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It’s officially summer(!!!) and after a surprisingly balmy Spring we’re already pretty warmed up for the season ahead. London is at its best during the Summer months and one of our favourite ways to make the most of this time of year is to dine outside any chance we get. To this end, we’ve compiled not one, no two, but twenty-four(!) spots all over the capital where you can sit back and enjoy the sun while you eat and drink to your heart’s content. Save this list, share it with friends and use it as your guiding force this summer - bon appetit!
Central London
1. Yasmin
Perched on a Soho rooftop you’ll find Yasmin, a middle-eastern restaurant with a stunning terrace. Sheltered from the crowded streets below, find sanctuary amidst the plush surrounds and plant-based dishes such as vegan manti, aubergine ezme and flatbreads.
1 Warwick St, London W1B 5LR
2. 123V Browns
Vegan sushi outside in the sun sounds like an ideal situation and at 123V Browns that’s exactly what you’ll get. Born from a partnership between Browns (one of London’s best fashion boutiques) and Alexis Gauthier, of Gauthier Soho, 123V Browns is a vegan oasis in the heart of Mayfair.
39 Brook St, London W1K 4JE | 🌱 Fully Vegan
3. Fallow
Enjoy seasonal modern British cooking (with some international twists) while people-watching from Fallow’s wrap-around Haymarket terrace. Their lunch and dinner menu offers a good plant-based selection including roasted miso aubergine and tandoori cauliflower.
52 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4RP
4. Café Petiole
If you’ve read our previous newsletters you’ll know we’re big fans of Café Petiole, and their location in the summer is a strong contender for the best spot. Located within Somerset House, take your order outside and bask in the sun in one of London’s most picturesque locations.
South Wing, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA | 🌱 Vegetarian, although mostly vegan
5. Setlist
A new addition to London’s food scene, and another Somerset House resident, Setlist is a recently opened food and music venue. Situated on the terrace facing the river, enjoy plant-based options and drinks as you take in the views.
River Terrace South Side, Somerset House, WC2R 1LA
6. Dishoom, Covent Garden
Another of our favourites, Dishoom’s Covent Garden Branch has a pretty substantial outdoor terrace just a short walk from Leicester Square Station. Go for breakfast, lunch or dinner - it’s always a good idea.
12 Upper St Martin's Ln, London WC2H 9FB
7. Pastaio
Outdoor tables, a full vegan menu, cocktails and plenty of carbs on offer - what more could you want? Located just off the lively Carnaby Street, amidst an alley of tightly-packed restaurants you’ll find Pastaio’s outdoor spot. Spaces are limited so make sure to book your outdoor table ahead of time.
19 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 9BN
8. Dalloway Terrace
For a more dramatic outdoor dining experience with plenty of vegan options head to Dalloway Terrace in Bloomsbury. Their outdoor space is expansive and thematic floral arrangements transform the space throughout the year. As well as brunch, lunch and dinner you can also indulge in vegan afternoon tea here.
Located in The Bloomsbury Hotel, 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN
9. Milk Beach
Tucked away in a secret Soho courtyard you’ll find Milk Beach, a modern Australian restaurant and bar with an emphasis on quality coffee, cocktails and natural wines. Their original location in Queen’s Park has great outdoor seating but limited vegan options so head to their newer restaurant in Soho instead. Great for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Ilona Rose House, Manette Street, London, W1D 4AL
West London
10. The Gate
Founded in 1989, The Gate in Hammersmith has been catering for vegans and vegetarians (plus many non-veggies too) for decades. They serve mostly vegan food with a sustainable and health focus, taking inspiration from around the world for their dishes. Head there this summer and enjoy their serene walled garden.
51 Queen Caroline St, London W6 9QL | 🌱 Vegetarian, although mostly vegan
11. Vardo
Part of the Caravan family, Vardo in Chelsea features a huge wrap-around terrace right in the middle of Duke of York Square. It’s a great spot for people-watching and they have plenty of vegan options on the menu, from breakfast to dinner. On Saturdays the Duke of York Square food market takes over so expect crowds around the terrace.
9 Duke Of York Square, London SW3 4LY
12. The Ivy Chelsea Garden
Another Chelsea entry, The Ivy Chelsea Garden is a very pretty spot during the summer. If you want more decadent surrounds and classic white tablecloth service this is a good spot to have on your radar in this part of town. They have a dedicated vegan and vegetarian menu so you’ll have plenty of options.
197 King's Rd, London SW3 5EQ
13. Market Halls Victoria
For a more informal option with a large rooftop terrace check out Market Halls Victoria. Pick from one of their several vegan-friendly food vendors, add some cold drinks and enjoy the sunshine. Options include plant-based dishes from Gopal’s Corner, BAO, Jude’s Thai, and more.
191 Victoria St, London SW1E 5NE
14. CLAP London
Take a trip to Japan via this sultry Knightsbridge rooftop location. Watch the Harrods lights twinkle as the sun goes down and tuck into vegan nigiri, rolls and maki with a cocktail or two. Save this spot for a moody date or a fun night out with friends.
6th & 7th Floor, 12-14 Basil St, London SW3 1AJ
East London
15. Netil360
East London’s quintessential rooftop location: Netil360. Head here for after work or weekend drinks and if you get peckish don’t worry they have vegan pizza. All of their veggie pizzas can be made vegan by substituting their dairy cheese for vegan cheese.
Located in Netil House, 1 Westgate St, London E8 3RL
16. Mallow, Canary Wharf
Mallow’s East London location features an outdoor terrace perfect for the summer. Enjoy their delicious vegan brunch al-fresco or gather with friends for dinner on warm summer evenings.
12 Park Dr, London E14 9ZW | 🌱 Fully Vegan
17. The Dusty Knuckle
Delve into vegan sandwiches, great coffee and other tasty goodies at one of London’s best bakeries. Tucked away down an alleyway in Dalston you’ll find The Dusty Knuckle and their outdoor deck. Eat perfect bakes and soak in some sun.
Abbot St, London E8 3DP
18. CRATE Brewery
CRATE Brewery’s canal-side location comes alive during the summer months. Located between the Olympic Park and Hackney Wick Station, head here with a group of friends, pick a table and enjoy some cold beers and freshly baked pizza.
Unit 7 Queen's Yard, London E9 5EN
South London
19. Joia
Just south of the river, in Battersea, Joia brings Lisbon’s rooftop culture to London. Dive into tapas and petiscos as you take in the views of Battersea Power Station next door and the London skyline beyond. Plenty of fresh, summery vegan dishes on offer.
Located in art’otel London Battersea Power Station, 15th Floor, 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ
20. Bussey Rooftop Bar
Another casual drinks and pizza spot, the Bussey Rooftop Bar in Peckham offers a sprawling rooftop space for the summer. Gather here after work with friends to take in the extra light hours in the day. They have two vegan pizza options on offer so you won’t go hungry as you drink the night away.
Block B Rooftop Unit B3.1, The Bussey Building 133 Rye Lane London, SE15 4SL
21. Pear Tree Café
Vegan burgers, pizza and more in the park. Pear Tree Café’s location in Battersea Park is a great summer weekend spot. Grab some friends and draw out your weekend evenings at the park with food and drinks.
Located in Battersea Park, Lakeside Cafe Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ
North London
22. Isla at The Standard
Try food and drinks from a roster of rotating chef collabs on Isla’s ground floor terrace. Fitted with a retractable roof so you can enjoy outdoor dining risk-free in case the weather doesn’t cooperate this summer. The Standard also has a rooftop space where they serve pizzas - if you fancy being a little higher up.
10 Argyle St, London NW1 2ST
23. El Pastor, King’s Cross
Part of the Coal Drops Yard cohort, El Pastor has a vast outdoor covered terrace where you can have some vegan tacos and sip tequila come rain or shine. Go after work or on weekends when it’s at its liveliest.
Coal Drops Yard, N1C 4DQ
24. Frederick’s
Hidden behind Frederick’s inconspicuous Islington facade you’ll find a light-filled conservatory and lush garden. They have a designated vegan and vegetarian menu that’s as bright and vibrant as their setting – perfect for summer.
Camden Passage, Islington, London, N1 8EG
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