20 SUMMER LUNCH PLANS
The best venues for a sun-drenched al fresco bite
1. DUCKSOUP
41 Dean Street, W1/£££
This intimate Soho restaurant offers limited outdoor seating, but the best spot is undoubtedly the three-person table by the open window. Order a glass of chilled red along with labneh, olive oil, dukkah and bread. ducksoupsoho.co.uk
2. ROCHELLE CANTEEN
16 Playground Gardens, E2/£££
This converted Victorian school’s walled courtyard is a true summer luxury. Lunch on courgette with goat’s curd or skate with brown butter; for pudding, the poached peach pavlova is a must. rochellecanteen.com
3. SCOTTI’S SNACK BAR
38 Clerkenwell Green, EC1/£
Sometimes the perfect summer lunch is a well-made sandwich at a simple outdoor table. Scotti’s has been doing its thing since 1967 – and that thing includes a perfect chicken escalope ciabatta with tomato, lettuce, mustard and mayo.
4. THE RIVER CAFE
Thames Wharf, W6/££££
A champion of seasonality and ingredient-led cooking for decades. At £38, a risotto here may be an indulgence, but it remains an unmissable treat. Dining on the sun-dappled terrace is an experience in itself. rivercafe.co.uk
5. TOWPATH
42 De Beauvoir Crescent, N1/££
The arrival of spring is marked by the reopening of Towpath, a beloved Hackney canalside spot. The menu is simple yet exceptional, featuring dishes such as taramasalata with radishes and toast or onglet with chips and aïoli. Walk-ins only. towpathlondon.com