Marianna Hunt

London’s best alfresco dining spots

  • From Spectator Life
La Goccia

The sunny weather is back – and so too is dining out. From April 12, provided coronavirus cases continue to fall, restaurants and cafes will be allowed to serve food outdoors. But with outside space in London at a premium, restaurants with al fresco seating are being booked up fast.

Here are our top picks of the eight best eateries to reserve now for your outdoor reunions.

Darcy and May Green barges

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Why not start things off by dining on top of a floating piece of art? Designed by legendary British pop artist Sir Peter Blake, these barges offer a stylish venue for dipping your toe back into the London dining scene. The 50 metre upper deck serves as a terrace overlooking the Grand Union Canal. It’s the ideal open air spot to enjoy the Aussie-inspired dishes from Darcy Green – from homemade banana bread and flat whites in the mornings to a mouth-watering evening menu. Next door, the sister barge May Green, open all day, transforms into a buzzing bar with delicious and creative cocktails.

https://www.paddingtoncentral….

Circolo Popolare

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Circolo Popolare serves pizzas by the metre and desserts so large you could lose your face in them. It finds that perfect balance between serving really excellent, authentic Italian food – without taking itself too seriously.

The restaurant has become a favourite with Fitzrovia locals for its cacio e pepe: never-ending ribbons of spaghetti served straight from the pecorino wheel for an extra cheesy whammy. Indulge yourself by following that up with Circolo’s lemon pie, topped with just under six inches of fluffy meringue.

It has an outdoor terrace which seats 60 and is overhung by bunting, foliage and twinkly lights. Both Circolo and its sister restaurant Gloria are open for deliveries and takeaway prior to reopening. Mains cost about £15 each.

https://www.bigmammagroup.com/en/trattorias/circolo-popolare

Rail House Cafe

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One to book if you’re nervous about the British weather, the Rail House Cafe’s terrace is both heated and covered.

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