10 Places to Enjoy an Alfresco Drink in London This WeekBy Angelica Malin
To help avid drinks aficionados find an outdoor spot for an afternoon under the rays, Rudi Carraro Global Brand Ambassador for Amaro Montenegro has pulled together a list of his favourite alfresco dining and drinking spots in London. Expect trendy rooftop terraces to hidden gardens.
1. For a Rooftop Space: Aqua Spirit
The Lowdown: Situated in the hub of Soho by Oxford Circus Aqua Spirit is the rooftop bar in London to be at. There are two large rooftop terraces hidden away with great views of the buzzing streets below. The bar works on a first come, first served basis during the spring and summer, so it’s best to get there early and get your Monte & Tonic order in quick.
Come for: Views and small plates
Where: 5th Floor, 30 Argyll St, Soho, London W1F 7EB
2. For a Leafy Hideout: The Nest Oxford Circus
The Lowdown: Take your perch at The Nest in Oxford Circus – a botanical haven located behind the busiest shopping street in London. With indoor and outdoor space, this foliage designed rooftop bar gives spectacular 360-degree skyline views of Soho making it the perfect place to relax with a Monte Mule in hand and watch the sun go down.
Come For: Playful cocktails and live music
Where: 14-15 Langham Pl, Marylebone, London W1B 2QS
3. For a Calming Spot: Ham Yard Hotel
The Lowdown: Amongst the favourite hidden spots in Soho, Ham Yard Hotel’s fourth floor leafy rooftop garden makes for a peaceful spot away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets below. Settle in amongst the olive, apple and pear trees and escape the city life below.
Come For: A Sophisticated tipple
Where: 1 Ham Yard, Soho, London W1D 7DT
4. For a Tropical Escape: The Mandrake Hotel
The Lowdown: At the heart of the Mandrake Hotel in Fitzrovia is the Jurema bar. This laid-back cabana-style bar is situated on the first-floor terrace, and boasts a sanctuary of hanging passionflower and jasmine plants with a wooden shack-style bar and raffia seating making it perfect for transporting yourself out of London and enjoying a cocktail (or three).
Come For: Ethnobotanical cocktails
Where: 20-21 Newman St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1PG
Photo Credit: The Mandrake
5. For a Taste of Europe: The Garden at the Berkeley
The Lowdown: The garden at The Berkeley Garden is the ultimate Mediterranean-style alfresco restaurant with spectacular views of St. Paul’s Church. It’s a great hideaway for an early dinner followed by a delicious digestif amongst friends.
Come For: An alfresco dinner
Where: The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge London SW1X 7RL
6. For an Institution: Bluebird Chelsea
The Lowdown: Situated in the middle of the King’s Road, Chelsea’s Bluebird is the ideal West London meeting hub to gather with friends. Its outdoor area is bright and spacious, with pockets of grass and greenery spread through the bar giving it an atmospheric feel throughout.
Come For: Brunch and cocktails
Where: 350 King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 5UU
7. For a Taste of Venice: Polpo King’s Road
The Lowdown: This delicious Venetian restaurant can be found in Duke of York Square, take yourself along for an Italian feast followed by an Amaro Montenegro to finish off the evening whilst taking in the buzzing atmosphere of the square.
Come For: Cicchetti and Spritz
Where: 81 Duke of York Square, Chelsea, London SW3 4LY
Photo Credit: Polpo
8. For a Hidden Enclave: Bar 31 at The Shard
The Lowdown: Set on the ground floor of The Shard, Bar 31 is a laid back restaurant wrapped with an outdoor terrace for use during the Summer months – you’ll find live music, sports screenings and craft beers on tap alongside a great selection of wines and liqueurs making it a great place to unwind.
Come For: Gin and tonic
Where: 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU
9. For East London Views”Skylight
The Lowdown: Skylight is one of London’s most imaginative new rooftop destinations sat atop Tobacco Dock. Themed around a British urban lawn club, Skylight combines croquet and petanque with cocktails and street food.
Come For: Street food and cocktail pitchers
Where: Tobacco Dock, Pennington St entrance, St Katharine’s & Wapping, London E1W 2SF
Photo Credit: Steve Dunlop
10. For a Well-Loved Venue: Bussey Rooftop Bar
The Lowdown: Perched atop the iconic Bussey Building in Peckham stands one of London’s most sought after Instragrammable spot. This trendy rooftop bar offers delicious cocktails and 360-degree views of London’s dazzling skyline. From cocktail choices of Monte Mules to Monte Negronis, you can’t go wrong.
Come For: Pints and the perfect picture
Where: 133 Rye Ln, Peckham, London SE15 4ST
