From Chelsea to Soho: Where to dine al fresco in London this summer

4^th August 2025

Food & Travel Desk

Food & Travel Desk

4 August 2025

With the summer heatwave lingering, London’s outdoor dining scene is in full swing. As city dwellers and visitors alike seek open-air spaces to make the most of the sunshine, terraces across the capital are offering a welcome respite – whether for a leisurely meal, a glass of wine, or simply to soak up the atmosphere. From neighbourhood bakeries in Chelsea to sky-high dining in Mayfair, and creative pop-ups in Soho, this roundup highlights some of the city’s most inviting terraces. Each spot has been selected for its combination of thoughtful food and drink, relaxing setting and the chance to enjoy London’s summer at its best. Whether you’re after Mediterranean-inspired plates, Filipino-British flavours or a spot for patisserie and coffee, these terraces provide plenty of choice for al fresco dining and unwinding in the sun.

Cafe Linea: European all-day dining in Chelsea’s historic arcade

Cafe Linea is the latest addition to Duke of York Square in Chelsea, situated within a Grade-II listed 19^th-century arcade. Founded by Greg and Felicity Godik, the restaurant, bakery and bar draws on European cafe traditions, offering a menu shaped by chefs Simon Merrick and Carolina Ferpozzi. Interiors, designed by Dion & Arles, retain original architectural features while introducing modern touches. Highlights include an alfresco terrace overlooking the square and a patisserie counter, Minis by Linea, featuring seasonal British ingredients in handcrafted miniature desserts. On the menu, dishes such as Cured South Coast Mackerel with Tomatoes & Smoked Cream, Burrata with Peach & Heritage Tomatoes and a sharing Roast Chicken in a Nest with Panzanella & Anchoïade bring a distinctly summery feel to the table.

To book a table at Cafe Linea, Duke of York Square London SW3 4LY, call 0204 553 8565 or visit their website here.

Trivet: Fine-dining made easy

Trivet, the two Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Jonny Lake and sommelier Isa Bal, is challenging the conventions of fine dining. This summer, the à la carte menu highlights seasonal British produce without the rigidity of a tasting format. Starters include a playful Hot Tongue Bun and a more refined Cornish Wild Sea Bass Crudo, while mains range from Cornish Plaice with Crab Meat, Tomato, Courgette and Sea Aster to Roast Lamb Rump with Broad Beans, New Potatoes and Wild Garlic. For dessert, the Orange Cake – an homage to chef Jean-François Piège – is served with citrus compote and saffron gelato, offering a bright finish. With a wine list of 450 bottles and Monday evenings dedicated to informal dining at near-retail prices, Trivet prioritises accessibility alongside culinary excellence.

To book a table at Trivet, 36 Snowsfields London SE1 3SU, call 0203 141 8670 or visit their website here.

Provence on the Lane at 108 Brasserie: A French summer pop-up in Marylebone

The Marylebone, part of The Doyle Collection, has launched a seasonal collaboration with French wine producer Maison Mirabeau, transforming 108 Brasserie’s terrace into a Mediterranean-inspired space. Located on Marylebone Lane, the Provence on the Lane pop-up offers a menu featuring dishes such as Sea Bass Crudo, Crispy Gnocchi and Burrata with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, all using seasonal ingredients. The selection is paired with a range of rosé wines from the French producer. The initiative evokes the atmosphere of the French Riviera in the heart of London, with the hotel’s suites providing accommodation nearby.

To book a table at 108 Brasserie, 108 Marylebone Lane London W1U 2QE, call 0207 969 3900 or visit their website here.

Shanghai Me and Bund Lounge: Terrace with a view

Shanghai Me and Bund Lounge have opened on the 28^th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane, offering panoramic views across the city. The restaurant presents a Pan-Asian menu influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cuisines, with interiors reflecting 1930s Shanghai and two private dining rooms. Adjacent Bund Lounge provides cocktails and small plates, with live DJ sets extending into the night. Both venues aim to combine elevated dining and nightlife in a rooftop setting overlooking Mayfair and beyond. 

To book a table at Shanghai Me, London Hilton on Park Lane, 22 Park Lane London W1K 1BE, call 0204 533 5888 or visit their website here.

Three Darlings: Jason Atherton’s neighbourhood bistro in Chelsea

Celebrated chef Jason Atherton has brought his culinary touch to Pavilion Road with Three Darlings, a modern English bistro that feels distinctly at home in Chelsea. Inspired by his three daughters, the restaurant reflects a softer, more casual side of Atherton’s cooking while maintaining the quality and attention to detail he is known for. Pastel tones, velvet banquettes, and an open kitchen create a warm, inviting setting among the street’s artisan cafés and boutiques. With its neighbourhood atmosphere and approachable brasserie-style menu, Three Darlings offers a relaxed counterpoint to Atherton’s more formal ventures, blending comfort with craft.

To book a table at Three Darlings, 241 b Pavilion Road London SW1X 0BP, call 0207 993 3253 or visit their website

here.

Dram and Sex Skateboards: Art and skate Culture to Soho terrace

Award-winning cocktail bar Dram has launched a three-month collaboration with Louis Slater, founder of Sex Skateboards, for this summer. The Soho venue’s terrace has been reimagined as an immersive art space, featuring the brand’s distinctive artwork, limited-edition merchandise, and skateboards available for purchase. Known for its bold designs merging skateboarding and street art, Sex Skateboards has shaped the venue’s summer atmosphere. This marks the first in a series of creative partnerships for Dram, aiming to highlight independent brands and artistic expression in London’s hospitality scene.

To book a table at Dram, 7 Denmark Street London WC2H 8LZ, use their website for online reservations or visit their website here.

Filipino-British pop-up Luto residency at The Pilgrm

Luto, the Filipino-British pop-up led by chef Mary San Pablo, is nearing the end of its first kitchen residency at The Pilgrm Hotel in Paddington. Running until 14 August, the pop-up serves a menu combining British produce with Filipino flavours, featuring dishes such as Blackened Pork Belly with Roasted Pineapple, Beef Short Rib Kare Kare and Leche Flan with Seasonal Fruit. The residency is part of The Pilgrm’s ongoing culinary series, which has included collaborations with chefs Abby Lee and Ramael Scully, and partnerships with Untitled Drinks and wine expert Fiona Beckett. Dinner is available Wednesday to Saturday.

To book a table at Luto at The Pilgrm, 25 London Street London W2 1HH, visit their website here.

Food Desk