Best Summer Brunch Patios in London for Girls' Day Drinking

There’s something about a London summer morning that makes you want to skip the coffee shop and head straight to a patio with mimosas, sunshine, and your favorite people. If you’re planning a girls’ day out that’s equal parts brunch and bubbly, the right patio can turn a casual hangout into a full-blown memory. Forget stuffy interiors and overpriced cocktails-this is about open skies, chilled rosé, and the kind of vibe where you don’t have to worry about your hair or your shoes.

Where to Find the Best Summer Brunch Patios in London

London’s patio scene isn’t just about weather-it’s about energy. The best spots for a girls’ day out aren’t just pretty; they’re designed for lingering. You want space to spread out, servers who don’t rush you, and a menu that lets you go from avocado toast to prosecco without guilt. Here are the ones that actually deliver.

1. The Ivy Market Grill (Covent Garden) has one of the most reliable summer patios in central London. The wisteria-covered pergola turns into a living green canopy by June, and the staff know exactly when to refill your glass. Their brunch menu includes smoked salmon eggs Benedict and bottomless prosecco for £35. It’s not cheap, but the atmosphere makes it worth it. No need to book weeks ahead-just call the day before and ask for a table by the window.

2. The Standard Hotel (King’s Cross) doesn’t look like much from the outside, but their rooftop terrace is the secret weapon. It’s got cushioned daybeds, low lighting, and a cocktail list that leans into British flavors-think elderflower gin fizz and cucumber-mint spritzes. Their brunch set includes free-flowing champagne until 3pm on weekends. The crowd? Mostly women in sundresses, laughing over shared plates of ricotta pancakes. It’s the kind of place where you forget your phone is in your bag.

3. The Lanesborough (Knightsbridge) is the luxury option. Think white linen, marble tables, and a garden that feels like a secret garden in Paris. Their summer brunch comes with caviar-topped deviled eggs and a champagne cart that rolls to your table. It’s pricey-£85 per person-but if you’re celebrating a promotion, a birthday, or just surviving another London winter, this is your moment.

4. The Gunmakers (Islington) is the under-the-radar pick. No fancy name, no velvet ropes. Just a long wooden patio with string lights, a beer garden vibe, and a menu that’s all about comfort. Their bottomless bloody marys (with house-made spice blend) go for £22, and the chorizo hash browns are the kind of thing you dream about the next day. It’s loud, it’s real, and it’s perfect if you want to dance to indie pop while eating pancakes.

5. The Brompton (Chelsea) has one of the few patios in London that actually feels like a backyard. It’s tucked behind a brick wall, with hanging plants and mismatched chairs. Their brunch cocktails are named after British actresses-try the “Emma Watson” (gin, grapefruit, thyme). The vibe is chill, the crowd is diverse, and the staff remember your name after one visit.

What Makes a Patio Work for a Girls’ Day Out

Not every outdoor space is built for a group of friends who want to sip, snack, and stay for hours. Here’s what separates the good from the great:

• Space to spread out - You need room for bags, phones, and three half-eaten pancakes. Crowded patios kill the mood.
• Bottomless options - Whether it’s prosecco, mimosas, or bloody marys, unlimited drinks mean you don’t have to constantly check your wallet.
• Shade and breeze - London summers can get hot. Look for patios with umbrellas, fans, or trees. A breeze makes everything better.
• Food that doesn’t suck - If the avocado toast is soggy or the eggs are rubbery, you’ll remember that more than the view.
• No dress code - You’re not going to a gala. Jeans, sandals, and a sunhat are fine. If they make you feel judged for not wearing heels, walk away.

Timing Is Everything

Book too late, and you’ll be stuck at a table next to a group of tourists arguing over the menu. Book too early, and you’ll be the only ones there, sipping your third mimosa in silence.

Best time to show up? Between 10:30am and 11:30am. That’s when the weekend crowd starts rolling in, but the place isn’t packed yet. You get the prime spot, the sun is warm but not harsh, and the kitchen is still fresh from breakfast prep.

Avoid Sunday after 2pm. That’s when the hangover brunchers arrive-loud, slow, and always asking for extra toast. You want the calm before the chaos.

What to Order

Don’t just go for the cheapest brunch. Go for the one that makes you feel like you’re on vacation.

• Bottomless prosecco - Always a winner. It’s light, fizzy, and pairs with everything.
• Avocado toast with poached eggs - The classic. Make sure the avocado isn’t brown and the bread is crusty.
• Smoked salmon croissant - A little fancy, but worth it if you’re feeling indulgent.
• Chorizo hash browns - Spicy, crunchy, and perfect for sharing.
• Seasonal fruit platter - A refreshing break from carbs. Look for berries and peaches.
• Sparkling elderflower soda - For the one friend who doesn’t drink alcohol. It still feels like a treat.

What to Skip

Some patios look great on Instagram but fall apart when you sit down.

• Places with no shade - You’ll be sweating through your top by 11am.
• Spots that charge £15 for a single mimosa - If they’re not offering bottomless, they’re not worth it.
• Patios with no seating - Standing at a bar while eating toast? No thanks.
• Places that don’t take reservations - Unless you’re willing to wait an hour, skip it.
• Brunch menus with only pancakes - Variety matters. If the menu looks like it was written by someone who’s never had a real brunch, move on.

Real Talk: What It Actually Feels Like

Imagine this: It’s a Saturday in July. The sun’s out, the air smells like cut grass and espresso. You’re wearing your favorite linen shirt, your nails are freshly painted, and your best friend just ordered another round. Someone laughs so hard they spill their drink. No one cares. The waiter brings you a plate of warm scones with clotted cream. Someone texts you a meme. You ignore it. For three hours, you’re not thinking about work, bills, or the fact that you still haven’t returned that text from your cousin. You’re just here. With your people. With sunshine. With good drinks.

That’s what these patios give you. Not just a meal. A pause.

Final Tip: Bring a Light Jacket

London summers are unpredictable. Even on the warmest day, the sun dips behind a building by 5pm, and suddenly it’s chilly. A light denim jacket or a flowy cardigan is your best friend. Keep it draped over your chair. You’ll thank yourself when the breeze rolls in.