If you’re anything like us, you’ll already have managed to sneak a few al fresco plates and carafes in this season (we’re talking about you Pastaio, Isla and Native) and the restorative nature of good food and hospitality enjoyed in the sunshine never ceases to cheer. If you’re looking for a boujis terrace for a celebration, or a chic solo lunch with a cracking wine list, read on for the solution.
We’re also launching Decimiño, a new rooftop taco-and-margarita space at The Standard, London; ACME Fire Cult, Andrew Clarke’s new veg-led live fire concept at 40FT Brewery in Dalston; and Revolve, a beautiful new city brasserie featuring a rotating line-up of the UK’s best chefs.
So this month we’ll be exploring a host of new spots (not least to satiate our wild garlic love), and the sunshine encourages us to visit old favourites too - we hope you manage to do the same.
OUT AND ABOUT: LONDON'S BEST RESTAURANT TERRACES
Spring has undoubtedly sprung – and as the sun begins to peek out behind the clouds, the UK’s restaurants are looking forward to the days of long al fresco lunches, dinners and more. Check out our pick of the top terrace dining spots in the capital.
Luca
Surrounded by olive trees and jasmine, the gorgeous terrace at much-loved restaurant Luca makes for a delightful summer spot in the heart of Clerkenwell. Whether bathed in sunshine during the day or warmed by the open fire in the evening, it’s an idyllic spot for an intimate reception. The terrace is covered by a retractable roof, uniquely perfect for outdoor dining in the heart of London all year round, seating up to 18 people – book your table here.
Trivet
For an al fresco meal with Michelin-starred credentials, Trivet is top of the list. The Bermondsey restaurant boasts a charming outdoor terrace which seats up to 25 guests. The sun-trap streetside square makes a perfect spot for an early evening glass of wine, chosen from a 450-strong list curated by Michelin award-winning sommelier Isa Bal. Book a table, and enjoy some of the masterfully-created dishes by head chef Jonny Lake and team too.
Vinegar Yard
Vinegar Yard’s lively outdoor garden in the heart of London Bridge is undoubtedly the hottest spot south of the river for drinks with friends this spring. Nanny Bill's, Baba G's, Sugo and Nik's Kitchen provide street food bites ranging from Indian-inspired burgers to Neo-Neopolitan pizzas. A large terrace covers the fully heated terrace, taking diners comfortably from day to night – bag an outdoor table here, pre-order drinks packages and party the day away.
Double Standard
Tucked away from busy King’s Cross behind lush greenery, Double Standard’s stylish outdoor terrace is one of the city’s coolest hangouts for warmer days. Al fresco fashionistas can enjoy classic cocktails alongside elevated dive bar bites (think blue cheese burgers and high-end hot dogs), as well as a boozy bottomless brunch on Sundays. Book your table here, kick back with a signature Aperol Slushy and let summer come to you.
Native
Situated in the heart of Mayfair at the Browns department store, the secluded courtyard at Native is a lush oasis hidden in the centre of the city. Amid the silver birch trees and ferns, guests can enjoy a sustainability-focused small plates menu created by chef Ivan Tisdall-Downes, celebrating seasonal British produce. These can be enjoyed alongside cocktails made with foraged ingredients and a natural wine list. Make your reservation here.
Kutir
Kutir, the restaurant from critically acclaimed chef Rohit Ghai, will this spring be reopening its elegantly designed, cosseted rooftop terrace. Overlooking the Chelsea townhouses that surround the restaurant’s discreet location, Kutir will be serving a dedicated terrace menu featuring the some of the restaurant’s signature classic dishes, as well as a selection of new spring plates. Book your sunny rooftop spot here.
And that isn't all!
Check out summer terraces at Koya, Angelina, Oklava, Pastaio, The Ninth, YATAY, Cocotte, Sarap and The Laundry this spring and summer too.
Latest News
Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins to launch ACME Fire Cult x 40FT Brewery
Today, Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins launch ACME Fire Cult, a new live fire concept with its first permanent site at 40FT Brewery in Dalston. A collaboration with Steve Ryan of 40FT, the food and drink at the barbecue restaurant will be intrinsically linked; from using beer by-products such as yeast and spent grain to make ferments and hot sauces, to using ACME’s favourite ingredients as adjuncts in beers, such as ancho chillies. Reservations are open here.
The Standard, London to launch rooftop taco spot Decimiño
On 7 April, The Standard, London will reopen The Rooftop with a brand new food concept from Decimo’s executive chef, Peter Sanchez-Iglesias. Decimiño (or son of Decimo) will bring Sanchez-Iglesias’ acclaimed Spanish-Mexican inspired dishes to the open-air fiesta spot for the summer, including bites from its very own taco truck. Make your reservation here.
Revolve to bring brasserie dining back to the City this Spring
This spring, Revolve, a vibrant, modern brasserie in the heart of the City, will launch in Broadgate. The restaurant will take its inspiration from the much-loved brasseries of Paris and New York. Revolve will also host a unique monthly guest chef programme, with renowned chefs Lee Westcott, John Javier, Anna Hansen, Josh Eggleton and Gareth Ward confirmed for the launch. Find out more here.
Tonic friend Georgina Hayden launches third cookbook 'Nistisima'
“Georgie and I met when we both worked in food publishing a million years ago, and to watch her become this superstar in the food world has been a total joy and not remotely surprising. She’s the most creative, brilliant mind, and writes, cooks and feeds from the heart. She releases her third book into the world this week and 'Nistisima' (meaning fasting food) is a collection of beautifully shot recipes celebrating the international Orthodox community. I couldn’t be more proud of her, and encourage you to snap up a copy immediately.”
Frances Cottrell-Duffield, Founder, Tonic PR & Communications
Happy anniversaries to us!
In PR, it can often feel tempting to focus on the new, but we are very, very proud of our abilities to work with clients long-term. This month we're celebrating six years with Rosa's; four years with Jun Tanaka and The Ninth, three years with The Standard, London and three years with Honest Burgers.
And it's not just clients that we work with long-term, Geena and Yas celebrate four years at Tonic this summer, whilst Raff has been an integral part of the team for three.
We've all been through a great deal together - supporting each other's growth and successes and we held each other's hands through the frightening pandemic. We are very grateful for each and every relationship we hold at Tonic, and look forward to growing old with you too.
Dish Spotlight: Lobster Pasta
In this new series, we're taking look at how our restaurant clients have created wildly different interpretations of trending dishes, from comfort food creations to fine dining reimaginings.
Drunk Lobster with Trivet Noodles at Trivet
Jonny Lake's Michelin-starred take puts a Japanese twist on the ingredients, with a sake sauce flavoured with dashi and miso.
Lobster Linguine at Pastaio
This TikTok-famous pasta from the beloved Italian is an indulgent sharing affair, flavoured with garlic, chilli and parsley.
