London’s Loveliest Park Cafés

Almost half of London is made up of green spaces, which means ample opportunities for picnics and lovely walks in the (occasional) sunshine. But when you haven’t planned for picnicking and inevitably get hungry, there’s nowhere better to re-fuel than at one of London’s park cafés. There are plenty dotted around the capital, offering delicious food alongside great views.

The Best London Park Cafés

Serpentine Bar & Kitchen, Hyde Park

This Benugo-run restaurant overlooks one of London’s most famous lakes, the Serpentine in Hyde Park. Housed within Patrick Gwynne’s iconic building, visitors can enjoy everything from breakfast to wood-fired pizzas to salads, while enjoying glorious lake views. Afterwards, spend the afternoon bobbing around the water on a pedalo. benugo.com

Colicci, St James’ Park

A more recent addition to St James’ Park is a café headed up by artisan family brand Colicci. It serves up a health-focused menu of acai bowls, smoothies and salads, made using locally sourced ingredients. colicci.co.uk

Springfield Park Café, Springfield Park

Set across 40 acres of parkland in Upper Clapton, Springfield Park Café is housed within a Grade-II listed building known by locals as The White Lodge Mansion. It was opened in 2003 with the aim of establishing a friendly place for the community, and this sense of warmth and homeliness remains today. Food ranges from breakfasts to paninis to hot salads, with both outdoor and indoor seating available. springfieldparkcafe.co.uk

Pear Tree Café, Battersea Park

The charming Pear Tree Café was opened back in 2016 by Annabel Partridge and Will Burrett, both former chefs at Petersham Nurseries and Skye Gyngell’s Spring restaurant. This culinary expertise is reflected in the menu, which offers a selection of brunch, lunch and evening dishes. Breakfast options include everything from acai bowls to chorizo and halloumi bagels; for lunch and dinner it’s dishes like chickpea pancakes, burgers and salads. On sunny afternoons, prepare to queue for a table, as Londoners flock there in spades for rosé-fuelled fun. Look out for live music nights too. peartreecafe.co.uk

Chiswick House Café

The award-winning Caruso St John-designed Chiswick House Café overlooks the rolling grounds of Lord Burlington’s spectacular 18th century Palladian villa. From here you can choose from a selection of sandwiches, soups, pizzas and jacket potatoes, with a dedicated children’s menu available. chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk

Petersham Nurseries Café, Richmond Park

On the north-west corner of Richmond Park you’ll find Petersham Nurseries Café, set within a sun-drenched glasshouse in the idyllic Petersham House. It’s more of a restaurant than a café, serving seasonal, Italian-inspired food surrounded by a cornucopia of plants, flowers and foliage. For something more relaxed, opt for The Teahouse, a rustic no-reservations spot offering hearty homemade cakes, whole leaf teas and statement salads. petershamnurseries.com