We've done the legwork for you with everything you need for a great summer from the new alfresco spots for eating and drinking, great takeaway picnics and ice-cream specials to look out for on sweltering days.

Stuck in London while everyone else is off on their hols? At least if you head to Somerset House over the coming months you can at least pretend you're in Spain.

They've just launched a terrace in partnership with San Miguel. Yes, you're looking over the Thames rather then the Med, but with a chilled beer in your hand and a range of Spanish snacks to choose from, things could be a whole lot worse.

Open daily from lunchtime the bar will serve up a

There's no surer sign that summer's on its way than when terraces, all across town, begin to be unveiled in their new plumage.

Top of your to-try list has to be the new Perrier-Jouet terrace at Harrods which launched to a celeb crowd last week. The fourth floor terrace (we honestly didn't even know it was there) is apparently a sunny spot facing due south west - perfect to sit and sip Champagne in. And when the weather properly bucks up there's an

All over London restaurants, bars and hotels are shaking out their fur throws, lighting lanterns and warming up hot toddies as they open their winter terraces for the season. We pick the best winter warmer spots around town.

You've got to hand it to Caprice Holdings. They've really upped their PR game this week. Not only have they unveiled the single most Instagrammed building in London by covering the front of Annabel's in flowers for Chelsea Flower Week but they topped that by getting Victoria Beckham in to collaborate on their summer terrace at

Summer has arrived and while we’re cautiously optimistic that it’s here to stay, London’s restaurants and bars are shaping up to launch a series of summer bars