Image courtesy Plaza Pastor. Credit: Sam Ashton

Guides   London

The Resy Guide to London’s Best Heated Terraces

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Can’t meet indoors for a socially-distanced catchup? No problem. Each of these restaurants is a welcoming third space, replete with excellent food, wine, and hospitality — and protection from the elements. From soothing autumnal cooking and tacos for a crew, to some of the city’s cosiest hideaways, here are London’s best heated terraces and restaurants to dine outdoors.

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Kitty Fisher's

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Mayfair

There are few places better for an intimate dinner on a crisp autumn evening than at this Mayfair standout, tucked away on a quiet backstreet. Elevated British classics (like potted crab on toast, or grilled Middlewhite pork chop with treviso) and punchy cocktails make it one to savour.

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Rochelle Canteen

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Shoreditch

One of London’s most beloved restaurants for its gentle take on seasonal British fare and understated, serene surroundings, this Shoreditch classic now has a covered terrace by its garden, with heaters to boot. Getting a table here outdoors during the evening used to be impossible, so grab one while you can. 

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Casa & Plaza Pastor

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Kings Cross

Easily one of the city’s best locations for an outdoor get-together, Plaza Pastor’s spacious terrace has always been covered and heated — so for them, it’s business as usual. Sharing plates here are excellent (accompanied with punchy salsas and freshly made tortillas), but it’s just as fun to drop in for some of London’s best tacos and margaritas. 

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SMOKESTAK

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Shoreditch

One of London’s best restaurants for southern-style barbecue, David Carter’s Shoreditch institution has a spacious outdoor area, with plenty of benches for groups and heaters to keep things toasty. The Texas-style brisket and plenty of bourbon cocktails won’t hurt, either. 

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Quality Wines

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Farringdon

Generous, pitch-perfect pours and some of the best cooking anywhere in the city make the handful of seats outdoors at this wine bar-cum-bistro some London’s most sought-after. Nick Bramham’s food is finessed but unpretentious, thoughtful yet nourishing — in short, a light at the end of the tunnel.

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Sager + Wilde Paradise Row

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Bethnal Green

One of the city’s most distinctive terraces is now heated and covered — gather a small crew to drink natural wine and aperitifs, and go deep on the restaurant’s outstanding French and Italian-style sharing plates.

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Hicce

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Kings Cross

A chic, covered terrace overlooking Coal Drops Yard is an appropriate place to knock back a few drinks (with over 60 natural wines and espresso martinis on tap) while experiencing chef Pip Lacey’s bold, creative cooking. 

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Barrafina Dean Street

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Soho

This classic Soho tapas spot has a covered, heated terrace on Dean Street for crisp croquetas, unimpeachably fresh seafood, and a daily-changing blackboard of Iberian specials.   

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Elliot's

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London Bridge

Ever prepared, this Borough Market standout continues its al fresco run with a covered, heated terrace on Stoney Street. San Sebastian-inspired dishes like Basque cheesecakes and ceps with cured egg yolk are outstanding, but pretty much anything on the menu is a winner.

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HWK

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Hackney Wick

Just a few minutes from Victoria Park, this hidden gem boasts a cosy outdoor area that also happens to be covered and heated. Brunch is a staple, and evenings see a strong lineup of cocktails paired to comforting, easy dishes like smoked haddock chowder, tuna poke, and chorizo scotch eggs.

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Fallow Restaurant

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Mayfair

Tucked away in a pretty mews off Piccadilly, this sustainably minded fine-dining restaurant has serious pedigree — two of its founders met at Dinner by Heston. Tuck into innovative and delicious dishes like smoked confit leek, lemon peel pudding with caramel sauce, or a slow-grilled cod’s head with sriracha. 

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Fare

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Old Street

Nitro cocktails, a fantastic lineup of wines by the glass, and excellent pizzas make for the best nights. Michael Sager’s Clerkenwell gem also boasts a sheltered terrace out back, which now comes with the added benefit of full coverage and heaters. 

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Darby's

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Lambeth

Robin Gill’s modern American-style brasserie wears its Irish colours proudly (Dooncastle oysters and Guinness, anyone?), and it’s fair to say that it rises to the occasion like few others. A covered, heated terrace overlooking a moat is comfy enough to easily linger for a few hours. 

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Albertine Wine Bar

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Sheperd's Bush

Infrared heaters and four precious tables outside keep things warm at this locally-adored Shepherds Bush wine bar and restaurant. Some excellent selections by the bottle and glass form the foundation of a superb night out here, with warming dishes like an autumnal pumpkin risotto with celeriac, or poussin with chestnuts and cavolo nero providing a steadying foundation.

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Kudu

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Peckham

A local favourite — well worth the trip to Peckham — this Queen’s Road staple is one of South London’s finest. Refined but homely, chef Patrick Powell’s takes on classic bistro dishes draw subtle influences from his South African background; outside, two tables for three for walk-ins only — blankets upon request if it gets nippy. 

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Koya City

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City of London

Sheltered from the elements by virtue of its location in the airy Bloomberg Arcade, this acclaimed Japanese restaurant has few drawbacks in terms of the current restrictions. More importantly, traditionally made udon noodles and a startling range of broths make it a worthy autumnal choice, while comforting rice bowls (yes, there’s curry) and a rotating cast of specials kick things up a notch.

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