London’s Best Outdoor Bars

Sometimes, tinnies in the park, a rowdy beer garden or one of London’s perennially over-subscribed rooftop bars just isn’t going to cut it when it comes to spring and summer drinking. For a more classy way to socialise when the sun comes out (and when we can finally come out too), what you want is a table on one of London’s drinking terraces or chic bars. Finding sunshiny spots in London can be a bit of a challenge, so read on to discover some great locations for alfresco drinking done the right way.

The Distillery Bankside

This classy-looking cocktail bar at the Hilton London Bankside hotel plays on the building’s past as an essence factory making flavourings for use in all manner of food manufacturing. Table waters, confectionery, jellies, syrups, that kind of thing. 

That means plenty of own-made aromatics, infusions and bitters here, used on a cocktail list that goes big on gin – expect a wide range from a number of top British producers. Craft beer is a strong point, too. Sharing platters and bar snacks, prepared in the Oxbo Bankside restaurant next door, also feature.

Night Tales

The club and all-day rave-cave hangout space under the party-ready railway arches of Hackney’s aptly named Bohemia Place is back for spring. Its terrace is back first with the lounge following on May 17. Neon lights, palm trees, day beds and a roster of hip DJs make a summer day spent here like going on a clubbing holiday.

Sager + Wilde Paradise Row

Paradise Row is a good name for this stretch of Bethnal Green railway arches filled with bars and eateries. Sager + Wilde leads the field as an all-day restaurant with a focus on excellent wine. Save it for classy summer sipping. The terrace is ideal for alfresco dining, accompanied by world wines and clever twists on classic cocktails.