Serpentine Bar & Kitchen is a lakeside restaurant situated on the eastern edge of the Serpentine in Hyde Park, London. Designed by Patrick Gwynne, the building features expansive glass walls that provide diners with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding greenery. The menu offers a diverse selection of dishes, including breakfast options, wood-fired pizzas, classic fish and chips, and hearty burgers. For those on the go, a range of fresh salads, sandwiches, and cakes are available for takeaway, making it ideal for a picnic in the park. The venue also features a lakeside kiosk serving ice cream, both inside and from a dedicated kiosk at the side of the building. The outdoor terrace is a popular spot for enjoying meals and drinks while taking in the serene surroundings. The restaurant is open daily, with operating hours varying seasonally to align with park opening times.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Ideal Location in Hyde Park Situated conveniently within Hyde Park, it's an easily accessible spot for a meal or snack while enjoying the park's amenities.
- Outdoor Seating Ample outdoor seating allows patrons to enjoy their meals while taking in the beautiful scenery, perfect for sunny days and people-watching.
- Quick Service and Friendly Staff Many customers report that the service is generally quick and the staff is friendly and helpful, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Stunning Lakeside Views The restaurant boasts exceptional views of the Serpentine lake in Hyde Park, creating a relaxing and picturesque dining atmosphere with abundant wildlife.
- Varied Menu Offering a diverse menu that includes snacks, cakes, full meals, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Criticised
- Can Be Overcrowded and Hectic Due to its popularity and prime location, the restaurant can get very busy, leading to a hectic atmosphere and difficulty finding seating.
- Inconsistent Food Quality The quality of the food can be inconsistent, with some items being described as average or underwhelming, particularly considering the price point.
- Limited Hours The restaurant closes relatively early at 4 PM, which might not suit those looking for a late afternoon or early evening meal.
- Prices are High Prices are higher than average, and some feel that the food quality doesn't always justify the cost, although the view is factored into the cost.
- Service Can Be Inconsistent While many reviewers praise the friendly staff, others have reported instances of rude or unhelpful service, indicating a lack of consistent customer service standards.
The longer read
Serpentine Bar & Kitchen stands out primarily for its exceptional location on the Serpentine lake in Hyde Park, offering stunning views that many reviewers describe as the highlight of their visit. Its position allows for delightful scenes of swans, geese, and other birdlife, creating a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere, particularly enjoyable during sunset or early mornings. The outdoor seating area is a major draw, allowing patrons to fully appreciate the scenery, though some caution is advised regarding birds attempting to snatch food. While the view earns consistent praise, opinions on the food quality are more varied.
Several reviewers found the food to be decent, with specific mentions of the raspberry pistachio cake, fish and chips, and pizza. The availability of vegan options, including vegan pizza and à la carte items, is also a plus for those with dietary restrictions. However, some guests have noted that the food quality doesn't always match the location's appeal, citing instances of dry pancakes, cold eggs Benedict, and underwhelming coffee. A few reviewers felt the prices were high for the quality received, though many acknowledge that the cost is justified by the prime location.
The service experience appears to be inconsistent. While some reviewers commend the quick service and friendly staff, others report instances of rude or inattentive service, particularly when the café is busy. The self-ordering system being down can add to the pressure on the staff, occasionally impacting the customer experience. Despite these service hiccups, the staff's efforts to manage the busy environment and maintain a positive attitude are often noted.
The atmosphere is generally described as lively and welcoming, making it a versatile spot for various occasions, from casual meals and drinks with friends to relaxing after a park stroll. The café's opening hours, starting early but closing by 4 PM, are worth noting for planning purposes. The availability of both indoor and outdoor seating caters to different preferences and weather conditions, with the indoor space offering floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize the view. Overall, Serpentine Bar & Kitchen is recommended for those who prioritize location and ambiance, with the understanding that the food and service can be variable.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
| Mon | 8:00 - 21:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8:00 - 21:30 |
| Wed | 8:00 - 21:30 |
| Thu | 8:00 - 21:30 |
| Fri | 8:00 - 21:30 |
| Sat | 8:00 - 21:30 |
| Sun | 8:00 - 21:30 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 3.9 against a median of 4.5 across the 1,957 places to eat we hold for London, where the most-reviewed is The O2.
Still deciding?
- What are the most popular dishes or drinks at Serpentine Bar & Kitchen?
- Does Serpentine Bar & Kitchen offer outdoor seating and what is the atmosphere like?
- When is the best time of day or week to visit Serpentine Bar & Kitchen for a relaxed experience?
- What kind of views or scenery can you enjoy while dining at Serpentine Bar & Kitchen?
- Is Serpentine Bar & Kitchen suitable for families and do they offer kid-friendly menu choices?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.