Restaurants & Nightlife

5 MINUTE READ

Mayfair’s best outdoor dining

Words by Georgie Young

11 June 2024

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The capital’s most sophisticated terraces are open for summer – here are eight to try.

It’s a warm summer’s day and suddenly it hits you: you must spend the evening sipping sunset spritzes somewhere in Mayfair. So, being experts in London’s most upscale locale, we’ll fill you in on where to do just that. Our selection features new openings and annual staples – dig in below, and click here for more Mayfair restaurant recommendations.

The Terrace at Claridge’s Restaurant

It’s hard to believe, but Claridge’s has never had an outdoor terrace. But that all changed on 20th May, when the team welcomed their first diners to the new secluded, street-level space just outside the main restaurant. They’re offering a summery, seasonal menu (including the hotel’s signature CFC – Claridge’s Fried Chicken) alongside a trio of savoury crumpets (we’re eyeing up the lobster cocktail), three types of rosé, and a killer cocktail list – try the blood orange garibaldi for a twist on the traditional Aperol.

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Brook St, W1K 4HR

Bar Antoine’s Twilight Terrace

Another new terrace for your radar is around the the back of Bar Antoine, which you’ll find smuggled behind Pavyllon in Four Seasons Hotel London. It feels a bit like a beach club, with neon signs, draped canopies, and fairy lights festooned across a Parisian-style outdoor bar. The menu is also a well-needed dose of summer – start with a Golden Hour Champagne cocktail before moving onto pistachio-peppered burrata and lemony poached salmon. And keep an eye out for its alfresco DJ nights – which will surely cement the beach club vibe.

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Hamilton Pl, W1J 7DR

The MAINE Mayfair

Leafy and lively, The MAINE’s terrace feels like a proper secret garden – you’d never know that bustling Bond Street was just a couple of minutes away. It’s designed to feel like a Mediterranean orangery, complete with striped awnings and wicker furniture, and the New England-inspired menu only furthers this illusion – fish tacos, lobster rolls, and all. Our tip? Head here for happy hour for its daily ‘shuck fest’, where you can slurp oysters for a pound apiece.

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6 Medici Courtyard, W1S 1JY

Scott’s Mayfair

Is any table more coveted than one outside Scott’s? The arrival of the seafood stalwart’s terrace is a sure sign that summer is on its way – and this year, it’s taking inspiration from English country gardens, Chelsea Flower Show style. That means whimsical floral arrangements, botanical-infused cocktails (designed in partnership with Tanqueray No. TEN), and a limited-edition dessert – the Scott’s garden spritzer, which is a mix of lemon sorbet and a shot of Tanqueray gin. We’ll see you there.

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20 Mount St, W1K 2HE

The Dorchester in Bloom

The Dorchester’s rooftop is always lovely – but this year, we're also heading to its new, street-level, floral-themed terrace. In partnership with alcohol-free fizz brand Wild Idol, the space has been transformed into a floral haven, complete with high tea, an ice cream cart, picnic-inspired bites, and plenty of sparkling wine. What’s really cool, though, is the immersive AR experience activated by QR code, which – when scanned – will unlock a bespoke Instagram filter designed exclusively for the pop-up.

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53 Park Ln, W1K 1QA

Bubbledogs at CUT Out, 45 Park Lane

We’re seeing a lot of high/low moments at luxury London restaurants at the moment – Claridge’s fried chicken comes to mind, as does Blue Bar’s midnight silver platter of fries. But none are quite as indulgent as 45 Park Lane’s new pop-up terrace, which serves hot dogs alongside Champagne. And these aren’t just any hot dogs. They’re hot dogs topped with lobster and caviar or wagyu and truffle, and there’s even an indulgent chocolate option for dessert.

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45 Park Ln, W1K 1PN

Dovetale

We mostly included Dovetale in this list because we want to talk about the Knickerbocker Glory trolley. But we won’t skip the other important details – like the fact its terrace is a greenery-filled, lively space from double Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers which offers grilled wagyu, oysters, and lemony ravioli. And the aforementioned trolley? As per Dovetale’s partnership with Casamigos, you’ll be able to build your own Knickerbocker Glory and frozen margaritas – which have been given suitably joyful twists via popping candy and coconut flakes.

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1 Dover Yard, W1J 8NE

Le Magritte Terrace at The Beaumont

If your ideal summer evening involves a double shot of bourbon and a selection of Cuban cigars, you’ll want to mosey on down to The Beaumont. Overlooking Mayfair’s Brown Hart gardens, the elegant terrace offers a selection of the hotel’s signature transatlantic dishes – try the truffled toast with bacon jam – alongside classic cocktails, American whiskies, and a selection of Cuban cigars from its luxurious humidor. Get there early – these rattan chairs are available for walk-ins only.

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8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, W1K 6TF

You’ve got good taste. We’ve got the specialist knowledge. So, if you become a Quintessentially member, we’ll keep you up to date on all the latest restaurant openings and trends – as well as securing you priority seats and exclusive perks at the world’s finest drinking and dining spots. Click here to discover membership.

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Georgie Young

As our Digital Editor, Georgie writes about all types of luxury – whether that’s deep dives into London restaurant trends, interviews with famous faces, or travelogues from all over the world.

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