After months of lockdown hibernation and as soon as ‘Outdoor Dining’ was announced, I was on my phone as fast as a thirsty Bedouin who finally sees an oasis in the middle of the desert. With assiduous determination, I booked the top gardens and terraces in London. But I wasn’t going to compromise on my sartorial style – all these were carefully picked for their strong heaters and covers, so you can go rain or shine.

Here are my top picks:

Annabels Garden

Best For: Ladies who Lunch and Celeb Spotting.

Ah Annabels… Call it a circus or a zoo, I don’t care, but its garden is one of my favourite in the city: you could be in Miami, Paris or Rome; it transports you out of London and somewhere sunny and happy. Elizabeth Hurley and her ‘little brother’ (son) made for perfect people watching.

Harry’s Bar

Best For: Old Style Glamour, Dolce Vita Style

The terrace of Harry’s Bar Mayfair is absolutely lovely. With good food and an old school vibe, be prepared to be treated royally.

180 House

Best For: The Young & Hip Crowd.

The newest offering of Soho House, it has a very cool rooftop wraparound terrace and rooftop pool, New York Style. Even though we were definitely the oldest, least cool table there, we managed to get one of the few tables with a parasol and heaters.

Arts Club

Best For: The Older Crowd Foodies When it Rains.

It was pouring rain the night we came, but it has such a great cover that we didn’t even notice. The food is, as always, excellent.

Nobu Portman Square

Best For: Sushi Lovers looking for a Hot Terrace.

Their terrace is big and has great heaters, I was actually sweating and really didn’t need my thermals, fur or blanket!

Chiltern Firehouse

Best For: A Great Breakfast on a Sunny Day.

A beautiful garden, Chiltern is my favourite for breakfast after the school run.

The River Cafe

Best For: An Italian Feast by the River

Date night or Couples night, The River Cafe is always a pleaser and they’ve made their terrace especially nice this year.

The Ivy Chelsea Garden

BEST FOR: A Family Affair

Bring the kids for lunch and let them run around. It’s a perfect place on the weekends.