Summer in London is hard to beat: long evenings, golden light, and the city finally slowing down… just a little. And when the weather plays along, there’s no better place to be than perched on a terrace with a drink in hand.

From leafy hidden courtyards to rooftops made for sunset selfies, London’s terrace scene comes into its own in July. Whether you’re chasing cocktails, small plates or just somewhere to soak up the sun, here’s where to head this month:

1. For an All-Weather Terrace: The Hound

What: Summer has landed in Chiswick, and The Hound is ready – with both front terrace and courtyard now open for the season. Sunseekers can settle into the leafy terrace out front, while the all-weather courtyard, complete with a retractable glass roof, offers a bright and breezy escape come rain or shine. On the menu, comfort meets craft: the Fried Chicken Burger, Chicken & Bacon Cobb Salad, and Chilli Cheese Toastie are standout favourites.

Where: 210 Chiswick High Rd, Chiswick, London W4 1PD

2. For a BBQ Pop-Up: The Apollo Arms x Ethical Butcher

What: Tucked behind The Apollo Arms in Clapham Old Town lies The Secret Garden — a secluded terrace festooned with lights, draped in summer blooms, and now home to Fire and Feast at Apollo, a new BBQ series in collaboration with The Ethical Butcher. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, the garden comes alive with the smell of smoke and spice as Head Chef David Halewood fires up a menu that champions sustainability and regenerative farming. Centre stage is The Ethical Burger (a 100% grass-fed blend perfected over 20 test versions), alongside pulled short rib brioche buns, sticky pork ribs with pickled cucumber, and a vibrant paneer and Bombay potato wrap for non-meat eaters.

Where: The Apollo Arms, 19 Old Town, Clapham SW4 0JT

3. For Summer Staples: Dovetale

What: Dovetale in Mayfair has welcomed the summer season with a vibrant terrace experience in collaboration with Casamigos. This year, it channels the charm of classic country clubs, offering timeless summer staples like Cobb salad, grilled peaches, lobster rolls and gourmet burgers in a refined, sun-dappled setting. Don’t miss the  ‘build your own’ frozen Margaritas, served from the signature Dovetale Knickerbocker Glory trolley. How kitsch.

Where: 1 Dover Yard, London W1J 8NE

4. For Eastern Mediterranean Small Plates: Bala Baya

What: Discreetly located under the arches in Southwark, Bala Baya’s chic 30-seat outdoor courtyard is a seamless extension of the restaurant’s stylish, industrial-inspired interiors. Enjoy sun-kissed Eastern Mediterranean seasonal plates including a prawn baklava (king prawns wrapped in kataifi pastry), and an otherworldly brisket doughnut with bonfire tomato and chilli.

Where: Arch 25, Old Union Yard, Arches 229, Union Street, London SE1 0LR

5. For a Taste of Italy: Paper Moon

What: Set within the swanky surrounds of The OWO, the terrace at Paper Moon is a quiet, sunlit escape from the summer bustle of Whitehall, lined with olive trees and overlooked by striking black-and-white portraits of Italian cinema icons. The menu is rooted in traditional recipes and regional favourites, from saffron risotto and veal Milanese to handmade pastas and expertly shaken Negronis.

Where: The OWO, 7 Horse Guards Ave, London SW1A 2EU

6. For a Secluded Spot: Padella Shoreditch

What: Padella’s Shoreditch outpost – the younger sibling to its Borough original – is home to a 26-seat terrace that works year-round, with heating in cooler months and a retractable roof that opens up to the sunshine come summer. Glass barriers come down when the weather warms, turning the space into a breezy, street-side spot that channels laid-back *big* summer in the city energy.

Where: 1 Phipp St, London EC2A 4PS

7. For Pastries and Pasta: Pophams London Fields

What: The terrace at Pophams’ London Fields location has played a significant role in solidifying its reputation as a cult favourite in East London’s bakery scene. Bag a much-desired spot outside on Richmond Road, and stock up on pastries and coffee while soaking up the sun. By evening, the terrace transforms into the perfect spot for al-fresco dining, where freshly-made pasta is accompanied by natural wine and seasonal cocktails.

Where: 197 Richmond Rd, London E8 3NJ

8. For a Waterside Terrace: Marceline

What: Marceline, the elegant new arrival on Wood Wharf, has opened its waterside terrace for summer — a serene, sun-catching spot that brings a touch of Parisian brasserie charm to the dockside. Overlooking the water and seating up to 50 guests, the terrace is made for long lunches, golden-hour spritzes, and drawn-out dinners as the light fades. The à la carte menu offers playful takes on French brasserie classics – and who can turn down the house favourite Two Sips Martini? Not us.

Where: 5 Water St, London E14 5GX

9. For a New Terrace: Harry’s

What: The latest addition to the Harry’s family has landed in King’s Cross, bringing signature Italian flair – and its largest terrace to date – to the heart of one of London’s most fast-moving neighbourhoods. Set on King’s Boulevard, just moments from the station, the 94-seat terrace is primed for all-day al fresco dining. With whisky-toned leather, deep green accents and custom artwork by illustrator Adam Ellis, the vibe is classic Harry’s: relaxed, elegant, and unmistakably Italian.

Where: 3 King’s Blvd, London N1C 4BU

Photo credit: Charlie McKay

10. For Seasonal Eating: Restaurant Story 

What: The newly opened terrace at Restaurant Story, lush with greenery, offers a rare sense of calm in the heart of SE1: the perfect setting for a deliciously decadent seasonal menu. It opens with agnolotti filled with burnt lemon, broad beans and mint, followed by a choice of hand-dived scallops with XO sauce and beurre noisette, or lamb navarin with spring vegetables and pomme purée.

Where: 199 Tooley St, London SE1 2JX