Margarita Garden at The Light Bar
Shoreditch
Off the beaten track and away from the hustle and bustle, you’ll find Light’s Bar’s Margarita Garden – a hidden little gem in Shoreditch, especially for those who love a margarita! Whether you’re a traditionalist or like getting a little funky, there’s a margarita for every palate. You can have yours frozen, classic, on the rocks, spicy or not spicy… all mixed with top-notch British tequila, VIVIR.
Open Wed-Fri from 4:30pm- 11pm and Sat from 2pm- 11pm.
Margarita Garden, Backyard, Light Bar, 233 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6PJ.
lightbarlondon.com
Casa Do Frango
Shoreditch
Take in the colourful, graffiti-filled streets as you wind your way to Casa Do Frango for some Portuguese fare, just minutes from Shoreditch High Street. Bag yourself a table outside to make the most of the warm weather, and order one of their kick-ass piri-piri margaritas or a port and tonic – then sit back and enjoy the good vibes. It’s all about the piri-piri here – come hungry! The standout charred cauliflower is a must (vegan friendly), salty bacalhau fritters – made with Atlantic cod, potato, tomato and topped with piri piri sauce – and garlic prawns with even more piri piri. You can mix and match the flavours of the chicken: half chicken with lemon and garlic and a half of the Piri Piri chicken but we loved the wood-charcoal grilled Piri-Piri half chicken with a side of flavourful African rice. Round off the meal with a most excellent crisp and creamy Pasteis de Nata.
2 King John Ct, London EC2A 3EZ
casadofrango.co.uk @casadofrango_london
Upper 5th
Shoreditch
Now we’re not trying to tempt fate, but this glorious weather looks as though it isn’t budging any time soon. Rather than trying to make the most of it squeezed onto a pavement by a pub door, why not head a little closer to the sun? Roof terraces are a great way to enjoy the still-light evenings and Upper 5th, one of Shoreditch’s rooftop bars is no exception. With panoramic, #insta-worthy views of the London skyline and space for up to 180 guests, Upper 5th is (as the name suggests) situated on the 5th floor of the Courthouse Hotel. For an impromptu evening tipple, make your way to The Upper Bar, with its standing tables and incredible scenery from 3pm during the week and 12pm on weekends. If it’s something more personal, head to The Garden, a reservation only space with table service and cabana sofa-bed seating. Indulge in the Shisha menu and enjoy a selection of cocktails to wash down small plates and sharers.
Upper 5th, 335–337 Old Street, London EC1V 9LL
shoreditch.courthouse-hotel.com
Café Spice Namaste
Docklands
Perched next to the water at Royal Albert Wharf in the historic Docklands, you can choose to sit inside in view of the hustle and bustle of the open kitchen, or on the terrace, al fresco, while sipping a Rajasthani spiced margarita and drooling over the menu. Highly-credentialed chef and restaurateur Cyrus Todiwala has given all the familiar dishes an imaginative twist and every dish here is an ace. We loved the delicious kale, onion and beetroot bhajia from the day’s special menu and the succulent ginger seasoned lamb cutlets were to die for. Then a silky Parsee lamb Dhaansaak served with rice and the Goan pork vindaloo served with a sourdough flatbread – highly recommended by loyal customers at the next table.
cafespice.co.uk
1-2 Lower Dock Walk Royal Albert Wharf, London E16 2GT
Jones & Sons
Dalston
Rich in its food and charm, Jones & Sons has not only nailed its cool and industrial aesthetic and recrafted classic European dishes, but it’s the perfect spot to soak up the comings and goings of a busy East London, al fresco or otherwise.
jonesandsonsdalston.com
Stamford Works, 3 Gillett Street, London N16 8JH
Cinnamon Kitchen
Devonshire Terrace
Cinnamon Kitchen’s all-weather terrace in Devonshire Square is the perfect tucked-away spot to escape The City and drink or dine on the colourful Indian-inspired decking. Enjoy a well-earned sip on a spicy new take on classic cocktails, including the Assam Manhattan or Coconut Kir cocktail, or go all out and tuck into an al-fresco brunch in the warming spring sun.
cinnamon-kitchen.com
9 Devonshire Square, Spitalfields, London EC2M 4YL
The Sipping Room
West India Quay
Venture East to West India Key and take your seat at The Sipping Room, a place far removed from the concrete jungle and tucked next to the Thames. Relax and unwind on the expansive riverside-side terrace and enjoy a cocktail or 5 from the dedicated outdoor bar. Take your pick from the likes of the Pixie Fizz; a refreshing mix of Martin Miller Gin, Briottet poppy liqueur, vanilla syrup, raspberry powder, soda and a dash of lime or why not try the London Spritz; Tanqueray gin, cucumber, elderflower, apple, sprigs of mint and lashings of soda. Should you be ambitious with the springtime attire, cosy blankets and hot water bottles are also available for those unexpectedly chilly nights.
thesippingroom.co.uk
16 Hertsmere Rd, Canary Wharf, E14 4AX
The Parlour
Canary Wharf
Positioned in the Park Pavilion on Canada Square, a stone’s throw from Canary Wharf station, The Parlour is a beautiful bar & restaurant perfect for all-day drinking, dining and unwinding. For one, there is a substantial alfresco terrace (tick!), said terrace is complete with its own bar overlooking Canada Square Park (double tick!), and is the ideal location to spend some much-needed quality time in the company of food friends, good food, fine wine and cocktails.
The Park Pavilion, 40 Canada Square Park, E14 5FW
drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-parlour
Feels Like June
Canary Wharf
Feels Like June, a Californian inspired all-day dining restaurant at Tribe Hotel, Canary Wharf is certainly making the most of its namesake! With a brand new cocktail menu curated by head mixologist Osvaldo Romito and with its al fresco summer terrace, you can quench your thirst, sit, relax and chat until the sun sets – happy days:)
The Tribe Hotel, Canary Wharf, 15 Water Street, London E14 5GX
feelslikejune.com
Angelina
Dalston
Come rain or shine, Angelina in Dalston has always been good to us, and you can get your fix of some of the best food in town, thanks to the restaurant’s terrace which makes the perfect people-watching spot for this bustling Dalston destination. Ideal for groups looking to celebrate and foodie lovers alike.
angelina.london
56 Dalston Lane, Dalston, London E8 3AH
Blackhorse Beer Mile
Walthamstow
Beer lovers rejoice, the prospect of a pint in an actual glass is drawing near and there’s one place that takes centre stage for this end-of-lockdown tipple. Some of East London’s iconic breweries have joined forces to create a new destination for freshly poured pints straight from the source – Blackhorse Beer Mile in Walthamstow, E17. From longstanding local legends Wild Card Brewery; Signature Brew’s state of the art new brewery and music venue; Exale’s modern and experimental beers; to the newest addition to the neighbourhood, Truman’s Social Club featuring the UK’s largest beer hall, a visit to the Blackhorse Beer Mile is certain to not disappoint. Head to the link to book your pace and find a suggested route around the space.
signaturebrew.co.uk
Truman’s Social Club, 1 Priestley Way, London E17 6AL
Nebula
London City Island
Home to out of this world cocktails and pizza by the slice.
nebulabar.com
45 Hope Street, London city Island, London E14 OQG
East London Liquor Company
Bow
However much we love an at-home East London Liquor cocktail, nothing quite beats sipping on one made in house by the brilliant ELLC team.
eastlondonliquorcompany.com
221 Grove Road, Unit GF1, London E3 5SN
Princess of Wales
Clapton
Boasting views across the river Lea, The Princess of Wales is a firm Clapton favourite. With a beautiful, not to mention covered, beer garden, the pub offers a feel of the countryside despite being found in the heart of Hackney. With an extensive selection of craft beers and wine, paired with a menu of homegrown recipes, it’s high time you booked yourself a space.
princessofwalesclapton.co.uk
146 Lea Bridge Road, Clapton E5 9RB
The Grocer
Spitalfields
Located in the bustling centre of Spitalfields Market, The Grocer’s extensive terrace is decked out with heaters and cosy sofas, all of which is covered by the market roof. Whether you’re with family, friends, shopping bags or solo dining, The Grocer welcomes you to book your table now.
thegrocerspitalfields.co.uk
Spitalfields Market, Crispin Place, London E1 6DW
Gaucho
Liverpool Street
The go-to Gaucho in Broadgate Circle has been kitted out with new weatherproof terraces. Get set for an Argentine steak in the sun, a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street and the bustling streets of Shoreditch.
Broadgate, 5 Finsbury Avenue, London EC2M 2PG
gauchorestaurants.com/menus/broadgate
Crispin E1
Spitalfields
This East London curated cool café/wine bar is housed in a glass pavilion and seats 40 inside and 30 outside. It’s a pretty hub of blonde wood. The plated dishes look as good as they taste and at the helm of the kitchen is chef, Lewis de Haas who previously worked at the Shed in Notting Hill and Petersham Nurseries.
Pavilion on The Corner, White’s Row, London E1 7NF
crispininlondon.com @crispin_e1
Madison
St Paul’s
Let’s be honest, does it get much better than cocktails in the sun, on a rooftop in St Paul’s with stunning panoramic views of the city? Yes, yes it does, you can have your cocktail decorated with a painting of St Paul’s at sunset – yes, it looks too good to drink and will end up on Insta.
Rooftop Terrace, One New Change, St Paul’s, London, EC4M 9AF
madisonlondon.net
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