Outdoor private dining in London: 9 restaurants with alfresco spaces for hire

The capital certainly isn’t short of places to eat alfresco, which is mildly ironic considering the British weather’s propensity for clouds, wind and rain. To prove the popularity of outdoor dining, we rounded up some of the best outdoor restaurants in London and discovered well over 60 really, really good ones. Clearly, people love to eat outside, and we would have to agree that there is something infinitely exciting about dining under the sky, exposed to the elements (as long as the main element in question is sunshine).

That’s why, if you’re looking to host a private dinner for a special occasion, birthday, work party or anniversary, you might want to consider booking an outdoor private dining room in London. It might sound counterintuitive eating outdoors when the British weather is so unpredictable, but you could always book one of these spots for a last-minute dinner with friends when the sun comes out to play. Equally, many of these restaurants in London with outdoor private dining offer spaces suited to all weather conditions, from terraces with retractable roofs and heaters, to rooftops with canopies and blankets – perfect for dining all year round. Besides, after a cocktail or two, you probably won’t notice a slight chill in the air anyway.  

So, whether you’re looking to soak up some summer rays over canapes and cocktails with loved ones, or are planning an intimate dinner that really needs to be enjoyed beneath a starry sky, take a look at this list of the best places for outdoor private dining in London. These restaurants and venues are great for groups and house some of the most stunning spaces in the capital, from foliage-filled secret gardens to rooftop terraces with panoramic views. There’s plenty to discover if you know where to look, so gather the troops and get something special in the diary at one of these alfresco spots.  

Louie London, Covent Garden

What: Creole hotspot Louie always has a party going on thanks to a calendar of live music on every night of the week, and this is perfect for those who want to organise a dinner with some atmosphere. The foliage-laden Terrace is perfect in summer, when the retractable glass roof can open up to become truly al fresco.
Where: 13-15 West Street, WC2H 9NE
Book now: Louie London

Crispin, Spitalfields

What: We’re rather enamoured with Crispin’s relaxed, seasonal plates, but throw in a sunny day and a lovely outdoor terrace to luxuriate on, and there aren’t many better places in East London. The wine list is superb too, and all just five minutes walk from Liverpool Street. A gem.
Where: White's Row, E1 7NF
Book now: Crispin

Barge East, Hackney Wick

What: This charming old Dutch Barge on the canal at Hackney Wick turns out some quite astonishing food, especially given the constraints of cooking on the water. The canal-side terrace is a nice suntrap too - you can hire the whole of the gardens for up to 200 people and tuck into excellent street food.
Where: White Post Lane, E9 5EN
Book now: Barge East

Stanley's Chelsea

What: Stanley’s courtyard garden isn’t the hidden gem it once was, but it remains a wonderful place to spend an afternoon - a real oasis amid the humdrum of West London. The courtyard is covered and heated so you can sit out there most times of year, and food is typical seasonal British fare, celebrating great produce from all over the UK.
Where: 151 Sydney Street, SW3 6NT
Book now: Stanley's Chelsea

Aqua Nueva, Oxford Circus 

What: It doesn’t get much more central than Aqua Nueva which is perfectly placed next to Oxford Circus. Part of the Aqua Restaurant Group, this high-end Spanish restaurant is known for its exceptional food and glamorous interiors, although it’s the outside we’re more interested in here, with a partially-heated roof terrace that offers awesome views of central London’s rooftops. Equipped with its own bar, you can book this space for up to 100 people reception-style. One of its private dining rooms, La Casita, also offers its own private terrace bookable for up to 50 guests.  
Where: 240 Regent Street, W1B 3BR 
Book now: Aqua Nueva 

Luca, Farringdon

What: For lovers of Italian food, we can’t recommend Luca enough for a private dinner, not least because it boasts a beautiful private space reminiscent of an old Italian garden. Lined with olive trees and jasmine and featuring a huge stone fireplace at one end of the terrace to keep guests warm in the winter, this stunning space will inject any occasion with buckets of romantic charm. The terrace can accommodate up to 18 guests around a long central table.  
Where: 88 St John Street, EC1M 4EH 
Book now: Luca

Jurema at The Mandrake, Fitzrovia  

What: Located a mere stone’s throw away from Oxford Street, it’s hard to believe that this urban oasis exists so centrally in the city. Located on the first floor of The Mandrake hotel, Jurema is a breath-taking hanging garden overlooking the courtyard below. Begin the evening with cocktails and canapes on the Jurema Terrace, followed by an intimate dinner in the Glasshouse (overlooking the courtyard). Alfresco dining has never looked so good. 
Where: 20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG 
Book now: Jurema at The Mandrake

Cinnamon Kitchen, City 

What: Cinnamon Kitchen has two locations in London, including one in Battersea, but it’s this City post that offers an all-weather outdoor terrace for dining under the sky. With seating for up to 30 guests, this space is great for large parties looking to dine on some top Indian fare from their special terrace menu.  
Where: 9 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YL 
Book now: Cinnamon Kitchen City

The Maine, Mayfair

What: Right in the heart of Mayfair, The Maine's alfresco terrace feels private and secluded with foliage and greenery that envelopes the space. Fresh linens, mohair, and black-and-white tones give the daytime here a relaxed and sophisticated feel that becomes more glamorous as the night draws closer. Accommodating up to 100 guests, the space can also be fully enclosed and is equipped with heaters and pashminas if the elements become a little less favorable.
Where: 6 Medici Courtyard, W1S 1JY
Book now: The Maine

Not fussed about being outdoors? Take a look at the best restaurants for groups in London to discover some of the best private dining rooms in the city.