The Best Outdoor Brunch Spots in London for Spring and Summer
London in spring comes alive, and so does its brunch cultureAs the days get longer and the sun starts to shine, the city’s outdoor terraces become the perfect spots to soak up the rays while enjoying a leisurely meal. Whether you’re after a sunny courtyard, a rooftop with stunning views, or a secret garden escape, we’ve rounded up the best al fresco brunch spots in London for 2025The Garden at The Ivy Chelsea GardenThe Ivy Chelsea Garden might just be the blueprint for the perfect outdoor brunch with lavish, leafy, and effortlessly Instagrammable. Set on the iconic King’s Road, the terrace feels more like a private garden party than a restaurant. Think Art Deco meets English countryside chic.The brunch menu delivers lobster linguine, hot buttermilk pancakes, truffle arancini, and all the egg-based royalty you could want. The champagne’s on ice, the clientele is camera-ready, and the vibe is permanently on holiday.The Culpeper RooftopAtop a classic East End pub, The Culpeper’s rooftop is part greenhouse, part urban garden. This is the perfect perch for mobile gamers to catch a few rays and catch up on their leaderboard or even spin the reels at any no-verification casinos. With no lengthy sign-ups or ID checks, they’re ideal for quick, fuss-free entertainment while your flat white cools.Consider it the digital version of brunch with fast payouts, instant access, total discretion and zero faff—and yes, your meal might come with ingredients picked from the planter next to your seat.The menu leans toward seasonal and bold, with grilled halloumi, heritage tomatoes, and homemade pickles. The crowd is effortlessly cool, the Gherkin looms in the distance, and if the rosé flows freely, you might just settle in for the afternoon.Dalloway TerraceTucked beside The Bloomsbury Hotel, Dalloway Terrace is a literary-inspired hideaway that feels like stepping into a romantic novella. It’s one of London’s most stunning year-round outdoor dining spots, but in spring, it truly blooms.The space gets a botanical refresh every season (currently pastel blossoms and vine-draped walls). Brunch here is refined without being fussy: shakshuka, ricotta pancakes, plenty of Prosecco, and a strong flat white worthy of Hemingway-level people-watching.Coq d’ArgentPerched on top of No.1 Poultry, Coq d’Argent serves up City skyline views with a side of French flair. The rooftop terrace is complete with manicured lawns and sleek cityscape backdrops and feels worlds away from the hustle below.Expect steak tartare, caramelised banana French toast, and a proper roast for those in a Sunday state of mind. A stone’s throw from Bank Station, it’s a prime spot for post-meeting indulgence or a long, lazy brunch that segues into golden-hour cocktails.Petersham Nurseries Café, RichmondPetersham Nurseries is what happens when your rustic fantasy meets London finesse. Just a short ride southwest, this lush garden centre-slash-café offers brunch beneath a canopy of wisteria and vintage chandeliers. A countryside escape without leaving London.Seasonal dishes reign supreme. Think asparagus with poached duck egg or smoked trout pâté with fennel, served on mismatched china with a chilled glass of rosé. It’s less of a brunch spot and more of a lifestyle goal.Barge EastMoored in Hackney Wick, Barge East is the floating brunch spot you didn’t know you needed. The upper deck is prime for canal-side sunshine, with views that mix industrial cool and natural calm.Their brunch game is strong, with chorizo hash, shakshuka with a kick, and thick-cut sourdough dripping in butter. Bottomless options are on hand, but it’s the vibe that wins: a chilled-out dockside hang with just enough edge.It’s the kind of place where brunch naturally rolls into an afternoon of card games with mates, especially when the drinks keep flowing and the breeze is just right. Bring a deck or your phone, order another mimosa, and make a day of it at this low-key hang on the water with excellent hash.The Lighterman, King’s CrossOverlooking the Regent’s Canal, The Lighterman’s two-tiered terrace delivers one of King’s Cross’s best brunch scenes. It’s busy without being frantic, fashionable without the fuss.Modern British plates headline here: flat iron steak and eggs, avocado toast with flair, and punchy brunch cocktails. Whether you’re people-watching, recharging post-travel, or fuelling up for a stroll, this spot hits just right when the sun’s out. A perfect post-St Pancras pick-me-up or brunch before a Regent’s Canal stroll.ConclusionLondon’s brunch culture doesn’t hibernate, it just waits for the sun. With longer days and lighter layers, it’s time to take it outside. From garden escapes to rooftop hideaways, these are the sun-soaked settings where brunch meets the city at its most charming. Just don’t forget to book—those terraces don’t stay empty for long.
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