There are few greater pleasures in a London summer than dining by the water. A cold drink in hand, something fresh and seasonal on the plate, and just enough people-watching to keep things interesting. At Sam’s Waterside – the latest venture from West London restaurateur Sam Harrison, known and loved for his popular spots in Hammersmith and Chiswick – summer dining takes on a distinctly idyllic tone.
Brasserie of Light, Selfridges, Oxford Street
An iconic building on Oxford Street, Selfridges is a gloriously decadent department store that American architect Daniel Burnham designed in a grand Beaux-Art style and that opened in 1909. Grade II listed, the outside of the store features massive Ionic columns. Inside, it’s a retail paradise. The inspiration for the TV drama series Mr Selfridge was the American founder of the store, Harry Gordon Selfridge. If you love a little retail therapy, this is a great place to start. And, if you need a little sustenance, then you should head to The Brasserie of Light.
Boxcar Fire & Wine
Just a stone’s throw from the Marble Arch end of Oxford Street, Fire & Wine by Boxcar is somewhere to remember when you’ve finished shopping and want a break. But it’s worthy of being a destination restaurant too, one where you can meet with friends, share food and wine and relax.
Harry’s Kings Cross
Bang in the heart of King’s Cross’s glossy new quarter, just a suitcase’s roll from the station, Harry’s has flung open its doors this summer with all the swagger of a place that knows it’s being watched. You can’t miss it. The terrace is a riot of greenery and blooms, brimming with diners who look as if they’ve dressed for the occasion. Beneath grand green umbrellas, uniformed staff swirl between tables, women in sleek, figure-hugging emerald dresses, men in striped forest green blazers, cream waistcoats, and bow ties, offering a warm, old-school welcome that borders on theatrical. It’s the kind of entrance that makes you sit up straight and order a spritz before you’ve even seen the menu.
Bluebird City – City of London
The new Bluebird aims to offer all-day dining (including breakfast) with a focus on seasonal British ingredients. The restaurant is smart, light and comfortable. Just like its Chelsea sibling, there’s al fresco space too with signature umbrellas and loads of greenery.
Whittard Tea Cocktails at 108 Brasserie
Tea cocktails and lunch at 108 Brasserie in the heart of Marylebone Village – great atmosphere in this charming hotel brasserie that is perfect for people watching
Chucs Restaurant and Café – Belgravia
Affordable luxury dining at Chucs, Belgravia. Sometimes we all need a little luxury and effortless glamour in our lives. Chucs new flagship restaurant, which has recently opened in Belgravia’s Eccleston Street, provides exactly that. Since the launch of the original and much-acclaimed Chucs on Mayfair’s Dover Street in summer 2014, the group has successfully expanded […]
The Ivy Kensington Brasserie
Summer dining in Kensington at The Ivy Set in a prime location on London’s Kensington High Street, The Ivy Kensington Brasserie’s exterior is looking glorious on a warm and sunny evening with a verdant floral display around the front door in celebration of the Proms. The Art Deco interior is in classic brasserie style with […]
Chucs Kensington – Review
A box-fresh café concept in South Kensington There’s a new kid on the block – Chucs Kensington – gorgeous and chic, down at the corner in South Kensington… Run by celebrated restaurant & café collection Chucs, under the direction of Graziano Arricale and new Executive Chef Simon Henbery, Chucs Café Kensington is the group’s box-fresh […]
London Street Brasserie – Reading
Casual Fine Dining in Central Reading at London Street Brasserie Reading is particularly well served with restaurants. But, many of them are (rather good) outlets that are part of a chain. Finding something that isn’t can be a bit of a challenge, although there’s a growing number of independents these days. One of the earliest […]