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July 18, 2018

We're not entirely sure what's going on. But for the last month (or even longer?) the weather has been over 20 degrees in Scotland every day. The sun has been shining brightly. People have wondering what the heck work appropriate summer wear is. And it's not set to end. According to the weather reports, Scotland is to continue to enjoy this baking heat every day for the next two weeks.

We don't know what's going on but we're not going to ask any questions. We're just going to sit back and enjoy this freak Scotland summer and soak up every inch of the sun.

One of the things we enjoy most during summer is the chance to dine al fresco. Tucking into food with the sun on your back and a chilled drink by your side is one of life's pleasures. There are plenty of restaurants in Glasgow and Edinburgh with excellent outdoor dining areas and many of them are taking part in our 5pm Big Summer Dine Out. Our Big Summer Dine Out ends on 29th (and the weather might turn  - who knows) so make sure to take advantage of dining outside on these excellent offers as soon as you can. Here are 10 restaurants in Glasgow and Edinburgh with fantastic outdoor seating options.

Glasgow

Cafe Source Too

Outdoor dining in Glasgow Cafe Source Too

Cafe Source Too in Hyndland's Hughenden Road has one of Glasgow's best kept beer garden secrets. Their outdoor dining area is a huge space with tables overlooking the playing fields beside. Cafe Source Too serves a Scottish menu with a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients.

£14.50 for 2 courses on pre-theatre menu + drink at Cafe Source Too with 5pm's Big Summer Dine Out.

Art Lover's Cafe

Located within Charles Rennie Mackintosh's House for an Art Lover, Art Lover's Cafe has a gorgeous outdoor dining area outside the house in the grounds of Bellahouston Park. The perfect sophisticated setting to indulge in afternoon tea with prosecco.

£14.50 for afternoon tea + glass of Prosecco at Art Lover's Cafe with 5pm's Big Summer Dine Out.

La Rotunda

For pre hydro dining you can't get much closer than La Rotunda which is right beside the arena. La Rotunda has an outdoor dining area with views of the Clyde, Finnieston Crane and the Squinty Bridge and serves classic Italian dishes.

£19.50 for 3 courses on set evening menu + glass of Prosecco at La Rotunda with 5pm's Big Summer Dine Out.

Dimora

Outdoor dining in Glasgow Dimora

Dimora on Ayr Road in Newton Mearns has a very spacious beer garden with plenty of room for soaking up the sunshine. The restaurant serves classic Italian dishes.

£19.50 for 2 courses on the a la carte menu + glass of wine at Dimora for 5pm's Big Summer Dine Out.

Butchershop Bar & Grill

The Butchershop Bar & Grill's might have the outdoor dining area with the best view - it is directly opposite Kelvingrove Park and Art Gallery and Museum and Glasgow University. Butchershop is best known for its quality Scottish steaks but it utlises the best Scottish produce in all its dishes, like burgers and risotto.

£19.50 for 2 courses on the Summer Dine Around menu + glass of wine at Butchershop Bar & Grill for 5pm's Big Summer Dine Out.

Edinburgh

Indigo Yard

Indigo Yard

Indigo Yard in Edinburgh's West End has a spacious outdoor terrace which acts as a sun trap on hot days. Spit roast chicken is Indigo Yard's speciality but it also serves a range of dishes like burgers, roast salmon and cous cous.

£14.50 for 2 courses on lunch menu + welcome drink at Indigo Yard on 5pm's Big Summer Dine Out.

Rabble

Rabble, in Edinburgh's New Town, is the perfect summer dining spot - its glass roof and green plants which fill almost every space of the restaurant give it an outdoors but indoor feel. There are outdoor tables too where guests can dine on meat cooked on the Josper grill and vegetarian dishes like dahl.

£14.50 for 2 courses on lunch menu + drink at Rabble on 5pm Dining.

Ghillie Dhu

Ghillie Dhu Edinburgh

Ghillie Dhu is a three flour building in Edinburgh's West End which has a bar, auditorium and outdoor dining area. Minutes from Princes Street, it's very handy for all of Edinburgh's attractions. Ghillie Dhu serves up Scottish dishes and their Big Summer Dine Out offer is for a sirloin steak with sides and wine to share.

£29 2 person offer - Sirloin steak + sides + glass of wine each at Ghillie Dhu on 5pm Dining.

Piccolino

Piccolino Edinburgh

Piccolino in Edinburgh's Tollcross is an Italian Bistro which serves up a menu of carefully selected dishes with daily specials. Their outdoor dining area has plenty of tables to soak up the Edinburgh sunshine.

£39 2 person offer- sirloin steak + small glass of wine at Piccolino for 5pm's Big Summer Dine Out.

1886 Restaurant

Not far outside Edinburgh City Centre is 1886 Restaurant within the Braid Hills Hotel. 1886 Restaurant has an outdoor dining area with panoramic views of Braidburn Valley Park, Edinburgh City and the Firth of Forth beyond. The menu is made up of bistro style dishes with a strong focus on local ingredients.

£19.50 for 2 courses on the early bird menu + glass of wine or beer at 1886 Restaurant for 5pm's Big Summer Dine Out.

For many more summer dining offers in Glasgow and Edinburgh check out 5pm Big Summer Dine Out.