Top 5 Restaurants to Visit This Summer

The Joys of Al Fresco Dining

There’s something undeniably special about eating outdoors in Britain — a fleeting but glorious pleasure that feels like a celebration of summer itself. This year, with the sun making an early appearance, we’ve been gifted the perfect excuse to dine al fresco with a crisp drink in hand and laughter in the air.

Summer dining is all about simple indulgence. It’s a chilled spritz kissed with fresh herbs, or a twist on a classic cocktail that tastes like sunshine in a glass. While Pimms remains a beloved staple, we’re leaning into artisanal creations that highlight seasonal ingredients — think homegrown berries, garden mint, and fragrant botanicals. Double Dutch mixers, with their crisp, clean finish, are the perfect base for summer sipping — whether paired with your favourite spirit or savoured on their own.

From countryside hideaways to stylish city terraces, we’ve selected five restaurants that truly shine in the warmer months. Each one pairs exceptional food with a unique atmosphere and that intangible summer magic.

Photo by Dan Lynn on Unsplash

1. Dishoom Oxford – Bombay Café Charm in an Academic Icon

Tucked away on New Inn Hall Street, Dishoom Oxford brings the elegance and energy of a vintage Bombay café to the heart of this storied university town. It’s a transportive experience — where spiced air meets clinking glasses and every dish tells a story.

Start your day with their legendary Breakfast Naan Roll and ethically sourced NewGround coffee roasted just down the road. At lunch, refreshing chaats and light, zingy salads offer the perfect pick-me-up — or indulge in rich curries and bold biryanis if you're in the mood for something heartier.

As evening arrives, Dishoom truly comes alive. The Permit Room bar serves up cocktails with flair — don’t miss the Blushing Dawn Paloma, smoky and citrusy in all the right ways. The soundtrack? Vinyl-only DJ sets that lend a warm, nostalgic feel.

While their outdoor terrace isn’t Bombay, it’s a brilliant space to enjoy fusion flavours under the open sky. Note: you can’t reserve the terrace, so arrive early for the best chance of snagging a spot.

2. At The Chapel, Bruton – Somerset Sophistication with a Heavenly View

In the artistic town of Bruton, At The Chapel sits in a beautifully converted 12th-century chapel, where stained glass meets sourdough and sunshine. Its south-facing terrace, scented with jasmine and overlooking the ancient rooftops of Somerset, is a dream come true on summer evenings.

From early morning pastries and single-origin coffee to wood-fired pizzas and biodynamic wines, everything is lovingly made and locally sourced. Their commitment to Somerset’s best producers — cheesemongers, foragers, and organic farmers — is evident in every bite.

Their terrace is dog-friendly, their bakery renowned, and for group gatherings, the upstairs Gallery’s long table is perfect for special occasions. Whether you're there for a long brunch, an afternoon aperitif, or a celebratory supper, this spot captures summer dining at its most relaxed and refined.

3. Osip – Seasonal Elegance in the Somerset Hills

Osip is more than a restaurant — it’s a celebration of what nature provides. Led by acclaimed chef Merlin Labron-Johnson, this Michelin-starred gem has recently relocated to a former pub just outside Bruton, maintaining its signature minimalism while embracing a deeper connection to the land.

In summer, that connection is palpable. With over 85% of ingredients grown by the restaurant team on nearby farms and orchards, the daily tasting menu is dictated by what’s ripe that morning. Dishes are pure, simple, and bursting with flavour — like their chilled tomato consommé with fig oil, which tastes like July in a bowl.

The wine list favours small, biodynamic producers, and the low-meat menu focuses on regenerative farming. Osip is ideal for diners who value quiet luxury, meaningful sustainability, and food that reflects its place and time with breathtaking clarity.

4. The Audley, Mayfair – Victorian Charm with a Culinary Heart

In the heart of Mayfair, The Audley blends the soul of a classic British pub with the polish of a modern dining destination. Housed in a lovingly restored late-Victorian building, it’s a masterclass in London elegance — and the outdoor terrace is one of the city’s best-kept summer secrets.

Chef Jamie Shears leads the kitchen with a hyper-local approach: beef and lamb from their own Somerset farm, sausages made in-house at Durslade, and vegetables grown in partnership with an agroecological school farm. It’s serious food with a sense of joy.

Start with oysters or a proper scotch egg, and stay for elevated pub classics or their unforgettable Sunday roast (yes, the Yorkshire puddings come stuffed). The terrace is ideal for people-watching over a crisp English sparkling wine or a garden-fresh cocktail.

It’s everything you want from summer in the capital — characterful, delicious, and quietly glamorous.

5. The Shed, Notting Hill – Farm-to-Fork Fun with Country Soul

The Shed has long been Notting Hill’s go-to for rustic charm and sustainable eats. Run by the Gladwin Brothers, this restaurant brings a slice of Sussex countryside to the city, with an outdoor terrace that’s buzzing from the first sunny afternoon of the season.

The ‘Local & Wild’ menu changes with the week — sometimes the day — and features foraged greens, home-grown herbs, and seasonal British produce at its finest. Their set lunch menu is ideal for midweek dining, while weekends are all about vibrant flavours and relaxed vibes.

English wines from the family’s Nutbourne Vineyard are the perfect pairing, and cocktails infused with herbs and hedgerow fruit make it easy to linger long after sunset.

It’s laid-back, lively, and deeply rooted in nature — a place where summer feels both effortless and well-earned.

A Toast to Summer in the Open Air

From the bohemian streets of Notting Hill to the rolling hills of Somerset, these five restaurants capture the essence of British summer. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy street food, wood-fired pizza, or farm-fresh tasting menus, each of these venues offers more than just a meal — they offer an experience.

So book that table, dust off your sunglasses, and gather your favourite people. With sunshine, good food, and a perfectly chilled drink (perhaps a Double Dutch mixer in hand), summer dining doesn’t get better than this.

Here’s to long evenings, warm breezes, and unforgettable moments in the great British outdoors.