The sheltered and welcoming outdoor restaurant at Raithwaite Sandsend - Credit: Yorkshire Life Something about dining in the open air takes formality away. Maybe the fact that you’re wearing a jumper, coat and big socks rather than your Friday night or Sunday lunch best. But there we have it – that’s the pleasure of alfresco eating; informality, that hint of ‘on-your-holidays', the tolerance of your pet coming along too, and the thrill of your outdoor meal being more than the contents of your Tupperware. Dining with children is always miles easier outside too as they can head off for a scamper between courses and generally wriggle to their hearts' content at the table without tension.