Many of us may have daydreamed about beer gardens over the past few months. And of restaurant terraces, beach-side cafés, rooftop bars and sunny pub patios. We're not a nation known for our al fresco dining scene, and yet, under normal circumstances, the merest hint of sun peeking through the clouds triggers a mass pilgrimage to bag the nearest pub bench.
The pubs and restaurants reopening this month will allow customers to eat in for the first time, providing they abide by social distancing measures. And for those places with ample space outside, in the form of gardens, beaches and terraces, it may be easier to enjoy a socially distanced meal without fear of bursting someone else's (support) bubble.
Telegraph Food writers share their favourites here, many of which have already offered takeaway services during lockdown. With any luck, we may be able to dine there before the summer comes to a close.
The Waterside Inn, Bray
Recommended by William Sitwell, Telegraph Magazine food critic
Less a garden, more a series of terraces and a jetty with a small launch for pre-dinner drinks on the Thames. This three-starred Michelin establishment in Bray, Berkshire, is as renowned for its classic French cuisine, as is its position by the river. A word in the ear of Frederic and you might persuade him to set up a table outside. The Waterside will reopen for lunch, dinner, and overnight stays from 8 July.
Sam’s Riverside, Hammersmith
Recommended by William Sitwell, Telegraph Magazine food critic
Chiswick and Balham’s beloved restaurateur, Sam Harrison, has pledged to re-open his new Hammersmith establishment on July 4, and this is mainly made possible by the ample space both inside and outside the restaurant, situated on the Thames. I’m already thinking of the dressed crab and Queen of Puddings to be enjoyed while catching some rays and gazing up at Hammersmith Bridge.
Read more: Best pubs and beer gardens in the UK
Gylly Beach Cafe, Falmouth
Recommended by Keith Miller, Sunday Telegraph restaurant critic
Cooped up like Rapunzel in an upstairs flat these past weeks, I've been dreaming of wide open spaces. When I finally get to let my hair down for some socially-distanced al fresco restaurant action, I think I'll be hankering after the seaside. The terrace at the Gylly Beach Cafe, near my in-laws in Falmouth, would be just the thing: maybe the "West Country brodetto" from the evening menu, washed down with some locally-sourced fizz. They have recently fired up their stoved for takeaways, so beachgoers can enjoy fish and chips, venison burgers, calamari and pasties with a view.
The Mash Inn, Buckinghamshire
Recommended by Keith Miller, Sunday Telegraph food critic
I don't know how, or if, they'll be utilising it, but the Mash Inn in Buckinghamshire has a beautiful terrace at the back, looking out across a pretty Chilterns valley. The food there is adroitly pitched between heartiness and artiness, with lots of acutely artisanal pickles and excellent grills. Stay tuned for more information via the website or social media.
Read more: The Telegraph's favourite restaurants reopening on July 4
The Fordwich Arms, Kent
Recommended by Stephen Harris, Telegraph Food columnist
From afar, I have enjoyed watching Noma in Copenhagen turn itself into a burger and wine bar by using their garden (they served 1300 burgers in a day) and have been thinking how we could use our outdoor space. My local the Fordwich Arms near Canterbury also has a lovely terrace overlooking the River Stour, so I look forward to being able to go for lunch again.
Riley’s Fish Shack, Tynemouth
Recommended by Pip Sloan, Telegraph Food writer and assistant food editor
With the uncharacteristically fine weather teasing us all with thoughts of pub gardens and beach picnics, I’ve been dreaming of Riley’s Fish Shack, nestled right in King Edward’s Bay in Tynemouth, Newcastle. As the name suggests, it’s less of a fine dining establishment and more of a shipping container on stilts, but its fantastic setup involving an order-and-pay kiosk, deck chairs and (very spaced out) fire pits make it the ideal candidate for a socially distanced meetup. Plus, the food is out of this world. It operated as a fishmonger and supplier of local produce during lockdown, and reopens on 16 July for deckchair bookings.
The Hare and Hounds, Bath
Recommended by Pip Sloan, Telegraph Food writer and assistant food editor
With its glorious Georgian high ceilings and windows looking out onto the rolling hills of Bath, The Hare and Hounds is currently lodged in my mind as the place I want to escape to right now. Seasonal, locally produced posh pub grub with plenty of crowd-pleasers make up the menu, but what I’m more focused on is bagging one of the idyllic white picnic tables perched on the hillside.
Mazi, Notting Hill
Recommended by Morgan Lawrence, Telegraph Food writer and lifestyle assistant
A much-loved community favourite tucked away on leafy Hillgate Street, Mazi (which means ‘together’) offers ‘artfully presented and updated Greek cooking’. The outside courtyard, with its terracotta decking, ornamental olive trees and hanging lanterns, becomes a real suntrap in summer. Bask in the rays while plates of cloud-like tarama, spicy tiropita and Grandmama's Meatballs whiz past, preferably taking a sip of a Cosmopolis (a summery mix of vodka, Mastiha, watermelon and fresh lime). Mazi is currently planning its reopening.
The Salthouse Dun Cow Restaurant, Norfolk
Recommended by Maddi Howell, Telegraph Food writer
The Dun Cow restaurant and pub in Salthouse, north Norfolk, boasts a garden looking out to the marshland, and it has been running a takeaway service with a short menu of its most popular dishes, including the legendary Dun Cow burger (as well as wines and draught beer - hello, Adnam’s dry hop lager and Moongazer ale, my old friends) and the likes of katsu chicken wrap with teriyaki mayo, crispy lettuce and fries - perfect for picnicking.
