Three al-fresco dining options away from the London crowds

Tim Firmager
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While lockdown is easing in April, we are able to restart socialise again strictly outdoors – is this the second or third time in England, we are starting to lose count. However, we have noticed that as many venues are reopening their outdoor spaces, these can nonetheless feel crowded and as though the principle of social distancing has been lost. For those who are feeling more cautious about remaining socially distanced yet want to get back to socialising, we have rounded up 3 options for those looking for a quieter but no less fun venue for drinking and dining.

Skylight canalside KERB

Skylight Canalside featuring KERB

Skylight, best known for their Tobacco Dock rooftop venue, is opening up a street food pop-up, Skylight Canalside featuring KERB, in the Quayside area next to their main venue.

From its planned launch date on 1 May 2021, Skylight Canalside featuring KERB will give Londoners a new destination to enjoy over the summer months. The venue’s location is home to the two ‘pirate’ sailing ships at Tobacco Dock and will encapsulate a beer-garden feel, with picnic tables, parasols, atmospheric lighting and summer bunting. Expect to see a rotating offering of deliciously mouth-watering street food, with two new KERB food trucks parking up each month, with Neapolitan style pizza company, Fundi Pizza, and hand-made burgers from Tongue ‘N Cheek taking up residency every Saturday in May.

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Location: Tobacco Dock, Wapping Lane entrance, London, E1W 2SF

For more information including booking, visit skylightlondon.com

Sussex Pass The White Hart

Sussex Pass at The White Hart

Moving south of London to avoid the crowds, Sussex Pass at The White Hart pub showcases the finest produce in Sussex and Kent while supporting local makers, growers and communities.

Founder Sam Maynard (previously of Hotel Du Vin, Gallivant and The Beacon) has reopened Sussex Pass with a new terrace and garden of 30 covers – so this venue cannot get overcrowded. Examples from the Sussex Pass Spring menu include Paley farm pork cheek rillettes, crackling, honey mustard dressing, apple puree (£8), and Pan-roasted bass, clams, salsify, citrus foam, seaweed (£18).

Location: Sussex Pass at The White Hard, High St, Wandhurst, TN5 6AP

For more information including booking, visit sussexpass.restaurant

goboat london canary wharf

GoBoat London

Electric boat company GoBoat will soon open its third London site, in the heart of the capital’s financial district, Canary Wharf. Bookable for dates from 17 May, groups of up to eight (to remain in line with government guidelines), can charter the electric boats and set sail down around the Docklands, bringing their own picnic and Prosecco.

This new location adds to GoBoat’s existing sites at Paddington and Kingston. The experience is both dog and child friendly with life jackets and buoyancy aids provided and no prior boating knowledge is necessary as staff give a full tutorial before setting sail on a one, two, or three hour trip.

Location: 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HP

For more information including booking, and to purchase an optional sailors hat, visit goboat.co.uk

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About Tim Firmager

Tim divides his time being a Digital Consultant in The City and as a food and travel writer across the globe. When he's not working as one of the Lifestyle Editors here at Vada, he's planning his next trip, or on the lookout for the latest food crazes or unusual foods in London's markets.