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The Frenchiest terraces for al fresco dining in London

Valentine Benoist By Valentine Benoist, Editor 26.08.2021
The Frenchiest terraces for al fresco dining in London

With summer kicking in and social gathering back on track, it’s finally time to make the most of London restaurants. Here’s a roundup of our favourite outdoor spots en terrasse with a French twist - because that’s what we do!  

Folie: a Taste of French Med-meets-Mayfair 

Let the Riviera come to you with Guillaume Depoix’s bijou of a restaurant. Designed by Studio KO, the interiors are all about 60s and 70s glam. But what we’re really into this summer is their petite but oh-so-chic terrace on Golden Square with grass, bright-cane bistro chairs and white tablecloths.  

The perfect spot for a fresh niçoise salad or an indulgent strawberry Tropézienne tart with a glass of something bubbly. Come the weekend, tuck into the brunch menu. The chickpea pancake with black olives and herb pistou will transport you straight to the South of France! 

Folie 
37 Golden Square, London W1F 9LB 
Tuesday-Saturday 9am-12.30am 
Sunday 11am-6pm 
folie.london 

The Frenchiest terraces for al fresco dining in London
  • ©Folie

    Paulette: a slice of French nostalgia 

    Sit back and relax on your vintage bistro chair, under the awning of this cute little eatery-cum-deli-cum-wine bar in picture-perfect Little Venice. At Paulette, it’s all about dusted-off, grandma style comfort food and artisan wines

    Start off with a fruity glass of Saumur-Champigny or a crisp Sancerre, before digging in the Burgundy snails with garlic and parsley butter if you dare, the fool-proof confit duck and potatoes croquettes or a roast chicken, morels and vin jaune. Then you’ll know you’ll have that chocolate éclair, don’t you?!   

    Paulette 
    18 Formosa St, London W9 1EE 
    Tuesday-Friday 10am-9.30pm 
    Saturday 9am-9.30pm 
    paulettelondon.com 

    The Frenchiest terraces for al fresco dining in London
  • ©Paulette

    Seabird: a rooftop oyster extravaganza  

    The top floor of The Hoxton Southwark hotel is home to this beach hut, coastal vibes restaurant. With a strong sea-to-table menu, a marble raw bar and what appears to be London’s longest oyster list, Seabird is arguably one of the nicest rooftops in London to spend the evening. 

    This summer, you’ll find us on their gorgeous terrace, soaking up the city views whilst gobbling some of their French numbers - Bélon Native and Gillardeau oysters from La Rochelle region, watch out!  

    Seabird 
    The Rooftop, The Hoxton, Southwark 
    40 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8PB 
    Monday-Thursday 11.30am-12am 
    Friday-Saturday 11.30am-1am 
    Sunday 11.30am-12am 
    seabirdlondon.com 

    The Frenchiest terraces for al fresco dining in London
  • ©The Hoxton Southwark

    A hearty feast at The Flying Frenchman's Canteen in Newington Green 

    You may have spotted The Flying Frenchman’s bright red van selling his top-notch sausages, pâtés and charcuterie across the markets of London. Parisian-born and well-travelled chef-founder Guillaume Desmurs has since landed brick-and-mortars with La Canteen on Newington Green, to spread his love of good, honest food. 

    Grab a table and a bench outside, order from the blackboard, and feast on Camembert croquettes, homemade pork and pistachio terrine, roasted aubergine with Provençal ratatouille and a rum baba to round things off, the French bistro way! 

    The Flying Frenchman 
    11 Albion Rd, London N16 9PS 
    Tuesday-Thursday 12-8.30pm 
    Friday-Saturday 12-9.30pm 
    Sunday 12-6.30pm 
    flyingfrenchman.com 

    The Frenchiest terraces for al fresco dining in London
  • ©The Flying Frenchman

    Bellanger: vintage brasserie vibes 

    Nestled by Islington Green, Bellanger is the quintessential French brasserie by prolific restaurateurs Corbin & King (Brasserie Zédel, The Wolseley…), filled with vintage posters, panelled wood, murals, blue chequered tablecloths - and most importantly these days, a cosy terrace by Islington Green, even featuring Parisian-inspired street lights.  

    Menu-wise, it’s all about timeless comforting classics from across the Channel, such as oeufs mayo, croque-monsieur, steak-frites and confit duck. On the sweet side, order a crème brûlée, grab your spoon and gently crack open the caramel crust on top, as you should. Be careful though, there’s a strong chance you’ll leave the place speaking French! 

    Bellanger 
    9 Islington Green, The Angel, London N1 2XH 
    Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-9pm 
    Sunday 11am-7pm 
    bellanger.co.uk 

    The Frenchiest terraces for al fresco dining in London
  • ©Bellanger

    Smoked sausage
    Smoked sausage
    Drôme white garlic PGI
    Drôme white garlic PGI
    See Recipe