Summer may be slow to arrive in Lancashire, but the days are getting longer and warmer, although the rain continues to make an appearance.
If we are lucky enough to have sunny periods during the summer, an ideal place to soak it up is by the sea, and Blackpool is one of the most popular resorts in the country for its beaches and attractions. Whereas Preston is a great place to shop and enjoy a meal out and Lancaster is steeped in history and character, to add a few extra layers to your dining experience.
READ MORE: First look at Preston’s new £1.5m Revolution bar, opening date and location confirmed
Blackburn also brings a Caribbean touch to outdoor dining and ClitheroeThe best place to eat out offers dishes from the Mediterranean. There is a wide range of cuisines to suit all tastes and budgets at these Lancashire locations.
Below are the top rated places where you can enjoy an alfresco meal in the coastal town of Fylde, amongst the bustle of city life in Preston, the heart and edge of the Ribble Valley and the shadow of a castle in Lancaster.
Blackpool
(Image: James Maloney/LancsLive)
Pizzeria Stefani, Place des Cèdres
This popular and award-winning pizzeria is in a prime location, just steps from the waterfront and in the heart of the city’s theaters and shopping districts. It serves authentic Neapolitan pizzas and is the talk of the town.
It’s intimate, with just 10 tables inside, but the outdoor seating area doubles and is a great place to soak up the sun while you eat.
Viva Diner, Bar and Grill, Golden Mile
Brimming with neon colors and bright lights, this American-style restaurant pays homage to year-round illuminations. It is located on Blackpool Promenade, a short walk from the Tower, the Golden Mile and the North Pier. There is also live entertainment at peak times.
Sitting outside means you can soak up the activity on the waterfront while enjoying your burger, macaroni and cheese, hot dog or fries. Diner JordanM wrote in his five-star review on OpenTable, “A great, fun restaurant for the whole family. Good food, great atmosphere, and some fun drinks and dishes to try.
Lancaster
The Corner House, New Street
This very popular and classy British bistro serves brunch, lunch and dinner with small plates, entrees and delicious desserts on the menu. It is praised for its value for money and consistently good quality food. There is an outdoor space with 60 seats
PeterR gave this place five stars in a rave review on OpenTable, who said: “Staff were lively and attentive at all times. Short wait time for a high quality meal and real value for money. Can be unusual on a Saturday night. Will definitely book again which in itself was an easy process to follow.”

(Image: Cappuvino Bar and Restaurant)
Cappuvino Bar and Restaurant, Church Street
This restaurant won a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award in 2021, making it one of the top 10% restaurants in the world.
It has outdoor seating in the front, which catches the sun nicely while you enjoy the food and drinks on the menu, which includes platters to share, small plates, sandwiches, tacos, soups, a good range of spirits and draft beers and signature cocktails. It also accepts dogs.
Do you have a favorite place to enjoy a meal out? Let us know in the comments
Preston
Deer’s Head, Preston
This venue offers stunning views of the countryside from the outdoor seating area, which has plenty of space. From traditional Sunday roasts to classic pub fare, the menu should suit all tastes and appetites.
Diner Sarah particularly enjoyed the vegan options and also wrote in an OpenTable review following a recent visit: “All the staff are friendly and very helpful. The outdoor area is beautiful and includes an outdoor bar and lounges. cabins. Would definitely stay again and highly recommend.”
The Cafe Bar, Winckley Street
You’ll find tapas, pizza and pasta on the varied menu here, with a pretty courtyard tucked away just off Preston’s main shopping streets. The terrace is a real sunny spot and ideal for enjoying a relaxing dinner or lunch.
Customer Sharon Harrison recommended this place saying it was a “beautiful hidden gem inside and outside. Very friendly staff and the food was absolutely fantastic. Thanks” in their Facebook review.
Check out LancsLive’s recent review of The Cafe Bar here.

(Photo: TripAdvisor)
The Mad Hunter, St Michael’s
The bonus with the outdoor tables here is that they’re mostly covered on the wooden deck, so you’re safe even if there’s a sudden rain shower. The Mad Hunter is also one of Preston’s top rated venues, serving interesting and quirky food with a South African twist.
Blackburn
Calypso Caribbean Restaurant, The Wharf, Eanam
Located on the waterfront, Calypso is a good place to stop on a walk or if you like to eat by the water. Soak up live entertainment as you sample traditional Caribbean soul dishes such as jerk chicken, patties, barbecue chicken wings and spiced fries.
Aaron Dennis wrote in a five-star Google review: “Well, it’s safe to say well done. You don’t often find a good Caribbean restaurant. The food was absolutely perfect, I had the mutton curry, my other half had Prawns Jerk chips, amazing Cocktails are again great, and they put alcohol in unlike other bars Owner Dave and staff are very welcoming Definitely will be back again Keep up the good work. 10/10. Background music 10/10. Restaurant with a great atmosphere if you know what the Caribbean is”.
Clitheroe

(Image: Toms Table/Facebook)
Toms table, lower door
A French-inspired bistro in the center of Clitheroe. There’s an a la carte menu, regular theme nights, a kids’ menu, light lunch available, and early bird deals. The wine list is also extensive, and the outdoor terrace is right out front, basking in the sun during key hours of the day.
Grizola Bar & Grill, Swan Court
Award-winning Grizola is one of the reasons the Ribble Valley is a thriving gastronomic region, with high-quality dishes served in a number of venues, with this Greek-inspired gem bar none.
It has its own seating area in the enclosed courtyard, which also houses other independent shops. There are seasonal dishes, breads and dips and entrees such as lamb shanks on the menu.