As we bid goodbye to Spring, it’s time to start scouting for some of London’s best outdoor drinking spots, whether it’s an afternoon bottle of wine or sunset cocktails, here’s our round-up of some of our favourites
Chiringuito, Bethnal Green
Chiringuito opened in Bethnal Green during the long hot days of 2018 and is looking forward to another summer season of laid-back weekend brunches on the terrace and sunset cocktails on the rooftop. Framed by the surrounding trees, with rooftop views across the church and park below, Chiringuito is the perfect spot for after work cocktails with friends, laid-back weekend brunches or dinner under the stars.
The Latin American and Hispanic inspired menu has sharing ethos at its heart and features classic dishes para picar alongside South American signatures. The bar also offers an extensive range of Spanish gins, wines, while the cocktail menu puts Latino twists on classics, such as the Mezcaloni, a Mexican take on the Negroni. When the weekend arrives, guests can enjoy bottomless brunch with free-flowing Bloody Marys, Bellinis and Frozen Margaritas on the rooftop.
Heads + Tails, West Hampstead
Neighbourhood cocktail bar Heads + Tails in leafy West Hampstead boasts a beautiful sun-trap garden; with leafy walls, cushion-topped seating and a hidden feel, this secluded outdoor space will be the perfect place to sip spritzes and aperitivo this summer. For after work drinks, order a West End Spritz – Suze and Aperol with aromatic clementine and bergamot cordial topped up with effervescent soda – or the floral Dove – El Gobernador Pisco, Jasmine cordial, fresh lemon, Prosecco – to take out into the sunshine.
Head + Tails is now open for brunch at the weekend which can be enjoyed throughout the bar and outside. The brunch menu has a small-plates focused featuring dishes such as charcoal sourdough with scrambled eggs and Protein Plate of Merguez, chorizo, bacon and house bean mix without forgetting one of the nation’s favourite, spicy smashed avocado, on charcoal sourdough.
Skylight Rooftop at Tobacco Dock
Skylight Rooftop at Tobacco Dock returns is now open for its summer season. Famous for its panoramic and uninterrupted views across the city’s skyline and unique urban lawn games and bar offering, the expansive rooftop venue has become one of London’s favourite summer hot spots. This summer, Skylight is be back with day-beds and garden booths for afternoon lounging, new seasonal cocktails for summertime sipping and an exciting calendar of programming and special events for all-summer partying.
Skylight’s raised platform bar on level 12 has undergone an upgrade for 2019, welcoming all-new day beds and private garden booths as well as added greenery and beautiful plants. Lush green croquet lawns will be returning to the rooftop, as well as the French village game of pétanque as well as table tennis.
