
06 Dec 2024
We couldn’t be more excited to finally say goodbye to the dark, cold winter and say hello to spring! Springtime is all about al fresco dining in the sunshine, sampling delicious fresh produce and discovering all the best seasonal menus that London has to offer. Here are our favourite spots in the capital to dine out this spring and welcome in the new season in style.
Tavolino is a neighbourhood Italian restaurant and bar on the river at London Bridge. Serving simple, high quality dishes, the team only uses the best produce from across Italy and the UK. With glorious panoramic views, an aperitivo bar, and super friendly waiting staff to boot — we can’t think of anywhere we’d rather while away an evening or afternoon this spring. The menu is rooted in Italian classics like Cacio e Pepe, Chicken Milanese, and Panzanella salad. There are also a number of well executed pizzas on offer (we like the Gorgonzola Riserva, which comes topped with prosciutto, artichokes and walnuts). For dessert, there’s rippled soft serve cherry and pistachio ice cream, basil panna cotta, and Pistachio budino — a decadent Italian baked custard. Both the indoor and outdoor seating provide fantastic views of the water, and the atmosphere is sophisticated but relaxed. A must-visit for all pizza and pasta lovers.

Nothing says spring like a spot of Aussie café culture! Barbie Green is an all-day eatery offering trendy food plates, relaxed dining, and fabulous coffee. Take in some of the spring sunshine on the outdoor terrace or watch the world go by from the sun-filled dining area, which features huge floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ancient ruins of the City of London wall. On the menu, you’ll find breakfast and brunch favourites like smashed avo, buttermilk pancake stacks and smoked salmon royale with poached eggs. There’s also a fab bottomless brunch served with kombucha or the limited edition Daisy Fizz (if you fancy something a bit stronger!).
Centrally located in the heart of London’s beer scene and just a stone’s throw away from London Bridge, Hiver is the perfect spot for enjoying some spring sunshine, after-work drinks, and street food from Maltby St. Market (which you’re allowed to bring in with you). Kick back and relax at Hiver’s picnic tables with a range of fresh and natural craft beers – including the popular honey beer. Or if you’re more of a wine person, Hiver also offers a selection of delectable wines from its partner, Albourne Estate Vineyard. And if that wasn’t enough to get you excited, Hiver is also a dog-friendly taproom, making it a great pit-stop for you and the pooch after a walk along the Southbank.
Now that spring is here, it’s time to swap those heavy comfort meals out in favour of colourful salads, aromatic mezze plates and refreshing aperitifs! Aline Lebanese Kitchen pays homage to the wonderful cuisine of Lebanon, combining traditional recipes with modern cooking techniques to create tasty and gorgeously presented food plates. Menu highlights include grilled meat and seafood kebabs, freshly baked flatbreads plus a huge range of cold and hot mezze including moussaka, stuffed vine leaves, tabbouleh and falafels. And if you fancy a botanical tipple which embodies the fruitiness and fragrance of spring, opt for a Seasonal Bellini or a Rose Gin and Tonic – they’re delicious!
This French brasserie is committed to serving the freshest and highest quality produce, with regularly changing menus to reflect the change in seasons. You’ll find classic French dishes on the main menu including hand-cut beef tartare, steak frites, and roast rump of lamb, whilst seafood lovers will rejoice over entrées such as dressed crab, grilled octopus, and Maldon oysters. Situated in a beautiful London court close to Chancery Lane station, Gazette has a sophisticated yet relaxed ambience which makes it the perfect venue for business meals, date nights or low-key lunches with friends. Gazette is also a great place to come with the kids, as there’s a very reasonably priced kid’s menu and child-friendly atmosphere. And if you happen to be blessed with one of London’s warmer spring days, there are also outdoor dining tables available to take in the longer, lighter evenings!

Imagine you’ve just finished a nice day exploring London in scenic spring light. You’ve taken in the sights and maybe done a bit of shopping. The sun is starting to get lower and your stomach is starting to rumble; you need a place to eat, and that’s where 116 at the Athenaeum comes in. Located in the Athenaeum hotel and residence, 116 offers a fantastic afternoon tea menu perfect for such a situation. The specialised afternoon tea includes sandwiches, scones, homemade cakes, pastries and sweets. In addition, you can tie the experience together by adding a drink option to your meal ranging from rose to free-flowing prosecco for a price. Furthermore, if it didn’t sound scenic enough already, 116 also boasts a terrace area where you can take in that dazzling spring afternoon light. Finally, if you want an earlier or later meal, there is also a breakfast and a set menu that’s equally impressive.


