Spring is here for a good time, not a long time - kinda like these epic terraces and pop-up bars. Bring a brolly and make the most of London's best seasonal boozers with a cocktail in hand...
Lucy Wong's Hidden Courtyard
Mega-glam subterranean dim sum and cocktail heaven Lucy Wong only opened back in March, but it's already blessing us with a saucy surprise in the form of this stylish hidden terrace, unveiled just in time for spring. Like the bar itself, the courtyard draws its inspo from 1950s Hong Kong, so expect sleek booths, dark wood and low-lit paper lanterns (if they're anything like the ones inside, they make your skin look great). Bring your honey, order a dim sum platter and a cocktail from their list of creative Asian twists on classics - we're partial to the Cherry Blossom Manhattan - and you've got yourself a damn fine date night.
33-34 Rathbone Place, London, W1T 1JN
Tulum Terrace at Rotunda
POV: you want a taste of Tulum but you're saving your annual leave for the 74 destination weddings you've been invited to this year. Enter: the wicked new canalside terrace at Rotunda. It's bringing all the beachy boho vibes to King's Cross with tropical decor, summery Mexican-inspired dishes and a killer line-up of new cocktails made with booze from four wicked independent agave brands: Kah Tequila, Rooster Rojo Tequila, Fortaleza Tequila and Madre Mezcal. We're eyeing the Rio Rosa, with pink peppercorn and dill-infused Rooster Rojo Blanco, lime juice, strawberry cordial, honey, pink grapefruit and bergamot tonic. Pow!
Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG
TT Liquor Terrace
The rooftop at TT Liquor, East London's epic multi-level booze institution, is officially open for 2023. Hell yeah! They're gearing up for sunny season with an awesome menu of Spritzes and pizzas, so post up here after work or on the weekend for a full-on sesh. PS - it's covered and heated on chillier days, which means you can kick back even when the weather's more brrr than BST.
17B Kingsland Rd, Hackney, London E2 8AA
The Rooftop at The Standard
The best views of King's Cross? They're right here, baby. Ride The Standard hotel's psychadelic lift all the way to the top and you'll be rewarded with some bangin' cocktails on tap and next-level skyline scenery. When hunger strikes, take your pick from the new menu of Taiwanese street food-inspired snacks. Bunz for days...
10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG
Fenchurch at Sky Garden Whispering Angel Terrace
When the English weather does you dirty, there's nothing quite like a glass of something pink to remind you that it is, indeed, spring. Make your way 37 floors up to the new Whispering Angel Terrace at Fenchurch - that's the restaurant in London's highest public garden, AKA Sky Garden - and get sipping. For £71.50, you'll get two tickets to Sky Garden, a table with stunning views and a bottle of Whispering Angel Chateau D'Esclans 2021.
20 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 8AF
M Canary Wharf Terrace & Salt Pods
This is the saltiest dining experience in London - and we mean that in a good way. The crew at M Canary Wharf have set up two dining pods on their terrace and filled 'em with bricks of Himalayan salt (said to have holistic properties, if you're into that kinda thing). The Relaxation and Regeneration salt pod features a sustainable set menu (£25 for two course/£30 for three), cocktails made with sustainable spirits and plenty of Malin + Goetz beauty products to keep ya lookin' and feelin' fresh. Or get boujee in the Wagyu Salt Chamber, with a £250, six-course wagyu menu that'll make your wildest carnivorous dreams come true. Each pod fits up to six peeps, so round up your mates for an evening that's sodium good (sorry...).
Unit 10, Newfoundland Place, London E14 4BH
Roof Garden at Pantechnicon
Terrace season is back at Pantechnicon's Roof Garden brasserie, and it's bringing all the fresh flavours - we're talkin' big, bold, botanical-forward drinks like the Smoky Blush (that's a mix of mezcal, Capreolus Raspberry Eau de Vie, Peychaud's Bitters and rosé Champagne acidity) and dreamy dishes like sea bass crudo with blood orange, fennel and chilli. Pro tip: book in for lunch to make sure you get your fill of allll that gorgeous light.
19 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8LB
Published 27/04/2023
Updated 04/05/2023