8 of the best restaurants in and around Peterborough to try al fresco dining before the end of the summer - as recommended by locals

By Daniel DeFalco

Published 18th Aug 2026, 05:00 BST

Make the most of the summer sun by enjoying a meal outside

Eating outdoors isn’t something we get to enjoy very often here in England for obvious reasons, but this summer many of us have sat down for meals outside rather than in.

A combination of hot weather and long evenings has made this summer perfect for al fresco dining, whether at home or in restaurants.

Al fresco dining is normally something we associate with going on holiday, but this summer we’ve had plenty of opportunities to embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Food often tastes that little bit better when enjoyed outside on a warm summer’s evening, particularly if you’re not the one who has been slaving away in the kitchen.

With just a couple of weeks left of summer, it won’t be long before we’re all indoors with the central heating on eating things like casseroles and roast dinners.

A few days ago we asked readers on our Facebook page to recommend one restaurant in and around Peterborough where others should try al fresco dining before the end of the summer.

Having received dozens of suggestions, it’s fair to say that Peterboroians enjoy dining outdoors.

Below are eight of the most popular recommendations:

4.2/5 Google rating. A recent customer said: "It was such a lovely area to visit. There is a nice bicycle path around the lake and great playground for the kids."

1. Lakeside Kitchen and Bar - Ferry Meadows in Nene Park

4.2/5 Google rating. A recent customer said: "It was such a lovely area to visit. There is a nice bicycle path around the lake and great playground for the kids." Photo: Google

4.2/5 Google rating. A recent customer said: "Absolutely one of my favourite restaurants, this amazing restaurant makes you forget that you're in Peterborough. It's clean, the staff are amazing and the food outstanding."

2. Pizza House - Fortune Buildings, Cowgate

4.2/5 Google rating. A recent customer said: "Absolutely one of my favourite restaurants, this amazing restaurant makes you forget that you're in Peterborough. It's clean, the staff are amazing and the food outstanding." Photo: PT

4.7/5 Google rating. A recent customer said: "An absolutely fantastic experience in every way. Each course was delicious, far exceeding our expectations, and the surprise dishes brought out in-between courses topped off a lovely dining experience. Everything we ate was faultless in both presentation and flavour."

3. The Chubby Castor of the Fitzwilliam Arms - Peterborough Road, Castor

4.7/5 Google rating. A recent customer said: "An absolutely fantastic experience in every way. Each course was delicious, far exceeding our expectations, and the surprise dishes brought out in-between courses topped off a lovely dining experience. Everything we ate was faultless in both presentation and flavour." Photo: Google

4.7/5 Google rating. A recent customer said: "The Chalkboard is easily one of the best brunch spots in Peterborough! The service was incredibly friendly and fast, which we really appreciated. The food was absolutely delicious and the coffee was spot on."

4. The Chalkboard - Riverside Walk

4.7/5 Google rating. A recent customer said: "The Chalkboard is easily one of the best brunch spots in Peterborough! The service was incredibly friendly and fast, which we really appreciated. The food was absolutely delicious and the coffee was spot on." Photo: Chalkboard

Peterborough England Food Facebook