Summer time is here which means it’s al fresco dining time

The sun is shining and our nationwide restaurants have al fresco dining and luxury hampers covered

From the huge heated terrace at Bentley’s in central London to stunning countryside backdrops at Orwells in Oxfordshire and The Whitebrook in the Wye Valley, Wales here are some of the UK’s best spots…

Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, Swallow Street, Piccadilly, London

This summer, Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill is reinventing its terrace with Plymouth Gin to create an urban oasis just moments from bustling Piccadilly Circus. From June to September, it will be turned into a botanical garden decorated with lemon trees and coastal flowers, plus striking sculpture welcoming guests on arrival. There will be more than 15 new Gin-based cocktails and paired dishes for diners on the menu. A perfect antidote to nearby Regent Street. Highlights include Rock Pool (£16) paired with Bentley’s signature Seashore Platter, filled with fresh oysters, mussels, cockles, whelks, clams and crevettes sourced from the British Isles.

Timeless Classic Award, Food & Travel Awards 2016

‘A slice of old London, lovingly revived by people who really care about such things’ Tim Hayward, Financial Times

Orwells Restaurant, just an hour from London near Henley-on-Thames and owned by Great British Menu stars Ryan and Liam Simpson-Trotman

A trip to Henley wouldn’t be complete without lunch in the garden at Good Food Guide Restaurant of the Year 2017, Orwells on Shiplake Row. Here, Great British Menu 2019 contestants Ryan and Liam Simpson Trotman, cook nothing but the highest quality ingredients with a strong sustainable focus using produce grown in their very own smallholding.

Set lunch at Orwells, Wednesday to Saturday is £30 for two and £35 for three courses.

“We’re impressed. And happy. These lads can cook. This restaurant rocks” Tom Parker Bowles, Mail on Sunday 2016

‘If you’re within 100 miles of Henley-on-Thames, the sun is shining and you’re at a loose-ish end, drop everything and go now’ The Telegraph 2016

The Whitebrook Restaurant with Rooms, just 2.5 hours from London in Wales

From the terrace at Great British Menu winner, Chris Harrod’s Wye Valley outpost, guests can enjoy foraged cocktails and canapes with uninterrupted views of the beautiful countryside where he hunts out for many of the wild ingredients for his menu. With panoramic views of the Wye Valley, the setting at Michelin starred The Whitebrook Restaurant with Rooms has been described as fairytale.

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast is priced from £279 per room, based on two sharing.

Top 10 Foodie Hotels, Ultimate 100 British Hotels, Sunday Times Travel

Top 50 UK Restaurants, Waitrose Good Food Guide

Take Corrigan’s Mayfair on a picnic – from hampers for two to a bespoke, luxury picnic, butler included

Corrigan’s Mayfair is a few minutes from beautiful green spaces like Hyde Park and Grosvenor Square, perfect for enjoying a gourmet picnic. Hampers, priced from £100 (2 people) include Champagne and the likes of homemade bread and hand churned butter, smoked salmon, seasonal salads, a pies and Corrigan’s signature desserts.

To really push the boat out, a bespoke luxury hamper can be ordered with a personal butler service. Priced from £1000 the Corrigan’s Mayfair luxury hamper includes seasonal dishes inspired by the restaurant’s menu