Looking for some summer lunching inspiration in London? The sun is finally beginning to peak out and the temperature is starting to rise – so what better time for a picnic or some outdoor dining?
From perfect Italian picnic spreads to al fresco Vietnamese dining in Chelsea, here are my top delicious outdoor restaurants that you will want to try out this summer.
Freshly Packed Picnics at Carluccio’s
This adorable freshly packed picnic feast includes a three-course meal for two; from mouth-watering antipasto complete with a selection of the best deli ingredients; prosciutto, peppers, salami and more, to freshly-baked focaccia, seasonal salads, and almond macaroon, this picnic is the perfect companion for a lazy afternoon in the park.
Order in advance and pick-up your ready-made Italian feast in its very own reusable cool bag from your local Carluccio’s. Children can also have their own picnic, which comes with grissini bread sticks, carrot, cucumber and celery sticks with tomato and basil dip, and meatballs in tomato sauce. Other treats include chocolate chip cookies.
The Classic & Plant Power picnics are £45 and the kids’ picnic is £10.
Outdoor Vietnamese
The cheekily named and much loved Phat Phuc Noodle Bar can be found in a quaint courtyard just off the Kings Road in Chelsea and is without a doubt one of the best cheap eats in London.
The noodle bar is completely outside, but the seating area is both covered and heated, so perfect for summer and winter days.
Guests order at the counter, where you can see the chef’s cooking away, then your food is brought over at your table when it’s ready, or you can take away.
The menu is filled with some of the best Vietnamese classics, with every main dish costing only £8. From steaming hot bowls of laksa to rice and meat dishes, you won’t want to miss this hidden Chelsea gem. Reservations aren’t possible so arriving just before the lunchtime rush is recommended.
Rose Riviera Summer Terrace
The South Place Hotel has brought a little slice of South of France heaven to London with this divine dining experience in the form of a Secret Garden.
Designed with a French vineyard as its inspiration, the hotel has decked the place out in the most stunning pastel hues and floral decor, making it uber Instagram-worthy.
There’s also a retracting roof so you’ll be able to soak in those sun rays as you sip on your rose.
The garden is open from 10am until 10pm every day and will also play host to outdoor summer cinema screenings under the floral canopy.
Pergola Olympia
This year-round rooftop spot in Kensington opened less than a year ago and has already become a prime social spot with Londoners.
Part of a £700 million overhaul of Olympia London, the 500-capacity rooftop bar and restaurant has some of the best views over the West of London.
With three fantastic eateries to choose from; Mamalan, serving feel-good Chinese food, from baos to dumplings and noodle dishes, to the Salt Shed, serving insane BBQ’d burgers and plates to Jefferies, famed for its fried and grilled chicken.
Pergola Olympia has taken inspiration from its flagship concept, Pergola on The Roof, to combine a botanical look and feel using overgrown ivy mixed with a modern interior.
