Al Fresco Dining

3 of the Best Al Fresco Dining Spots in London

London is on Fuego this Summer – with the city sweltering in 30-degree temperatures, higher than some of its European neighbours including Lisbon, Monaco and Paris – the staycation has never been more in vogue.

So after what feels like an eternity of ‘This Is England’ drizzle and grey, we all just need to get outside and basque in the glory of the London Sun. Thankfully, there’s plenty to do and eat outside.

1. Al Fresco Dip Dining

Lido’s are cool, they just are. On Saturday’s you can get a proper East London BBQ at the London Field’s Lido. The neighbouring ‘Hoxton Beach Cafe’ serves a speciality falafel and freshly squeezed lemonade teamed with cacao brownies and nutty flapjacks. That’s a vibe right there.

Or you could just as easily do it yourself. If you’re a ‘West is Best’ kind of guy, head down to The Serpentine for a picnic. Use their lido for a dip and keep it chic with a delivered Bread & Honey On Location Feast. Make sure you’re in a group and lunch is £15 a head. We can’t quite deliver to your grassy urban patch, but get in touch and we’ll do our best to arrange a delivery that works for you. We bring all the gear too.

Lamb Harira

Saltmarsh lamb shank, saffron, chickpeas, lentils, Ras el Hanout, apricots, meat juices

Vegetable Tagine

Butternut squash, courgettes, aubergines, chickpeas, preserved lemon

Tabbouleh

Bulgur wheat, chopped rocket, parsley, coriander, mint, pomegranate, vine tomatoes

Turkish Delight Mess

Marscapone, meringue, rose petals, pistachio, mint

2. Al Fresco At Home

Got some smug family or friends who’ve landed themselves a Summer birthday? Celebrate it Chez Nous. London garden parties are the epitome of Summer style and we have the menus to match.  If you’re keeping in simple yet colourful, then try our DIY dining menus. Designed by Chef Mark Broadbent, these dishes are bursting with seasonality and quite simply, look too good to eat.

We can provide a full BBQ, bowl & canape service with chefs and waiting staff. Or if it’s a pared down affair then we recommend delivering the following, direct to your garden. 

Loch Duart Salmon

Poached, marsh samphire, cucumber, dill & mustard dressing

Custard Tart

Ragstone goat’s cheese, Piquillo peppers, Burford Brown eggs, lemon, parsley

Tarroco Orange & Ricotta Salad 

Red endive, orange blossom, toasted pine nuts, radicchio, pomegranate, citrus vinaigrette

New Potato Salad

Lemon zest, sea salt, fine herbs

Lemon Curd Tart

Unwaxed lemons, clotted cream, smashed  blackberries

Rhubarb  &  Custard  Crumble

Spiced  Yorkshire  rhubarb,  rich  custard,  crumble  crust

Coteaux Varois en Provence Rose Domaine Teisseire Provence, France & Jugs of Pimms

3. The Courtyard of The River Cafe

Yes, we know it’s not exactly a Bread & Honey menu (although it’s certainly a home away from home for CEO Chef Mark Broadbent) but it’s the best in London for Al Fresco dining.

A sunny table for two in the courtyard for Sunday Lunch will just about get anyone laid. Come Summer, book early to avoid the crowds that flock West to soak up the refined riff on traditional Italian dishes.

Our top picks of the current Summer Menu.

Antipasti

Carpaccio di Branzino

Thinly sliced raw wild Sea Bass with marigold tomatoes, golden oregano and chilli

Primi

Risotto

Clams, zucchini flowers and Castello di Neive Lange Arneis

Secondi

Controfiletto ai Ferri

Chargrilled Beef sirloin with fresh borlotti, mustard, Sorrento tomatoes and basil

Gelati del River Cafe

Caramel

Stracciatella

Hazelnut