Last Updated on May 13, 2026
A stylish and chic outdoor space – The Orrery Terrace with Renais Gin
4.8 out of 5.0 starsWhen the weather warms up, London takes on a new character, with outdoor spaces ideal for enjoying al fresco dining and drinking. If you are looking for a superb rooftop terrace, the Orrery Terrace with Renais Gin, in Marylebone High Street, should be on your list.
The Orrery building has recently reopened following refurbishment. On the ground floor, the Epicerie is a great place for buying delicious sandwiches and pastries to eat on the premises or take away. The light and airy fine-dining restaurant and wine room are located on the first floor. A short staircase leads up to the delightful rooftop terrace running along the length of the building.
Executive chef Pierre Minotti joined from Alex Dilling at the Hotel Café Royal, where they gained two Michelin stars within four months of opening. He has also worked at other leading Michelin-starred restaurants in London, including Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester and Hélène Darroze at The Connaught.
His cuisine is based on French traditional dishes, adding his own creativity to elevate them. He uses the best suppliers to ensure the highest quality of the ingredients in the kitchen.
We were invited to review the Orrery Terrace by Renais Gin shortly after it had opened. It was a warm, sunny May afternoon, and we were looking forward to a leisurely catch-up outdoors.
Denis, our waiter, warmly greeted us and showed us to our table. As our table was booked early, we chose to sit at the end of the terrace at the table with the best view.
The Orrery Terrace by Renais Gin transports you to the south of France, with small pots of Mediterranean herbs dotted along the wall and as a table decoration, olive trees add to the mediterranean ambience. The stylish striped lounge chairs, complete with Renais-branded blankets for a chilly day, are so comfortable that you will not want to leave. An awning provides welcome shade on a hot day.
The menu of small plates and Renais Gin cocktails offers plenty of choice for a light meal.
To start a cocktail, of course, whilst we perused the list of enticing sounding small dishes. My friend opted for the Negroni fraise, Renais Gin with white vermouth, Aperol, strawberry, and verjus. A twist on the classic Negroni, she found it sweet, fruity and refreshing. For me, a French 75, Renais Gin with lemon juice, simple syrup, and NV Laurent Perrier la cuvée brut. It was presented in a classic flute with a lemon garnish; this was a light cocktail with a zingy citrus taste, a perfect start after my journey to London by train.
We decided to sample a few of the savoury dishes. “Cordon Bleu” croquettes with smoked chicken, Parisian ham, and Comté cheese. These were small, round croquettes packed with delicious meat and full of flavour.
The potato rösti and Cancoillotte cheese, from the Jura region of France, was a delectable dish. Fingers of crispy potato rösti, accompanied by a tiny copper pot of hot, melted cheese. The cheese was very tasty, but this was a difficult dish to eat as it was rather runny.
The sea bream carpaccio with dill, jalapeno, and smoked cream was the standout savoury plate for us. A bowl containing wafer-thin slices of sea bream in an exquisite dressing.
By this point, it was time for another drink. We plumped for a glass each of the Laurent-Perrier Rosé Brut Champagne, which was perfect for a warm afternoon. You can’t beat a glass of bubbles to accompany a leisurely meal.
We ordered another savoury dish from the menu. Grilled gem lettuce with burrata and anchovy. It was beautifully presented and a light dish.
We were not in a hurry to leave; you could hear the birds singing in the trees, and it was peaceful despite being in the heart of Marylebone. We lingered until it was time to try something sweet.
Gariguette strawberries, a French variety known for its sweet taste, with cheesecake ice cream, a bowl of sweet, flavoursome strawberries with dainty cubes of jelly and smooth ice cream. Strawberries are always a perfect summer fruit, and these were exceptional.
Lastly, we had to try the bourbon vanilla flan with cocoa nibs and whiskey. This was pastry at its best, a crisp, thin, buttery pastry case with a smooth filling. A sublime end to the afternoon.
If you are looking for an elegant outdoor terrace for cocktails and exceptional food, the Orrery Terrace by Renais Gin fits the bill. We spent an excellent afternoon sampling the menu at this chic location.
The Orrery Terrace by Renais Gin is located in Marylebone High Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park or Baker Street underground stations.
Opening times
The Orrery Terrace by Renais Gin is open on Wednesdays to Saturdays from 12.00 pm to close, Sundays from 12.00 pm to 6.00 pm.
Orrery Terrace by Renais Gin, 55 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 5RB.
Tel: 020 7616 8000
For more information and to reserve a table at The Orrery Terrace with Renais Gin
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