Alfresco Dining Experience

Dining Alfresco is a term that comes from the Italian language that roughly translated means “in the fresh air.” It offers a unique experience for patrons, allowing them to dine outside with an amazing environment. It can create a more relaxed and casual ambience as compared to indoor dining especially during warmer months. It provides an opportunity to escape the confines of traditional restaurant settings and adds an element of novelty to the dining experience.

To enhance the alfresco dining experience, there are several elements you can consider to practice. 

• Outdoor ambience: Create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere by carefully selecting outdoor furniture, such as comfortable chairs and tables. Consider adding cushions or outdoor pillows for some extra comfort. Use weather-resistant materials that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, decorate the outdoor the space with plants, flowers or other decorative elements to add a touch of nature.
• Lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood for alfresco dining, especially during evening hours. Choose soft and warm lighting options, such as string lights, lanterns, or candles, to create an intimate and cozy ambience. Proper lighting can also contribute to the safety of the outdoor areas.
• Shade and Protection: Provide shade options to shield diners from excessive sunlight or unexpected rain showers. Install umbrellas, awnings, or canopies to create comfortable dining spaces even on hot days. This will ensure that guests can enjoy their meals without discomfort.
• Ambient Temperature: Depending on the climate and time of year, consider adding outdoor heaters or fans to regulate the temperature and let diners feel extra contented. This allows for year-round alfresco dining, even during cooler or warmer seasons.
• Carte Du Jour: Tailor the menu to suit the alfresco setting. Offer refreshing and seasonal dishes that are well-suited to outdoor dining, such as fresh salads, grilled items, and fruits desserts. Contribute a variety of cold beverages, that includes fruit juices, iced teas, lemonades, and mocktails.
• Music and Sound: Soft background music can enhance the dining experience so play some soothing composition at an appropriate volume to add to the overall ambience. Choose a genre or playlist that complements the ambiance without overpowering conversations. Ensure it complements the dining experience rather than overpowering it.

Creating an alfresco experience for that special someone or your friends and family should be as unique as you. There are no better or wrong choices, do what makes you feel complacent and carefree because when you feel relaxed so will your guests! The only limit is your imagination.

Enjoy supper in the sunshine this season at 10 of the most promising alfresco dining restaurants. With the summer sunshine finally here, alfresco dining is back.

The Maine, Mayfair

“A blend of period fidelity and contemporary gloss”

The sun-smothered terrace that feels like a majestic home or a mansion to go for, courtesy of its banded swing, creaking bamboo furniture and a festival brick wall. The iconic THE MAINE is owned by Montreal gastropreneur, Joey Ghazal, and has developed dozens of restaurants across two continents. Interdisciplinary and synergistic approach resulted in creating a timeless and alluring experience that always resonates with a sense of event and celebration. In addition to that, the Menu is an amalgamation of old world elegance, a New England extravagance and a touch of subterranean decadence. The Italian Steak Tartare is the best option, as Garlicky Maine Lobster.

Native at Browns, Mayfair

“What grows together, Goes together”

Are you in search of discovering this summer with a world-class Sussex Sparkling drink from Rathfinny Estate, mate with seasonal components from the land, sea and gardens of the British Isles all within the secret garden at Browns. It was conceptualized by Ivan and Imogen, collectively scaled the mountains of street food marts that eventually resulted in the tranquil set up of Neal’s Yard, previously moved on to Borough Market and now at Mayfair.

This beauty lies inside the captivating Browns’ Mayfair boutique. Cherry-blossom-filled courtyard is London’s most moderate restaurants, with zero-waste dishes using ingredients that are casted around and change with the seasons. Some are perennial though, like Grass Fed Irish Beef Sirloin served with Smoked Ox Tongue & Allwood Farm Courgette, and the ‘Marrowmel’ - White Chocolate & Bone Marrow Caramel with mix spooned out of the bone itself. As the menu addresses the strong passion in foraging and thriving the ingredients to get the best of what nature has to bestow. It all comes together to manifest a unique outlook on British heritage cuisine.

Peggy Jean, Richmond

“Reliving the good times”

An eye catchy vision in peachy parasols of former Jesus College Oxford barge, accompanied with the mesmerizing view of Richmond bridge and Richmond riverside. A breathtaking water-top dining destination, the historic barge and sun facing pontoon blends with classic Oxford College Boat delights with amazing beach club vibes. It brews an epitome of beauty for lazy weekend brunch with friends or summer sunset dinner. It comprises two floors with intimate bar and dining spaces of the barge, with 120 covers spread all across indoor and outdoor dining. It is also a place where you can amuse yourself with freshly baked pizzas with remarkable aromas such as Margherita and Hot sausage cold fermented jalapeno hot sauce, alongside creative Aus-inspired additions like Vegemite and Cheese, and The Aussie - a delicious combo of cured ham, tomato, barbecue pineapple, mozzarella, Clarence Court egg and pink pickled onions. The venue is home to twin Gozney clay ovens, with precisely grilled boat fish and sharing Tomahawk steaks - all cooked over fire, Aussie BBQ style. The day menu also includes Sashimi grade tuna steak - white bean and avocado puree, tenderstem broccoli, raw kohlrabi, candied beetroot, soft herb and citrus salad, BBQ tandoori salmon - avocado salsa, hot & sour puffed rice salad, cucumber & mint yogurt. It is also a dog friendly across the day, with comfy beds, plenty of water, and special dog food is served.

La Poule au Pot, Belgravia

“The extensive outdoor sitting experience”

La Poule au Pot feels more French while sitting on the roadside with a glass of Red. A delightful exposure to French food with an overwhelming experience of exotic vibes all day long. An illustrious ambiance with the title of London’s most romantic restaurant to for. It has been serving the same French favorites since 1962 – although, in recent years, there is switch in the menu with some Lamb Rack served with marjoram crust served with soft white polenta & Roman-style baby artichokes and deep fried calamari, sardines and prawns served with crispy courgette. This place embodies distinctive Italian cuisines for breakfast, lunch and dinner encompassed by locally-sourced ingredients.

Scott’s, Mayfair

“Experience Scott's in bloom”

Indulge yourself in a captivating festivity of nature’s spectacular views as they unveil enchanting summer terrace with an exclusive partnership with Bird in Hand Wine. Engrossed in a bewitching setting that resonate with warmer climates, where the floral and fruity notes of Bird in Hand’s exquisite drinks have inspired an abundant oasis on Mayfair’s most promising terrace, where exuberant greenery and lively blooms laced harmoniously. If you’re dining at Scott’s, you may choose terrace sitting. Nonetheless, this principal tables are primarily being hard to secure. On a hot summer day, make room for ice creams, too.

Jurema at the Mandrake Hotel, Fitzrovia

“We believe in nurturing the soul”

Are your looking for some urban oasis that would eventually take you to the next level of magical vision. Here is a complete new picture of what you are looking for as you probably envisioning something like The Mandrake Hotel. Flowers like jasmine and passion are rolling around almost every surface, accompanied with lush green conservatory for private dining.

With the overwhelming view, ethnobotanical cocktails are served to add seasoning into your dining experience along Mexican leaning and sea food, such as grilled octopus and tuna tartare.

Petersham Nurseries, Covent Garden

“Recipes to reconnect”

One of the prettiest location in London is undoubtedly Petersham Nurseries – and it’s home to two restaurants that accompanies multiple services including flower shop. It cordially invites you to its refined dining space and is open for dining all day, offering a novel afternoon tea service to complement your evening with your loved ones. You can join for long, lingering dinner of small sharing plates at La Goccia. Adding certain inspiration from Indonesian fragrances and seasoning to the menu that actually tantalize your senses.

Be certain to leave plenty of time to gaze around the shop and deli for flowery wares to enhance your own space. Enriched with avant-garde artwork and exquisite Murano glassware, the Boglione family’s fascination with contemporary art is reflected in the interiors of this eatery. The mouthwatering menu commences with lobster that is served with bagna cauda, artichoke salad, roasted pigeon served with blue cheese, chestnuts, and leeks. For main course Petersham Pakora & Chickpea served with coconut masala, crispy onion rice, yoghurt kadhi, and flat bread. You may delight yourself in this alluring dining experience with seasonal cocktails.