London's best alfresco restaurants + Test Driving Aktar Islam's Oudh 1722, BBQ boxes delivered, Cinder's new bakery/bistro & more...

EDITOR'S LETTER

When it's this hot in London, there's only one thing to do and it's to embrace the heat and adopt more of a Mediterranean approach to dining. That means finding a great alfresco spot. But for a restaurant to get on our list it needs more than just an Insta-worthy outdoor dining space, the food very much has to be on point too.

With perfect timing, it's also the start of National BBQ Week in the UK. If you want to take your barbecue offering to the next level, we've got a shortlist of BBQ boxes from top butchers, restaurants and chefs that'll make your neighbours pea green with envy.

Catherine, Editor - Hot Dinners

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

The very best restaurants in London for eating alfresco

It took its time arriving, and might be overcompensating for that right now, but the warmer weather is finally upon us. So if you fancy eating outside this summer, here are our top recommendations.

Read our guide

RESTAURANT NEWS

The Cinder team's next St John's Wood opening is No. Forty Nine, a combo bakery, bistro and wine bar

The team behind Cinder in St John's Wood are about to double up in the area, with pastrami pain suisse, cornbread madeleines and crab choux buns promised for the menu.

Read all about No. Forty Nine

Trullo have painted their entire restaurant Arsenal red to celebrate the Premier League win

Islington and Highbury have gone a little bit crazy of late (and we love it) and Trullo has certainly got in the mood.

Proper French baguettes and croissants hit Islington with a new Authentique bakery

Yes, there are a fair few bakeries already in Islington, but we're well up for some proper French baguettes.

Chuku's jollof rice bowls are Boxhall City's new must-have lunch for City workers

On their tenth anniversary, Chuku's have arrived in the City.

New London restaurants added to the Michelin Guide - now with May's additions

It's a quiet month by Michelin standards, with just three new London additions to the guide.

Ready for even more handrolls? Saltwater sees the Milk Beach team handing out sushi in Soho

Japanese handrolls are well on their way to becoming the trend of the moment.

TEST DRIVE

Test Driving Oudh 1722 - Aktar Islam brings his Michelin magic to a Victoria townhouse in London Bridge

His Birmingham restaurant Opheem has two Michelin stars and now Aktar Islam has opened Oudh 1722, his first London restaurant. We went down to see what he's cooking in his London Bridge home. 

What to expect and what to order

BARBECUE SEASON

The best BBQ boxes, delivered

Planning a barbecue this summer? We've rounded up some of the best BBQ boxes being delivered to your door - all you've got to do is fire up the grill.

Read our guide

NEW THIS WEEK

The new restaurants and bars opening in London this week

This week, Jackson Boxer unveils his new Exmouth Market restaurant, there's an arrival from Mykonos, and a seafood bar crosses the street.

What's opening, and where

SPOTTED SOMETHING?

Noticed something restaurant or bar-related that we should know about?

Spotted a new restaurant about to open in your neighbourhood? Seen a celebrity dining out in London? Heard a piece of hospitality gossip you feel we ought to know about? Unburden yourself and tell us all about it.

Share the news...

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