This image: d’Arry’s new Liquor Loft
Six al fresco dining spots to make you swoon this summer
D’ARRY’S LIQUOR LOFT
D’Arry’s recently unveiled its rather good-looking new Liquor Loft: a quirky and cool upstairs addition to the well-loved King Street restaurant. The terrace seating is a total sun trap, and the cocktails are delicious, especially the oak-aged house specialities. The food menu doesn’t slouch either, offering a tasty choice of sharing boards and classics.
If the weather turns, scamper inside and snuggle up with comfy chairs and fur throws or prop up the bar and enjoy a tipple from the extensive drinks list, which includes more than 20 gins, plus Japanese whiskies and spiced rums.
LAS IGUANAS
If you fancy enjoying a seemingly endless happy hour slurping cocktails and enjoying the buzz of Quayside in high summer, this is your spot. They’ve got a sizeable outside seating area, perched on the edge of the river and overlooking Magdalene College, which always attracts a crowd when the sun comes out.
Hungry? The Latin American-inspired menu offers great value tapas and tasty classic Mexican dishes like quesadillas and empanadas. This summer, the chain is launching the Carioca menu in honour of the sporting celebrations in Rio. Pick up a portion of Pele’s favourite xinxim (a chicken and crayfish dish), or sample the rich delights of the brigadeiro, a chocolate ganache inspired by Zaza’s Rio restaurant. 
PINT SHOP
Right smack bang in the city centre, Pint Shop’s got it all when it comes to al fresco dining: a superlative gin selection for those all-important G&Ts, a splendid menu (Rosie Sykes continues to do amazing things in their kitchen), and a list of craft beers and real ales so large and tempting you’ll be lucky if you can walk out the door straight.
Most importantly, of course, they also have a small but perfectly formed outdoor terrace (right), just the thing for idling away summer afternoons.
FORT ST GEORGE
Amble across Midsummer Common, minding the cows (and cowpats!), to find your way to this charmingly traditional watering hole, which serves up hearty British pub grub. The location is just stunning – it might only be a few minutes from the city centre but it feels like the heart of the countryside, and the outdoor area is large enough that you’re almost guaranteed a seat. On a sunny day in Cambridge, it’s hard to beat.
www.fortstgeorge-cambridge.co.uk
DE LUCA ROOF TERRACE
Sip on a glass of chilled Prosecco and feast on indulgent Italian cuisine at De Luca’s roof terrace, which boasts great views over Parker’s Piece. Tucked away on bustling Regent Street, it’s a real hidden gem, offering a stylish little sanctuary in which to wine, dine and unwind (right).
The food menu focuses on classic Italian fare and includes handmade ravioli, arancini and caprese salads, and there’s a lovely cocktail list too.
THE RED LION, GRANTCHESTER
With its riverside setting and rolling meadows, gorgeous Grantchester is a picture perfect setting for a summer’s day – and The Red Lion adds to its considerable charms.
Inside, it’s every inch the smart country gastropub, all wooden beams, comfy Chesterfields and twinkling fairy lights, while outside, there’s a large garden with plenty of tables and a kids’ play area.
The menu boasts sumptuous roasts and hearty mains like pork belly and crackling, confit duck, and bangers and mash, made with top-quality sausages.
