By Visit London
For Road Trips for Foodies

As Londoners continue to take advantage of the pockets of summer sunshine in England’s capital city, Visit London looks at some of the best places to enjoy an ‘Alfresco August’. Get out and enjoy the last of the summer sun with some fine dining!

Take advantage of London’s great outdoors with a perfect picnic in one of the city’s Royal Parks and gardens. Fortnum and Mason have a range of luxury hampers on offer (such as the ones in the photo) with the best of the food hall packed into a cool bag! Enjoy an a-la-carte picnic from Corrigan’s Mayfair, with the Corrigan’s artisan Picnic Basket prepared specifically to suit your palate, or for an authentic taste of Italy, Carluccio’s Summer Picnic Hampers come complete with sun cream and umbrella. Foodies can ‘pick up a picnic’ of their own creation from John Lewis, where the Waitrose foodhall experts will advise on food and drink pairings, and then pack the selected produce into a hamper while you do a spot of shopping!

Visit London’s top hotels for some cocktails in the sun or tea on the terrace. Vista, the Trafalgar Hotel’s rooftop bar, has some of the best views of London, while visitors to The Langham can enjoy The Terrace Garden, their brand new unique outdoor cocktail and cigar venue.

Head to The Tower Hotel for more stunning panoramas where a leisurely lunch is accompanied by views of iconic Tower Bridge, or for a more relaxed affair, the courtyard garden at the Sanderson provides a traditional British brunch along with the weekend papers.

With 48 Michelin stars in the capital, London is full of opportunities for fine alfresco dining. Tom Aiken’s latest venture, Tom’s Terrace at Somerset House, combines a stunning location with a summer-inspired menu while the Bingham in Richmond, winner of Best Gastronomic experience at the 2009 Visit London Awards, boasts a balcony overlooking the Thames from which to enjoy the Michelin-starred menu.

Looking for something a little different? Head to the Southbank on the first weekend of each month where the Real Food Market will serve up fresh produce and ingredients, direct from the producer, or float on the Thames as you enjoy afternoon tea aboard the Restaurant Ship Hispaniola on Victoria Embankment. Also offering stunning river views, The OXO Tower Restaurant’s terrace has been turned into a magnificent garden designed by Chelsea flower show gold medal winner Stephen Woodhams.

For another inner-city sanctuary, don’t miss your chance to experience Bankside’s Urban Orchard this August and see how the temporary garden in Union Street has transformed a once empty derelict site into a blossoming oasis in the heart of the City. With a range of lunchtime events and activities taking place, it’s the perfect place to de-stress with a bite to eat.

Shopping and dining go hand in hand so Head to Ganton Street, Carnaby’s food and drink quarter for great alfresco lunch spots as you seek out a bargain. An historic enclave of London, the street is filled with international cuisine from traditional English to tasty Thai, American favourites and Asian fusion to Italian delicacies. Brand new to Covent Garden, St Martin’s Courtyard features an urban oasis with its beautiful open air landscaped courtyard set amongst independent labels, international brands and flagship stores.

For more hints and tips on the best dining in London, indoors or out, go online.