When the sun is shining, what better way to get to know a date than a stroll through one of London’s glorious parks? However, if you’d rather not lug a picnic with you, we’ve pulled together the best places to stop for a bite to eat:
Serpentine Bar and Kitchen, Hyde Park
Located in the middle of Hyde Park and perched at the edge of the Serpentine Lake, the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen is a fab place to stop after a rowing excursion. They serve up classics, like fish and chips or pizzas cooked in wood-fried oven and there is also a pop-up burger and hot dog bar and Gin bar over the summer months – perfect for a spontaneous meal or drink.
Inn The Park, St James’s Park
This natural oasis hidden in the heart of St James’s Park is situated on the waterfront and has a fantastic terraced area, which is an ideal place to go for Sunday lunch of a post-work drink as the sun goes down. Alongside a fabulous menu using fresh and seasonal ingredients, they also serve up some interesting cocktails and dessert options. Banana split, hot chocolate and salted peanuts anyone?
Tangerine Dream, Chelsea Physic Garden
A secret among the locals, Tangerine Dream is open between April and October and grows an array of edible plants, from cocoa and olive trees, to black rice. The menu includes produce sourced from the top food markets in London, like fish from Billingsgate, fruit and vegetables from New Covent Garden and meat from Smithfields. Be sure to check out the homemade Amalfi lemonade and afternoon tea options.
The Lido Café, Brockwell Lido
Are you feeling brave enough to strip off in front of your date? The wonderful Art Deco Grade II-listed Brockwell Lido is tucked away in the corner of Brockwell Park. Whether you are up for wearing your swimmers or not, The Lido Café serves up a menu of prosecco breakfasts with smoked salmon and scrambled or poached eggs on toast, posh burgers and salads for lunch and dinner and plenty of wine options. The venue recently won Best park café at the Time Out Eating and Drinking Awards.
Café on the Rye, Peckham Rye Park and Common
Situated within the 113-acre site between east Dulwich, Nunhead, Brockley and Peckham is Café on the Rye. With streams, wild meadows, woodland and a lake, this is a great place to recharge after a long walk. The breakfasts here are really good – check out the Rye Fry, with homemade bubble & squeak, dry cured bacon, Cumberland sausage, fried vine tomato, friend mushrooms, free range fried egg, beans and toast.
“They all go hand in hand, hand in hand through their Parklife….” (Blur)
Do you have any winning park pit-stops near you? Tell us @lovestruck
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