During the day, Pophams is London Field’s swishest and slickest bakery cum cafe. The irresistible aroma of freshly baked croissants and rosemary twists waft outside of the light-filled industrial space to the famished parents manoeuvring buggies outside. Sambas, Hokas, Salomons—you name it—they all move quickly here when there’s a spot free on one of their outside tables. In the evening, dough is boiled instead of baked, and delicate handmade pastas are served.

Italo has the kind of freewheeling vibe that defined Bonnington Square in the 1980s. The deli and cafe is one of London’s most idyllic locations for an alfresco lunch that spills out on to the pavement. A meal can involve anything from ciabatta filled with goats’ curd and braised leeks, fresh pasta, or whipped ricotta french toast topped with blueberry sauce and maple syrup. Just know that if you’re sitting down at midday, it’s more than likely that you won’t be leaving until late afternoon.

It’s easy to understand why the word ‘cult’ features in this Dalston restaurant’s name. There’s the sensual coupling of bone marrow and Dorset crab on toast. The buzzing open barbecue syphons a permanent waft of pork chop and smoked potato across the covered terrace. And there’s a feelgood mood that’s like taking a bubble bath in 60 pints of IPA. This place will quickly enter your rotation of ultimate places to gather a few mates for good times and great food.

On a corner of Kingston filled with restaurants, Poor Boys is known for having queues that go all the way down to the river on a sunny day. Don’t be tempted to give up. Excellent OTT comfort food, a lively dive bar atmosphere, and laid-back service, make this New Orleans-inspired restaurant a go-to for a casual catch-up. Grab one of the table-barrels outside and share a meaty brisket feast between a group, or just silently concentrate on a solo portion of chicken popcorn and a beer.

Glaring sunshine, a gentle breeze, and a salad of salt cod, pink firs, and egg—The Garden Museum Cafe has got summer locked down. This peaceful canteen by the Thames, inside St Mary-at-Lambeth church, is a serene space doing British dishes. During the spring and summer months, tables and chairs are brought outside so you can enjoy a lunch (or dinner on Tuesdays and Fridays) of wild halibut and seaweed butter sauce, in a courtyard that’s been there since at least 1062.

On a sunny day, a terrace table overlooking the water at Scott’s, a seafood restaurant in Richmond, is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon in this city. The menu is a love letter to the big blue sea. You’ll find oysters, caviar served with blinis and crème fraîche, and a whole dover sole that’ll make you consider turning pescatarian.

Outdoor Situation: Pavement Seating. Campania probably has the most romantic outside seating in London. It’s a handful of tables on a cobbled street, candlelit, and (preferably) piled with risotto and pappardelle. The setup is perfect. And your organisation or luck will have to be the same. Menu-wise, just make sure you ask them to send gnudi.

Outdoor Situation: Covered Pavement Terrace. A meal outside at Ciao Bella is one of London’s great pleasures, mainly because you kind of don’t feel like you’re in London. The outside terrace is best suited to early evening meals with a bottle of wine, nicotine, and even more wine. It’s a rare restaurant that’s bang in the middle of London, and just the right balance between comfortable and crowded. Plus, when do you ever not want a good plate of pasta?

Outdoor Situation: Roof Terrace. Forza Wine is way up high on Rye Lane, and it leans more restaurant than bar. Once you see a couple happily sharing an oil-drenched panzanella on a roof in the sun, you’ll understand why. Even the inside seats feel kind of outside here and it’s one of London’s most glorious summertime eating and drinking locations.

Outdoor Situation: Front Patio. The much-loved Caribbean spot in Brixton is a dreamy setting for a summer’s day. There’s plenty of seating, rum and Ting on the menu, and perfect summer nibbles like codfish fritters or pepper prawns. If you’re in a group, share the lot alongside some roti and jerk chicken as well.