Oh the joys of eating outside in the sun or by a heater, surrounded by friends and strangers feeling the buzz of the city once more. As restaurants deck out their terraces with cosy seating and heat sources, we've picked out our favourite places to socialise outdoors this spring.
1. The Pear Tree Café, Battersea Park
This recent addition to Battersea Park has revolutionised the whole experience of chilling by the great lake. What was previously a run down Italian joint is now a thriving European style eatery where you can order anything from brunch food, burgers and toasties to pastries and ice cream in the warmer months. In the summer, the outdoor bar comes to life with live music every week and friends gather for a pint by the water as the sun sets. Dogs are allowed.
2. Duke of York Square, Chelsea
The Duke of York Square is the cultural hub of Chelsea with numerous restaurants, the famous Saatchi Gallery and some of our favourite high-end retailers. Restaurants such as Le Comptoir Libanais, Polpo and Vardo have terraces with sun drenched tables to enjoy a well deserved lunch after an exhausting session of retail therapy. Vardo have just opened a roof terrace as well as their ground floor outdoor seating which will give you a Birdseye view over the square. Just perfect for people watching. On Saturdays, there is a thriving food market from 10am - 4pm with food stalls serving cuisines of all nationalities.
3. Battersea Square, SW11
This cute little square by the river is the local hang out spot for Battersea dwellers. With the river just across the road and Battersea Park a 15 minute walk away, people gather in the evenings and sit out ‘en terrace’ with a fresh pint of beer in hand. Although the restaurants have changed hands a few times over the road, you'll be sure to find a good bite to eat from Vinos & Licores tapas style menu to soak up the booze. A well kept secret is the garden at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant London House. The perfect spot for a romantic date ‘a deux‘ with its laid back brasserie style menu.
4. Italo, Vauxhall
In the sweetest spot on Bonnington Square, tucked away from the hustle & bustle of Vauxhall station, youll find Italo Deli. This neighbourhood deli and eatery has a true feeling of community. The owner has run the cafe for over a decade and is a friendly and passionate chap with lots of character. The food is simple and delicious packed with high quality produce, often Italian. (hence the name!)
The menu changes frequently and is limited to a few, carefully curated dishes. When the sun is out and you're lucky to get a table, you will feel as smug as anything sipping on that freshly brewed cup of coffee.
5. Milk Cafe, Balham
Food wise, this has got to be my favourite stop. This Australian run café has all the cool vibes of an East London eatery without the pretence. Go for the Convict breakfast bun or the buckwheat pancakes. In the summer, they serve a homemade soft serve ice cream featuring some interesting and unusual flavours. There are lots of outdoor trestle tables and the coffee is so to die for, you might find yourself ordering one, two or even three! Take a look at their homemade cake selection too - you won't regret it. If you're an Aussie you'll know what I mean about their Anzac biscuits... And if you don't have enough room for dessert, just take it home for tea. But get there early as there's often a bit of a queue but it's a small sacrifice for their delicious food, says every foodie ever.
