As the weather warms, enjoying an Aperol spritz in the sun becomes more of a need than want.
Nothing compares to a perfect summer's day in London. Blue skies and plenty of sun calls for a drink outside, and what better place to enjoy it than one of the city's most favoured drinking destinations?
Below, we've compiled our curated list of must-visit sun-drenched drinking spots.
The Cadogan Arms
As one of Chelsea's most beloved drinking institutions, this gastropub is guaranteed to be bustling on any given day. During the summer season, the venue opens up its outdoor seating area which doubles as an ideal spot for people-watching. Seasonal cocktails have been curated in partnership with Casamigos Tequila, including the Spicy Peach Margarita and refreshing Hibiscus Paloma. Bottoms up!
This independently owned, neighbourhood wine bar is the perfect place for sun-soaking in London's south west. Located in Balham's buzzing Hildreth Street, the shop interiors have a cosy and welcoming feel, with bottles of wine and their handwritten descriptions lining the walls. The seasonal wine flight comes highly recommended, and proves itself a great way to discover new drops you may not have considered. The flight is available Sunday - Thursday, with August featuring a trio of Romanian drops including two crisp whites and a refreshing rosé. The shop prides itself on featuring a range of distinctive and unique wines, offering an impressive portfolio of options.
Of course, while the wine is the main attraction, the food menu is equally worth shouting about. We'd recommend the generously sized sharing board selection of hard and soft cheeses, cured meats and a basket of warm bread.
With a prime location right above Selfridges, this rooftop venue specialises in Italian cuisine with an extensive list of dishes and cocktails. Unsurprisingly, it is a firm fan favourite on a sunny day, with beautiful skyline views and luscious greenery (it feels just like a miniature Italy). Open seven days a week from lunch through to dinner, there is always an ideal time to visit.
Address: Selfridges, The Rooftop, 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB
In the lively area of London’s Square Mile is a floral oasis positioned perfectly to be drenched in sunshine throughout the late-summer afternoons. Pan Pacific London has collaborated with the French rosé brand, Roseblood, to launch its pop-up terrace, offering a range of Roseblood cocktails, wines, charcuterie and cheese boards and mediterranean sharing plates. In amongst the high-rises of the City, find respite on this beautiful terrace and capture the taste of Provence in our final months of summer.
For a limited time during summer, Japanese dining venue Roka has unveiled a bespoke Casamigos Yatai counter, complete with its own Kakigori machine, to its Charlotte Street terrace. Open between 5.30-7.30pm from Wednesday and Saturday with a bespoke cocktail list in collaboration with Casamigos and an exclusive Casamigos Tequila flight available to order. Wine, saké and beer are also on offer, with a selection of mouthwatering dishes to accompany them.
This Islington address has drawn inspiration from Côte d’Azur in an explosion of sunny yellow prints and luscious greenery. The brasserie terrace is the perfect sun trap during warm weather days, making it ideal for long lunches and dinners which stretch well into the evening. Limited edition cocktails have been created in collaboration with Fever-Tree, including a Lemon Drop Highball and Paloma Rosa. Glasses of rosé also promise to be in free-flow, courtesy of Flint Wines.
Delicious Mexican fare enjoyed alfresco is proving to be a major hit at this dining institution on Chelsea's King's Road. Sponsored by Patron Tequila, this is a picturesque location to enjoy a couple of margaritas in the sun.
With an expansive 70-cover terrace, The Brush Grand Café is guaranteed to have an atmosphere when the weather warms in East London. In the heart of Hoxton, the venue boasts an ideal backdrop for alfresco afternoons
The Pursuit of Pleasure, a 52-year-old blended Scotch whisky from House of Hazelwood and Hedonism Wines, would make the perfect Christmas present for a whisky devotee.
As the festive season approaches, London’s vibrant dining scene is ready to dazzle with an array of delectable offerings designed to elevate your celebrations.
The end of the year is in sight, so if you haven't snapped up a private room for your annual family get-together, company party or reunion with friends, allow us to suggest some of the best in the capital.