Summer Bars Where You Can Enjoy the Sun

Al-Fresco Bars in London.

Perhaps 2019 hasn’t been the best summer for the weather.  But, when the sun DOES shine, it seems to be doing so with a vengeance – the highest ever temperature recorded in the UK the other day in Cambridge. 

So, it helps to be in the know – not left searching around at the last minute for that perfect bar where you can enjoy some bubbles in the sun.  The team at London Unattached have been exploring the options, checking out some of the best summer pop-ups that you need to know about.  Here are a few suggestions to help you along.

The Terrace at St Ermin’s Hotel.

The first-floor terrace at St Ermin’s Hotel near St James’s has paired up with  Château La Gordonne this summer with a selection of refreshing Rosés and delicious Provençal dishes.

There are cocktails too – I enjoyed a raspberry fizz made with raspberry sorbet and Pommery Rosé Brut while my companion picked the watermelon daiquiri.  I have to confess I was rather envious of those staying on to dine there – with picnic hampers filled with charcuterie and fromage to share.   And you can taste a flight of different Château La Gordonne wines too.

Provence Rose on the Terrace 
Caxton Terrace, St Ermin’s Hotel,
Caxton Street,
London SW1H 0QW

Somerset House

Somerset House has launched their summer terrace, located on the banks of the River Thames, in partnership with San Miguel. In a prime position on the Victoria Embankment, Somerset House Terrace is serving a selection of chilled San Miguel beers, beer-based cocktails and a menu of Spanish-inspired snacks until the end of September.

The large semi-covered terrace is perfect for lively post-work drinks.  This is an informal terrace, with plenty of customers enjoying the party-vibe.  The drinks are reasonably priced both for the San Miguels, the unusual beer-based cocktails and the wine.  The food mainly consists of nibbles and flatbreads cooked to order, with a variety of toppings.  

Somerset House Terrace
Strand,
London WC2R 1LA

 The Den, St Martin’s Lane Hotel.

Just in time for summer, St Martins Lane hotel has transformed The Den and its exclusive outdoor terrace into a tropical jungle oasis in partnership with Veuve Clicquot’s much-loved Yellow Label and artisan ice cream creators Ruby Violet. Launched earlier this summer, the hotel has become a palm-filled, sunny paradise in the heart of Covent Garden. For a refreshing drink, Veuve Clicquot is served by the glass and by the bottle, perfectly complemented by luscious additions to The Den’s menu including Nduja Sliders with goat’s curd and rocket, and Tuna tartare with avocado and wonton.

We thought that this was the perfect secret spot in the heart of theatre-land.   Attentive service, pretty crockery, with imaginative and beautiful bar snacks.   The tuna carpaccio is worthy of a special mention, especially enjoyed with a chilled glass of Veuve Cliquot.  Afternoon teas are also available and were highly recommended by our waitress.  You can’t book a table on the small terrace, but you can in the larger Den inside the hotel.  

The Den at St Martin’s Lane Hotel
45 St Martin’s Ln,
Charing Cross,
London WC2N 4HX

Bar Boulud Terrace

Want to eat some of the best New York/French food in the world?  In one of the most exclusive spots in London, looking out over Hyde Park, Bar Boulud has an intimate al-fresco terrace where you can enjoy some of the delicious food from the main restaurant. 

I went along to check it out and loved every mouthful!  choose from seabass ceviche, burrata, lobster roll, octopus or one of Daniel Boulud’s famous burgers.  And wash it all down with a glass of champagne. 

Bar Boulud, London
66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA, United Kingdom

Call to check availability+44 (0)20 7201 3899

Berners Terrace X Bombay Sapphire at Sanderson Hotel London’s achingly hip boutique Sanderson hotel has recently opened the Berners Terrace bar for the summer in partnership with Bombay Sapphire gin. Just around the corner from the hustle and bustle of Oxford St, they have created a selection of summer cocktails inspired by the English countryside with the outdoor terrace decked out with a stunning floral display.

At a very reasonable £12, all the drinks are built on a base of ‘bright but delicate’ Bombay English Estate gin. Cocktails includeHampshire Tonic, made with Bombay English Estate gin, rose, lavender, tonic water, and the English Summer Time, consisting of Kaffir lime leaves infused with Bombay English Estate gin, Cherry Marnier, lemon, cranberry and egg white.

We tried the refreshingly exotic Ginger Persuasion a blend of Bombay Sapphire English Estate Gin, Grand Marnier, strawberry, ginger and citrus, and the sweet and fruity Secret Garden – Bombay Sapphire English Estate Gin, apple, grapes, lemon, vanilla. Berners Terrace is the perfect summer urban oasis!

We’ve also been to The Courtyard, currently hosting a Veuve Clicquot pop-up (Veuve is one of our favourite types of champagne).  Set in the centre of this iconic listed hotel, the outdoor courtyard has comfortable seating, in a heated area, with luxuriant exotic vegetation and beautiful water features. Currently, the Sanderson is offering tropical-inspired bar snacks together with Veuve Clicquot champagne, a perfect match. Snacks include salmon tataki with mango salsa, avocado and keta, a light and refreshing dish, matched with a glass of Veuve Clicquot rosé NV brut. 

Or, how about scallop ceviche with papaya salsa and yuzu, which is beautifully presented and delicious. Why not take time out to visit the Veuve Clicquot Courtyard at the Sanderson and sample some fine champagne and tasty snacks in this beautiful alfresco location. 

 
Sanderson Hotel
50 Berners St,
Fitzrovia,
London W1T 3NG

We’ll be updating this list as we work our way around the different bars in London  – so why not bookmark this post for later.