During those first days of spring, once the clocks have sprung forward and the weather forecast looks promising for the first time in forever, the best outdoor bars in London come alive. Friends reunite after shaking off the winter grog, savouring fruity cocktails and sharing pizzas after ‘taking things easy’ following the festive silly season not long before. We’re a sucker for a rooftop bar, of which the Big Smoke also has plenty of, but skipping the journey to the thirty-something-ish floor is just as nice on a balmy afternoon. Of course, the capital has its fair share of sheltered and heated al-fresco areas – like Gordon’s Wine Bar, where not even sub-zero temperatures deter Londoners from picking at charcuterie and chatting over a bottle of wine under the lamps. Whether you’re in search of a swanky cocktail bar where negronis are served with a side of people-watching, or fantastic pubs with sunny seating for pints and fish and chips, these are the best outdoor bars in London that we return to time and time again.
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Peckham ArchesRaitis Petrovs
Peckham Arches
Peckham Arches is a lovely little outdoor bar tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main road. Between two railway arches, their talented bartenders are slinging out delicious cocktails (I recommend the Picante). The picnic-style seating gives way to chit-chat with strangers and people-watching as some head into their fourth or fifth cocktail of the day. Hungry? No problem. Peckham Arches offers perfectly nice stone-fired pizzas, crunchy salads, and sharing plates, so you can have a bite. There’s an indoor area for events, and a charming art gallery next door, so take a peek inside on your next visit. Keep an eye on the jam-packed schedule online to secure a spot at one of the venue’s buzzy supper clubs or a Sofar Sounds evening, where a series of emerging artists play to an intimate crowd.
Address: Peckham Arches, Unit 4-5 Dovedale Trading Estate, SE15 4QN
Website: peckhamarches.com
Vicinity
“Just so London,” was how the revellers at the table beside ours encapsulated Vicinity, a laid-back bar and restaurant in the heart of Tower Hill. And, as it turns out, the description is a hard one to fault, given the prime views over Tower Bridge and the distinctive skyline of the capital beyond, separated from the outdoor terrace only by the River Thames itself. At sunset, table-side fire pits illuminate the space and cast a feeling of magic across the water. At the same time, during the day, the inviting collection of sofas and cushion-stacked chairs makes for a welcome respite from city life.
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