With the official start of the British Summer less than a week away, we’re taking a look at some of the great places in London where you can top up your Vitamin D levels and enjoy some fantastic food and drinks outdoors.
Given the current situation, fresh air has been at the forefront of many people’s minds. With the country now entering the summer months and weather forecasters assuring us that there is a decent run of good weather on the way, we’re highlighting some of the great places you can enjoy some first-rate food and drinks outdoors in the country’s capital.
Solar Pergola at Television Centre
Solar Pergola is a brand new entrant on London’s alfresco dining scene. It’s perfectly placed to help you get the required dose of Vitamin D and is ideal for friends, families, and neighbours to get together, and its brightly coloured, glowing spheres, sunburst rays, and ombre hues should help make some special memories.
There is a well-thought-out bespoke food and drinks menu which should ensure there’s something to suit all tastes. In the unlikely event that you can’t choose something to match your palate, local restaurants, Kricket, Flying Horse Coffee, Patty & Bun and Bluebird, are also on hand to provide takeaway drinks and food.
In addition to the food and keeping with the Television Centre’s rich history of entertainment, Solar Pergola will host live music and have a giant outdoor screen showing a summer programme of live sport and movies. Upping the ante another notch, the team behind the renowned Pantechnicon in Belgravia will be hosting a pop-up bar and BBQ from 1st July.
Picnic in the Park at Elephant Park
Elephant Park in London might be new to some of our readers. It first opened in 2017 and was part of a huge regeneration programme in partnership with Southwark Council. The well-thought-out design and a variety of designated areas such as the new rock and water landscapes will ensure that there’s somewhere to sit down, relax and enjoy some food in the great outdoors.
On the subject of food and launching this National Picnic Week (19th-27th June) and running until 31st August, picnic-goers will be able to collect their exclusive Picnic at Elephant Park tote from any of the participating tenants and take part in the ultimate restaurant crawl.
There will be dishes from across four continents, along with the opportunity to enjoy a new encounter with nature along the way.
Milroy’s Soho Terrace
Milroy’s Soho has once again taken over their tranquil corner of Greek Street with The Terrace, a walk-in only seating area serving a creative menu of refreshing whisky-based drinks perfect for sipping in the summer sun in collaboration with Aberfeldy 12.
Joining the lockdown favourite ‘cocktail culture’ hard seltzers created by Director of Bars Chris Tanner are three brand new draft cocktail taps, serving a rotating menu of hand-picked Highballs in partnership with some of Milroys’ favourite whiskies. Kicking off the series is a thirst-quenching Aberfeldy 12 Single Malt paired with homemade cardamom & watermelon soda, alongside two classic soda pairings with Nikka and Milroys Select of Great King Street.
The Terrace menu will also be served indoors at the iconic whisky shop bar and for takeaway, or head through the bookcase to the acclaimed basement speakeasy The Vault for a candle-lit cocktail experience.
Watch the Euros at Brixton Village Courtyard
Brixton Village courtyard is a great place to head to if you’re after choice. It offers a good selection of eateries offering a diverse range of foods. In addition to the food offerings, there are also regular cultural events built on the area’s rich local heritage. Brixton Village courtyard is located on either side of Atlantic Road, a short walk from Brixton Station.
If you’re one of the millions in the country who cannot do without watching football, there’s some good news. Brixton Village has a big outdoor screen in its courtyard. Here you can enjoy drinks from The Natural Bar, food from vegan eatery Eat of Eden, Mexican spot Jalisco, Thai restaurant Kao Sarn, and some of London’s best jerk chicken from Fish, Wings & Tings while cheering on your favourite teams. To secure your spot, walk into any of these restaurants and enjoy some of the lovely food.
Read about more places to dine outdoors in our dedicated dining section here.