London’s best outdoor bars and drinking terraces

This youthful drinking spot (they said, sounding like someone’s granny) with a banging soundsystem is right at the foot of Peckham’s Bussey Building. Knock back a hefty rum beside dumpsters filled with tall sunflowers – it’s the ultimate summer Peckham aesthetic.

This hub for drinking, dining and dancing sits in the shadow of The Shard. You’re spoilt for choice with ample bench seating, and surrounding street food vendors are there for when you need to slay the slurs.

Paradise Row is a good name for this stretch of Bethnal Green railway arches filled with bars and eateries. Sager + Wilde leads the field as an all-day restaurant with a focus on excellent wine. Save it for classy summer sipping. The terrace is ideal for alfresco dining, accompanied by world wines and clever twists on classic cocktails.

This really is the place to go for alfresco beers in Tottenham, whether you’re drinking from the tap or from one of its famous illustrated cans. A five-ish minute walk from Tottenham Hale station, you'll find live music and DJs getting stuck into the action during the summer months and food on-site to soak up all that Neck Oil. 

Until October 2023, one of London's finest buildings is hosting a terrific bar on their river-facing terrace, with help from the founder of Tapas Revolution, Omar Allibhoy. Think sharing boards with iberico chorizo, Manchego cheese and plenty of pan con tomate. San Miguel are in charge of the booze, with beer as well as a spritz cocktail on offer.

Make like you're in a swanky city somewhere in the sun-dappled Med at this chic courtyard spot. On the site of the original Flat Iron Square, you'll find Carrubo just south of Borough Market, and its got a decent menu of non-booze cocktails as well as a fair amount that's a little stronger. Try the Picante, made with chilli and coriander infused tequila, lime juice and agave. Hungry? Nip next door to wood-fired open air resto In Horto. 

The chic first-floor outdoor terrace of this modern bar overlooking Clapham Common is a smug place to sit – watch the sunburnt groups emerge as the sun goes down. 

The club and all-day rave-cave hangout space under the party-ready railway arches of Hackney’s aptly named Bohemia Place has neon lights, palm trees, day beds and a roster of hip DJs, which make a summer day spent here feel not entirely unlike a clubbing holiday.

Into cycling? This vermouth-peddling/pedalling bar and all-day café in Coal Drops Yard is a mass of classic Italian bike memorabilia. Crucially, it offers a cute little terrace complete with heaters for chillier London nights. There’s no truer taste of summer than a spritz – and this bar does them by the dozen.

A Hackney Wick bar and kitchen, Number 90 boasts a great canalside location. Expect DJ line-ups, a tempting burger menu and craft beer from east London’s finest. 

A massive flower-filled, two-floor fun palace. The top deck is fully exposed and sunshine also pours through to part of the downstairs floor. Book ahead with a group. Pergola demands an all-day, big-crew attitude. 

At the top of Harrods you'll find Swedish chef Björn Frantzén's Studio Frantzén restaurant – look a little further and you'll discover the fabulous rooftop terrace, with it's mega views of Knightsbridge's rooftops. Think Mary Poppins, but even posher. Cocktails combine Nordic ingredients and Asian flavours, with the likes of the Hartass, with lingonberry, blackcurrant, sloe gin, yuzushu and Champagne. 

Peckham's al fresco drinking scene continues on apace with this spot that features an open fire BBQ grill and two (two!) cocktail bars. There's also a gallery, live music and regular DJs, making the 600-capacity garden terrace perfect for a rowdy al fresco summer.

A riverside Italian restaurant with Bancone’s ex-head chef running the kitchen. The outdoor 100-seater terrace has some commanding views of Tower Bridge. Chuck in a new Sicilian menu and you’re laughing. 

This chic wine shop, bar and restaurant is a great spot to observe the comings and goings of King’s Cross. The terrace is a smart spot for a sauvignon blanc, regardless of whether you’re waiting for a train (or some other, more furtive pursuit).