Take it outside! Our guide to al fresco drinking and dining

With spring in full bloom, Sophie Farrah heads outdoors for the best alfresco drinking and dining in town

Hooray for May! Not only are the days longer and the evenings lighter, but this month is also the proud possessor of not one, but two bank holiday weekends. The perfect time to head outside for some alfresco foodie fun. 

Start by getting your teeth into the brand new outdoor burger shack at The Devonshire in Balham. You’ll find street food-style juicy patties, squidgy buns and chin-dribbling sauce, plus an outdoor bar and underseat heating for chillier days. Nearby in Clapham, Metro also has an impressive ‘secret’ garden, complete with lavish day beds, white parasols and twinkling fairy lights. Pour the Pimm’s and watch out for the BBQ on sunny days too.

Famous for their fresh ‘farm-to-table’ food, the Gladwin brothers recently opened Nutbourne in Battersea’s Ransomes Dock. Sit on the colourful outdoor terrace to admire handsome houseboats whilst sipping on a Battersea Sunrise (Adnams gin, greengage liqueur and orange juice) and nibbling on truffle and cheddar roasted British seeds. 

And then there’s the ever-stylish Pear Tree Café by the boating lake in Battersea Park, ideal for brunch. Think smashed avocado on sourdough and brioche French toast.

For a feeling of complete escape, The Dysart in Petersham is the place. Its carefully planted garden with views across to Richmond Park is heavenly for a high-end dinner. Alternatively, for a less formal offering with similarly splendid views, tuck into a cream tea at Richmond Park’s pretty Pembroke Lodge.

The White Swan in Twickenham and The Anglers in Teddington are both prime and picturesque riverside watering holes. As for Richmond waterfront, take your pick from Gaucho, the stylish spot for steak under the stars; Jackson & Rye for American classics and whisky cocktails on the bustling patio; and nearby Stein’s for refreshing Bavarian beer and authentic German food in the sun.

These days, however, there is another Stein in town – a fellow by the name of Rick. His new hotspot in Barnes boasts a chic, decked suntrap in a characterful cobbled courtyard where one can tuck into a seafood lunch beneath the shade of an olive tree. 

Not to be missed. And, once you’ve finished, pop next door to The White Hart for unrivalled views of the sunset on the so-called Barnes Riviera. The terrace hangs right over the river. With Chablis in hand, you’ll think you’re on the Cote d’Azur.

Local foodie hot lots... trendy pizza

From its humble beginnings in Brixton Market, trendy sourdough pizza chain Franco Manca has recently opened its doors in Putney bringing with it some seriously tasty and authentic Neapolitan cuisine. Made from slow-rising sourdough and baked in a wood-burning oven at 500-degrees, enjoy classic Italian flavours and delicious toppings such as smoked Buffalo mozzarella, Coppa ham from Langhirano and Gloucester old spot Pancetta. 

Spanish treats

Established in 1988, Brindisa is the go-to for the very finest Spanish food in London with restaurants, shops and even a ham carving school. The focus of its new Balham deli is Spanish cheese and charcuterie, but there’s a vast array of single estate olive oils, vinegars, spices, nuts, crisps, tinned fish, pulses, pickles and floral honeys. For a real treat pick up some freshly hand-carved ibérico ham and a chunk of aged manchego.

  • Brindisa Cheese & Charcuterie, 6 Hildreth St,Balham, SW12 9RQ. brindisa.com

Flotsam & Jetsam

Creative cooks Emma and Jess, also known as trendy London caterers Spread London, are hosting a supper club in laid back Wandsworth café Flotsam and Jetsam this month. The menu is designed to champion seasonal produce and local suppliers, and the evening kicks off with imaginative cocktails followed by three freshly cooked courses. Events here usually sell out, so book soon. 

  • May 26, £35pp BYOB. Flotsam & Jetsam, 4 Bellevue Parade, Entrance on Wiseton Road, SW17 7EQ. spreadlondon.co.uk

Raise an English glass

To celebrate English Wine Week (May 27 – June 4), the Bingham hotel is hosting a special supper club with a menu that showcases the very best produce from across the UK. Dishes include Dorset crab, British saddle of lamb with English mustard sauce, and homemade Granny Smith apple tart. There’s also a special ‘Best of British’ wine pairing on offer, featuring handpicked wines from British vineyards. Sounds yum!

Use your (Danish) loaf

Danish bakers Ole Kristoffersen and Steen Skallebaek are passionate about creating the very finest breads and pastries possible, baked fresh every day by hand.Considered one of the best bakeries in Copenhagen, Ole & Steen joined forces in 2008 and now have more than 50 shops. This month they are bringing their unique brand of Danish deliciousnessto Richmond. 

Time for Tee

Opened in 1923 by HRH Prince of Wales, Richmond Park Golf Course was heralded as a place where ‘artisans and royalty are equally welcome’. More than 90 years on it truly is fit for a king following a £3 million improvement programme by Glendale Golf. You don’t even need to tee off in order to relax in the Clubhouse’s coffee shop, restaurant and bar – all are open to the public and enjoy uninterrupted views. 

Check out our Food Section for more tasty local morsels

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