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COVERED TERRACES: WAYS TO BEAT THE AUGUST RAIN
by cityam
August has continued as July left off, with bucketloads of rain, which is absolutely no good for those who fancy a bit of al fresco dining. Forecasts predict the weather to remain “unsettled” for the next couple of weeks so we have rounded up some of the best covered terraces and courtyards in which to enjoy a great meal without having to worry about getting soaked.
SMOKESTAK, SHOREDITCH
SMOKESTAK has a year round heated and covered terrace that’s ideal for whiling away a lazy afternoon eating smoked meat and drinking craft beer. The awning, made of army-green canvas, is designed to protect guests from unpredictable weather but can also be pulled back for sunnier days to allow the light to flood through. Guests can expect signature smoked meats and a barbecue-led menu of much-loved favourites.
£ smokestak.co.uk
LUCA, ISLINGTON
Luca opened in Clerkenwell in November 2016 and has been a staple ever since. The kitchen is headed up by Robert Chambers (previously of The Square, Locanda Locatelli, the Ledbury), who brings to Luca his interpretation of modern Italian cuisine, celebrating the best of seasonal British produce. Guests can enjoy plates including Luca’s renowned parmesan fries, monkfish crudo and rigatoni with pork sausage ragù whilst sipping a Bergamericano Spritz on the secluded, foliage-filled terrace, surrounded by olive trees and jasmine.
£ luca.restaurant
ACME FIRE CULT, DALSTON
In the heart of Dalston, Acme Fire Cult’s patio is the ultimate spot for al fresco feasting. A collaboration with Steve Ryan of 40FT Brewery, Acme Fire Cult offers a new approach to live fire cooking, where vegetables take centre stage, and where food and drink are intrinsically linked. The terrace is fully weatherproofed, with wrap-around cover that can be sealed if the British summer is not playing ball. To be enjoyed alongside the food, 40FT has 10 taps pouring fresh, contemporary beers produced on site, including Dalston Sunrise and Deep Irish Stout.
£ acmefirecult.com
LA GOCCIA, COVENT GARDEN
Situated in the heart of Covent Garden, Italian restaurant La Goccia from the Petersham Nurseries team allows guests to dine al fresco in the tranquil central courtyard, under a canopy to protect from the rain. Lit up in the evening by festoon bulbs and candlelight, the hidden oasis transports guests to a typical Italian piazza where they can enjoy seasonal plates of cicchetti and sip on limoncello spritz and campari soda.
£ petershamnurseries.com
THE BEAUMONT, MAYFAIR
The Beaumont’s chic, sheltered al fresco terrace overlooks Mayfair’s Brown Hart Gardens. With 1920s-style rattan armchairs, blankets, heaters and café tables enfolded by lush greenery, the terrace serves drinks alongside a terrace menu, comprising transatlantic-inspired dishes from Head Chef Ben Boeynaems. Cigars from The Beaumont’s Humidor can also be enjoyed on the terrace.
£ thebeaumont.com
KOYA, BLOOMBERG ARCADE
Koya City’s 50-seater covered terrace is situated in the Bloomberg Arcade, making it a great option for noodle- lovers whether or not the weather improves. This much-loved Japanese udon noodle hotspot serves up an array of hot and cold dishes to suit all types of weather. Be sure to check the blackboard specials, too.
£ koya.co.uk
THE DIM SUM TERRACE AT HARRODS, KNIGHTSBRIDGE
The Dim Sum terrace is an all-day dining restaurant serving a menu that “celebrates the versatility and conviviality of dim sum”. One of only two Harrods terraces open to the public, the space is divided into a conservatorystyle dining room and a terrace that can be fully covered with retractable awnings for rainier summer days. With views over the rooftops of west London and its Victorian townhouses, the intimate terrace is a welcome refuge from the bustling streets below.
£ harrods.com
DININGS SW3 , CHELSEA
Located in a mews off Walton Street close to both Chelsea and Knightsbridge, Dinings SW3 features a secluded outdoor courtyard seating 20. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the Izakaya-style cooking that combines authentic Japanese influences with European cuisines. Executive chef Masaki Sugisaki has developed a style of seasonal sushi and sashimi using fresh seafood from Cornish day boats.
£ diningssw3.co.uk
