London’s Best Outdoor Terraces For a Group Dinner

Overlooking the futuristic architecture of Coal Drops Yard, Hicce’s expansive terrace can easily accommodate larger parties of six or more. There’s an excellent list of juicy natural wines and cocktails for fine weather, while acclaimed chef Pip Lacey’s marries Mediterranean flavours and Japanese techniques. Heaters and parasols offer some insurance if the weather turns.

An expansive outdoor deck overlooking the Regents Canal is one excellent reason to take a leisurely trip to this laid-back bar and kitchen, tucked away in Holborn Studios. The other is Lorcan Spiteri’s food, with cult favourites like a fried onion cheeseburger or chicken sandwich guaranteed to hit the spot; meanwhile, his brother Fin heads up the bar with some of the most perfect cocktails anywhere. Throw in Sunday barbecues all summer, and it’s a particularly good spot for a lazy afternoon hang with a group.

This contemporary British classic has quietly been one of the city’s best-kept secrets for years. Set in the grandeur of an antique-filled Georgian mansion, the restaurant’s terrace and garden is a fine place to visit for drinks and intimate dinners, with a menu offering plates like roast Brixham hake or crisp fritters of Grezzina courgette with a coconut yoghurt.

A relaxed, informal terrace in Soho makes for a relaxing setting for small groups to enjoy the neighbourhood’s buzz, paired to pitch-perfect plates of Sri Lankan cooking that rival the city’s best. Stiff cocktails and a spread of skilfully spiced curries, delicate roti, and crunchy acharu are the foundations of an excellent meal – the Mangalitza pork skewers and mutton rolls are also great for sharing.

There’s plenty of space and atmosphere at this Bethnal Green favourite, which has ample room for groups on its terrace. Fairy light, aperitivo and natural wines, and the rumble of trains above mark out a modern-day East End classic, as does a buzzing crowd and a menu of French and Italian-leaning dishes. Brunches here are legendary.

Seemingly tailor-made for seating groups outside, this Kings Cross favourite offers a spacious covered terrace in Coal Drops Yard with plenty of Mexican plates and large format dishes designed for sharing. Tacos are excellent, with tortillas pressed daily at the restaurant’s dedicated tortilleria, while a lineup of frozen margaritas and mezcals are perfect for kicking things up a notch.

With capacity to suit even the largest groups, this sprawling terrace boasts a backdrop of Ally Pall’s Grade II-listed structure. A selection of bars and street food vendors keeps things casual, while a view of the city skyline is worth savouring.

Modern takes on the humble kebab are the M.O. of this popular Covent Garden restaurant; share a few dishes with your group, or enjoy a socially-distanced feast with dishes like 15-hour pork shawarma, dipped lamb adana, or spicy aubergine sabich. Cocktails are (literally) a strong suit, while the restaurant’s buzzing vibe extends to the tables outside, which line a leafy courtyard by Mercer Walk.

Few will have been able to stroll down Queen’s Road without noticing the busy terrace at this beloved wine bar’s self-styled ‘Peckham Riviera’. Benches dotted with greenery are a lush setting for relaxed group rendezvous, with playful bistro plates from chef Henry Freestone and outstanding wine recs from the restaurant’s owners – all of whom grew up in the area – keeping things flowing.

This excellent pub – from the same team behind the legendary Anchor and Hope – boasts a terrace and sheltered beer garden, with plenty of space for groups from 6-8. The food here is predictably superb, with pies and roasts both specialties, along with summery plates that offer transport to warmer climes – even if the weather can’t.