Outdoor Food and Drink in London

With phase two of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown underway, we can finally welcome back the reopening of outdoor hospitality. The guidelines also allow for groups of six, or two households, to meet in outdoor spaces making it easy for those long-awaited catch ups with friends and family.

As the hospitality industry have been eagerly awaiting the green light to reopen, we can now enjoy the abundance of outdoor venues, from pop-ups to terraces, offering a variety of fantastic food and drink. Here’s a taster of what there is to offer in London…

Some outdoor hospitality venues may require advance bookings due to limited availability so please check accordingly. Remember to always follow the official guidelines.

Covent Garden

The iconic Covent Garden has been transformed into an open-air hub of al fresco seating for 25 restaurants, stretching across seven streets and the Piazza, complete with an outdoor picnic garden for takeaway food and drink. From 12th April, this extensive seating area will have parasols, heaters and wind blocking screens, prepared for whatever the weather. There will also be a six week pop up taking place Thursday to Sunday every week until 16th May 2021, offering a changing roster of exciting street food stalls. Find out more.

Borough Market

London’s word famous Borough Market is reopening for al fresco dining with over 20 restaurants and traders to choose from. While the market has remained open during lockdown providing locals with fresh, high quality goods, outdoor dining is allowed to return from Monday 12th April making it an unmissable destination in the capital. Dining in the heart of the unique Borough Market is not to be missed! 

Alexandra Palace

London’s largest beer garden, The Terrace at Alexandra Palace, is the perfect location to enjoy brilliant food and drink with unbeatable panoramic views of the city and sunsets. From Monday 12th April, a rotation of street food vendors and a well-stocked bar means there will be something for everyone to enjoy. With an exciting programme of entertainment planned throughout this spring and summer, you are guaranteed a great day out. Tables are available for 6 guests – don’t forget to book your table in advance!

Trinity Riverside Bar

Found at Trinity Buoy Wharf, this quirky riverside hangout is located right opposite the iconic O2 Arena. Trinity Riverside Bar reopens from 16th April on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Seating will be spaced apart, food and drink can be ordered via your phone and you can view unobstructed sights of the river Thames and Canary Wharf. A range of delicious food and drink are available to enjoy whilst relaxing in a waterside deckchair. Why not even take the Emirates Air Line there?

West End

60 streets in central London will be transformed into traffic-free zones, perfect for outdoor dining. From 12th April, road closures will allow restaurants and bars to offer more outdoor seating and social distancing with the additional pavement and road space. This scheme, which was successful last year, is set to last until September 2021 to help the hospitality industry after months of restrictions. Dine al fresco in the streets of Soho, Marylebone, Westminster and more. Learn more here.

Southbank Centre 

No stroll by the river Thames is complete without stopping by the Southbank Centre Food Market, a must-see for all foodies. From 30th April, explore a wide range of cuisines and flavours at one of London’s most popular food markets. There will be a one-way system in place, along with socially distanced queues, and dedicated entry and exit points so you can visit with peace of mind. Click here for more information. 

Book your tickets direct on the Hull Trains website or app.