Best Outdoor Casual Dining in North London for the Summer
- Matias
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
There’s a very specific kind of joy that takes over London when the sun finally shows up and looks like it’s here to stay. Having endured the first heatwave, the madness of Arsenal’s victory parade, and a week of gloomy weather, it’s time to focus on a more promising outlook: steady sunshine ahead of the summer.
Those grey skies, damp pavements, cancelled plans, and that very British habit of saying, “At least it’s not raining,” suddenly feel like a thing of the past. And with summer only a couple of weeks away, it’s always good to remind ourselves just how much better life feels when the sun is out. You know why: it’s simply lovely seeing parks come alive, pub gardens buzzing, and everyone enjoying themselves that little bit more.
But more than anything, we’re reminded of something we tend to forget at the start of every summer season. Beyond the complaints about heatwaves, there’s no other European capital quite like this one.
Because London really does become a different city. The streets feel lighter, the architecture suddenly stands out again, colours return, and everything seems to glow just a little more than usual. And that shift carries into people too. You notice it straight away. People linger longer, conversations stretch on, and you allow yourself more pauses outdoors. In reality, the whole city feels that bit more relaxed, a little more jolly.
I can’t remember the last time we had such glorious weather in May, and hopefully it’s a sign of a sunny summer ahead. What really changed for me was how quickly drinks started creeping into midweek plans on a Wednesday, simply because the sun was out and suddenly you felt like being social again. A spontaneous pub garden dinner with friends. Friday tapas on a terrace before a concert with my wife. Saturdays that started with a picnic in the park and somehow turned into that classic “one drink that becomes a couple” kind of afternoon.
And you know why? Because as Londoners, we’ve earned all of that! So this is the time of year to keep chasing the sun. Especially when those headlines start appearing claiming London will be hotter than Ibiza this weekend, because that’s when you know it’s time to seriously up your outdoor pub and dining game.
Not necessarily in a rooftop, £18-spritz kind of way, although no judgement if that’s your thing, but in the better North London way: a canalside table in King’s Cross, a proper pub garden in Islington, or a local terrace where the food is just as important as the setting.
So, while the sun is here and Londoners are doing what we do best, immediately acting as though we live in Barcelona or on a Greek island, here are some of my favourite places for outdoor dining in North London this summer.
King’s Cross: canalside terraces and people-watching
King’s Cross has quietly become one of the easiest places in North London to eat outside without overthinking it, and to spend a full afternoon doing a bit of everything.
Between the canal, Granary Square, Coal Drops Yard, and a steady flow of terraces, it genuinely feels like London has figured out outdoor dining here.
It’s the kind of place where you can just drift. Grab something from the market near Central Saint Martins, sit by the canal, or move between drinks and snacks without much of a plan. And that’s part of the charm, even more when Wimbledon is on and broadcasted for free.
Of course, there are plenty of spots that get the balance right between food, drinks and atmosphere, or at least two out of three, but on a sunny day, everything gets properly busy. So it’s worth either going early, shifting your eating times, or just committing to a couple of drinks and soaking it all in.
Because here, more than anything, the experience is about being there.
Islington and Canonbury: pub gardens with actual charm
Islington does outdoor dining in a very North London way: leafy gardens, relaxed terraces, and pubs that feel lively without tipping into chaos. It’s that perfect middle ground, buzzy, but still local.
No introduction needed. I hadn’t been in a while, but went back two weeks ago on Thursday and it reminded me exactly why it’s so loved. That garden is still one of the prettiest in London.
This is kind of pub that feels effortlessly local, with a lovely garden that comes into its own as soon as the sun appears. Whether you're settling in for a long lunch, a few pints with friends, or an impromptu weekend session, The Scolt Head has a way of making it very easy to stay for longer than planned.
Great for atmosphere, I stopped by for a quick Friday snack just a couple of weeks ago, but in the afternoon it can get intense. There are a lot of tables, and they fill up fast. Great for big groups!
This one is always an easy, reliable, and solid option. Brilliant for drinks and a few snacks, all served in a lively, buzzing setting. On Saturdays, plans at this pub can easily begin with a couple of pints and somehow turn into an all-day affair.
Exactly the kind of pub garden I like: food-first, relaxed, and not trying too hard. The menu changes often, the cooking is confident, and if you care as much about what’s on the plate as where you’re sitting, this one stays high on the list.
Dalston, Kentish Town and Finsbury: fire, pizza and proper locals
This is where things start to feel more neighbourhood-y, which is always my favourite part.
One of the most interesting outdoor dining spots in North London. Everything revolves around fire, smoke, char, bold flavours. It’s not subtle, and that’s exactly the point. Plus, it sits right by 40ft Brewery, so the atmosphere is always buzzing.
A bit of a hidden gem. Outdoor seating spilling onto the street, sun well into the evening, and a new Greek-inspired menu that’s worth the visit. I went on Friday afternoon and it was one of those “we’ll just stay for one more” kind of places.
I keep coming back here, especially for Sunday roasts. It won’t be the last time I mention it, it’s just a genuinely lovely place. I was just there mid-week and cannot wait for the proper outdoors on a sunny weekend.
If you know, you know. A chaotic, multi-level, almost treehouse-style garden that somehow works perfectly. This is peak North London pub energy once the sun comes out. If you haven't been, then you have the best excuse this weekend!
Hampstead: post-Heath lunches and historic pints
There are few better spring rituals than a walk on Hampstead Heath followed by a pub lunch.
A great stop on the southern side of the Heath, relaxed, reliable, and exactly what you want after a long walk.
One of London’s most historic pubs, tucked on the northern edge. Walled garden, old-world charm, and that slightly romantic, storybook feel that makes Hampstead feel like a village pretending not to be in Zone 2.
Over in Highgate, this is another classic. Villagey, cosy, and ideal for a pint after wandering around one of London’s prettiest corners.
A few spring / summer booking tips
Book ahead if you’re planning a weekend lunch, especially with the amazing forecast ahead this weekend. Londoners become extremely competitive when vitamin D is involved.
Also, always check whether outdoor tables are bookable or walk-in only. Some terraces look relaxed, but operate with the emotional intensity of a Glastonbury ticket sale.
And finally, remember: this is still London preparing for the summer period. A covered terrace or heater isn’t a bonus, it’s a survival strategy, perhaps not this weekend but still, something to consider.
Beyond the weather, when the food is good, the drinks are cold, and your table catches even the smallest bit of evening light, North London is pretty hard to beat.
With what’s expected to be another sunny and hot weekend, plan ahead, book that pub garden, gather your friends, and don’t waste the sunshine sitting indoors. London comes alive when the weather behaves like this, and we deserve every pint in the sun, every long lunch, and every evening that somehow turns into a late one outside. Enjoy it properly!
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