In the past few weeks Londoners have enjoyed a rare and rather wonderful phenomenon: a glorious British summer. To celebrate, we’ve tracked down the very best spots in the city to enjoy a little alfresco dining. Well it would be rude not to, wouldn’t it?

Crate

A javelin’s throw from the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, this microbrewery and pizzeria sits in improbably peaceful surroundings right on the edge of the River Lea. Not only does it serve up top-notch gourmet pizzas and brew its own ales on site, you can grab a space on one of Crate’s riverside tables and watch the sun set. Perfect.

The White Building, Unit 7, Queen's Yard, London E9 5EN
http://cratebrewery.com/

Shoryu Ramen

We’re addicted to Shoryu’s steaming bowls of signature tonkotsu, and the newest branch of this critically acclaimed ramen bar achieves the impossible: delicious and affordable alfresco dining smack bang in the middle one of the city’s busiest areas.

9 Regent St, London SW1Y 4LR
http://www.shoryuramen.com/

Boundary

Terence Conran's iconic restaurant boasts an impressive rooftop terrace with an outdoor bar, manicured gardens, delicious food and an incredible 360-degrees across the city. What’s not to like?

2-4 Boundary St, London E2 7DD
http://www.theboundary.co.uk/

Ham Yard Hotel

This Soho bolthole offers a perfect oasis right in the centre of town, complete with lush green landscaped grounds and even the odd sculpture. Ham Yard is the newest addition to the Firmdale family (a group of boutique hotels that includes the Charlotte Street Hotel and the Haymarket Hotel) so expect excellent service and lashings of style.

1, Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT
https://www.firmdalehotels.com/hotels/london/ham-yard-hotel/

Beagle

Sitting pretty within the renovated railway arches below Hoxton Overground, this restaurant, cocktail bar and café is one of the best places to soak up the sunshine in East London. They also do a mean martini.

397-400 Geffrye Street, London E2 8HZ
http://www.beaglelondon.co.uk/