Al-fresco London

Dining in the great outdoors is my thing. 

Picnics, Riverside, Suspended on a Rooftop or on the ground with a box of treats- very little relaxes me more than having the sun beaming down on my skin. 

As global warming takes it's toll (short term gain, long term pain)- the rise in Al Fresco Dining is taking the Capital by Storm! 

Here's a look at my favourite joints that glisten oh so bright when the sun is out: 

1. 
The Refinery At Regent's Place London 

Scandinavian Sleek at it's finest, a series of slouchy leather couches spill out onto the terrace and greet you as you enter while furry blankets and hot water bottles are scattered around the place for the cold-blooded. 

2.
The Verandah at Dishoom, Shoreditch. 

Scattered, Sporadic and just a whole lot of Fabulous- I LOVE this place when the sky is blue! Open from breakfast to brownies, lounge around with the old-school jazz feel that fills this East London Haunt. 

3.
The Terrace at The Royal Horseguards Hotel, London 

Whitehall Gardens washed in rays of sunlight- there really is no better way to spend balmy summer nights. Head over for a round of my favourite Blueberry Mojito's- have two on me! 

4.
Raw at LA Suite West, London

Now lets get one thing straight, I'm a carnivore. I like my animals died and deep-fried (excuse my curtness) - however on the odd occasion I can get down with the Vegan Folk! RAW in the LA Suite West Hotel is the veganites version of heaven. Meat-free, Dairy-free, Gluten-free.. it'll definitely spur you on for your health craze! 

5.
Angler, London 

Michelin starred in Prime City Location- Angler on the Roof of the South Place Hotel is pitted as my resident hangout for this summer! Beautifully vintage Wicca chairs, a menu that rivals the rest of them- to put it quite simply.. I love this place! 

Londonist's where do you hang out when the sun's about?

The Little Black Book: Rooftop Bars, London

 After fleeing the country in search of sunshine, I’m pleased to say I have grounded my wings and it feels so good to be home again!

The sun is bounding down, smacking the ground and putting the biggest spring in my step [no pun intended.]

One of my favourite things to do when the weather’s this great, is sit outdoors and natter away with friends with rounds & rounds of delicious cocktails. So I thought I’d share my Little Black Book of Sunshine spots with you all;

For those of you on the East Side- throw on some of these sunshine accessories

Daisychain from here, Deco Bangle from here, Azzure Beads from a beach shack, String Bracelet here

And head to one of these spots:

Boundary Restaurant, Rooms & Rooftop.

Located on St John Street in Shoreditch this is one of my favourite places in London! 

Good when the sun rises, sets and disappears- Boundary serves up the most delectable Gin Fizz’s ever- the perfect accompaniment to the Fruits de Mer platter that includes the yummiest sea jewels. [Don’t be conned by the ‘up to 4 people to share’- we wiped this clean with just 2 of us.]

Golden Bee, Shoreditch

Take a stride over to Singer St in Silicon Valley, and sip on a sugar & spice when the sun sets! 

This place is my favourite when darkness falls as you can huddle around the warm FirePit to keep warm and spend hours chatting away with friends without my signature Rudolph looking nose when the degrees take a dive. [Definitely ups the romance factor when you’re not reaching for a tissue every 3 seconds!]

Shoreditch House

A touch of LA located in the East Side, order a round of Apple Cooler’s poolside while strutting your stuff in your swimsuit. 

Not a fan of sipping poolside? Not a problem! Skip over to the rooftop restaurant that serves up an Italian-inspired menu. Definitely get the Spicy Sausage Pizza- and drool.

Finished a long day of work in the city and fancy blowing off some steam with a good view- throw on a summery outfit

Blouse from here, Skirt from here, Shoes from here, Womancase from here.

And head to one of these rooms with a view:

Radio Rooftop Bar

Good music and even better company- Radio Rooftop Bar is definitely the place to be. Located at the top of the internationally renowned me by melia hotel [literally branches everywhere from Cabo to Barcelona] they do the best Watermelon martini’s in the city. [Tried and tested by yours truly- you know- for your safety ofcourse].

Coq d’Argent

Always brimming with suited professionals, Coq d’Argent is known as the cities child. It’s the perfect sunning spot for those all important al fresco meetings in Spring time. As beautiful by day as it is by night, always advisable to make a reservation at this place as it’s high in demand by those city professionals! 

If you’re peckish, I can’t recommend the Poached egg and asparagus enough- light enough to enjoy on a summers day but packs a flavour punch like no other- get ordering!

Skylounge London

A view that encompasses all things London, Skylounge is definitely the choice for a more romantic rooftop beverage. Order from the extensive cocktail list [the Sky at night was my favourite] and enjoy with the moreish chocolate churros [one won’t be enough- you have been warned.] A must see when the sun is a’shining.

For those of you who’ve spent the day lazing around on the west side and milling between shops. Your arms must be tired with all of those bags! Get accessorised for the sunshine and pile on some of these accessories:

Sunglasses from an anonymous source [it's a long story], Bag from here, Topaz ring from here, Double armour ring from here

And seek refuge under the blazing sun at one of these fine rooftops:

Aqua, 5^th Floor

When the sun comes out, head up to the 5^th floor to enjoy a cocktail in the hub of London’s shopping metropolis. With views that span the rooftops of Soho and Mayfair, the staff are an absolute delight and more than happy to help when choosing from their mile long menu. Kick back with a ‘Bloody Gazpacho’ and soak in the scenery.

L’Atelier’s Salon Bar and Terrace

The definition of sleek and sexy in the city, the L’atelier de Joel Robuchon hides away this gorgeous bar that’s both loungey, sophisticated and most importantly warm. Having been to the restaurant for delicious dinners over a dozen times, I stumbled across this cheeky little hideaway and have converted to a sole cocktail hour destination. The Cherry Cola Cuba Libre- don’t even hesitate!

Sanctum Soho Hotel, London

A choice of the inner bar, covered lounge with a cosy fireplace and a hot tub area- what’s not to love about the Sanctum Soho Hotel Roof Terrace Bar. It’s absolutely perfect for hanging out in the summer and a good break from the bustling streets of Soho. Reach for the wine list at this one- the Gavi 2011, Italy will definitely enhance your sunshine induced grin.

What’s your favourite spot in London when the Sun’s shining?