WRAP UP AND DINE OUT by Sophie Brown

It’s been a summer (or two) of glorious outdoor dining. As eateries embraced and equipped themselves for pandemic induced al fresco, so have we. As temperatures drop heaters are coming on and rugs and blankets are coming out. Sophie Brown shares a few of her favourites.

The benefits are many. Viruses and germs spread less outdoors. Fresh air relieves anxiety, helps you sleep and strengthens your immune system.

But it’s also the sense of social. The Danish call it Hygge. Add in some twinkly lights and a fire pit and the ambience racks up. If the food’s delicious it makes for a magical experience.

In my neck of the woods, Liverpool, three dining delights stand out:

Maray, located on Bold Street, Allerton Road and the Royal Albert Dock. With outdoor pods at their dockside branch, you can watch people paddle boarding, kayaking, and relaxing on barges, Disco Cauliflower is among the mouth watering small plates. Al fresco rating: 8/10 Food: 10/10 Maray.co.uk

Maray, Albert Dock

The Watering Can, Greenbank Park. The inside outside feel lets you soak up the low autumn sun, surrounded by stunning outdoorsy décor. It’s an ideal brunch spot after an early morning autumn park walk – warm up with a mug of their signature hot chocolate. Al fresco rating: 10/10 Food: 9/10 thewateringcanliverpool.com

The Watering Can, Greenbank Park

The Old School House, Lark Lane This place steals the show on ‘the Lane’, with its open plan conservatory and suntrap terrace and wood fired pizza oven. Their all day/night deal means they’re open seven days a week, early to late. Al fresco rating: 9/10 Food: 8/10 theoldschoolhouse1889.com

The Old Schoolhouse, Lark Lane.

Sophie Brown blogs about food and eating out at: @liverpoolfoodblog_ on Instagram or visit: liverpoolfoodblogger.wordpress.com