Best Outdoor Restaurants and Cafés near King’s Cross this Summer

Outdoor Dining in Bloomsbury and King’s Cross

It’s always nice when the weather warms up and you can sit outside and enjoy a drink or a bite to eat while you watch the world go by. And around King’s Cross and Bloomsbury, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor dining.

From canalside spots to rooftop restaurants and pub gardens, there are plenty of places to enjoy a bit of alfresco dining without straying too far from the Mentone Hotel.

Here are my top picks, which include a few of mine and my family’s personal favourites.

Personal recommendations for outdoor dining in King’s Cross and Bloomsbury

These are some of the places I tend to recommend to guests looking for somewhere relaxed, welcoming, and perfect for making the most of a sunny afternoon or warm evening. And the ones my family and I particularly enjoy ;)

Fig & Walnut Kitchen

Turkish Restaurant
75-77 Marchmont St, London WC1N 1AP
2 minute walk from the hotel
Open every day 8am to 11pm
Website
Menus

This lovely restaurant on the corner of Marchmont Street and Tavistock Place is another place I’m always happy to personally recommend, especially if you want somewhere relaxed with outdoor tables right near the hotel.

It’s run by the same people as another of our favourite places to eat, the Pitted Olive, which I highlighted in my blog on where to eat around Cartwright Gardens.

The restaurant took over the old Balfour site and has a warm, friendly feel about it. The menu is Turkish-inspired, with plenty of grilled dishes, salads and meze, but you can still get a good English breakfast or brunch here too.

Nostimo

Greek Mediterranean Restaurant
Unit 9, The Brunswick Centre, London WC1N 1AW
6 minute walk from the hotel
Tel: 020 7052 4471
Open: Monday to Sunday 11.30am – 11pm
Website
Menus

I’ve eaten at Nostimo quite a few times with my family and it’s one I often recommend if guests fancy relaxed outdoor dining near King’s Cross and Bloomsbury.

Located in the Brunswick Centre, there’s plenty of nice outside seating, and the Greek/Mediterranean dishes are always full of flavour. You’ve got everything from souvlaki and grilled meats to moussaka, halloumi, salads and classic Greek desserts like baklava. It’s a nice easy-going spot for lunch or an evening meal in the sunshine.

Riding House Bloomsbury

International Restaurant
Unit 1, The Brunswick Centre, London WC1N 1AF
6 minute walk from the hotel
Tel: 020 3829 8333
Open: Monday to Friday 8am–10.30pm, Saturday 9am–10.30pm, Sunday 9am – 9.30pm
Website

Riding House at the Brunswick Centre is another place I regularly recommend, especially during the summer when the outdoor terrace is open.

It’s one of those places that works well at pretty much any time of day, whether you fancy breakfast, brunch, lunch or an evening meal. The atmosphere is relaxed, the menu changes with the seasons, and there’s a good mix of healthier dishes alongside more indulgent options if you’re treating yourself while you’re away.

German Gymnasium

German and Central European Restaurant
1 King’s Blvd, London N1C 4BU
12 minute walk from the hotel
Tel: 020 7287 8000
Open: Monday & Tuesday 8am-11pm, Wednesday-Friday 8am-12am, Saturday 10am-1am, Sunday 10am-11pm
Website

German Gymnasium is a personal family favourite of ours and one I regularly recommend to guests looking for somewhere a bit special around King’s Cross.

The building alone is worth seeing. It’s a striking Grade II listed former gymnasium dating back to 1865, with huge vaulted ceilings and amazing Victorian architecture throughout. In fact, it once held the title of “Most Beautiful Restaurant in the World”, which gives you some idea of the setting.

During the summer months, the outdoor terrace and covered gin garden are lovely places to sit and eat or have a drink. Inside, there’s a lively Grand Café with an open kitchen downstairs, plus a more formal restaurant and cocktail bar upstairs.

Food-wise, expect German and Central European influences, with everything from schnitzels and sausages to brunch dishes and sharing plates. And yes — you’ll probably end up taking endless photos while you’re there. Most people do.

More recommendations: If you fancy an alfresco coffee or a nice breakfast or brunch outdoors, have a look at my best cafés, brunch hotspots and top breakfast choices in Bloomsbury blogs.

Alfresco dining in Bloomsbury – more top picks at the Brunswick Centre

Keeping things close to Bloomsbury, the Brunswick Centre is an easy option with a good mix of cafés and restaurants that offer outdoor seating.

It’s a relaxed spot where you can grab anything from a coffee to a casual meal and sit out in the open, right in the heart of the area. Here are some of my top picks.

Gail’s

48-50 Brunswick Centre, London WC1N 1AE
5 minute walk from the hotel
Open from 7am Monday to Saturday, from 8am Sunday
Tel: 020 7837 3144
Website

Gail’s is another favourite of ours and a really nice spot for breakfast, lunch or just coffee and cake in the sunshine.

Everything is baked fresh daily, from the bread and pastries to the cakes, and they always seem to have something seasonal on the menu which keeps things interesting. Although it’s a well-known chain, it still feels quite personal and artisan in the way it’s run.

There’s indoor and outdoor seating, including dog-friendly tables outside, plus disabled access. You can also pick up fresh produce to take away, along with cakes, biscuits and foodie gift bits if there’s someone you want to treat.

Starbucks

Brunswick Centre, London WC1N 1AW
5 minute walk from the hotel
Open: Monday–Friday 7am–7pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am–7pm
Tel: 020 7837 0567
Website

I probably shouldn’t admit how often I end up in here, but this is one of my regular morning coffee stops in Bloomsbury.

It’s a spacious branch with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, so it’s handy if you just want to sit outside for a while with a coffee and watch the world go by. Alongside the usual Starbucks drinks, they also do warm food, snacks and a few coffee-themed gifts and accessories.

Nando’s

Unit 23, The Brunswick Centre, London WC1N 1AW
5 minute walk from the hotel
Open: Monday – Sunday 11am –10pm
Tel: 020 7713 0351
Website

If you fancy something quick, easy and reliable, there’s also a Nando’s at the Brunswick Centre with plenty of outdoor seating during the warmer months.

Perfect if you’re after a casual lunch or dinner after a day exploring London, with all the usual PERi-PERi favourites on the menu including wraps, pittas, burgers and chicken dishes ranging from mild to seriously spicy.

Outdoor dining King’s Cross – a few favourites at Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard

Head a little further towards King’s Cross and you’ll find some excellent spots for outdoor dining, especially around Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard.

Both areas have a completely different feel to Bloomsbury, with canalside seating, lively terraces and plenty going on during the summer months.

Granary Square

London N1C 4AB
Website

Granary Square is probably the best-known outdoor space in King’s Cross, sitting right beside Regent’s Canal and famous for its fountains which light up and ‘dance’ throughout the day and evening. It’s always somewhere I recommend guests visit, particularly on warm summer nights when the whole area has a great atmosphere.

Most of the restaurants and cafés here have outdoor terraces or canalside seating, so it’s ideal if you enjoy eating outside. You’ve got everything from relaxed brunch spots and cafés through to proper sit-down restaurants, all centred around the old Granary Building and the canal.

The Lighterman

The Lighterman is probably one of the best-known outdoor dining spots around King’s Cross, and for good reason. It overlooks both Granary Square and Regent’s Canal, and there are several different outdoor seating areas depending on whether you want sunshine, shade or waterside views.

The canalside terrace is especially nice during the summer. Food-wise, it’s a good mix of flatbreads, burgers, steaks and seasonal dishes, plus there’s a decent cocktail list, craft beers and well-selected wines if you’re just stopping for drinks.

Granary Square Brasserie

If you’re after something stylish, Granary Square Brasserie has a really lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the square, with plenty of greenery, large umbrellas and heaters for cooler evenings.

The menu covers all the classic brasserie favourites and the food is consistently good. The truffle and parmesan chips are definitely worth ordering, and their weekend brunch is very popular too.

Caravan King’s Cross

Caravan King’s Cross was one of the first restaurants to open around Granary Square and it’s stayed popular ever since, especially when the sun’s out and the terrace fills up.

It’s a good spot for breakfast, brunch or small sharing plates later in the day, with flavours inspired by all over the world. The coffee’s excellent too, and the outdoor seating is perfect for sitting back and watching the buzz around the square.

Coal Drops Yard

Stable Street, London N1C 4LW
Website

Just beside Granary Square, Coal Drops Yard has a slightly more tucked-away feel, with its cobbled streets, old brick arches and mix of restaurants, bars and independent shops.

There’s a really good mix of places to eat here, from relaxed outdoor cafés to lively restaurants with large terraces. It’s also one of those places where you can happily wander for a couple of hours, stopping for a drink or bite to eat as you go.

Parrillan

Parrillan at Coal Drops Yard is a great shout if you fancy something a bit different. The covered terrace has a real Mediterranean feel to it, with lots of greenery and a relaxed atmosphere that almost makes you forget you’re in central London.

The menu is Spanish-inspired, with tapas, meats, seafood and vegetables, but the fun part is that many of the dishes arrive ready for you to cook yourself on a small table grill. It’s a really sociable place for an evening meal outdoors.

Vermuteria

Vermuteria is one of those places that feels tucked away from the crowds a bit, with a spacious and ambient covered outdoor seating area at the top of Coal Drops Yard.

The menu has a relaxed European feel to it, and as the name suggests, there’s a huge choice of vermouths alongside wines, cocktails and small plates. With the heaters, lights and outdoor seating, it works really well even once the sun goes down.

El Pastor

El Pastor is always lively and a good choice if you fancy relaxed outdoor dining with a bit of atmosphere. Set within the old railway arches at Coal Drops Yard, it has a covered and heated terrace which works well whatever the weather’s doing.

The menu is inspired by Mexico City street food, with tacos, tortillas, grilled dishes and plenty of mezcal and cocktails if you’re making an evening of it. It’s particularly good for groups and family get-togethers during the summer months.

Coal Office

Coal Office has one of the more stylish outdoor terraces around Coal Drops Yard, overlooking Bagley Walk with plenty of greenery and space to sit outside comfortably.

The food is Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspired, with lots of colourful sharing plates and bold flavours. It’s definitely somewhere to go if you fancy making a proper evening of it, and the weekend brunch is popular too.

Harry’s

Just a short walk from Coal Drops Yard along King’s Boulevard, Harry’s is a good option if you fancy Italian food and a large outdoor terrace during the summer months.

The Venetian-inspired setting has a relaxed “long lunch in the sunshine” sort of feel to it, with plenty of outdoor seating for drinks, lunch or dinner. Expect all the Italian favourites on the menu, alongside cocktails and lighter dishes if you’re just stopping off for a drink and a bite to eat.

Pubs in Bloomsbury and King’s Cross with outdoor seating

When the weather’s good, one of the nicest ways to spend an evening in Bloomsbury or King’s Cross is finding a pub with outdoor seating and settling in for a drink. Luckily, most of the pubs around here now have some sort of terrace, beer garden or pavement tables, so there’s no shortage of options.

The Lord John Russell on Marchmont Street is a personal favourite of mine and only a couple of minutes from the hotel. It’s a proper local pub with a friendly atmosphere, great food, an amazing array of real ales and outdoor tables at the front which are always popular during the summer. Their Sunday roasts are excellent too.

The Norfolk Arms is another good traditional pub with outdoor seating, especially if you fancy somewhere relaxed for a pint after a day exploring London.

Or if you’re heading towards King’s Cross Station, the Royal George has a lively atmosphere and plenty of outdoor space, particularly on warm evenings when the whole area gets busy.

But there are so many. I’ve put together a guide to the best pubs near Cartwright Gardens if you’d like a few more ideas for summer drinks and outdoor dining around the area.

Visiting Bloomsbury or King’s Cross this summer? Book a Room at the Mentone Hotel!

Situated in the heart of historical Bloomsbury and close to an array of attractions, restaurants, pubs, cafés and coffee shops, parks, museums and retail outlets, the Grade II listed Mentone Hotel is set amidst the tranquil Cartwright Gardens.

On offer we have 40 rooms, free WiFi, luggage storage, plus tickets for all the top London attractions. You’ll also enjoy a 10% discount if you book directly, plus an unlimited complimentary breakfast.

Please get in touch to check availability. And we will of course be happy to point you towards the best places for outdoor dining in King’s Cross and Bloomsbury during your stay!

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