Outdoor dining in the Royal Docks

The Royal Docks and glorious sunshine make for a winning combination. As the weather warms up and with the return of At the Docks, it’s the perfect place to enjoy alfresco dining with delicious food and refreshing drinks. Here's our pick of some of the great outdoor eateries the Royal Docks has to offer:

Oiler Bar

Located at Royal Victoria Dock, this former Royal Navy refuelling barge has been transformed into a unique floating beer garden with a cosy seating area below the deck. The Oiler Bar is a fantastic spot to enjoy dockside drinks and delicious Italian pizza made onboard by La Nona Lina kitchen. Take in the views of the IFS Cloud Cable Car and watch the nearby action as people show off their wakeboarding and paddleboarding skills at WakeUp Docklands. Don’t miss the open mic night on the first Saturday of every month plus the new comedy night for a good giggle.

(Next to City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way) Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1AG

Good Hotel London

The stunning rooftop bar and terrace at Good Hotel is open throughout spring and summer, weather permitting. Non-hotel guests can also enjoy the incredible views of Royal Victoria Dock, The O2, and the London skyline. The floating hotel’s sustainable restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes all day. You can also enjoy a selection of locally brewed craft beer and signature cocktails or simply relax with a cuppa. The space features mixed seating, including comfy sofas and armchairs, providing a great place to unwind. With room for up to 120 guests, the terrace is also ideal for exclusive or semi-private hire for parties and team away days.

Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1FA

8Slices Pizzeria

8Slices Pizzeria offers authentic homemade Italian food in an alfresco setting. The family-run restaurant has a small outdoor seating area in a sunny spot along a pedestrian walkway. Space is limited, so book ahead to secure a table with lovely river views. All food is made from scratch, including the Neapolitan-style pizzas with handmade dough cooked in a stone-based oven. Delicious pasta dishes are available too. Don’t forget to try their very popular homemade tiramisu.

21 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1AT

Top 1 Forever

Enjoy beautiful dockside views while dining alfresco at Top 1 Forever. The menu is a mix of European dishes and Mediterranean seafood using seasonal, fresh ingredients. Mouthwatering steaks, burgers, fish, and vegetables are grilled over hardwood oak charcoal for a perfect finish and distinctive flavour. You can also enjoy drinks on the terrace as it catches the afternoon sun.

17 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1AQ

Novotel London ExCeL

The Novotel London ExCel is a great location for business or leisure visits to the Royal Docks. The hotel’s Upper Deck Restaurant and Bar offers brasserie cuisine and features a wonderful outdoor terrace with views of the Royal Victoria Dock and London skyline. Non-hotel residents are very welcome too. The terrace is a bit of a hidden gem so ask at the reception for directions and you'll be rewarded with stunning views of Royal Victoria Dock.

7 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1AA

Heroica Lounge

Heroica Lounge is an Italian restaurant with a unique twist, offering alfresco dining on the top deck of a double-decker bus! Located at Royal Victoria Dock, board the converted bus to enjoy delicious pizzas and antipasti while taking in the stunning panoramic views from the top deck.

Royal Victoria Dock, Western Gateway, E16 1FA

Well Bean Café

If you’re looking for a place with a plant-based menu and great coffee with an outdoor seating, head to Well Bean Café. This community cafe and event space is a wonderful place to chill and enjoy views of Royal Albert Dock. The area is a growing cultural hub, home to 40 artist studios. While you're there, take a stroll around the dock to check out the amazing art on display in some of the windows. You can also drop by the Art in the Docks gallery to see what’s on.

1-2 Upper Dock Walk, Royal Albert Dock, London, E16 2GU

The Windjammer

For a family-friendly option with views of the Thames Barrier, head to the Windjammer at Royal Wharf. The riverside pub has a great outdoor terrace, ideal for socialising in the sunshine. The menu offers a variety of international cuisines and much-loved pub classics, including the signature ‘The Windjammer’ fish pie. The pub hosts regular events including The Kid’s Table, every Sunday from between 12pm – 4pm. Children can take part in supervised arts and crafts activities to keep them happily entertained. Find out what else is on at The Windjammer.

25 Admiralty Avenue, Royal Wharf, London, E16 2PN

Fremantle Bar & Kitchen

Check out the latest addition to the neighbourhood, Fremantle Bar & Kitchen. Situated in the Crowne Plaza London Docklands hotel, this new Australasian-inspired all-day restaurant and bar offers a unique laid-back drinking and dining experience. The outdoor terrace is perfect for brunch, after work drinks, dinner and more.

(Within Crowne Plaza London Docklands) Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1AL

Sunborn London

Step aboard Sunborn London, the UK’s only luxury superyacht hotel. The stunning decor will make you feel like you're holidaying on a luxury cruise. Permanently moored at Royal Victoria Dock, it offers fine dining and signature cocktails at the Sky Lounge on the top deck. There is a perfect mix of restaurants, outdoor bars, and pop-ups. Experience luxurious outdoor dining on the roof deck including afternoon tea, dinner, signature cocktails, brunch, and more. Non-hotel residents are welcome to book too. The top deck is also an idyllic place to watch the sunset over London's iconic landmarks.

Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1AA

Perfect picnic spots

Another option is to dust off your blanket and pack a picnic of all your favourite treats. The Royal Docks has many beautiful parks and green spaces to choose from. Relax in the shade of an ancient tree in Royal Victoria Gardens, enjoy the lush landscapes, and observe the butterflies, ladybirds, and bees. Lyle Park has amazing river views and the hedge maze at Thames Barrier Park is also a lovely spot. The Floating Garden at Royal Victoria Dock is a great place for a chilled picnic too. This pocket park provides a floating wetland habitat for around 4,000 aquatic plant species, creating a unique hotspot of urban biodiversity. Now you just need to decide whereabouts to sit…

• Royal Victoria Gardens, Albert Rd, North Woolwich, E16 2NL

• Lyle Park, Bradfield Rd, Silvertown, E16 2AX

• Thames Barrier Park, North Woolwich Road, London, E16 2HP

• Floating Garden, opposite 17 Western Gateway, London, E16 1AQ

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