London's best alfresco dining
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By Time Out Editors
Posted: Tue Jun 16 2009
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West-
Cafe Ginkgo
Ginkgo Gardens, Ravenscourt Avenue, W6 0SL
The cakes are the pick of the food at this bright new café in a classy garden centre beneath the arches of the District Line. A springy courgette cake, topped with creamy icing and long threads of courgette and carrot, was unusual and enticing. Brownies are of the densely chocolatey and not-too-sweet school of brownie thought. A lamb tagine was well flavoured and tender, though it needed more sauce and less couscous; a decent-enough smoked haddock quiche came with two refreshing salads picked from a choice of five, including slabs of smoky aubergine with tahini and the colourful combination of carrot, beetroot and fennel. You can eat amid the shade and greenery of the garden centre or pay less and take the food to peaceful Ravenscourt Park with its romantic walled garden - the perfect hideaway for dining couples.
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Greek Affair
1 Hillgate Street, Notting Hill, W8 7SP
This relaxed and relaxing little Greek bistro near Notting Hill’s Gate cinema has a sweet first-floor terrace above the restaurant, with parasols, heaters and little plants around the ten tables. Although the terrace umbrellas give some protection against the elements, things can get a little tricky when the weather turns: because the premises are small, it isn’t easy to accommodate outdoor bookings inside when disaster strikes. Read more
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Princess Victoria
217 Uxbridge Road, Shepherd's Bush, W12 9DH
We like this gastropub a great deal, but were tempted to keep schtum about its adorable herb garden. It opened in a walled courtyard last summer. There are drawbacks: the garden’s in shade after around 6.30pm; the ten tables, seating perhaps 40 people, can’t be booked; and the fact that this is where you retire to for a puff on one of the fine Cuban stogies from the Victoria’s Wine & Cigar Shop will put some people off dining. But the food is very good - a great roast on Sundays and the likes of crab bisque or chargrilled 28-day-matured rib-eye with triple-cooked chips feature on the changing menu. Also impressive are the drinks - 400 bins of wine (nearly 40 by the glass), three real ales. Still not tempted? Two courses for just £12.50 at lunch might sway you. Read more
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Saran Rom
Waterside Tower, The Boulevard, Imperial Wharf, Townmead Road, Fulham, SW6 2UB
Ponder the social stratification of transport as trains rattle the plebs across Grade II*-listed Cremorne Bridge while the helicopter of another Russian oligarch thrums in to the helipad on the far bank. Or just dig into some top-quality Thai food. The menu has intriguing and well-executed dishes, as well as classics confidently and attractively served. The view of the river from these 28 riverside tables, with sun umbrellas and heaters, is certainly better than the view the other way: Saran Rom is part of a soulless modern complex right on the Thames. But we love those helicopters. Read more
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4 comments
Yep...interesting places but far from best alfresco fine dining...
I'd suggest Coq D'Argent (Bank tube) - amazing beautiful terrace and great food...Check out 'In the Park' - lovey there! (St James) ....The Salt House (Abbey Road)...+ many more
NW - NW- NW- NW
Wow, Glad that North London is getting typical comprehensive coverage...
Good Job to be honest,
But I am pretty sure that N4, N16 and N5 exist.... but not in the ultra cool world of Timeout...
Just how do you get a job as a Timeout reviewer?
I'm sure I could do it, as long as I had my imagination removed.
I also do not see the RIBA restaurant and cafe's gorgeous terrace on the list. I was there yesterday and it is like a grand oasis on a hot day.
I can't believe you've overlooked the Tree House in your dining outside piece. It's easily the best food in easily the best setting.
Please send someone and do a proper review if you don't believe me.