Now that it has (hopefully) stopped raining, why not dine al fresco at one of these sunny spots?
By Selma Day
A taste of Italy
Perched at the top of Selfridges, Alto by San Carlo will transport you to the Amalfi coast, away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street below. Enjoy starters such as slow-cooked porchetta and creamy stracciatella – a traditional dish from Ariccia near Rome; and a southern Italian favourite, baked Norma – aubergine, tomato and basil topped with ricotta salata.
Mains include coda di rospo gratinata – fresh pan-fried monkfish sourced from the north-west Atlantic Ocean, with Altamura breadcrumbs and herby oil; tagliolini crab and caviar – pasta from Liguria in north-western Italy with hand-picked, North Sea crab and Italian sturgeon caviar; and a variety of traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas.
Dessert highlights include an ice-cream bowl for two featuring chocolate, hazelnut and vanilla flavours, all made in-house and topped with Ferrero Rocher and warm Nutella sauce.
Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street
Bubbles at The Biltmore
This summer, The Biltmore Mayfair has partnered with French champagne house Veuve Clicquot to create an enchanting outdoor terrace at Café Biltmore, reminiscent of a picturesque summer in the French countryside.
Amid lush greenery, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely brunch or romantic dinner, where guests can indulge in seasonal delights from the fixed or à la carte menus.
44 Grosvenor Square
Seasonal surprises
Bacchanalia, Mount Street’s Greco-Roman restaurant, has a new à la carte menu curated by its head chef, Theo Zarikakis. Dishes can be enjoyed on the vibrant (and heated) outdoor terrace, which is inspired by the ancient wonders of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
The terrace is the perfect spot to sit and watch the world go by, while enjoying an array of seasonal sharing dishes and green wines from Bacchanalia’s 650-strong wine list.
1-3 Mount Street
Up on the roof
Studio Frantzén, the top-floor restaurant and rooftop terrace at Harrods, has introduced Studio Sunday – a new brunch from the celebrated Swedish chef Björn Frantzén and his team.
Take in the panoramic views while enjoying dishes such as toasted furikake bagel with smoked salmon, yuzu butter, cream cheese and avocado; lobster roll, brioche, mayonnaise, trout roe, celery and dill; and buttermilk pancakes, plum compote, shiso and vanilla ice-cream.
You’ll also find a selection of “snacks and bites”, including a variety of oysters; “raw and salads”, featuring the table-side Studio Frantzén caesar salad; and “from the fireplace”, which includes the umami beef burger with truffle aioli.
To finish, the choice includes lime tart, umeshu and whipped cream; strawberry waffles with salted milk ice-cream; plus freshly baked madeleines with beurre noisette and Kyoto miso.
There’s also a selection of innovative and refreshing cocktails to complete the summer vibe.
87-135 Brompton Road
Stylish spot
If you are seeking a stylish and sophisticated place to enjoy al fresco drinks, then look no further than The Ritz’s terrace, overlooking Green Park. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind on a sunny day, cocktail or glass of wine in hand – and if you’re a caviar lover, don’t miss the hotel’s caviar and champagne experience. The menu caters for seasoned connoisseurs and those experiencing caviar for the first time.
The terrace (no reservations) will open until mid-September, weather permitting.
150 Piccadilly
Maine attraction
The terrace at the Maine Mayfair has opened its doors for lunch, dinner and drinks. The hidden (and dog-friendly) gem overlooking Medici Courtyard is the perfect setting to while away a summer’s evening and enjoy the New England-style menu.
Diners can indulge in freshly shucked oysters, fresh grilled octopus or the signature lobster roll, alongside a selection of martinis, spritzes or rosés in a vibrant Mediterranean-style setting.
6 Medici Courtyard
Gincredible
The characterful cobbled courtyard that leads from the American Bar at The Stafford offers a hidden oasis for alfresco dining and drinking in the heart of St James’s.
This summer, the hotel has partnered with Hendrick’s gin to offer a limited-edition summer cocktail list for the courtyard, with drinks such as the Summer Solstice, A Day in Provence and Amalfi Spritz. What’s more, at lunch during the summer, the Kamado Joe grills will be fired up ready to serve guests barbecue dishes alongside the American Bar’s US-inspired classics.
16-18 St James’s Place
3 caviar hotspots
Louis XIII cognac and Caviar House & Prunier have joined forces to offer an elite-tasting ceremony. Priced from £380 per person, enjoy a glass of superior Louis XIII cognac paired with a choice of Beluga or Oscietra caviar and traditional garnishes.
161 Piccadilly
As a supplier and retailer, the Caviar Bar ensures a direct link between producers and consumers, offering the finest caviar delicacies at a more accessible price. Choose from Royal Baerii (£57 for 30g), Oscietra (£67 for 30g), Imperial (£75 for 30g) and more.
4 Medici Courtyard
Opulent members’ club Caviar Kaspia has opened an in-house restaurant called Kaspia. Signature dishes include caviar tagliolini with champagne cream sauce; and caviar baked potato served with the caviar of your choice, crème fraîche and chives.
1a Chesterfield Street
