Best Patios in London: Top Outdoor Dining & Beer Gardens

London has some genuinely brilliant patios, and if you know where to look, you can find everything from sun-drenched rooftops with panoramic city views to tucked-away courtyard gardens that feel miles from the noise of the street. This guide covers 15 of the best patios in London right now, sorted by category, mapped by neighbourhood, and loaded with the practical details you actually need before you go: hours, dog policy, whether there's a cover when it rains, how to book, and what kind of crowd to expect. Venue locations were mapped to boroughs using the Greater London Authority's London Datastore (GLA), London borough boundaries dataset (Ordnance Survey-derived shapefiles) to ensure correct borough attribution London Datastore (GLA) — London borough boundaries dataset.

Who this guide is for

Whether you live in London and are looking for a new favourite outdoor spot, or you're visiting and want to make the most of any sunshine you're lucky enough to catch, this is your starting point. I've focused on venues that genuinely earn their patio reputation, not just places that dragged a couple of chairs onto a pavement. The picks span restaurants, bars, beer gardens, and rooftop terraces across central and inner London, with enough variety to cover a lazy brunch, a big group celebration, a dog-friendly afternoon pint, or a cocktail-fuelled evening with a view. If you're also exploring nearby cities, our guides to the best patios in Cambridge Ontario and the best patios in Peterborough are worth bookmarking too. If you're planning a trip to the historic university city, see our guide to the best patios in Cambridge for café terraces, riverside spots, and student-friendly courtyards.

Best overall patio in London

The Ivy Chelsea Garden is the single best all-round patio experience in London. It's a sprawling, beautifully landscaped outdoor garden restaurant on King's Road in Chelsea that manages to feel both special-occasion and genuinely relaxed at the same time. The space is large enough that it doesn't feel crammed, the food is consistently good (modern brasserie-style with a strong brunch), the service is attentive, and the outdoor heating and covered sections mean it works in almost any weather. It's also one of the few London patios that handles reservations smoothly, so you're not gambling on a walk-in. Yes, it's ££££ territory, but for a full sit-down patio experience where everything just works, nothing else in the city matches the combination of setting, reliability, and food quality.

Top picks by category

Best dog-friendly patio

The Pembury Tavern in Hackney is a standout for dog owners. It has a large enclosed beer garden, water bowls on request, and a genuinely welcoming attitude to four-legged visitors. The craft beer selection is excellent and the crowd is relaxed and neighbourhoody.

Best for lunch or brunch

Caravan King's Cross has a wide outdoor terrace that catches great midday light and serves some of the best brunch in the city. The all-day menu, strong coffee programme, and open-plan terrace make it a go-to for a long weekend lunch.

Best rooftop with a view

Skylight Tobacco Dock in Wapping offers a rooftop croquet lawn, cocktail bar, and genuinely impressive views over east London. It's seasonal and can get busy, but the view and vibe are hard to beat on a clear evening.

Best beer garden or brewery patio

Bermondsey Beer Mile has several excellent options, but Fourpure Brewing Co. stands out for its spacious outdoor taproom area. It's casual, unpretentious, and the pours are fresh. Perfect for a Saturday afternoon.

Best for groups

The Albion in Islington has a large rear garden that's genuinely group-friendly, with long communal tables, a solid pub menu, and a policy of accepting bookings for outdoor tables, which makes logistics much easier when you're coordinating 10-plus people.

Best budget or pocket-friendly patio

The Star by Hackney Downs is a neighbourhood pub with a no-frills but genuinely pleasant beer garden, reasonable pint prices, and zero pretension. It's the kind of place where you can arrive with a tenner and leave having had a great afternoon.

Best for cocktails

Radio Rooftop Bar at ME London on the Strand has a proper cocktail programme and views over the Thames and the City skyline. It's a smart, dress-code-aware venue, so worth knowing before you turn up in trainers.

Best for families

The Parlour in Kensal Rise has a large, leafy garden that's relaxed enough for kids to run around in without you feeling judged. The food is crowd-pleasing, there's space to spread out, and the pace is unhurried.

The full directory: 15 top patios in London

Below are 15 venues that I'd genuinely recommend to anyone looking for quality outdoor patio time in London. Each entry covers the details that matter most before you commit to the journey.

1. The Ivy Chelsea Garden

• Address: 195–197 King's Road, Chelsea, London SW3 5EQ
• Neighbourhood: Chelsea
• Website: theivychelseagarden.com
• Hours: Mon–Sat 11:30am–11pm; Sun 11:30am–10pm (confirm for current seasonal hours)
• Price range: £££ (approx £40–£60 per person with drinks)
• Typical crowd: smart-casual couples, celebratory lunches, weekend brunchers
• Outdoor features: covered sections with retractable roof, outdoor heaters, al fresco garden lighting
• Seating type: landscaped garden courtyard
• Reservation policy: reservations strongly recommended; book via website or OpenTable
• Dog-friendly: no (not dog-friendly inside or on terrace)
• Wheelchair access: yes, step-free access available
• Nearby transit: Sloane Square (District/Circle line), 15-min walk
• Best time to go: weekend brunch or early summer dinner before the evening rush

2. Caravan King's Cross

• Address: 1 Granary Square, King's Cross, London N1C 4AA
• Neighbourhood: King's Cross
• Website: caravankingscross.co.uk
• Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–10:30pm; Sat 9am–10:30pm; Sun 9am–4pm (confirm seasonal hours)
• Price range: ££ (approx £20–£35 per person with drinks)
• Typical crowd: creatives, remote workers on laptops for brunch, weekend families
• Outdoor features: open-air terrace; limited parasol cover; no heaters on main terrace
• Seating type: canal-side terrace overlooking Granary Square fountains
• Reservation policy: walk-ins welcome; reservations available for lunch/dinner via website
• Dog-friendly: yes, dogs welcome on the terrace
• Wheelchair access: yes, fully step-free
• Nearby transit: King's Cross St Pancras (multiple lines), 5-min walk
• Best time to go: weekend brunch in late morning before midday peak

3. Skylight Tobacco Dock

• Address: Tobacco Dock, Wapping Lane, London E1W 2SF
• Neighbourhood: Wapping
• Website: skylightlondon.com
• Hours: seasonal (typically April–October); check website for current opening schedule
• Price range: ££ (approx £20–£40 per person with cocktails)
• Typical crowd: young professionals, date nights, East London social groups
• Outdoor features: fully open-air rooftop; limited shade; check seasonal heater provision
• Seating type: rooftop terrace with croquet lawn and bar seating
• Reservation policy: table booking recommended, especially weekends; book online
• Dog-friendly: no
• Wheelchair access: lift access available; confirm in advance
• Nearby transit: Shadwell (Overground/DLR), 10-min walk
• Best time to go: early evening for the best light over east London

4. The Pembury Tavern

• Address: 90 Amhurst Road, Hackney, London E8 1JH
• Neighbourhood: Hackney
• Website: individualpubs.co.uk/pembury
• Hours: Mon–Thu 3pm–11pm; Fri 3pm–midnight; Sat 12pm–midnight; Sun 12pm–11pm (verify current hours)
• Price range: £ (pints from approx £5.50–£6.50)
• Typical crowd: Hackney locals, craft beer fans, dog owners, students
• Outdoor features: large enclosed beer garden, partially covered section
• Seating type: enclosed garden with picnic-style benches
• Reservation policy: walk-ins only for garden; no reservations
• Dog-friendly: yes, dogs very welcome; water bowls available
• Wheelchair access: partial; garden has level access from the back; confirm ahead
• Nearby transit: Hackney Downs (Overground), 5-min walk
• Best time to go: sunny weekday afternoons or early Friday evenings

5. Radio Rooftop Bar at ME London

• Address: 336–337 Strand, Covent Garden, London WC2R 1HA
• Neighbourhood: Covent Garden / Strand
• Website: melia.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/london/me-london/restaurant-bar.htm
• Hours: Tue–Sun from 5pm (hours vary seasonally; confirm ahead)
• Price range: £££ (cocktails £14–£18; expect £40+ per person)
• Typical crowd: hotel guests, city professionals, date nights, tourists wanting a skyline view
• Outdoor features: open-air rooftop with retractable canopy section; heaters available
• Seating type: rooftop terrace with lounge seating and bar stools
• Reservation policy: reservations strongly recommended; smart-casual dress code enforced
• Dog-friendly: no
• Wheelchair access: lift to rooftop; confirm step-free route with venue ahead of visit
• Nearby transit: Temple (Circle/District), Covent Garden (Piccadilly), both within 10-min walk
• Best time to go: Thursday–Friday evenings for city skyline at dusk

6. Fourpure Brewing Co.

• Address: 22 Bermondsey Trading Estate, Rotherhithe New Road, Bermondsey, London SE16 3LL
• Neighbourhood: Bermondsey
• Website: fourpure.com
• Hours: Fri 4pm–10pm; Sat–Sun 12pm–8pm (check website for current schedule)
• Price range: £ (pints approx £5–£7)
• Typical crowd: craft beer fans, couples, South London locals, cycling groups
• Outdoor features: open-air taproom courtyard with some sheltered seating
• Seating type: industrial-style courtyard with picnic benches and bar tables
• Reservation policy: walk-ins; no reservations for outdoor taproom
• Dog-friendly: yes
• Wheelchair access: ground-floor level access; confirm with venue
• Nearby transit: South Bermondsey (Overground), 10-min walk; bus routes on Old Kent Road
• Best time to go: Saturday afternoon for the full Bermondsey Beer Mile experience

7. The Albion

• Address: 10 Thornhill Road, Islington, London N1 1HW
• Neighbourhood: Islington
• Website: the-albion.co.uk
• Hours: Mon–Fri 12pm–11pm; Sat–Sun 11am–11pm (verify current hours)
• Price range: ££ (approx £25–£40 per person with food and drinks)
• Typical crowd: Islington families, groups celebrating, brunch regulars
• Outdoor features: large rear garden with open-air seating; heaters and parasols in shoulder season
• Seating type: traditional pub garden with long communal and individual tables
• Reservation policy: outdoor garden bookings accepted for groups; walk-ins for smaller parties
• Dog-friendly: yes, dogs welcome in the garden
• Wheelchair access: partial garden access; contact venue for specific needs
• Nearby transit: Angel (Northern line), 15-min walk; Highbury & Islington (Victoria/Overground), 12-min walk
• Best time to go: Sunday lunch in summer

8. Lido Bar & Kitchen, Serpentine Lido

• Address: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
• Neighbourhood: Hyde Park / Bayswater
• Website: serpentinelido.com
• Hours: seasonal (May–September, typically from 10am); check site for closures
• Price range: ££ (approx £20–£35 per person)
• Typical crowd: park visitors, families, swimmers, tourists, Hyde Park joggers winding down
• Outdoor features: fully open-air lakeside terrace; exposed to elements
• Seating type: lakeside terrace overlooking the Serpentine
• Reservation policy: walk-in during busy days; some table reservations available via website
• Dog-friendly: dogs on leads welcome in Hyde Park; outdoor terrace dog policy — confirm with venue
• Wheelchair access: accessible path through park; confirm ramp access at venue
• Nearby transit: Lancaster Gate (Central line), 10-min walk; Knightsbridge (Piccadilly), 15-min walk
• Best time to go: early weekday mornings in July or August for a quiet seat

9. The Parlour, Kensal Rise

• Address: 60 Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, London NW10 3JH
• Neighbourhood: Kensal Rise
• Website: parlourkensal.com
• Hours: Tue–Thu 5pm–11pm; Fri 4pm–11pm; Sat 12pm–11pm; Sun 12pm–9pm (verify)
• Price range: ££ (approx £25–£40 per person)
• Typical crowd: young families, west London locals, weekend brunch groups
• Outdoor features: large leafy garden; covered seating area; some outdoor heaters
• Seating type: garden courtyard with mix of shared and individual tables
• Reservation policy: reservations accepted for garden (especially weekends); book online
• Dog-friendly: yes
• Wheelchair access: ground-level garden access; confirm layout with venue
• Nearby transit: Kensal Rise (Overground), 3-min walk
• Best time to go: Saturday afternoon lunch when the garden fills up gently

10. Ciao Bella

• Address: 86–90 Lamb's Conduit Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 3LZ
• Neighbourhood: Bloomsbury
• Website: ciaobellarestaurant.co.uk
• Hours: Mon–Sat 12pm–10:30pm; Sun 12pm–9pm (confirm current hours)
• Price range: ££ (approx £25–£40 per person with wine)
• Typical crowd: Italian food lovers, Bloomsbury locals, pre-theatre diners
• Outdoor features: pavement terrace with parasols; not heated
• Seating type: streetside pavement terrace on a quiet pedestrian-friendly street
• Reservation policy: recommended for terrace seats; book by phone or website
• Dog-friendly: dogs tolerated at outside tables; confirm ahead
• Wheelchair access: flat pavement access; interior can be tight
• Nearby transit: Russell Square (Piccadilly), 5-min walk; Holborn (Central/Piccadilly), 10-min walk
• Best time to go: warm weekday lunch when the street is quieter

11. The Princess of Shoreditch

• Address: 76–78 Paul Street, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4NE
• Neighbourhood: Shoreditch
• Website: theprincessofshoreditch.com
• Hours: Mon–Sat 12pm–11pm; Sun 12pm–10pm (verify)
• Price range: ££ (approx £30–£45 per person with food and drinks)
• Typical crowd: tech workers, creative industry, East London weekend brunchers
• Outdoor features: rooftop terrace; partially covered; outdoor heaters
• Seating type: rooftop pub terrace
• Reservation policy: bookings strongly recommended for rooftop; book online or by phone
• Dog-friendly: dogs welcome in the downstairs pub area; rooftop terrace — confirm policy
• Wheelchair access: rooftop via stairs only; ground floor accessible
• Nearby transit: Old Street (Northern/Elizabeth), 5-min walk
• Best time to go: Friday evening for after-work drinks with a Shoreditch rooftop feel

12. Bageriet

• Address: 24 Rose Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9EA
• Neighbourhood: Covent Garden
• Website: bageriet.co.uk
• Hours: Mon–Sat 8am–6pm; Sun 9am–5pm (verify current hours)
• Price range: £ (pastry and coffee approx £5–£10)
• Typical crowd: tourists, café-goers, Covent Garden shoppers, morning walkers
• Outdoor features: small alley terrace with a few outdoor seats; no cover or heaters
• Seating type: alley-side café terrace
• Reservation policy: walk-in only; no reservations
• Dog-friendly: yes, small dogs tolerated outside
• Wheelchair access: narrow alley access; may be challenging with a wheelchair
• Nearby transit: Covent Garden (Piccadilly), 2-min walk
• Best time to go: weekday morning for a quiet cinnamon bun with an outdoor seat

13. Café OTO Garden

• Address: 18–22 Ashwin Street, Dalston, London E8 3DL
• Neighbourhood: Dalston / Hackney
• Website: cafeoto.co.uk
• Hours: varies by event; bar typically open from 6pm on event nights; check listings
• Price range: £ (drinks approx £4–£7)
• Typical crowd: Dalston arts crowd, music fans, night owls
• Outdoor features: small outdoor courtyard; open-air; no heaters
• Seating type: courtyard with basic outdoor seating
• Reservation policy: walk-in for bar; event tickets purchased separately
• Dog-friendly: dogs tolerated in outdoor courtyard; confirm ahead
• Wheelchair access: limited; contact venue for specific access needs
• Nearby transit: Dalston Kingsland (Overground), 5-min walk
• Best time to go: summer evenings before or after a music event

14. Oxo Tower Brasserie Terrace

• Address: Barge House Street, South Bank, London SE1 9PH
• Neighbourhood: South Bank
• Website: oxotower.co.uk
• Hours: Mon–Sat 12pm–11pm; Sun 12pm–10pm (confirm with venue)
• Price range: £££ (approx £40–£60 per person)
• Typical crowd: couples, business lunches, tourists seeking South Bank views
• Outdoor features: open terrace with Thames views; overhead cover in bar area; limited heaters
• Seating type: riverside terrace on the 8th floor with views of St Paul's and the City
• Reservation policy: reservations recommended; book via website
• Dog-friendly: no
• Wheelchair access: lift access to 8th floor; step-free once inside
• Nearby transit: Blackfriars (District/Circle/Thameslink), 5-min walk; Waterloo (multiple lines), 12-min walk
• Best time to go: weekday sunset dinner for the best light on St Paul's

15. The Star by Hackney Downs

• Address: 15 Queensdown Road, Hackney, London E5 8NN
• Neighbourhood: Hackney Downs
• Website: individual pub; search Google Maps for current details
• Hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–11pm; Fri 3pm–midnight; Sat 12pm–midnight; Sun 12pm–10:30pm (verify)
• Price range: £ (pints approx £5–£6.50)
• Typical crowd: Hackney locals, families at weekends, dog owners
• Outdoor features: enclosed rear beer garden; mostly open-air; basic parasols
• Seating type: traditional pub garden with picnic benches
• Reservation policy: walk-in only
• Dog-friendly: yes
• Wheelchair access: ground-level garden; confirm internally
• Nearby transit: Hackney Downs (Overground), 5-min walk
• Best time to go: weekend afternoons in summer

London neighbourhoods and their patio scenes

London is not one place to eat outside. It's about 15 different cities depending on which postcode you're in, and the patio scene reflects that. Here's a quick map of what each area does best so you can pick your neighbourhood before you pick your venue.

Shoreditch and Hackney

This is the best area for casual, buzzy outdoor drinking. Expect rooftop bars, enclosed courtyard pubs, and beer gardens attached to creative spaces. The crowd is young, the prices are generally reasonable, and the energy on a Friday evening is unmatched. Good for: after-work drinks, craft beer, dog-friendly afternoons. Slightly less suited to: quiet romantic dinners or anything requiring smart dress.

South Bank

If you want a view with your patio, South Bank delivers consistently. The Oxo Tower terrace, various riverside cafes along the Southbank Centre walkway, and the stretch between Waterloo Bridge and Tower Bridge all have great open-air options. The trade-off: it's busy year-round with tourists, so weekend evenings can feel crowded. Best for: dates, visitors to London who want iconic views, post-theatre drinks.

Chelsea and Fulham

Chelsea has the most polished patio experiences in London. The Ivy Chelsea Garden is the headline act, but the neighbourhood in general does well-maintained, well-funded outdoor spaces that attract a smart-casual crowd. Expect longer waits for tables, higher prices, and generally excellent food and service. Best for: special occasions, long weekend lunches, impressing visitors.

King's Cross and Bloomsbury

Granary Square and the King's Cross development have genuinely transformed outdoor dining in this part of London. Caravan and several other venues around the square offer canal-adjacent and open-air options that feel central but surprisingly calm on weekday mornings. Bloomsbury's Lamb's Conduit Street is one of London's most pleasant outdoor-dining streets. Good for: brunch, lunch, families, people watching.

Islington

Islington's pub gardens punch above their weight. The Albion is a great example of what the area does well: a solid pub with a proper garden, good food, and an easy-going atmosphere. Upper Street and its side streets also have a handful of pavement terrace options. Best for: groups, Sunday lunch, dog-friendly afternoons.

Notting Hill and Kensal Rise

This is west London's most laidback outdoor-dining patch. The Parlour in Kensal Rise is the standout, but Portobello Road and the streets around it have a handful of good pavement café and terrace options. Best for: unhurried weekend afternoons, families, people who appreciate a slightly slower pace.

Bermondsey and Peckham

South-east London has become one of the best areas for outdoor drinking in the city, largely driven by the Bermondsey Beer Mile and the Peckham Levels rooftop. Expect industrial settings, great craft beer, easy-going crowds, and wallet-friendly prices. Best for: craft beer, Saturday afternoon groups, casual dates.

Covent Garden and the Strand

Central London's patio scene can feel tourist-heavy, but there are genuine gems here. Radio Rooftop for evening cocktails, Bageriet for a morning coffee with a streetside seat, and several quieter alley and courtyard spots off the main drag. Best for: evening drinks with a view, convenient central meetups.

Quick comparison: key patio attributes at a glance

On mobile, scroll this table horizontally to see all columns. The most important columns for first-time visitors are typically covered/heated (for British weather), dog-friendly, and reservation policy. For another relevant comparison, see best patios in peterborough. For another relevant comparison, see best patios in cambridge ontario. For another relevant comparison, see best outdoor patios london.

How to choose the right London patio for your needs

The right patio depends less on rankings and more on what you actually need that day. Here's a quick decision flow that covers the main scenarios.

Date night

For a date, you want either a beautiful view or a genuinely atmospheric garden, not just chairs on a pavement. The Oxo Tower terrace at sunset is hard to beat for drama. Radio Rooftop is more of a cocktail-bar setting, which works well if you're starting the evening there before moving on. If you'd prefer something more intimate and garden-like, The Ivy Chelsea Garden is worth the splurge. Book ahead for all three.

Family lunch

You need space, an unhurried atmosphere, and food that has something for everyone. The Parlour in Kensal Rise and The Albion in Islington are both excellent. Caravan King's Cross is also great for families: the square outside gives kids room to burn energy while you finish a coffee. Avoid rooftop venues with young children unless they have enclosed seating areas.

Big group

For a group of 8 or more, you need a venue that accepts advance bookings for outdoor tables, has enough seating to keep everyone together, and ideally does a set menu or easy sharing plates. The Albion is the most reliable option on this list. For a more casual group outing, Fourpure Brewing Co. on a Saturday afternoon requires no booking and has plenty of bench seating.

After-work drinks

Speed matters here. You want somewhere close to a tube, somewhere that does walk-ins on weekday evenings, and somewhere with a decent beer or cocktail selection. The Pembury Tavern, The Princess of Shoreditch (ground floor bar for walk-in), and Caravan King's Cross all hit this. For something more upscale, Radio Rooftop works if you book in advance and don't mind the dress code.

Budget afternoon out

London's best cheap patio options are in Hackney and Bermondsey. The Pembury Tavern, The Star by Hackney Downs, and Fourpure Brewing Co. all deliver a proper outdoor patio experience for the price of a couple of pints. Bageriet in Covent Garden is the best-value option in central London if you're happy with coffee and pastries.

Booking and bad-weather tips

London weather is genuinely unpredictable, even in summer. A plan is always worth having before you commit to an outdoor table.

Your pre-visit checklist

1. Check the Met Office forecast for your specific area the night before and morning of your visit. Don't rely on a 5-day forecast if you're planning a patio lunch.
2. Confirm your reservation: call or check your booking confirmation 24 hours ahead. Outdoor tables are sometimes moved or cancelled in changeable weather.
3. Ask about cover and heaters when you book. Specifically ask: 'Is the outdoor area covered, and will heaters be on?' Don't assume.
4. Check the venue's social media (Instagram or Facebook) for that week's posts. Many venues post about weather-related changes or special events that affect outdoor seating.
5. Look up the venue on Google Maps the morning of your visit to check current opening hours and any temporary closure notices.
6. Have an indoor fallback in mind. Know whether the venue has indoor seating, or identify a nearby indoor alternative before you travel.
7. If you're bringing a dog, call ahead rather than just trusting a listing. Dog policies can change seasonally.
8. For rooftop venues, confirm the lift is working if you or someone in your group needs step-free access.
9. If you're booking for a group, confirm the minimum spend or deposit policy before arriving. Some outdoor areas have private-hire minimums that apply to large bookings.
10. Save the venue's phone number in your contacts so you can call quickly if plans change on the day.

Walk-in strategy

If you're going walk-in, weekday lunchtimes and early weekend afternoons (before 1pm on Saturday, before noon on Sunday) are the best windows for getting a table without a wait. Avoid arriving at peak times (1–2:30pm Saturday and Sunday, after 7pm any evening) at popular venues. Some venues hold a proportion of tables for walk-ins even when they're otherwise fully booked, so it's always worth asking at the door rather than turning around at the host stand. When published hours conflict with third‑party listings, prioritise direct venue communication (phone/email), then the venue’s official social announcement within 30 days, then a timestamped website notice, and finally Google Business special hours, log the date/time of the confirmation call and the staff member’s name/role for editorial records; see Poynter Institute, journalism verification best practices (contacting sources and resolving conflicts) Poynter Institute — journalism verification best practices (contacting sources and resolving conflicts).

When the weather turns

Many of the best London patios have some degree of weatherproofing: retractable roofs, heavy-duty parasols, outdoor heaters, or covered terrace sections. If it starts raining during your visit, ask staff whether the cover can be deployed or whether indoor space is available. Most well-run venues have a plan for this. The venues most exposed to weather changes are fully open-air rooftop spots (Skylight, Lido Bar) and basic pub gardens without heaters (The Star by Hackney Downs, Café OTO). At these, have your backup ready.

Accessibility, etiquette, and a few honest trade-offs

A few things worth knowing before you go. On accessibility: rooftop venues are the trickiest. Always confirm lift access before visiting if step-free access matters. Courtyard and garden venues tend to be the most accessible, while narrow pavement terraces (like Bageriet) can be genuinely difficult with a wheelchair or pushchair. On etiquette: tipping in London is discretionary but 10–12.5% is standard at sit-down restaurants. Some venues add a service charge automatically; it's always fine to ask for it to be removed if service was poor. On time limits: at busy venues, especially rooftop bars in summer, you may be given a 90-minute or 2-hour slot. This is standard at Radio Rooftop and The Princess of Shoreditch on peak evenings. It's worth knowing before you sit down so you're not rushed by surprise.

If you're exploring outdoor dining beyond London, our guides to the best patios in Boston and best patios in Cambridge cover two of the best patio-hunting cities outside the UK. For more specifically London-focused recommendations, the best outdoor patios in London guide covers additional venues and seasonal picks across the city.

Know a great London patio we've missed?

This guide gets updated as new venues open and existing ones evolve, so if you've found a brilliant patio that isn't on this list, we'd genuinely love to hear about it. Submit your recommendation through the directory at Best Patios Near Me and it could be reviewed and added to a future update. The best patio tips always come from people who've actually been there, sat in the sun (or drizzle), and ordered something worth coming back for.