The Coolest Al Fresco Date Spots In London

Rooftop terraces, magical gardens & Michelin-starred pergolas

Time to make a date with these awesome al fresco destinations. 

The brunch date one

The Laundry

South-facing terrace and a booze list to make wine-lovers weep with delight. It certainly got our attention, and all that makes for a date to remember. As this place is on the edge of Brixton Village, you're right to expect a pretty sensational menu - and you won't be disappointed. There's a slight Antipodean twist to the menu here and a pretty amazing selection of vino. Crack on with Caravan coffees with pastries in the morning, then get involved with brunch served until 3pm every day except Sunday, when it goes 'til 12pm. If your date wants to continue past then, there are loads more outdoor spots to check out in the market nearby.

374 Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8P

The fun one (hundred and eighty!)

Flight Club Magic Gardens

Cupid's arrow is always aiming for a bullseye, and the chances are pretty high he'll make his mark if you rock up to the Magic Gardens of Victoria's Flight Club. Al fresco cocktails, pizza paddles, a wicked bandstand and a disco phone box - if that ain't a recipe for love, we don't know what is.

6 Sir Simon Milton Square, London SW1E 5DJ

The carnivorous one

The Lowback

You and your meat-loving, Martini-swilling date are gonna be in heaven, 'cos this floating joint from the crew at Hawksmoor does some of the best carnivorous bar snacks and Gibsons in the game. On a sunny day the terrace is where it's at, so grab a seat and a sip while you and your honey take in some killer views of Canary Wharf. Oh, and bone marrow oysters are a thing here - don't skip 'em.

1 Water Street, London E14 5GX

The blind date one

Heads + Tails

Unsure what your date's vibe is? This place gives you the choice of two bars in one with its killer dual personality, and you can cover 'em both when you sit outside in their lush garden. With cushion-clad benches, a sh*tload of flower boxes bringing colour and a hatch that gives you direct access to the bar, you and your date can get to know each other while getting even more familiar with the multi-faceted cocktail menu.

175 West End Ln, West Hampstead, London NW6 2LH

The one that'll take you back to nature

Petersham Nurseries

If you wanna surround yourself with flora and fauna, this Michelin-starred Richmond restaurant is a plant lover's paradise. When the weather holds, you can dine on a menu of seasonal dishes in their Instaworthy wisteria and rose-covered outdoor pergola. Lush. It’s an open-air affair at their Covent Garden-based restaurant too - get cosy in their Floral Court location and dig into Italian dishes from their kitchen La Goccia.

Church Lane, Off Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 7AB  /  Floral Court, London, WC2E 9FB

The one with the view

Gunpowder Tower Bridge

Wanna know what sets BarChick's world on fire? Cocktails, killer snacks and a fine view. Gunpowder in Tower Bridge is bringing the goods with this terrace in the shadow of London's most iconic bridge in all its architectural glory - not bad eye candy to accompany those Indian-inspired cocktails. 

4 Duchess Walk, London SE1 2SD

The one with wanderlust

The Churchill Bar & Terrace

Not only is this Marylebone hotel bar an absolute stunner - it's got some seriously good cocktails to boot. Its Unity menu is inspired by the flavours of the Americas, Asia and Europe, so it's perfect for the date who loves a bit of exploration and travel. Plus the terrace itself has been given a Provence-themed makeover for the warmer weather this year - we're talkin' oranges, lavender and Champagne galore, ooh la la! Your adventure awaits...

Hyatt Regency, 30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH

The wine bar one

Vagabond Northcote Road

Nothing sets a date back like opting for a pricy bottle of wine and then finding it tastes like vinegar. The Vagabond bars are able to stop such devastating tragedies from occurring with their awesome Enomatic wine machines, with 100 wines of every variety that you can check out in 25ml samples. Once you've found the one you wanna get official with, hit up their "secret garden", complete with fairy lights, blankets and cosy armchairs and decide if you wanna get official with your date.

4 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1NT

The one that'll give you the horn

Wright Bros Battersea Power Station

This riverside joint from our favourite shellfish-loving brothers is as good as it gets. What sets this place apart from the rest of 'em are those insane views that stretch out beneath one of London's most iconic buildings. There's something about being waterside that cranks up the romance levels. When it comes to dates, we're all about shucking, and if you’re gonna do it, Wright Brothers is the place, especially with their awesome oyster happy hour that runs daily from 4-6pm all week. Let the shucking commence.

Battersea Power Station, 26 Circus West Village, London SW8 4NN

The one that'll get you high

Seabird at The Hoxton

This place will have your date weak at the knees, especially if they're scared of heights... you'll probably wanna check that before you book. But anyway, if your chat-up lines aren't working their magic, they'll soon be swooning at the stunning, sprawling roof-top views from this sky-high terrace. You can hit 'em with London's largest oyster menu, then double down with a few rounds of their epic tropical cocktails. Bonus: head to the epic Oriole pop-up in The Hoxton's mezzanine afterwards for a creative nightcap.

14th Floor, 40 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8PB

The one that'll float your boat

Barge East

Wanna test your dates sea-legs? Start with a couple of drinks and plates onboard this 118-year-old barge found in Hackney Wick. It used to be a cargo barge in Holland, now it's bringing a fusion menu of global flavours to anyone who enjoys being gently rocked while they eat. Hello! If you can't get a spot on board, no dramas. Grab a seat in the Barge East Gardens. They've also got a kick-ass heated riverside terrace where you can kick back with casual street food and boozy hot chocolates that'll keep the shivers at bay.

River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Ln, Hackney Wick, London E9 5EN

The luxurious one

The Rooftop St James

In the summer, this sun-trap is where you wanna hit for an extra dose of vitamin D to go with your cocktails. For the colder nights, there's nothing more romantic than snuggling beneath the canopy with views, bubbles, fondue and small plates galore. This is a spot to hit if you wanna impress. Splash some cash for a bottle of Champers while you get cosy under the blankets and take in the view of the West End's rooftops.  

The Trafalgar Hotel, 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, London SW1A 2TS

Searching for more epic date ideas? We've got loads over here.