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Discover top-notch pizza, French cuisine and more in a sunny spot in central London
Do you know what time it is? Time to bask in the sunshine. So dig out those shorts and sandals and eat al fresco, London-style, with friends or significant others. To earn some kudos, we suggest heading to Seven Dials, an ideal spot to eat out-out.
Right in the heart of London, Seven Dials remains the West Ends hidden gem. Despite being home to 90 stores and more than 50 contemporary cafés, restaurants, bars and pubs, its intimate courtyards, quirky streets and friendly ‘local neighbourhood’ vibes lend it an authentic café-culture feel, perfect for people-watching and outdoor dining.
Here are some superb Seven Dials al fresco eateries to wine, dine and chat – while topping up the old vitamin D, and showing off the new pedi. Dial up the temperature, we’re ready.
Nestled in the tranquil – and Instagrammable – Neal’s Yard, is Homeslice, serving up fresh wood-fired pizza from noon till 10pm. Go for a slice or go big and opt for the whole 20”. There’s a satisfying mix of the classics along with some innovative flavour combos: chorizo, creamed corn and coriander certainly caught our eye.
Homeslice, 13 Neal's Yard, WC2H 9DP
Located on Upper St Martin’s Lane is newcomer St Martin’s House. With a dedicated al fresco dining area, the restaurant draws inspiration from the area’s historic flower market to create an intimate urban oasis. It’s a picturesque backdrop to a menu of British classics devised by Head Chef Val Armstrong using seasonal, fresh and responsibly sourced produce. Meat-lovers can plump for options such as the Apple Fig Pan-Seared Cotswold Pork Chop with savoury herb-bread pudding and red chard, but there’s options for veggies and vegans too, including Cauliflower Steaks with chimichurri, sprouted broccoli, butternut squash purée, crispy shallots and pine nuts.
St Martin’s House, 4A Upper St Martin's Lane, WC2H
Just across on Earlham Street is Seven Dials Market, which not only has a superb food hall but plenty of tables outside to catch some rays and tuck into some of the specialty street foods from its vendors from noon-10pm.
Following the relaunch of the historic Cucumber Alley: there’s Naanstop Express offering mini-Mumbai bites, OshPaz dishing up original Uzbek food with Silk Road flavours including spicy dumplings, and sweet treats such as indulgent Belgian waffles from Deekenek. It’s the ideal solution to those endless debates about who wants what.
Seven Dials Market, 35 Earlham St, WC2H 9LD
Born out of a festival field, Chick ‘n’ Sours has come a long way since its inception. Serving herb-fed birds alongside tasty sides, sour cocktails and soft-serve ice cream, it's the kind of place you can load up on sarnies, tenders and wings while always having enough space for dessert. Its cool aesthetic backs up the no-clucks-given attitude, as the Seven Dials spot boasts outside space, neon signs and funky tunes to get you grooving as you chew.
1a Earlham Street, Seven Dials, London WC2H 9LL
Also in Neal’s Yard, you’ll find strong Scandi-vibes at 26 Grains. Let’s not forget that along with the Nordic concept of hygge they have 24-hour midsummer sunshine, so expect a cosy set-up indoors and out. Dining is 9am-9pm, but their breakfasts are ridiculously hard to resist, with stars such as five-grain porridge with blackberry compote, cardamom granola, yoghurt and almond butter to start your day en plein air.
26 Grains, 1 Neal's Yard, WC2H 9DP
If you're craving a little Italian culture, Casanova & Daughters is keeping you well fed with Sicilian deli goods and glasses of vino. Named after Cedric Casanova (not the historical lothario) who had an international career in the circus before turning his attention to his heritage, the restaurant serves authentic dishes utilising ingredients like fresh pecorino, capers, anchovies and more, carefully selected from local producers.
6 Neal’s Yard, London WC2H 9DP
Come the afternoon, Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels comes to life, and in the sunshine this Seven Dials wine bar becomes Neal’s Yard’s own little patch of French-inspired savoir faire. Savour a chilled glass of Claude Riffault – a lovely Loire Valley Sancerre, or an Alsace Albert Boxler while nibbling on charcuterie or sampling the Beillevaire cheese board selection.
Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, 8-10 Neal's Yard, WC2H 9DP
This is definitely one of the more swishy places you can dine in the area. Giving you boutique vibes, mixed with a hint of grandeur, it's labelled as casual but also makes you want to dress up a little. Whether you're looking for nice afternoon tea ideas or intimate dinner à deux, this place is equipped with a menu of modern British dining, showcasing the best seasonal produce. There's even an indulgent brunch at the weekends if you really feel like treating yourself.
10 Monmouth Street, Seven Dials, London WC2H 9HB
