][1]We’ve been looking at our tea leaves and last week’s unsettled weather was but a blip. No promises but we’re pretty sure that from here on in we’re looking at warm sunshine freshened by a light breeze.
If it rains at all then it will only be between 4and 6am so that every thing looks nice and bright and shiny and new in the morning.
In light of the infallible 5pm weather forecast, here’s the 5pm Blog’s selection of good places to eat al fresco in the coming weeks.
People watching
We’re going to kick off in Glasgow and the terrace at Cafe Rogano. Discreetly tucked away on Exchange Place, it’s great for people watching and we’ve got a soft spot for its Art Deco frontage. At the time of writing, they are offering a two course meal for £13.95 through 5pm.
If Rogano is old school elegance then Black Sparrow, up at Charing Cross, offers a younger, more Art School ambience. Their decking area is ideal for working on the tan and getting stuck into the 2-4-1 offer which they have on burgers via 5pm.
][5]We also like the roof top terraces at Windows Restaurant in the Carlton George and at 29, home to the Grill Room on Royal Exchange Square. Outside is good. Outside and high up is often better. Order up a Manhattan, slip on your Aviator shades and pretend that you are in Tribeca.
Get high
Working on the high up and al fresco ethos, Tower Restaurant in Edinburgh has outdoor seating on the roof of the Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street. As well as fine views of the Castle, Tower offers afternoon tea on the terrace.
Moving slightly away from the scrum of central Edinburgh in August, The Bisque Brasserie in Bruntsfield has a terrace garden so that diners can eat in relative tranquillity. We’re not saying that it will be like dining in a summer meadow but, compared to the city centre, the Bisque garden provides an oasis of calm.
Fringe action
If you prefer to be right in the heart of the action then The Inn on the Mile has just opened. On the crossroads between the Royal Mile and the Bridges, this new bar and kitchen has an outdoor seating area with front row seats of Edinburgh’s Fringe frenzy.
At the time of writing, they are offering a 20% discount on main meals if you book through 5pm.
What rain?
Finally, we’ll mention Arisaig in Glasgow’s Merchant Square. This contemporary Scottish restaurant offers the best of both worlds. It’s outside seating area looks out onto the covered cobbled square. Diners can enjoy the feeling of eating al fresco with no danger of being caught out by the capricious Scottish weather.
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