Summer in the UK is a precious thing, and the best way to enjoy it is with great food in the open air. Whether you’re after a riverside terrace, a rooftop with city views, or a garden tucked away in the countryside, there’s a patio restaurant out there with your name on it.
These 18 spots across the UK are serving up memorable meals alongside some seriously stunning outdoor spaces. Make your reservation now, because summer waits for no one.
1. The Anchor at Pyrford, Surrey
Sitting beside the River Wey, The Anchor at Pyrford is one of those rare places that feels like a postcard come to life. Flower baskets hang from every corner, and the gentle sound of water makes lunch feel like a mini holiday.
The menu leans into classic British pub food done really well. Order the beer-battered fish and chips and find a spot on the riverbank terrace.
You won’t want to leave anytime soon.
2. Hawksmoor, Manchester
Hawksmoor has built a rock-solid reputation across the UK, and the Manchester branch brings that same energy to its outdoor terrace. Known for world-class steaks and a cocktail list that could keep you busy all evening, this spot is a crowd-pleaser every time.
The outdoor seating area fills up fast on warm evenings, so booking ahead is a smart move. Treat yourself to the bone-in ribeye and a classic Old Fashioned for the full experience.
3. The Pig at Bridge Place, Kent
Garden-to-table dining gets taken seriously at The Pig at Bridge Place, where much of what ends up on your plate was grown just metres away. The outdoor terrace wraps around a beautiful walled garden that feels almost impossibly peaceful.
Menus change regularly based on what’s ready to harvest, which keeps every visit feeling fresh and seasonal. If you care about knowing where your food comes from, this place will seriously impress you.
4. Flat Iron Square, London
Located under the railway arches near London Bridge, Flat Iron Square is part food market, part outdoor dining destination, and completely brilliant for a summer afternoon. Vendors rotate regularly, so there’s always something new to try.
Grab a craft beer, pick up tacos or wood-fired pizza, and settle in at one of the long communal tables. The buzzy, festival-like atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for groups who can’t agree on a single cuisine.
5. The Boathouse, Abersoch, Wales
Perched right on the water’s edge in the Welsh coastal village of Abersoch, The Boathouse serves up some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere in Wales. The views across Cardigan Bay on a clear day are absolutely stunning.
Lobster, crab, and local mussels are regular menu highlights. Arrive early if you want one of the prime seats on the terrace, because this spot is well loved by locals and visitors alike.
6. Brasserie Blanc, Oxford
Raymond Blanc’s Brasserie Blanc in Oxford brings a little French countryside charm to the heart of one of England’s most beautiful cities. The covered terrace is ideal for warm evenings when you want al fresco dining without the risk of a summer shower ruining dessert.
Classic French dishes like moules mariniere and duck confit sit comfortably on a menu that feels both approachable and special. A glass of Provence rose makes everything taste even better out here.
7. Dishoom, Edinburgh
Dishoom brings the spirit of old Bombay cafes to Edinburgh, and the outdoor terrace adds a whole new layer of charm to the experience. Even on a slightly cooler Scottish evening, the warm lighting and buzzy atmosphere make it feel like summer wherever you’re sitting.
The black daal and bacon naan roll are legendary for a reason. Start with a house lemonade, share a few small plates, and let the evening stretch out naturally.
Pure magic.
8. The Ivy Clifton Brasserie, Bristol
Bristol’s Clifton Village is already one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in the UK, and The Ivy Clifton Brasserie fits right in. Its terrace is a lovely spot for weekend brunch or a leisurely summer lunch, with a menu that covers everything from eggs Benedict to lobster linguine.
The crowd here tends to be stylish and relaxed, which sets a nice tone for the whole meal. Book a corner table for the best view of the leafy surroundings.
9. The Star Inn the City, York
Tucked beside the River Ouse in the heart of York, The Star Inn the City is one of those spots that rewards you just for finding it. The riverside terrace is calm, shaded, and genuinely one of the nicest places to eat lunch in the whole of Yorkshire.
Chef Andrew Pern’s cooking celebrates local produce in a way that feels both clever and comforting. The Yorkshire sharing boards are particularly popular when the sun comes out and everyone’s in a relaxed mood.
10. Sexy Fish, London
Sexy Fish in Mayfair is one of London’s most talked-about restaurants, and its outdoor terrace is just as dramatic as the interior. Think bold design, excellent cocktails, and a menu built around Asian-inspired seafood dishes that genuinely live up to the hype.
The crispy duck salad and black cod are consistently praised by regulars. Summer evenings here carry a certain electric energy that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.
Dress up, order generously, and enjoy every moment.
11. The Waterside Inn, Bray, Berkshire
Few dining experiences in the UK match the elegance of The Waterside Inn in Bray, a three-Michelin-star restaurant with a terrace that sits right on the edge of the Thames. It’s the kind of place that makes even a Tuesday feel like a celebration.
Michel Roux Jr.’s French cuisine is extraordinary, and eating it outdoors beside the river takes the experience to another level entirely. Save this one for a very special occasion and savour absolutely every bite.
12. Cail Bruich, Glasgow
Glasgow’s dining scene has grown brilliantly in recent years, and Cail Bruich sits right at the top of that exciting wave. This Michelin-starred restaurant celebrates Scottish produce in a tasting menu format that’s creative without being overly complicated.
When the weather plays along, the outdoor seating area becomes one of the city’s most sought-after tables. Expect beautifully plated dishes featuring Highland beef, Scottish langoustine, and seasonal vegetables you probably haven’t tried before.
13. The Scran and Scallie, Edinburgh
Run by the team behind the Kitchin, The Scran and Scallie is a relaxed Scottish gastropub with a lovely little garden that comes alive during summer. It’s the kind of place where kids are welcome, dogs occasionally wander past, and no one’s in a hurry.
Haggis, neeps and tatties sit alongside excellent burgers and proper Sunday roasts on a menu built for comfort. The garden fills up quickly on sunny weekends, so arriving early is genuinely worth the effort.
14. Silo, Brighton
Silo in Brighton is the UK’s first zero-waste restaurant, and eating here feels like doing something genuinely good for the planet while also having a brilliant meal. The outdoor area is simple and thoughtfully designed using reclaimed materials throughout.
The menu changes constantly based on what’s available and sustainable, which makes every visit feel like a small adventure. Fermented flavours and foraged ingredients pop up regularly, giving the food a bold and distinctive character you won’t find elsewhere.
15. The Seahorse, Dartmouth, Devon
Dartmouth is one of Devon’s most beautiful harbour towns, and The Seahorse makes the most of its stunning waterfront location. Fresh fish delivered daily by local boats means the menu is as seasonal as it gets, and the quality shows in every single dish.
The whole grilled fish and hand-dived scallops are perennial favourites among regulars. Bag a terrace seat on a sunny afternoon, order a crisp glass of Picpoul, and let the harbour views do the rest.
16. Ottolenghi, Islington, London
Yotam Ottolenghi’s Islington restaurant has a loyal following for good reason, and the outdoor courtyard seating is one of London’s quieter summer gems. Mediterranean-inspired salads, roasted vegetables, and slow-cooked meats create a menu that’s colourful, generous, and deeply satisfying.
Sharing is very much encouraged here, so gather a group and order widely across the menu. The lemon tart and pistachio cake are non-negotiable finishes to any visit.
Pure, joyful, unpretentious cooking done brilliantly.
17. The Feathered Nest Inn, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
Set high in the Cotswolds with sweeping views across the Evenlode Valley, The Feathered Nest Inn has one of the most breathtaking outdoor dining settings in all of England. The terrace feels like it’s floating above the countryside on a clear summer day.
The cooking matches the surroundings, with seasonal British dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Sunday lunch here, with a glass of wine and those views stretching out in every direction, is an experience worth planning your whole weekend around.
18. Brat, Shoreditch, London
Named after the old English word for turbot, Brat in Shoreditch has become one of London’s most exciting restaurants since opening in 2018. The rooftop terrace is where things really heat up, quite literally, thanks to the open wood-fired cooking that happens right in front of you.
Chef Tomos Parry draws on Basque cooking traditions to create dishes full of smoke, char, and bold flavour. Whole fish, aged beef, and seasonal vegetables cooked over fire make this one unforgettable summer dining experience.