There’s nothing quite like the joys of dining alfresco – when it comes to outdoor terraces in London, Knightsbridge is spoilt for choice
The best terraces in Knightsbridge this summer
BEST FOR FUSION FLAVOURS
Studio Frantzén at Harrods
Swedish chef and multiple-Michelin-star-holder Björn Frantzén reimagines Nordic cuisine through an Asian lens for a culinary experience you won’t soon forget. Studio Frantzén exudes minimalist Scandinavian chic. Situated above the world’s most famous luxury department store, the rooftop terrace boasts fantastic views over London’s landmarks and is the perfect setting to indulge in Frantzén’s bold and unique fusion flavours.
Studio Frantzén, Fifth Floor, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL
A blooming lovely British summer
Hyde Park Garden at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
One of the most desirable outdoor terrace restaurants in London, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park offers a first-class outdoor dining experience amid botanical bliss in the hotel’s private garden. The team behind Dinner by Heston Blumenthal have created a menu of classic dishes prepared with the finest British-grown produce, served in Hyde Park Garden. Lobster rolls and a British charcuterie board are just a taste of what’s on offer. There are few better ways to celebrate the arrival of summer than with deliciously sparkling English wines paired with locally sourced ingredients.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA
BEST FOR A CIGAR MASTERCLASS
The Garden Room at The Lanesborough
The Garden Room at The Lanesborough is the home of the cigar. The covered outdoor terrace is reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour, where monthly masterclasses provide access to the hotel’s impressive selection of Cuban and pre-Castro cigars. Enthusiasts can learn about the history of the cigar while enjoying its sweet, spicy and nutty flavours and even try a cigar-inspired cocktail or two. Or perhaps you will find your tipple of choice among The Garden Room’s collection of some of the world’s rarest and finest cognacs and armagnacs, some dating back to the 18th century.
The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA
BEST FOR RARE WHISKIES AND SPIRITS
The Berkeley Bar & Terrace
Immortalised in the friezes above the walnut wood panels, the story of a 400-year-old fallen walnut tree from the Fulbeck Estate is romantically depicted at The Berkeley Bar & Terrace. A cosy, relaxed ambience flows through the hotel’s intimate outdoor terrace, which overlooks the neighbouring St Paul’s Knightsbridge church. Whether you fancy a rare whisky or a small-batch rum, every drink from the carefully curated menu has a story to tell. To accompany, a selection of nibbles and small bites make for a fantastic outdoor dining experience.
The Berkeley, Wilton Place, SW1X 7RL
BEST FOR AN INTIMATE AFFAIR
The Hyde Bar at The Park Tower Knightsbridge
Fancy a taste of the high life? The Hyde Bar’s ground-floor terrace at the five-star Park Tower Knightsbridge is an intimate alfresco setting, where you can take a chic rattan seat at the circular bar or enjoy a more private table for two on the cigar terrace. Combining premium whisky with first-class bites, the culinary delights on offer make this one of the finest terrace restaurants in London. From Scottish Wagyu beef burgers to the venue’s signature afternoon tea, the menu at The Hyde Bar is founded on elegant simplicity.
The Park Tower Knightsbridge, 101 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RN
BEST FOR DESIGNER DINING
The Fifth Floor Café and Terrace at Harvey Nichols
The sun-drenched Fifth Floor Café and Terrace at the stylish emporium of Harvey Nichols offers fabulous views over the Knightsbridge rooftops. Since its founding in 1831 the iconic store has been leading the way in chic style, and the spacious terrace café is no exception. Serving all-day dining menus, a decadent weekend brunch and an afternoon tea with an international flare, the Fifth Floor Café and Terrace offers a taste of the Middle East via borani esfenaj, a Persian spinach yogurt dip, and alfalfa sprouts.
Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ
BEST FOR THE CIGAR AFICIONADO
The Cigar Terrace at the Wellesley Knightsbridge
Amid the glamour of Knightsbridge lies The Cigar Terrace at The Wellesley hotel, a peaceful outdoor haven perfect for the aspiring cigar sommelier. The glistening Crystal Bar is home to Europe’s largest hotel humidor housing a collection of cigars worth £1.5 million, as well as an exclusive bar serving rare bottles of whisky, cognac and armagnac. With glorious views of Hyde Park, the indoor-outdoor terrace is sheltered by a glass ceiling and lavishly decorated with portraits of history’s most notorious cigar connoisseurs – so you can smoke in the company of the greats.
The Wellesley Knightsbridge, 11 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LY
BEST FOR SUNSETS OVER THE CITY
The Pavilion
Of all the rooftop terraces in London, The Pavilion certainly has the most to offer. The 700sqft sky terrace overlooking Hyde Park transforms into a dazzling space for private parties and corporate events with access to soaring views of the capital. The vibrant modern interiors extend from the indoor room out onto the open rooftop terrace for alfresco dining, drinking or sunset views of the iconic London skyline.
The Pavilion Knightsbridge, 64 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7JF
BEST FOR CREATIVE COCKTAILS
Bar 33 at The Emory
Atop The Emory – one of London’s most exclusive hotels – is Bar 33, a private rooftop terrace bar open only to residents and guests, which offers sweeping panoramic views of the metropolis. Renowned architect Rémi Tessier has designed a space of sleek interiors drawing inspiration from mid-century modern décor. In place of a cocktail menu, a little black book details the bespoke, one-of-a-kind creations made specifically for guests. Created entirely to your mood and palate, no two cocktails at Bar 33 are the same.
The Emory, 11 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LY
What else is happening
