Al fresco dining
Fancy some fresh air with your taste this summer? So the weather isn’t perfect – all the more reason to grab the next opportunity to enjoy dinner al fresco!
We may not have a Mediterranean climate, but you have to admit a balmy English evening is pretty hard to match when it comes to dining outside. And where else can you find so many great pubs offering sunny beer gardens with play areas for children and increasingly, good quality locally produced food?
For lovers of fresh air and food everywhere we’ve created a feature on the best places to dine al fresco on our website. Below are some tips from our ‘Taste England’ manager, but please share your tips too! After all, there are a lot of good establishments – so tell us if we’re missing somewhere special!
Here are the top three from our resident foodie:
Denbies Conservatory Restaurant, Surrey
Al fresco dining in all weathers! A variety of dining options can be enjoyed in this bright airy space enhanced by tropical plants, a water feature with fountain and exotic fish. While you're there you can enjoy the vineyard/wine estate... take a tour and of course taste the award-winning wine while/after you dine!
West Beach, Bournemouth
Dine while watching the tide come in! Bournemouth beach is a great place to relax at any time of the day, but the deck at West Beach – just a stone’s throw from the sea – is the perfect setting in which to wine, dine and see the day out.
The First Floor Terrace at Cliveden House
Enjoy elevated 180 degree views over the nineteenth-century Parterre and estate grounds and watch the sun set over the River Thames. Perfect!
Also try these links for more ideas:
'Best Al fresco dining' on enjoyengland.com
Al fresco dining on Square Meal
Al fresco dining on Lastminute.com
Have we missed somewhere? Leave a comment and tell us about it!
THere are many excellent Pubs and restaurants where one can dine al fresco in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. My own favorite is on the Sandbank at Mudeford. Take a two minute trip from the quay on the ferry or a wonderful 20 minute walk from Hengistbury Head car park. The food is excellent and on a sunny day it will knock spots off the Med.
Posted by: ian | July 12, 2008 at 05:58 PM
I saw your newsletter and my favourite place to dine al fresco is on top of Box Hill, Surrey
Posted by: Elaine | July 10, 2007 at 08:59 PM
I saw your newsletter and my favourite place to dine al fresco is Spitalfields nr Liverpool Street Station in London. It's got an amazing atmosphere and is so vibrant. There's a choice of restaurants so I can pick something different each time. Ideal after spending a couple of hours browsing the shops and market stalls.
Posted by: Mike | July 10, 2007 at 03:51 PM
I saw your newsletter and my favourite place to dine al fresco is the The Cottage of Content, Carey, Herfordshire.
Posted by: Andrew | July 10, 2007 at 03:47 PM
I saw your newsletter and my favourite place to dine al fresco is More Place in the heart of London.
Posted by: Steve Batty | July 10, 2007 at 03:29 PM
I read your newsletter and my favourite place to dine al fresco is Jamie Olivers Fifteen Cornwall
Posted by: Tess Jinks | July 10, 2007 at 02:54 PM
I saw your newsletter and my favourite place to dine al fresco is the Wykham Arms in Winchester -superb food in lovely surroundings
Posted by: Sarah Sharp | July 10, 2007 at 02:10 PM
I saw your newsletter and my favourite place to dine al fresco is The Smithy tea room in Beely, the Peak District...
Posted by: Rachel Cummins | July 10, 2007 at 02:05 PM
I read your newsletter and my favourite place to dine al fresco is Piccolino, London Road, Virginia Water Surrey.
Posted by: Joan Hall | July 10, 2007 at 01:34 PM
Figuring out where to eat in London can be a daunting task. Here at http://www.lacartes.com/, we have
London restaurant and listings, so you’ll know where to chow down before you even get to London, the hottest city in England.
Posted by: shrestha | July 09, 2007 at 01:59 AM