brunch, lunch, dinner and everything in-between.

Where: 21 Chestnut Grove, Balham, London SW12 8JB

2. For London Views: Sea Containers London

The Lowdown: Partnering for a second year with famed Champagne house Laurent-Perrier, the new Sea Containers London X Laurent-Perrier Summer Terrace gives you the chance to sip Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé – whilst admiring uninterrupted views across the Thames and St Paul’s.

Eat: Expect an all-day food menu of modern-European dishes such as pappardelle with rabbit ragu, crab on sourdough, and cod loin with baby gems, peas and bacon.

Drink: Choose from glasses or bottles of Laurent-Perrier Cuvée champagne, and two bespoke cocktails; The French Sbagliato – Contratto Bitter, Lillet Rose, green strawberry and peach and Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé; and the Southbank Spritz – St Germain, Grey Goose La Poire and Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée.

Where: 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PD

3. For a North London Spot: Buck Street Market 

The Lowdown: The UK’s first eco-conscious market, Buck Street Market, is located on the largest rooftop in Camden; a bright pink terrace and AstroTurf with recycled pink pallet furniture, and a big LED screen.

Eat: Buck Street Market is home to 80 + food, drink and retail traders – try the likes of  Ethika, Spirited, Juice Junkies and Philippe Conticini French Patisserie for a whole host of cuisines and plant-powered fare.

Drink: The well-stocked bar serves pints to prosecco and everything in between. Don’t miss Buck Street Market’s homemade cocktails…deliciously drinkable.

Where: 180-188 Camden High St, Camden Town, London NW1 8QP

Photo credit: Alecia Clarke

4. For Drinks and Small Plates: Trinity

The Lowdown: Overlooking a delightful corner of Clapham, Trinity and Trinity Upstairs has recently re-opened for business. The cosy terrace space features a handful of linen clothed tables, with ample seating – the perfect spot for dining alfresco.

Eat: The A La Carte menu at Trinity continues to be brilliantly seasonal and packed full of dishes. A new Classic’s menu has been introduced, offering a selection of Trinity’s most loved dishes over the years. Dishes include the Cornish mackerel, almond gazpacho, melon and sweet cicely, pork jowl with langoustine and black garlic, and of course, the popular salted caramel custard tart.

Drink: Trinity’s wine list runs to some 450 bins with strong representation in Burgundy and Bordeaux, with both regions complementing the restaurant’s food nicely. 

Where: 4 The Polygon, Clapham Town, London SW4 0JG

5. For a Secluded Garden: The Hari

The Lowdown: A hidden gem in the heart of Knightsbridge, The Hari’s Garden Terrace is the ideal setting for an afternoon aperitivo or long, lazy lunches and dinners alfresco, and provides an idyllic oasis come rain or shine.

Eat: Now serving an exciting menu, dishes range from lighter bites such as deep-fried squid with seaweed salt and wasabi mayo; burrata served with heritage tomatoes salad and basil oil; and wagyu skewers with pepper mix, and a tzatziki sauce, along with Italian dishes, burgers and salads.

Drink: Aperol Spritz, Tom Collins, wine, and beer. All the classics. All the greats.

Where: 20 Chesham Pl, Belgravia, London SW1X 8HQ

6. For a London Hotspot: The Standard

The Lowdown: Open everyday from 3pm, the new Double Standard terrace space offers a slice of leafy paradise, along with a standalone bar, in the heart of King’s Cross.

Eat: As for food, chef Adam Rawson has brought his dive bar menu outside, combining Double Standard staples with new additions, such as vegan hot dogs and southern fried cauliflower.

Drink: Don’t miss the Aperol slushies and a Moët vending machine. Boozy, liquid goodness.

Where: 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG

Photo Credit: Charlie Mckay

7. For Street Food and Cocktails: Vinegar Yard

The Lowdown: Vinegar Yard is the capital’s largest beer garden and street food hub; the ultimate open-air space for a safe summer get-together. Brand new additions including table reservations for groups of up to six people and two mezzanine cocktail bars.

Eat: Street Food traders are in abundance here. Try the likes of steak and chips from Up in My Grill, Indian inspired burgers at Baba G’s, Nanny Bills’ hand-pressed burgers and croquettes, and Lebanese inspired eats from Nik’s Kitchen.

Drink: Outdoor bars serve cold draught beer, rotating taps from local London craft breweries, and a wide range of wines, spirits and cocktails.

Where: 72-82 St Thomas St, Bermondsey, London SE1 3QX

Photo Credit: Haydon Perrior

8. For Andalusian Dishes: La Terraza

The Lowdown: For those who are extra concerned with air flow whilst eating out, La Terraza, the newly launched outdoor restaurant from Spanish group Iberica, is the perfect al Fresco dining spot.

Eat: Sit outdoors on the terrace and dive into Andalusian dishes such as baked cod with grilled aubergine and peppers or grilled octopus with ajada sauce and potatoes made on the open-air grill.

Drink: Their signature gin and tonics. Try the likes of Ginabelle, floral and fruity gin served with thyme, orange peel and Fever Tree Refreshingly Light tonic water; London No.1, herbal and citrusy gin served with lemon peel and Fever Tree tonic; and Puerto de Indias Strawberry, fruity gin served with lemon peel and Fever Tree tonic water.

Where: Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 4QQ

9. For a Rooftop Terrace: Skylight

The Lowdown: An exciting addition to the Skylight’s 2020 offering is the tropical beer terrace by Mexican pale lager brand Corona, situated on Skylight’s highest level and boasting some of the best views in the city. The new terrace has had a tropical makeover, featuring lush green foliage, cushioned seating areas and garden booths.

Eat: This summer welcomes an all-new in-house food offering, with Hikari offering fresh Asian dishes, and State Side serving up the very best in American inspired indulgence.

Drink: Skylight’s three bars offers an array of beers, wines and spirits as well as an all-new seasonal cocktail menu, which will feature refreshing and fruity concoctions. All delivered to the table and perfect for sunshine sipping.

Where: Tobacco Dock, Pennington St entrance, St Katharine’s & Wapping, London E1W 2SF

Photo Credit: Haydon Perrior 

10. For Iced Tea: Mariage Frères

The Lowdown: A taste of summer comes to Covent Garden with the arrival of a chic Iced Tea Terrace from the world’s most exclusive purveyor of luxury teas and France’s oldest tea house, Mariage Frères.

Eat: Delicate savoury sandwiches, freshly baked cakes and exquisite French patisserie.

Drink: On offer is the luxury French brand’s summer iced tea collection featuring 20 teas, each exclusively blended to be chilled for Mariage Frères. Choices include the brand-new Pink Cactus Red Rooibos, a perfectly pretty pink caffeine-free chilled pour; the Tokyo Mojito, a twist on the classic summer cocktail with flavours of mint, lime, yuzu; and vibrant Violetta with floral and violet notes.

Where: 38 King Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8JS