If there’s one thing Sloane Street does particularly well, it’s a terrace. Preferably with something cold, golden and spritz-adjacent in hand. Whether you’re in search of a long lunch that slips quietly into aperitivo hour, or a pre-theatre negroni in the sun, these are the neighbourhood’s most civilised spots for an open-air drink — from quietly glamorous hotel balconies to the buzzy new summer terrace on the Square.
Wherever you end up, make it dry, make it dirty, and absolutely make it outside.
The LaLee at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel
Polished and ever-so-slightly decadent, The LaLee’s terrace is ideal for an elegant aperitif. Sink into a velvet chair, order the house Martini (served with blue cheese olives, naturally) and watch the world go by from the prettiest corner of Pont Street. Best in early evening light — golden hour does all the work.
The LaLee, 75 Sloane St, SW1X 9SG
The terrace at The LaLee at The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel
La Maison Ani at The Carlton Tower, Jumeirah
A south-facing secret in the heart of Knightsbridge, the terrace at La Maison Ani at The Carlton Tower, Jumeirah is a sun-soaked hideaway lined with palms, rosé and those that like their cosmos served with a side of cashmere. Try the Voyage 24 — a blend of bourbon, Scotch, banana and caramel — as enigmatic as the stranger you’re hoping to meet. Best from 4pm, when the city slows and the golden light lingers.
La Maison Ani at The Carlton Tower, Jumeirah, 1 Cadogan Place, SW1X 9PY
CLAP London
One for when the brief is: views, drama, and a DJ after dark. With unique views over Knightsbridge and beyond, CLAP’s summer rooftop terrace is all glossy design and skyline glamour. The cocktail menu draws on Japan’s rich heritage, unfolding across six distinct regions, from tranquil forest temples to the neon buzz of Tokyo. With 26 meticulously crafted drinks, each cocktail is infused with Japanese aromas and fresh, unexpected flavours. Best at sunset, ideally with sunglasses and nowhere to be, when the mood shifts from sun-soaked to scene-y as the evening unfolds.
CLAP London, Sixth and seventh Floor, 12-14 Basil Street, SW3 1AJ
The terrace at The LaLee at The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel -
Beaverbrook Town House
Camp, charming and a little bit Wes Anderson, the terrace outside Beaverbrook’s Sir Frank’s Bar is a riot of pink-striped parasols and old-school glamour. Order a Japanese-inspired cocktail (the Shiso Smash is a crowd-pleaser) and enjoy the theatre of the thing. Day or night — this one works anytime.
Beaverbrook Town House, 115-116 Sloane Street, SW1X 9PJ
Summer on Sloane Square, hosted by the Royal Court
Not strictly a terrace — but absolutely worth a mention. Sloane Square’s summer takeover includes deckchairs, umbrellas, a garden bar hosted by the Royal Court Theatre and a steady supply of Aperol. Come for a casual spritz post-shop, stay for the people-watching. Very much the social heart of Chelsea.
Sloane Square, Chelsea, SW1W 8AS
Beaverbrook Townhouse terrace
Azzurra
Sloane Street’s answer to the Italian Riviera. The terrace at Azzurra is breezy, buzzy and permanently bathed in sunlight. Order a Limoncello Spritz or an ice-cold glass of Vermentino and pretend you’re in Portofino — without leaving SW1. Best with a side of calamari and someone charming.
Azzurra, 127 – 128 Sloane St, SW1X 9AS
Azzurra's terrace
Hyde Park Garden at the Mandarin Oriental
Elegant, serene and perfectly hidden, the Hyde Park Garden terrace feels like a members’ club with al fresco vibes. Nestled at the back of the Mandarin Oriental in an actual Royal Park, it offers shaded bliss, Hyde Park views and a bar team that knows what to do with a Negroni. Namely, make it with house gin, add Whispering Angel rosé, a floral vermouth, rose liqueur, Campari and call it a Rosé Negroni. Ideal for lingering, low-key afternoons.
Hyde Park Garden at the Mandarin Oriental, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA
And if the cocktails leave you craving something cooler? Anya Hindmarch’s cult Ice Cream Project is just around the corner — serving scoops of Bisto Gravy, Bird’s Custard and other brilliantly bizarre flavours. Read more here.
