Eating outdoors is one of life’s simple pleasures. Whether you’re hosting a family BBQ, enjoying a quiet brunch, or planning an al fresco dinner at one of our garden tables, knowing the best time to eat outdoors UK can elevate your experience.
Spending time outdoors isn’t just enjoyable — it’s genuinely good for your health too.
Research by ScienceDaily has shown that regular exposure to green spaces can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and even decrease the risk of type II diabetes when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Simply sitting down to a meal in your garden allows you to reap many of these benefits in an easy, accessible way. There are also significant mental health advantages to eating outside.
A study by the Mayo Clinic highlighted that spending time in nature helps to boost mood, reduce anxiety, and refresh the mind. Outdoor dining combines these effects with the social and sensory pleasures of sharing food, creating an experience that supports both body and mind.
In fact, experts at Harvard University point out that connecting with the outdoors encourages physical activity, fosters social interaction, and can lead to better sleep, reduced blood pressure, and lower risks of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes.
For families, dining al fresco offers children and adults alike a chance to enjoy fresh air, unwind together, and experience the restorative benefits of nature over a shared meal.
At Lazy Susan, we specialise in garden dining sets, and our team is excited to share our expert tips on outdoor dining and garden mealtime ideas to help you make the most of every meal.
Why Timing Matters for Outdoor Dining in the UK
The UK is famous for its unpredictable weather, so timing your outdoor dining is just as important as choosing the right table and chairs.
Eating outdoors during cooler, calmer parts of the day ensures you enjoy the fresh air, natural light, and relaxed atmosphere without being disrupted by rain, wind, or mid-day heat.
1. Breakfast in the Garden: Starting Your Day Right
Mornings are often the most overlooked time for outside dining, but a sunrise meal can be magical. The UK’s early hours offer crisp, fresh air and soft natural light, perfect for al fresco dining before the sun climbs higher and it gets too hot.
Our breakfast ideas for outdoor dining:
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Toast and preserves with fresh fruit
Rustic sourdough or seeded bread toasted over the fire, served with homemade jams or marmalades and a side of seasonal berries. -
Greek yoghurt with granola and honey
Topped with toasted nuts, dried fruit, or a drizzle of local honey for extra crunch and sweetness. -
Hot tea or coffee served with a croissant
Pair with fresh butter, almond filling, or even a chocolate croissant for a touch of indulgence. -
Breakfast wraps
Soft tortillas filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and sautéed vegetables, easy to transport and eat outdoors. -
Overnight oats
Prepared in jars with milk or yoghurt, chia seeds, and layered fruit, perfect to grab and go on a picnic. -
Smoked salmon bagels
With cream cheese, cucumber, and a squeeze of lemon for something a little more luxurious. -
Freshly squeezed juice
Orange, apple, or a homemade blend like carrot and ginger for a refreshing boost. -
Mini quiches or frittata bites
Packed with spinach, tomatoes, or ham, ideal for sharing at a picnic table.
For those wanting to enjoy breakfast in the garden, a small bistro table can create a cosy nook for two, while still being practical for family meals. Bistro Sets are ideal for this purpose, giving you a dedicated space to eat outdoors without crowding your patio.
Lazy Magazine Tip: Lay out a picnic blanket with cushions alongside your garden table for young children and a casual touch.
2. Lunchtime: Midday Meals and Al Fresco Options
Midday can be tricky in the UK due to our unpredictable climate, but there are still ways to enjoy outdoor dining. Lunchtime is perfect for grill-based meals or picnic-style servings, particularly on sunny summer days.
Food ideas for lunchtime:
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Sandwiches with fresh fillings
Think rustic baguettes with mozzarella, tomato, and basil; roast chicken with crisp lettuce and aioli; or even classic ham and cheese with a twist of mustard. -
Salads with seasonal vegetables
Colourful bowls of mixed greens, roasted root veg, or charred peppers and courgettes, topped with crumbled feta or shaved parmesan. -
Cold pasta or quinoa salads
Dressed with olive oil, herbs, and lemon, add roasted vegetables, olives, or chickpeas for a hearty bite. -
Cheese and charcuterie boards
Perfect for sharing outdoors, with crackers, fresh bread, olives, and pickles. -
Stuffed pitta pockets or wraps
Filled with falafel, hummus, crunchy slaw, or grilled chicken with tzatziki. -
Homemade savoury pastries
Like sausage rolls, spinach and feta parcels, or vegetable pasties that are easy to pack. -
Fresh fruit platters
Slices of melon, grapes, or citrus wedges to keep things light and refreshing. -
Dips with crudités
Hummus, baba ganoush, or tzatziki paired with carrot sticks, cucumber, and flatbreads.
Pair your lunch with light, refreshing drinks and fruits. For families, lunchtime outdoors can be a fun, relaxed time to introduce children to new foods while spending time together in the garden.
Lazy Magazine Tip: Pair your garden table with one of our shower-resistant parasols to enjoy protection from both the sun and passing showers.
3. Afternoon Snacking: Keep It Light
For many, the afternoon is ideal for a light snack rather than a full meal. Eating outdoors in the late afternoon combines warmth and calm natural light, making it perfect for sipping tea or coffee and enjoying a sweet treat.
Snack ideas for al fresco enjoyment:
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Fresh fruit slices or berries
Crisp apple wedges, juicy orange segments, or a mix of summer berries for a refreshing bite. -
Mini scones with clotted cream
Light, buttery, and perfect for a sweet pause in the afternoon. -
Small nut or seed mixes
Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, or a trail mix blend to keep energy levels up. -
Cheese cubes or string cheese
Easy to nibble while enjoying the outdoors. -
Veggie sticks with dip
Carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper paired with hummus or tzatziki for a crunchy, healthy option. -
Mini pastries or muffins
Bite-sized treats like blueberry muffins or savoury cheese twists.
Perfect for grazing between meals, these light bites make outdoor moments even more delightful, whether you’re picnicking, relaxing in the garden, or enjoying a sunny afternoon with friends.
Lazy Magazine Tip: An afternoon al fresco dining session is also an opportunity to practice mindful eating, helping you relax and improve your mood while spending time outside.
4. Evening Dining Outdoors: Alfresco Evenings
For us, evenings are a highlight for al fresco dining. The air cools, the insects are fewer, and it’s easier to enjoy fresh air without the harsh midday sun. Many UK gardens are perfectly suited for evening dining outdoors, particularly when paired with fairy lights or fire pit.
Dinner ideas for al fresco evenings:
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Grilled meats or fish
Succulent steaks, marinated chicken, or fresh fish fillets, cooked over an open flame or on the barbecue. -
Roasted vegetables
Seasonal favourites like peppers, courgettes, aubergine, or sweet potatoes, seasoned with herbs and olive oil. -
Simple pasta or rice dishes
Light, flavorful options such as lemon and herb pasta, risotto with seasonal vegetables, or a saffron-infused rice pilaf. -
Skewers and kebabs
Colourful combinations of marinated meats, fish, or vegetables threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. -
Seafood dishes
Grilled prawns, mussels in garlic and white wine, or a light fish stew for a seaside vibe. -
Stuffed vegetables
Peppers, courgettes, or tomatoes filled with quinoa, rice, or minced meat and herbs. -
Hearty one-pan dishes
Tray-baked chicken with potatoes and rosemary, or ratatouille served straight from the oven. -
Flatbreads with toppings
Pizzas or flatbreads with fresh tomato, basil, mozzarella, or roasted veggies, easy to share outdoors. -
Summer soups
Chilled gazpacho, cucumber and mint soup, or a light vegetable broth for a refreshing start. -
Desserts for sharing
Grilled peaches with honey, berry pavlova, or chocolate-dipped strawberries. -
Accompaniments
Homemade sauces, pestos, or compound butters to elevate grilled mains.
For the ultimate al fresco dinner, a large dining table with a parasol offers comfort and practicality. Evening dining outdoors is perfect for hosting friends or family, combining social time with delicious food and drinks in a relaxing environment.
Lazy Magazine Tip: Light a few candles or a small fire pit to create warmth and ambience for those cooler UK evenings.
Seasonal Tips for Al Fresco Dining in the UK
Seasonality plays a big role in when it’s most enjoyable to eat outdoors. Here’s a quick guide:
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Spring
Early morning or late afternoon is best to avoid unpredictable showers. -
Summer
Late mornings to early evenings are ideal. Consider barbecue options and keep drinks cold. -
Autumn
Focus on midday meals when the sun warms the air. Use blankets or cushions to stay comfortable. -
Winter
Limited outdoor dining, but a short outside dining experience with warm drinks can be refreshing.
Always check the UK weather forecasts before planning a meal. Even a quick drizzle can disrupt your best-laid plans for dining al fresco.
Lazy Magazine Tips for the Best Outdoor Dining Setup
A great al fresco meal starts with the right setting. The furniture you choose not only shapes the look of your garden but also sets the tone for how relaxed and enjoyable your outdoor dining feels.
At Lazy Susan, we specialise in garden and patio dining furniture designed to balance style, comfort, and practicality.
Here are our top tips for creating the perfect setup:
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Prioritise comfort
Invest in supportive chairs with cushions that invite guests to linger long after the plates are cleared. -
Choose the right table
Match your table size to your household or entertaining style. A large dining table is ideal for long summer lunches, while bistro sets suit smaller gatherings or balcony spaces. -
Layer your space
Keep a picnic blanket nearby for impromptu meals on the lawn or as an extra layer of comfort for children. -
Think practical elegance
Opt for furniture that’s durable, weather-resistant, and easy to clean after family barbecues or garden parties. -
Add finishing touches
Tableware, outdoor lighting, and a centrepiece of flowers or candles can turn even a weeknight dinner into a special occasion.
With the right furniture and a few thoughtful details, your outdoor dining area can feel like a natural extension of your home — just as inviting for a relaxed breakfast as it is for a celebratory al fresco dinner.
For more ideas, see our article What’s the easiest way to set up a stylish outdoor dining space?
Lazy Magazine’s Fun Ideas to Enhance Your Outdoor Meals
Dining outdoors isn’t just about the food — it’s about creating an atmosphere that makes every meal feel special. With the right touches, your garden table can become the centrepiece of memorable moments.
Here are some ideas to enhance your outdoor dining:
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Plan theme nights
Transport your taste buds with Italian pasta evenings, BBQ feasts, or picnic-style spreads. A themed table setting makes the experience even more immersive. -
Celebrate the season
Use fresh, seasonal produce for vibrant, healthy dishes, and decorate the table with flowers, herbs, or fruit bowls that echo the time of year. -
Gather your tribe
Invite friends and family to share the meal; larger tables encourage relaxed, social dining and plenty of conversation. -
Set the mood
Add candles, lanterns, or string lights to extend your evenings and create a cosy ambience that highlights your garden table. -
Comfort matters
Cushions, throws, and shaded areas keep everyone relaxed, whether it’s a sunny lunch or a cool evening supper. -
Mix dining and fun
Games, music, or a shared cooking experience (like pizza-making or cocktail mixing) can make outdoor dining even more fun.
With a little creativity, your outdoor table can be more than just a place to eat — it can be the stage for unforgettable dining experiences. If you need a little more inspiration, our What are the best easy meals to serve for garden dining? has some great tips and recipes.
Our Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Outdoor Mealtime
The best time to eat outdoors in the UK depends on your priorities: fresh morning light, sunny lunchtime, or relaxed evenings.
Whether it’s breakfast in the garden, lunch on a picnic blanket, or a cosy al fresco dinner, planning around weather, furniture, and menu choices ensures an enjoyable experience.
Remember, eating outdoors is not just about food, but also about spending time with loved ones, boosting your mood, and connecting with nature.
With Lazy Susan’s garden dining expertise, your patio or backyard can become the ultimate outdoor dining haven — making every meal a celebration.
From sunlit breakfasts to cosy evening dinners, every outdoor meal is worth celebrating. Tag @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook, or upload your photos here to share your garden table moments and support our Do Some Good campaign.
