The Sun is finally out! Here are my five top places to drink and dine al fresco in London.
FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, HARVEY NICHOLS
Just in time for the summer, the terrace at Harvey Nichols has had a makeover. You have until July 11th to experience Bombay Sapphire’s delights as they have taken over the fifth floor. Here you can experience gin at its best including bespoke tipples with a choice of garnishes, syrups and flavoured tonics such as elderflower, yuzu and lemongrass. The café serves modern European cuisine and it is open all day until 11pm. (6pm on Sundays).
Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge. harveynicols.com. Tel: 0207 235 5250.
When you take the lift up to the seventh floor reaching Babylon’s Restaurant & Seafood Terrace, you find an imaginative world of luxurious interior décor that includes fish tanks that brighten up the powder rooms. It’s owned by Sir Richard Branson and overlooks the suburbs of Kensington, London and the perfectly manicured The Roof Gardens below. Order the Seafood Stand for two, a wonderful platter of lobster, crab, prawns and more.
Babylon Restaurant, 7th Floor, The Roof Gardens, 99 Kensington High Street, London. W8 5SA. Tel: 020 7368 3993.
Set off the beaten tracks, this lovely café is located within the beautiful surroundings of Chelsea Physic Garden. It’s fully licensed with an outdoor area that can seat up to 50 people. It’s a great little spot for and al fresco lunch and afternoon tea with cakes from £3.50. The café is only accessible through the gardens (entry £10.50) so you can work up and appetite and a thirst when you arrive. (Use the Swan Walk entrance).
Tangerine Dream, 66 Royal Hospital Road. London. tangerinedream.uk.com. Tel: 020 7349 6464
If you love fresh seafood, then you will like this King’s Road restaurant. It’s displayed market-style and the restaurant has just launched a new menu in partnership with chef Keith Goddard. It’s better to arrive early to bag one of the outdoor tables.
The World’s End Market, 459 King’s Road. theworldsendmarket.com. Tel: 020 7352 2150.
The restaurant’s orangery and terrace garden has the pull-factor and is ever popular in the summer. The garden was created by Anthony Challis and Dan Curran from Ginkgo Gardens – it’s a perfect oasis in the middle of the bustling city. It services an extensive all day menu of food and cocktails.
The Ivy garden, 197 King’s Road, London. theivychelseagarden.com. Tel: 020 3301 0300.
