Last Updated on February 7, 2026
Relax in style at the English country garden terrace in the heart of Whitehall.
4.5 out of 5.0 starsAs the summer heatwave continues into July, Londoners and tourists across the capital may be seeking shade in a relaxed and stylish setting, accompanied by delicious food and drink. The English country garden terrace at The Royal Horseguards Hotel may well have them covered. In an iconic location, a stone’s throw from the River Thames, nestled next to Whitehall Gardens, guests can enjoy a leafy and laidback atmosphere with a view of the landmark London Eye on the other side of the river.
The Royal Horseguards, a 5-star hotel in the heart of London’s Whitehall, is a location with a rich history. Previously the host to Prime Ministers Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George, the building was modelled in the 19th century in the style of a French chateau and is now a listed building. Despite its central location, the terrace is peaceful and quiet, perfect for an afternoon drink or a social evening meal.
The cocktail menu at The Royal Horseguards has some smart signatures, including The Terrace Spritz, with Beefeater 24 gin, elderflower tonic, and cloudy apple juice and mint, The Raspberry Fizzante featuring Belvedere vodka, cranberry juice, sparkling wine, and raspberries, and The Pimm’s Spritz with Pimm’s No.1, sparkling wine, lemon tonic, strawberries and cucumber.
We enjoyed The Cavalry Cocktail, created by TV mixologist Andy Pearson for The Royal Horseguards Hotel’s ‘Help for Heroes’ campaign. It featured Ruby Port, Cognac, Grand Marnier and Red Burgundy, and was pleasantly tart with the sharp burn of cognac. From the non-alcoholic drinks menu, we appreciated the tropical and summery Splash mocktail, featuring passion fruit purée, cloudy apple juice, lime, mint, sugar, and soda water.
For starters, the superfood salad with quinoa, kale, candied walnuts, sunflower seeds, edamame, avocado, and citrus vinaigrette, accompanied by butternut, was a fresh rainbow of colours on the plate. Diners could also add grilled salmon, grilled chicken or tiger prawns for a healthy start. Across the menu, we noted the large portion sizes at the Horse Guards Hotel terrace, which are excellent for hungry sightseers.
The burrata and heirloom tomato salad with pesto dressing, black olive crumb, and basil cress was refreshing and well-presented, with the crunchy olives making a notable addition.
For mains, the grilled lamb cutlet, made from salt marsh lamb, was served with tender stem broccoli, a ganoush puree, and a mint-infused lamb reduction, all of which were delicious. Particularly excellent was the very smoky aubergine, while the lamb was perfectly succulent, in another generous portion.
The chargrilled 10oz Hereford ribeye steak, served with thick-cut chips, vine-ripened cherry tomatoes, portobello mushrooms, and green peppercorn sauce, was tender and cooked to medium-rare perfection. The powerful boost of the peppercorn sauce made it a worthy accompaniment.
Dessert consisted of traditional rice pudding with vanilla and cinnamon, as well as sweet notes of coconut, alongside panna cotta perfumed with Earl Grey.
The service at Royal Horseguards was superb throughout our meal. The waiters and manager on the evening we visited were friendly and helpful, and made our visit especially enjoyable. No doubt, visitors to the terrace, whether for a meal, a drink or afternoon tea, will be able to relax and be well looked after.
The terrace remains open for the rest of the summer, offering a welcome and calming respite as summer temperatures in the capital continue to rise.
2 Whitehall Court,
London SW1A 2EJ
02075235062
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