Last Updated on May 7, 2026
The great outdoors
4.5 out of 5.0 starsSpring brings good news: the Royal Horseguards Hotel has opened its summer terrace for the 2026 season. We liked the idea of finally sipping cocktails and dining outside on a sunny day, so we went along to this green and hidden corner of London, moments from Trafalgar Square and the River Thames, to check it out.
The Terrace adjoins Whitehall Gardens, one of London’s many delightful small green spaces. It was filled with the bright colours of thousands of tulips on the day of our visit. Guests can approach the Terrace from the gardens or via the main entrance to the Royal Horseguards Hotel on Whitehall Court.
At the close of a surprisingly sunny spring day and in lovely green surroundings, it seemed only right that I should start the evening with one of The Terrace’s champagne cocktails. I chose the Crown Royal, a mix of Lanson Père et Fils, peach schnapps, peach purée and passion fruit purée that got the level of peachy sweetness just right.
My companion had drunk his first-ever Whisky Sour just a week before our night out. He’d been so impressed that he was on a mission to try it again. Luckily, The Terrace’s version was deemed quite perfect.
For my second visit to the signature cocktails menu, I was seduced by the idea of the Whitehall Spritz. I was intrigued by what the addition of sweet vermouth and Grand Marnier could do to my go-to summer drink – the Aperol Spritz. It turned out to be a pleasantly spicy take on the Italian classic.
My friend picked the Oak Smoked Salmon, which was served in a circle of complementary flavours:
capers and shallots. His only complaint was that the accompanying rye croutons were far too bitey to go with the salmon. He’d have preferred a few slices of the more traditional brown bread and butter.
My starter was the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, which was prettily presented with a scattering of colourful flowers. The hummus, though served a bit too cold from the fridge, was well laced with the flavour of the pepper and came dotted with tomato and black olives. A generous serving of crunchy pitta bread helped to mop it all up.
Then it was on to the mains. We tussled over the pie, both being big fans of such things. I conceded, and my friend thoroughly enjoyed his Chicken, Ham Hock and Leek Pie served with a very creamy mash, crushed peas, crispy onion and a thyme reduction (i.e., gravy).
I wasn’t too jealous as my Pan-Fried Salmon with buttered spinach and crushed herb potatoes was ultimately another plate of very decent comfort food. The well-cooked fish was lifted by the Champagne and dill reduction, plus a drizzle of lemon oil.
Then it came time to test out the desserts. I chose the Chocolate and Orange Mousse with chocolate sauce. I was expecting a nice big bowl of gooey, airy mousse, but something far more dramatic (and possibly a little too fussy) turned up, taking in coulis, jellies, berries, soils and even a red biscuit leaf.
The Blueberry Cheesecake had, alas, sold out by the time we reached the dessert section of the set menu. Our helpful waiter at the Royal Horseguards saved the day, and my companion was delighted with the substitute Apple Crumble. This came not only with the obligatory custard but also with a large scoop of rum-and-raisin ice cream.
The atmosphere on the Terrace changes as night falls and twinkly lights come on. All guests are thoughtfully provided with a nice, thick blanket to deal with any chill in the air.
The Terrace at the Royal Horseguards is a lush green haven in the very heart of London. It’s a lovely environment to enjoy summery drinks or dine on a largely traditional British menu. The staff are uniformly friendly and responsive. The venue is open from midday to 11 pm seven days a week – but this is weather-dependent. There’s plenty of dining space inside the hotel, should rain strike, though. One last thing, well-behaved dogs are very welcome here.
The Terrace at The Royal Horseguards Hotel
2 Whitehall Court, London D
Telephone: 20 7523 5062
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