When the mercury rises it’s all about al fresco views and river dining...

(Image: Christopher Ison)

City Cruises, Westminster Pier

As summer settles over the capital, City Cruises’ evening dinner sailings offer an atmospheric way to make the most of long, light-filled evenings.

Drifting along the Thames as golden hour turns to dusk, I’m not sure there’s a better way to see London at its most captivating.

You are welcomed aboard with a chilled drink (champagne if you go for the VIP experience) before taking your seat for a leisurely multi-course dinner, freshly prepared and served against a backdrop of the city’s most famous landmarks.

From the Tower of London and London Eye to the landmark chimneys of Battersea Power Station (now a premium retail and dining hub!) each passing view feels even more magical, especially when seen in the soft glow of a summer sunset.

There’s an understated elegance to the experience. Live music sets the tone and the river breeze drifts through open decks above the dining room.

And the food? It’s a set menu built around classic British-European dishes. There was salmon to start (a vegetarian option was available) chicken for main and for dessert a tiramisu. Tea or coffee was naturally offered just before the cruise drew to a close and we docked back at Westminster Pier.

cityexperiences.com

Waterfront

Waterfront, Westin London City

The Westin London City has launched Waterfront – a vibrant new open-air pop-up experience set on the banks of the River Thames.

Open from Wednesday to Sunday, noon-8pm (last orders at 7.30pm), Waterfront offers a relaxed riverside retreat just steps from the hotel’s South Lobby and adjacent to The Haven. Available until the end of August, the seasonal pop-up provides the perfect setting for leisurely afternoons and after-work drinks against one of London’s most recognisible backdrops. Designed to capture the spirit of summer in the city, Waterfront combines panoramic Thames views with a carefully curated menu of drinks and light bites. Guests can enjoy a selection of beers, wines and sparkling options, alongside classic cocktails including Espresso Martinis and Mojitos, as well as refreshing alcohol-free alternatives. A range of soft drinks, teas and coffees are also available throughout the day.

To complement the drinks offering, Waterfront serves a selection of grazing-style nibbles and bar snacks ideal for sharing, including charcuterie and British cheese boards accompanied by crackers and chutney, alongside mixed nuts, olives, pretzel thins and other casual favourites.

westinlondoncity.co.uk

(Image: Remo Knecht)

Fifth Floor Terrace Knightsbridge

The Fifth Floor Terrace at Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge is back with a new look. The newly relaunched space offers an elevated yet relaxed setting, a true hidden gem above the bustle of Knightsbridge, with sweeping views across the neighbourhood.

The Fifth Floor Terrace is offering a vibrant new summer à la carte menu, celebrating seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Designed to reflect the freshness and flavours of the season, the menu offers a carefully curated selection of dishes ideal for enjoying in the sunshine. As well as an extensive drinks menu, including the exclusive Champagne PIAFF collection, fine wines and expertly crafted cocktails. Bookings and walk-ins welcome. harveynichols.com

Tower House (Image: Paddy Clugston)

Tower House, Richmond

From Nick House and executive chef Theo Hill – the team behind Notting Hill’s Gold – comes Tower House.

This restaurant, bar and riverside garden terrace, overlooks the River Thames in Richmond. The sprawling 100-seat riverside garden tiered terrace is filled with trees throughout – from grape vines working their way up pergolas, through to lantern-lit Punica trees and seasonal flowers blooming in every corner.

Opened in November 2025 and set within a Victorian home, Tower House is an ornate bar and restaurant with candelabras and verdant palms framing an antique Rosso Levanto marble fireplace. On this floor, guests will find a doorway leading them to a balcony, offering breathtaking views of the river where they can enjoy cocktails.

Downstairs there is an open-fire kitchen, which leads to a low counter bar and entrance to the garden room restaurant. Peppered with hanging lanterns throughout, the garden room restaurant has views of the river setting to one side, and the open-fire kitchen seen through arches to the other. When the sun comes out, the glass roof opens.

Embracing summer, Theo’s menu features seasonal plates and puts the spotlight on vegetables. There’s everything from wood- roasted purple potatoes with pesto and Romano zucchini and tahini, chargrilled sprouting broccoli with goats’ yoghurt and sumac to charred hispi cabbage dressed with bagna cauda and Friggitelli peppers cooked over open flame with ciao e pepe aioli. Larger dishes celebrate simply seasoned cuts of meat on the bone and day boat fish cooked on the open-fire grill.

The wine list is a celebration of the Mediterranean, a nod to Theo’s hyper-seasonal and joyful fare..

thisistowerhouse.com