22 fabulous things to do in London in June 2026

London's top food festival is expanding this June. Alongside the main festival, the brand-new Taste of the City series will run from June 15 to June 21, offering one-off culinary experiences across the capital's best venues. Celebrating the restaurants, bars and talent shaping London's vibrant hospitality scene, Taste of the City invites foodies to go beyond the festival, whether it's chef's tables or special collaborative menus.

Highlights of the city-wide series include a seven-day feasting marathon at Rondo featuring a different chef daily, and a 'Bangkok Backyard' night market at Chet's in Shepherd's Bush. If it's a luxury dining experience you're after, book in for a Michelin-starred menu at Pavyllon London, a six-course seafood tasting at The Melusine paired with Nyetimber, or an eco-conscious seasonal lunch at the Michelin Green-starred Apricity.

There will also be plenty of fun interactive masterclasses, including pasta making at Eataly and Valencian paella cooking at ArrosQD.

Meanwhile, the flagship Taste of London festival returns to Regent's Park from June 17 to June 21.The park will transform into an open-air foodie wonderland featuring over 30 top-tier restaurants, 130 signature dishes, and 160 artisan producers.

Exciting new restaurant additions making their festival debut for 2026 include Italian hotspot Harry's and the Mexican eatery Ixchel, alongside the ever popular Sexy Fish and Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai.

Tickets for all individual Taste of the City events and the main Regent's Park festival are on sale now via the official website.

Reviewed by: Kate Thomas, Website Editor

For the first time, SW19 comes to W1 in celebration of the world’s greatest tennis tournament. Free to the public, New West End Company's 'W1mbledon in Hanover Square' event will screen the full Wimbledon tennis tournament in Mayfair's iconic Hanover Square.

Guests are invited to spend time on branded beanbags, deckchairs and picnic tables in the beautiful environs of the square while watching the biggest games of the tournament on a large outdoor screen. Tennis-inspired games like swing ball and table tennis are available for those feeling inspired by the athletes.

Premium food and drinks options include Mandarin Oriental serving strawberries and cream and Market Halls operating a bar with delights such as Whispering Angel slushies and classic summer Pimms cocktails. 

Reviewed by: Team HELLO!

To your left The Shard glints in the distance, to your right, St. Paul's peeks out from the clouds. I consider myself a connoisseur of London's rooftop bars and restaurants and the Mercer Minuty Terrace at Vintry and Mercer, St. Pauls, has some of the best views I've seen.

What makes views of the capital even better? Rosé. The season is finally upon us, and the Mercer Minuty Terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of something pink, with Minuty the perfect sip to savour in the sun.

I visited one evening after work, and high above London's streets, with the sun shining down on us, it felt like being on holiday, worlds away from work and the stress of the daily grind.

While the wine is of course exceptional, the food was wonderful too, which is notable as some rooftop restaurants rely on the views alone, but the food at Vintry and Mercer is as impressive as the scenery.

The menu included roasted chalk stream trout with English asparagus and wild garlic, salt marsh lamb rump, and rhubarb desserts, but we tucked into classic fish and chips – accompanied by a crisp glass of Minuty, of course, followed by soft serve ice cream, swirled into a picture-perfect meringue shape.

Descending back down to earth in the lift with a rosé-fuelled spring in my step, I texted my friends to let them know I'd found our new summer drinks location.

Reviewed by: Melanie Macleod, HELLO! Deputy Beauty and Lifestyle Editor 

Nothing says summer evening like an open air cinema – and that’s exactly why Champney’s has launched its Outdoor Film Club. Just a short train ride from London Euston into the leafy countryside of Tring, I caught a showing of Mamma Mia! on the opening night on 18 June. Despair not, though, as there are regular screenings until 1 August, including Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing, Grease and the ultimate girl’s night movie, Bridesmaids.

You roll into the Downton-esque driveway of this historic estate (once owned by the Rothschild family) before being escorted by attentive staff to the beautiful gardens. Here, the pre-film festivities include live music, an outdoor bar, a popcorn machine and a canapé reception. True to the estate’s identity as a luxury health destination, the snacks are crafted from fresh ingredients. 

I kickstarted my evening with a chilled glass of Pimm’s – the ultimate homage to summer – while mooching around the manicured gardens. And around 15 minutes before the opening chords of I Have A Dream marked the first scene of the 2008 musical, I was escorted to a comfortable deckchair with a fresh box of popcorn and a glass of wine in tow. 

The energy was great from start to finish, and dancing along to the soundtrack was highly encouraged throughout the film by Champney’s staff. If only every Thursday evening could be so fun and sunny. 

To book, visit here.

Reviewed by: Josie O'Brien, Creative Content Writer

If you're a wine lover, or simply fancy trying something a little different after work, Vagabond's brand-new Soho location deserves a place on your list.

Nestled just off Carnaby Street, the stylish new venue is home to more than 140 wines by the glass, making it the largest selection in Vagabond's history. I went along to the launch event, and it was easy to see why this new opening is set to become one of Soho's hottest spots.

Vagabond isn't just any wine bar - much of the fun lies in its signature self-pour wine machines. Guests can sample everything from small tasting measures to full glasses of whichever wines they choose. It's a fun and interactive way to discover new favourites without committing to an entire bottle, and the staff are both knowledgeable and friendly, helping you find exactly what you're looking for.

Each wine is clearly labelled with its provenance, notes, food pairings and extra information - anything you could possibly want to know!

I particularly enjoyed a glass of Tenta Luce Lucente, a rich red wine hailing from Tuscany, which was picked out for me by one of Vagabond's lovely staff members. 

The space itself feels contemporary yet inviting, spread across two floors with plenty of seating. There are so many nooks and crannies you can hide away in as you sip your wine and indulge in Vagabond's selection of seasonal small plates, cheeses and charcuterie boards.

Whether you're planning a casual catch-up, a date night or simply want to expand your wine horizons, Vagabond Soho offers a relaxed yet elevated experience that's perfect for any occasion.

Reviewed by: Isabel Drugan, Social Media Coordinator.

There are some places you just know are going to be good before a single morsel passes your lips. Limin on the Southbank is one such place. We arrived having just seen the brilliant yet dark Warhorse at the nearby National Theatre, so were in need of some colour – and Limin provided it and then some. Described by my daughter as both “fancy and tropical, the venue is all orange hews, green plants and hanging lights – and sitting under the retractable wooden pergola, it really did feel like we were in Trinidad on Thames.  Most colourful of all though was Limim’s effervescent founder, head chef and host with the most, Sham Mahabir. We were fortunate enough for this titan of Caribbean cuisine personally to walk us through his menu, which he curated to fuse the food of his homeland with that of other culinary cultures. 

There’s nothing regimented about Limin, it’s a place of imagination and spontaneity (if you want to get up and dance, you can), so I won’t take you through what we ate or drank in orderly fashion – I’ll simply list the highlights as they come to me…

The Jerk goat samosas were spicy, aromatic and crispy and, for those brave enough, an accompanying Scotch bonnet condiment provides even more heat. Talking of goat, Limin’s The GOAT curry made me wonder why caprine meat isn’t more popular in this country, as it combines the tender virtues of lamb with a beefier flavour. 

The fritters were crunchy and soft, with a slightly sweet sauce to counter the fresh lime juice. 

And the doubles – a Trinidadian special – were filling and warming without feeling heavy, and absolutely delicious with a mildly spiced sauce and freshly chopped vegetables. 

Being a Caribbean restaurant, cocktails are a speciality, and we sampled several absolute ripsnorters including Sham’s patented ‘Shambria’, a sort of summery mulled wine, and the Limin Rum Punch, impossibly refreshing but (recency bias alert) quite possibly the best cocktail I have ever tasted. Finishing off the meal, we had a decent measure of Shams’s very own white rum. Currently called Threeways, it will be relaunched under the Limin brand name on National Rum Day this August. As for the taste well, in layman’s terms, it slipped down a treat – certainly not a spirit you would waste on a well-known fizzy drink. 

With children to get home, one glass was sadly enough, though we will certainly come back for more – and you should all join us…

You can make a reservation here. 

Reviewed by: Tim Kiek, Head of Engagement and Communities

Nestled in the heart of bustling Soho, Maki Nori brings a vibrant taste of Japan to central London. This contemporary sushi destination specialises in made-to-order handrolls, served within seconds of preparation to ensure the seaweed remains perfectly crisp.

The experience is centred around a 20-seat sushi counter, putting guests front-and-center as chefs slice, roll, and blow-torch fresh ingredients with expert precision. Having a front-row seat to the action is a real treat, especially knowing your handroll will arrive in just 15 seconds.

The menu is nothing short of exquisite. The A5 Wagyu and Negitoro handrolls are standout dishes, while the punchy Dynamite prawns easily claim a spot on my list of favourite seafood dishes of the year. The Scallop Crudo, accompanied by a zingy orange ponzu sauce, is fresh, light and unlike any crudo dish I've had before, while the nigiri, salmon avocado roll and sashimi are all delicious. 

The vegetable and pork gyozas are also worth a mention. Piping hot upon arrival, the pork was tender and rich, while the vegetable was nicely salty. You won't be disappointed by anything on this menu. 

The fish is seriously fresh, which is no surprise given it's sourced from premium fisheries such as Hikido for scallops, Japan for sea urchin and Scotland for salmon. 

With a soundtrack of Japanese hip-hop, a unique roaming sushi cart and sleek, minimalist wooden interiors, Maki Nori strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and intimate.

For any Japanese food enthusiast, this spot is an absolute must-visit.

Book here.

Reviewed by: Nicky Morris, Acting TV and Film Editor. 

If there's one thing I'm craving in a heatwave, it's being abroad; if I'm going to be too warm anyway, I'd rather do it somewhere else! But, while I had to stick out these too-hot temperatures in London this time, I did spend an evening transported to Venice at TOZI Pizzeria and Cicchetti Bar in Battersea - and it was just as good as the real thing.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of the Battersea Power Station development, TOZI offers a masterclass in elegant Italian dining. This chic, beautifully designed eatery specializes in authentic cicchetti (Venetian small plates), fresh handmade pastas, and classic regional mains, all served up in a breathtaking setting with a wonderfully vibrant atmosphere.

To kick off our evening, we shared a couple of these famous small plates. The mozzarella & tomato arancini were perfectly crisp and golden, while the grilled king prawns were meaty and satisfying, with a smoky hit from the vegan ‘Nduja butter.

I paired our starters with a lovely Venetian Spritz, a refreshing change from your usual Aperol or Hugo. Light and floral, with notes of peach, jasmine and grapefruit, it was summer in a glass. Brilliantly, TOZI also offers this gorgeous cocktail completely alcohol-free.

For the main event, I opted for the Seafood risotto, a generous plateful of tastiness with clams, mussels, and prawns. It was an absolute triumph: rich and lovely. What struck me most was how fresh seafood tasted, instantly transporting me from the hustle and bustle of London straight to the sun-drenched Italian coast. My friend opted for one of TOZI's famous pizzas, topped with flavoursome parma ham and creamy burrata for a delicious main meal.

Of course, what good meal is complete without dessert? While my friend had a classic tiramisu, I stuck with the fresh summer flavours of the Amalfi lemon cannoli, which were gorgeous.

To wash it all down, we sipped on a sensational bottle of Prosecco Rose. It was the perfect way to escape the heat and enjoy the perfect meal all in one!

Book here.

Reviewed by Isabel Drugan, Social Media Coordinator.

Nestled in the heart of East London, just a stone's throw from Columbia Road, Campania is one of those rare, if-you-know-you-know gems that instantly becomes your favourite restaurant the moment you stumble upon it. It's the kind of place you're tempted to keep to yourself.

There's nothing flashy about it, and it hasn't been propelled into the spotlight by social media. Instead, its charm lies in its authenticity. Quaint and welcoming, it feels as though you've been invited into the home of a southern Italian grandmother. Set against a picturesque backdrop that feels worlds away from the city's buzz, Campania exudes rustic charm. Exposed brick walls and weathered wooden tables sit atop cobbled floors, creating the feeling of a hidden Italian courtyard. The dining space is arranged in a gazebo-style setting, with cascading greenery draped from the ceiling and warm orange-hued lanterns. Wood-framed windows stand open, allowing natural light to flood the space, while elegant white marble tabletops are set on dark legs. The kitchen is open and intimate, echoing the refined approach seen throughout the menu.

Our waitress Clea was great and carefully guided us through the menu. We began with warm wild bread, perfect for dipping into fresh olive oil and creamy stracciatella. The gnudi, delicate cheese dumplings, were rich and indulgent. Meanwhile, the calamari was fresh and light, elevated by a bright citrus dressing.

Then came the handmade pasta. I highly recommend the pappardelle ragù, which is rich, velvety and comforting – easily one of the best versions I've tried. Equally unmissable is the ricotta and aubergine ravioli in a tomato sauce. Bursting with sweetness, the tomatoes taste like the sun-ripened varieties you only seem to find on a European summer holiday.

To finish, the tiramisu is an absolute must-try. As someone who is particularly fussy when it comes to this classic dessert, I can confidently say this version was perfect. It struck the balance between being infused with liqueur-soaked sponge yet remained creamy and light.

To book, visit here.

Reviewed by: Maria Sarabi, Writer

Burger lovers, take note: Burger Fest UK is returning to London this summer following a hugely successful debut last year. Taking over Richmond Athletic Ground from 12–14 June, the three-day festival will bring together more than 20 of the UK and Ireland's most talked-about burger traders for a weekend dedicated to burgers, beer and all-around indulgence.

This year's line-up goes beyond traditional beef burgers, with a growing number of chicken specialists joining the party. Traders, including Clucking Oinks and Gurt Wings, will be serving their cult creations alongside some of the country's best smash burgers, giving visitors plenty to work through over the weekend.

At the centre of the action is the UK Burger Championships, where thousands of guests will vote for their favourite burger to crown The People's Champion. Last year's inaugural title went to Meatcastles, who return in 2026 hoping to defend their crown against a fresh field of challengers.

Whether you're a fan of classic cheeseburgers, loaded smash patties or next-level fried chicken sandwiches, Burger Fest UK promises a weekend packed with some of the best burgers the UK has to offer. Tickets start from £12 and are available here.

Reviewed by: Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Online Editor

Nestled along the cobbled streets of Foubert's Place in the heat of Carnaby lies Ria's – the unfussy and intimate hotspot serving up an indulgent selection of Detroit-style pizzas that also doubles up as a natural wine bar. Having begun with their first location in Notting Hill, the restaurant has expanded into the buzzy area of Soho to widen their clientele. 

With its off-white exterior emblazoned with the brand name in navy and adorned with floral accents along the top of the building, this charming restraunt offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Inside, the atmosphere is cozy and relaxed. A narrow staircase leads down to a dimly lit, cave-like space furnished with simple wooden tables left bare of linens.

What I loved most about Ria's is that every pizza is available by the slice as well as by the whole pie. As someone who loves trying different flavors and struggles to settle on just one, this makes it an affordable and convenient way to sample a variety of pizzas in a single visit. 

Their pizzas are unique – thick and fluffy with perfectly crisp edges. I opted for the House Pie, topped with red sauce, a blend of cheeses, a ricotta drizzle, basil, and a hint of lemon. It was generously laden with sauce, exactly how I like my pizza, and paired perfectly with a crisp glass of white wine. The Garlic Wild Mushroom is another standout option. Featuring béchamel, a cheese blend, wild mushrooms, burnt onion jam for a touch of sweetness, and Grana Padano, it delivers a rich combination of flavours. The pepperoni pizza is also popular, elevated with a drizzle of hot honey. Whatever slices you choose, be sure to try them with one of the house dips. I highly recommend the wild garlic mayo and the hot honey.

To finish on a sweet note, the battered deep-fried Mars Bar served with vanilla soft serve is a decadent treat. Crisp and golden on the outside, the warm caramel centre oozes out with every bite, creating a contrast to the velvety ice cream.

To book, visit here.

Reviewed by: Maria Sarabi, Writer

If you're looking for a sunny spot to enjoy a cocktail in the city, head to Aqua Nueva on Argyll Street by Oxford Circus, which boasts a fantastic rooftop terrace.

The restaurant, known for its contemporary Spanish cuisine and tapas, has partnered with Casamigos Tequila for the start of the summer season. The rooftop has been transformed into a vibrant beach club-inspired spot, complete with cabanas and the perfect picture backdrop for drinks with friends.

Casamigos’ Cocktails include the Frozen Mockingbird (Casamigos Blanco, jalapeño agave, watermelon, lime), and Siesta (Casamigos Blanco, grapefruit, Campari, lime), amongst others. I tried the Manzana Verde which is Tanqueray gin, lemon, cinnamon and apple soda – delicious!

The restaurant offers a two or three course set menu with a complimentary glass of Prosecco. Choose from rustic tomato bread, Padron peppers, Spanish tortilla or Croquettes to start. Mains include Pork tenderloin, lamb shoulder and artichoke flower. The chocolate churros for dessert were divine.

On Friday and Saturday nights there's a resident DJ bringing lively vibes to the terrace.

Visit aquanueva.co.uk/ or @aquanueva

Reviewed by: Sophie Hamilton, Deputy Features Editor

Having visited Nammos' beach club in Cyprus before, I arrived at its new Mayfair restaurant with high expectations. I'd always associated the brand with glamorous, sun-soaked afternoons and incredible Mediterranean food, so I was curious to see whether that same magic could be recreated in the heart of London. Thankfully, it absolutely does.

From the moment I stepped inside, it felt like a slice of the Mediterranean had arrived on Berkeley Street. The interiors are elegant yet relaxed, and despite its Mayfair postcode, there's an unmistakable holiday atmosphere. I visited for brunch, and with live music creating a lively backdrop, it's easy to see why Nammos is set to become one of London's most sought-after dining spots.

We began with the Mediterranean Spread Platter, featuring creamy hummus, smoky melitzanosalata, taramosalata with bottarga and refreshing tzatziki, served with warm bread. It was the perfect way to start. I was also thrilled to find my favourite Nammos dish from Cyprus on the menu: the Aubergine Mille-Feuille. Layered with whipped feta mousse and basil oil, it was every bit as delicious as I remembered. The Mykonian Meatballs, baked in a rich spicy tomato sauce with feta, were equally comforting and packed with flavour.

For the main course, we shared the Australian Wagyu MB9 tenderloin. Thanks to its exceptional marbling, the beef was beautifully tender with an indulgent buttery richness that needed little more than expert cooking to shine.

We finished with bowls of rich chocolate mousse, the perfect sweet ending to a memorable meal. Nammos has successfully captured the spirit of its iconic beach clubs while creating a destination that feels perfectly at home in London. If you're looking for exceptional Mediterranean food, vibrant atmosphere and a touch of Mykonos in Mayfair, this is the place to book.

There are afternoon teas aplenty to choose from in the capital, from truly niche offerings to theatrically themed ones. But one place you have to take the mini Disney fan in your life is Park Corner Brasserie at the London Hilton hotel on Park Lane. Little ones will feel like real-life royalty as they dine on the Disney Princess Afternoon Tea.

The whole experience brings to life the magic of Disney, from the giant statues of princesses dotted around the restaurant, to the personalised certificate you get to take home declaring each diner a "Royal Taste Tester". Most of the young guests around me were dressed in their favourite princess costume for their day out.

The afternoon tea is a nod to different blockbusters, from classics like Cinderella (you can't miss the final showstopper of the experience – chocolate truffles served in a glass slipper) to more modern favourites like the fearless Moana. 

The attention to detail is brilliant. When we visited, the tea was served in a treasure box with separate compartments. Slide open one door to reveal Moana's Wayfinder scones that are served in a canoe, and open another to find island-inspired sweet treats packed with tropical flavours like coconut and passion fruit. One of my favourites was the Heart of Te Fiti matcha cookie with floral print. For the more classic princesses, there are also miniature sandwiches shaped like a tiara: a real delight for children and adults alike.

The experience doesn't come cheap, priced at £70 per adult (without any bubbly), or £45 per child, but it would make a memorable and very sweet day out for kids. It's served every day and is on all summer, so may be perfect for a special occasion over the school holidays.

Book here.

Reviewed by Ainhoa Barcelona, Royal Managing Editor

Arcade has already gained a reputation for pulling together carefully curated kitchens in a stylish space at its sister space on Tottenham Court Road. This new incarnation brings together smash burgers, southern Thai sharing dishes, Greek cuisine and so much more in a beautifully lit spot in a brilliant location, sandwiched between the Strand and Covent Garden.

With low lighting and sleek interiors evoking a private members club, it was easy to relax and enjoy the flow of dishes, kicking off with spicy Punjabi samosas from North Indian curry experts Hero. Moreish beef croquettes with a swipe of mustard preceded juicy steak and chips from the South American stand Solis and thin-cut pizzas from east coast-style pizza house Gracey's. I'm already planning my next visit. 

To book, visit here.

Reviewed by: Miranda Thompson, Features Editor

Italian is one of the best cuisines in the world, with every region of the country offering something entirely different. At Via Emilia, in Notting Hill, you're transported to Emilia-Romagna.

The tastes of the restaurant is unlike any Italian I've ever had from sharing platters with melting cheeses and meats to their Turtē vèird a l'arşâna, a unique ravioli that is to die for. Every mouthful of this dish was divine, and I was so glad I shared it alongside my tagliatelle.

As for drinks, you have to have the sparkling Lambrusco. I do not enjoy drinking red wine, so I wasn't sure whether I would be into this, but the sparkling version was incredible. If I knew you could have red wine like this, I would have started drinking it years ago.

Book here.

Reviewed by: Matthew Moore, Senior Evening Writer

If you can’t get to the Amalfi coast this summer, an authentic taste of Italy is not too far away with Pasta Evangelists’ make-your-own classes. I was invited along to a special limited edition class to make the most delicious lemon ricotta filled ravioli. On arrival at Pasta Evangelists’ Barbican restaurant, I was promptly handed the first of many limoncello spritzes to set the la dolce vita tone. Drinks are unlimited during the class, with alcohol-free options available too.

Every class is led by a chef, and ours, the hilarious Roberta, mingled with the class before it was time to don our aprons and roll up our sleeves. As a complete pasta-making novice, any worries I had were gone as Roberta gathered the class to the front to watch a demo.

At this point in the class, Roberta shows you her methods, from mixing to making, with questions and interaction encouraged. You’re then back at your own table, with pre-weighed  ingredients laid out ready to go. Chef Roberta makes the rounds to each person, offering advice and taking over with kneading the dough and rolling it out to the exact thinness required if needed. 

Next, it was time to stamp out our lemon-shaped raviolis. A delicious mix of zingy lemon ricotta was provided in piping bags, then, the final step was sealing our raviolis and handing them back to Roberta for her to expertly cook and dish up.

There’s a real sense of pride in eating your own creation, and my friend who was my date for the class got top feedback from Roberta on how her ravioli turned out - what a bonus! After the quick cook-time, we headed back to our tables to eat our hand-made pasta, with Roberta making final rounds for any questions before she headed off, leaving us to catch up and enjoy a few more of those delightful limoncello spritzes. Buon appetito!

Book here

Reviewed by: Kavita Masih, Team Social

After a sold-out London debut, Tigermilk has gone even bigger with a stunning 280-seat hacienda in Spitalfields, and after spending an evening there, I can safely say it's one of the most visually impressive restaurant openings I've visited this year.

The first thing that struck me was the interior. Inspired by the grand estates of Cuernavaca, the space is unapologetically bold, embracing scale, drama and a touch of excess. Think lush green foliage cascading from the ceiling, rustic finishes, warm earthy tones and even a Juliet balcony overlooking the restaurant below. It genuinely felt like I had been transported somewhere much sunnier for a couple of hours.

To kick things off, I ordered the Tiger Spritz, a fun twist on an Aperol Spritz featuring yuzu, peach and sparkling Prosecco. Light, refreshing and easy to drink, it was the perfect start to the evening. For those who prefer something stronger, the cocktail menu is packed with margaritas, including a tropical frozen version made with tequila El Rayo, Triple Sec, pineapple, mango and lime.

We started with the classic guacamole, served with beautifully crisp tortilla chips presented in a charming little tin pot. Fresh, vibrant and packed with flavour, it was exactly what I wanted to get my appetite going.

For mains, we shared a few dishes. The Carnitas Quesadilla was loaded with tender pulled pork, melted cheese and smoky chipotle, while the Pollo Asado delivered juicy chargrilled chicken with a punchy ají verde sauce. Alongside these, the Green But Not Boring Salad was a standout.

I had already decided on dessert before arriving, and thankfully the dulce de leche cheesecake lived up to expectations. Rich, creamy and indulgent, it was the perfect ending, although a forkful of my guest's brioche perdue came very close to stealing the show.

Book here
Reviewed by: Lauren Connolly, Digital Design Lead

For an exquisite dining experience in London this June, there's no need to look any further than the newly opened Orrery by Chef Pierre Minotti on Marylebone High Street. 

The restaurant blends seasonal produce with personally selected ingredients from British providers, with the best of French cuisine. Each course can optionally come with thoughtful wine pairings and champagne to bring out the best flavours. 

It's all put together by chef Pierre Minotti, formerly of two-Michelin-starred Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal.

On offer are five or seven-course tasting menus, or a lunch tasting menu. I sampled the five-course menu, from which you choose two options for four of the courses.  

Following canapes, I chose a delightful caviar starter with smoked eel, cured sea bass and potato, but there's also a Provence tomato, served with burrata cream.

Then came Scottish girolle served on veal sweetbread and a foamed sheep milk. The main course is Aged Duck with black pudding – though I was told the diners' favourite is Quail sourced from the Pyrenees.  

There's even a "surprise" middle course that involves a seating change – and it turned out to be my favourite of all.The desserts are just as exquisite (I would recommend the strawberry option!).

There's also the luxury of space, which I find rare at a London restaurant, while several of the dishes are prepared in front of you, making for an interactive experience. I wouldn't be surprised to see it in a Michelin guide in the future. 

You can make a reservation here. 

Reviewed by: Eleanor Dye, Online Royal Correspondent

My visit to Hakkasan in Mayfair, couldn’t have come at a better time, offering a welcome air-conditioned reprieve from the scorching 35-degree heat. We made our way down corridors dappled with ambient lighting, eager to indulge in some Cantonese cuisine and brand-new cocktails, which were concocted to reflect the intersection of East and West.

We were greeted with a refreshing glass of Dom Pérignon champagne; I was glad to see the dim-lighting theme was continued downstairs, which gave enough visibility to the beautiful interiors – dark wood adorned with monstera leaves and orchids – but not to the fact that I was still quite the shade of red from my journey on the Victoria Line.

We were first served a series of dim sum as we mulled over the extensive cocktail menu; the lobster caviar dumplings were a particular favourite. My following lychee martini was the perfect drink to wash this down with – if you like the taste of rose, this is a must.

The star of the show was their smoked pork ribs, a signature dish which we took a much-deserved moment of silence for. The only thing that rivalled the pork in terms of tenderness was the sea bass, which melted in the mouth like butter. 

Dessert came in the form of a tropical sorbet and a lychee tart, which was served in a cascading shroud of dry ice. The fruity tart gave way to a delicious coconut interior, and felt like the perfect sophisticated way to top off a great night – until we tried the hazelnut chocolate dessert, which can only be described as a giant Ferrero Rocher and is a staff favourite, according to our waiter. 

Every element of Hakkasan feels considered, a sentiment echoed by Phoebe Doran, the establishment’s Head of Bars, who told us that the new cocktail menu was carefully designed to not appear intimidating to guests.

If you’re looking for a special meal out in London, Hakkasan is not just a treat for the taste buds but a luxurious all-round experience in the heart of opulent Mayfair.

To book, visit here.

Reviewed by: Romy Journee, Sub-editor

The one thing better than Asian cuisine is pan-Asian cuisine, and at The Ivy Asia, the restaurant's new Experience menu transports diners on a delicious journey across the continent. Available until September across all restaurants in the UK, excluding Manchester, the menu gives a nod to Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines – to name a few.

Just like the family-style dining found in these countries, the £65 Experience menu is designed to share (at least two people must order it). For £10 more, per person, you can upgrade on the mains and I highly recommend you do if budget allows, because who can resist the signature black cod miso, one of the best I've tried, and the robatayaki Japanese wagyu, again perfectly succulent.

But before the mains, you'll be treated to a whole host of exquisite dishes. Sushi fans will love feasting on the rainbow rolls made of snow crab and avocado, as well as the refreshing yellowtail nigiri. For dessert, it was the showstopping ube doughnuts and soft serve ice cream, presented over dry ice – always a tantalising touch.

A special, destination-inspired cocktail list by The Orientalist Spirits has also been concocted to pair with the food, with fun flavours and names like the Osaka Sour and the Bangkok Mule. Overall, an 11 out of 10 dining experience at The Ivy Asia.

Book now

Reviewed by Ainhoa Barcelona, Royal Managing Editor    

Maybe I'm biased because I spend a lot of my time writing about health and fitness, but I honestly believe the fitness scene is as exciting in London as the food scene, and whether you live here or you're visiting, I implore you to book into a session at one of the Barry's outposts in the capital. 

While the classes (combining weights and treadmill runs in a super fast-paced environment) are always incredibly motivating, the incentive to book in this month is even higher thanks to the Barry's: United We Barry's challenge, which invites us to sign up as individuals or as part of a team to complete a chosen number of classes to qualify for a prize.

Why this month? Because it's Pride Month and the challenge was created to highlight the importance and power of community, encouraging people to join in teams to hit their class goals. The prizes include Barry's gift cards and merch, but it's not the goodies that inspire me to take part - it's the enthusiasm you feel in the sessions, the collective energy you feel when you step into that red room and the endorphin high that smashing out an intense run, combined with lifting heavy weights, delivers. 

I've signed up to complete eight classes - and while a week out of London and a tube strike threatened to derail my hitting my goal, I plan to hit it hard for the next two weeks...