We’re in limbo, people. This weather is giving us whiplash. One minute we’re making a beeline for our nearest beer garden for an afternoon in the sun (Aperols ahoy),  and the next we’re giving our winter coat another outing. When the sun does reappear again, we’ve handpicked 5 London terraces worth heading to – for drinks, long lunches, and making the most of it while it lasts.

1. For a Zone 1 Terrace: Yasmin

What: Perched on the sixth floor of Maslow’s 1 Warwick in Soho, Yasmin is an intimate Istanbul-inspired rooftop restaurant and bar with a stunning wrap-around terrace offering panoramic views of central London.

Eat and Drink: It’s all about Turkish seasonal small plates here. Whipped sheep’s cheese with hot honey; Baharat duck skewers with orange and saffron mayo; Manti Turkish dumplings with Guindilla peppers and mint; and Grilled sea bream with black-eyed bean and chilli salad.

Where: 1 Warwick Street, London W1B 5LR

2. For a Hidden Terrace: Mambow

What: Tucked just off Lower Clapton Road, Mambow’s garden terrace feels like a little hidden pocket of calm – all plants, colour and heat, set up for chef-owner Abby Lee’s punchy Malaysian cooking.

Eat and Drink: Covered and heated through winter, it really opens up in spring and summer, when the roof comes back and the greenery takes over. Bright stools and neon touches keep things playful, and the menu is a very good time indeed. Otak-Otak prawn toast and squid stuffed with pork belly mince. Don’t sleep on the Kerabu section.

Where: 78 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0RN

3. For a Rooftop Terrace: The Culpeper

What: The Culpeper is a pub with a lot going on. A ground-floor bar, a first-floor restaurant serving seasonal, UK-led bistro dishes, five hotel rooms, and a rooftop woodland garden complete with a greenhouse for private dining.

Eat and Drink: Up top, there are wide views across the East End, cocktails made with herbs grown and foraged from their urban farm in Deptford, a wine list focused on low-intervention producers, and seasonal food cooked over fire straight from the grill.

Where: 40 Commercial St, London E1 6LP

4. For Riverside Views: The Royal Horseguards Hotel

What: The Royal Horseguards Hotel’s terrace is now open for the season, tucked alongside Whitehall Gardens and offering a calm spot just moments from the River Thames.

Eat and Drink: The menu focuses on seasonal, easygoing summer dining. Starters include Oak-smoked salmon, Burrata with heritage beetroot and crispy squid, followed by dishes such as Chicken, ham hock and leek pie, Beer-battered fish and chips, Superfood quinoa salad and Pan-fried salmon. There’s also chargrilled Hereford ribeye, prawn linguine and burgers, and raspberry Eton mess and blueberry cheesecake for pudding.

Where: 2 Whitehall Ct, London SW1A 2EJ

5. For a North London Favourite: The Duke Organic

What: The Duke Organic in Islington is known for its commitment to organic, seasonal British cooking, with ingredients sourced from local organic farmers and growers. Outside, the pub’s street-side terrace is a real draw. An easy, sociable spot for post-work drinks or lazy weekend catch-ups.

Eat and Drink: The food is simple, seasonal and built for sharing: WildFarmed sourdough with black olive jam, Roasted almonds and marinated olives to start, followed by dishes like soup of the day with sourdough, Beetroot and radicchio salad with elderberry and toasted almonds, and Burrata Pugliese with romesco and roasted squash.

Where: 30 St Peter’s St, N1 8JT