When the sun shines, Soho’s streets come alive. Tables spill out onto the pavement letting visitors enjoy the flavours of summer in the open air.
Making the area even more vibrant this summer is ¡Frida Icónica!, a spectacular installation in celebration of Frida Kahlo. Handmade papel picado flutters the full length of Carnaby Street, crowned by an anamorphic mural of the cultural icon’s portrait.
From self-pour wine terraces and handmade pasta to Parisian-inspired wine bars and open-air dining in Kingly Court, Soho and Carnaby Street offer some of London’s most exciting al fresco dining experiences this summer.
Be first into Soho’s newest ice cream parlour Ice Cream Union, 8 Ganton Street
Arriving on Thursday 16 July, Ice Cream Union will be serving its innovative ice cream and sorbet from a brand-new parlour on Ganton Street. Bringing its signature range of handcrafted ice creams and sorbets to Soho, visitors can expect a rotating menu of classic favourites alongside seasonal creations, delivering the quality and craftsmanship that have made Ice Cream Union a favourite among chefs and ice cream enthusiasts alike for nearly two decades.
Self-pour and small plates at Vagabond Wines, 14-16 Ganton Street
One of Soho’s newest and most anticipated arrivals, Vagabond is the beloved urban winery known for self-pour machines. Over 120 vintages are available by the glass accompanied by seasonal small plates. The expansive terrace is ideal for a summer evening wine tasting.
In celebration of summer, Vagabond are offering 3 for £20 on a selection of small plates, including patatas bravas, croquetas iberico, Hanger steak tagliata and charred octopus every Monday to Sunday from 12-3pm.
Modern British classics at The Shaston Arms, 4-6 Ganton Street
A Soho institution since 1999, The Shaston Arms was reborn last year under the award-winning team behind The Waterman’s Arms. This summer, you can sit streetside to enjoy a menu of beloved pub classics, elevated in Soho style.
Dive into plates of handmade pasta at Padella, 2 Kingly Street
Padella is a pasta bar serving fresh, hand rolled pasta with traditional, beautifully simple Italian sauces. Opened this spring on Kingly Street, Padella Soho has plenty of al fresco tables for convivial summer meals.
Soak up the Parisian vibes at Marjorie’s, 26 Foubert’s Place
Located just off the bustle of Carnaby Street, Marjorie’s is an acclaimed Parisian-inspired restaurant and bar à vins. Take a seat on the cobbles of Foubert’s Place to enjoy classic but sophisticated small plates with an extensive but accessible all-French wine list.
Detroit-style pizza and natural wine at Ria’s, 29 Foubert’s Place
A cult favourite from Notting Hill, Ria’s has brought its acclaimed Detroit-style pizza to Soho. Set on the cobbles of Foubert’s Place, diners can enjoy deep-pan slices made with 72-hour fermented dough alongside a carefully curated natural wine list and cocktails, making it the perfect spot for laid-back summer dining.
Exceptional burgers at Heard, 31 Foubert’s Place
Created by two-Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey, Heard elevates the humble burger with premium British produce, regenerative farm-sourced beef and meticulous attention to detail. Take a seat outdoors on Foubert’s Place and enjoy signature burgers, indulgent sides and locally brewed beers in one of Soho’s most stylish new dining destinations.
Istanbul-inspired dining at Zahter, 30-32 Foubert’s Place
Bringing the vibrant flavours of Istanbul to the heart of Soho, Zahter serves contemporary Turkish cuisine centred around wood-fired and charcoal cooking. With outdoor tables on the cobbled streets, guests can enjoy seasonal sharing plates, fresh seafood and colourful mezze in the sunshine, accompanied by warm Turkish hospitality.
Al Fresco Dining in Kingly Court
For visitors looking to enjoy outdoor dining all in one place, Kingly Court’s open-air courtyard brings together some of Soho’s most exciting restaurants, bars and dessert destinations.
Fresh Basque cuisine and vermouth cocktails at ALTA, Kingly Court
Drawing on the gastronomical traditions of the Navarra region of Northern Spain, ALTA combines the best of British produce with the best of Spanish cooking. From pintxas to vermouth cocktails, head to Kingly Court for a cuisine suited to warm weather.
New for this summer, Bar ALTA serves casual sharing dishes to be eaten with wines by the glass, vermouths, sherries and cocktails. With seats spilling out onto the terrace, it’s perfect for a casual dinner with friends or family.
The best of soul food at Goldies, Kingly Court
In keeping with the summer vibes, Goldies in Kingly Court offers some of London’s best BBQ. Cooking on a live, wood-fired grill, succulent chicken, burgers and steak cuts can be paired with their famous frites and natural wines.
Finish off with a cooling scoop at Big Kid Ice Cream, 1 Kingly Street
Named London’s best ice cream shop by Metro in June, Big Kid Ice Cream comes into its own in the heat. Come down to the open-air hatch to try eclectic flavours inspired by the craftsmanship of Italian gelato, from Glazed Donut Soft Serve to Black Sesame Oreo. Big Kid has unveiled a special 20-flavour line-up to celebrate its third birthday, including a limited edition Dill Pickle Ice Cream.