Five of the best London terraces for summer 2018
The Terrace, The Hari Hotel, Belgravia A hidden gem in the heart of Belgravia, The Hari Hotel is celebrating the tennis season with a pop-up Wimbledon-inspired lounge in partnership with champagne house Moët & Chandon (from Monday July 2 to Sunday July 15). A large screen will take centre stage at the hotel’s top-floor bar, The Terrace, and show all the action – served alongside a menu created specially for the fortnight. In keeping with Wimbledon’s famed Centre Court, the retractable roof at The Hari will shelter spectators from the unseasonal weather. Prices start from £100 for a bottle of Moët & Chandon and desserts for two guests; 20 Chesham Place, London SW1 (020-7858 0100; thehari.com).
Sip gin cocktails on the verdant rooftop terrace of Aqua Kyoto in central London
Aqua Kyoto, Central London Just a short stroll from Liberty, contemporary Japanese restaurant Aqua Kyoto’s Lovage Terrace is a verdant city escape replete with hanging foliage, vibrant blooms and a water feature capturing the essence of an English summer garden – a stylish setting for sipping gin while enjoying the views over the city’s rooftops. The drinks menu stars Tanqueray Lovage – a new limited edition savoury gin – inspired by an original recipe by Charles Tanqueray, found recently in his notes of 1839. 240 Regent Street, London W1 (020-7478 0540; aquakyoto.co.uk).
Join a paella masterclass on the terrace at Shoreditch Brindisa
Enjoy a complimentary aperitivo on the Baglioni Terrace of Kensington’s Baglioni Hotel Carlton
Shoreditch Brindisa Over in Shoreditch, Brindisa is hosting a series of Terraza Summer Sessions on its outdoor terrace every Saturday throughout June and July (from 12.30pm to 3.30pm), conjuring a taste of Spain in the East End. Head chef Magi Perlas will lead outdoor paella marinara masterclasses using huge pans in the traditional way, while guests are serenaded by live Spanish guitar music. Experts from botanical tonic-water brewer Fentimans will be on hand for informal tastings with a different gin every weekend. Try London-based Sipsmiths’ Summer Cup with Fentimans Rose Lemonade on July 21 or the Spanish Gin Mare (a blend of triple orange Spritz, herbal tonic, mango and peppercorn) on July 28. Tickets cost £36 and can be booked via hola@brindisakitchens.com; 152 Curtain Road, London EC2 (020-7749 9961; brindisakitchens.com).
Escape to the foragers’ greenhouse in the famed courtyard of the Rosewood London hotel in Holborn
The Baglioni Terrace at Baglioni Hotel London, Kensington The Baglioni Terrace brings a glamorous slice of Italian hospitality to London and its complimentary aperitivo (replicating the most magical time in Italy) of cheese, cured meats and a small dish of saffron risotto – the hotel’s signature – is offered to all terrace guests between 5.30pm and 7pm during the summer months. Located opposite Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens, it’s quite the spot for a cocktail before or after a concert at the Albert Hall. 60 Hyde Park Gate, London SW7 (020-7368 5700; baglionihotels.com).
The Edwardian Courtyard, Rosewood London Gin lovers are spoilt for choice on the terraces of London this summer and what is clearly one of the most alluring of experiences can be found within the famed courtyard of Holborn’s five-star Rosewood London, where the hotel has joined forces with The Botanist Gin to build a Foraging Greenhouse. Step into an oasis of foliage and hanging terrariums, decorated with botanicals and herbs that guests are invited to forage from to add to their G&T. There are also new cocktails, from the The Quest (gin, Chartreuse, yuzu juice and Angostura bitters) to The Odyssey (gin infused with cardamom, lime, Italicus and rooibos tea). 252 High Holborn, London WC1 (020-7781 8888; rosewoodhotels.com).