18 summery things to do in London in July 2026

Nestled in the heart of Notting Hill on Portobello Road, Gold is the ultimate summer dining destination. Its sun-drenched terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal, with grey tables, terracotta-hued seating, striking slate walls and even a palm tree creating the feeling of a Mediterranean escape. Inside, the open bar glows with warm lighting, while cascading greenery enhances the ambiance. The open wood-fired ovens take centre stage, with flames flickering and dishes sizzling as they're prepared. You can smell the aromas of paprika, fragrant spices and dishes slowly cooking over wood-fired flames, with the smoky char filling the space – the ultimate modern European restruant. 

A must-order is the burrata with charred apricots, Parma ham, radicchio and balsamic – a balanced dish where the sweetness of the fruit complements the savoury saltiness of the cured ham. Another standout is the toast topped with broad bean pesto, marinated peppers and creamy stracciatella. It's fresh and vibrant, with the crisp, toasted sourdough providing the perfect base.

Gold also boasts an exceptional selection of vegetable dishes, with the chargrilled hispi cabbage served with bagna càuda, chilli and breadcrumbs standing out as my favourite. The rich, indulgent sauce coats each leaf, while the crisp breadcrumbs add texture and the gentle heat from the chilli gives the dish a subtle kick.

For the mains, I recommend the spinach ravioli, filled with sheep's ricotta and finished with robiola and sage butter. Equally impressive is the braised beef short rib agnolotti, stuffed with porcini mushrooms and served in a rich, velvety sauce. The chargrilled picanha steak, served with chimichurri and balsamic, is a simple yet standout dish. Cooked medium-rare, it was perfectly tender, juicy and full of rich, smoky flavour.

To end on a sweet note, I chose the chocolate semifreddo, topped with pistachios and honeycomb. Velvety and creamy, it struck the balance of richness, while the crunchy honeycomb and pistachios added a contrast in texture.

Book here.

Reviewed by: Maria Sarabi, Writer

Finding the perfect Indian restaurant in the City can be a minefield, with options ranging between eye-wateringly expensive fine dining and mediocre curry houses. Enter Chatora City.

Tucked away on a quiet street just a stone's throw from Bank station, this family-run restaurant has built a loyal following since opening its doors five years ago. Now, with new Executive Chef Imamuddin Khan (formerly of the acclaimed Cinnamon Club) at the helm, Chatora City looks set to become the name on every London foodie's lips.

The tone for our incredible meal was set the moment we walked through the door, thanks to the warm hospitality of the owner, Jam. The perfect host, he guided us through the intricacies of the menu and recommended a few of his personal favourite dishes.

The starters were the highlight of the night. The honey-chilli cauliflower and the blackened chicken wings both packed a punch with a uniquely sweet flavour. For the mains, the claypot lamb biryani was beautifully crafted with delicate layers of spice, while the house dahl was delightfully creamy and moreish.

Throughout the evening, Jam regaled us with insights into their charcoal-fired tandoor oven, which infuses their organic produce with an incredible depth of flavour, and even shared his top tips for cooking the perfect fluffy rice.

Chatora City has also just launched a new summer menu, featuring regional seafood specialties like Tellicherry crab, Alleppey halibut, and Malabar prawn. To try and beat the heat on one of the hottest days of the year, we tried the cooling aloo berry chaat, the perfect antidote to a spicy curry.

It was plain to see how popular the spacious venue was; neighbouring tables included business dinner groups and a large number of regular customers. And with over 120 wines specifically selected to work with Indian flavours, the restaurant offers something different that sets it apart from its neighbours – at a fraction of their often overly inflated prices.

Book here.

Reviewed by: Kate Thomas, Website Editor 

Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco, who holds three Michelin stars to his name, prides himself on creating menus that are hyper-seasonal and hyper-local. It explains why the menu at his eponymous restaurant, Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO, changes so frequently. When I visited earlier this month, I was invited into the (surprisingly calm and orderly) state-of-the-art kitchen and introduced to the head chef, who said the team had a menu focused on tomatoes planned for the early autumn.

But during my visit, it was an opportunity to try the creative Espionage Menu, which is available until 8 August. For context, the restaurant is in the former Old War Office building on Whitehall, the previous home of spies, codebreakers, and intelligence officers. Ian Fleming also famously used his time in Whitehall and the War Office as inspiration for his James Bond novels.

It's perhaps no surprise then that Michelin-starred Mauro Colagreco has created a special five-course tasting menu that pays homage to the venue's roots. Another claim to fame: MasterChef semi-finalists also recently went to Raffles London to try their hand at cooking this specific Espionage Menu.

So, what can you expect? Each course has a playful name, such as 'Global Missions' and 'Disguise and Intrigue', and the presentation of each dish is reflective of the war theme. Take the barbecued scallop, potato, and caper salad (pictured) for example; the hidden layers of scallop are meant to represent operatives working undercover. The hay-smoked ribeye with a black hazelnut puree and glazed celeriac roll, which we had for mains, is inspired by Churchill's cigars. The lovage, pine, mushroom, and cereal risotto to start, meanwhile, reflects the camouflage pattern of a military uniform.

Whether you see it or not, the food is outstanding. You can tell that each course has been prepared meticulously and beautifully. Not only that, but guests are also treated to canapés, homemade bread, and an amuse bouche that we were invited to try in the kitchen – a real treat to see how a Michelin-starred kitchen runs.

Likewise, the service is fantastic. Despite the grandeur of the building and the Michelin fame, the dining experience isn't stuffy at all, but warm, friendly, and even a little jokey. There is the option to pair the menu with wine at an additional cost, while a complimentary glass of Louis Roederer champagne is included, which can also be fashioned into a delectable champagne cocktail. If you're looking for an extra-special restaurant to book this summer, you've found it.

Book here.

Reviewed by: Ainhoa Barcelona, Royal Managing Editor

Indulge in Mediterranean cuisine at GAIA Mayfair

While a sun-soaked escape to the Greek islands may not be on the cards this summer, you can still savour the flavours of the Mediterranean without leaving the city. Enter GAIA Mayfair. Step inside this luxury restaurant and it's as though you've been transported straight to Mykonos. Anchored by a vibrant daily fish market, a colourful salad bar and the warm glow of a wood-fired oven, GAIA captures the charm of the Greek islands. Crisp white table linens, softly lit amber lanterns, Grecian-inspired vases adorning the walls and elegant arched mirrors at every turn create an atmosphere that feels both refined yet relaxed.

Curated by Chefs Izu Ani and Orestis Kotefas, the GAIA menu features an abundance of indulgent offerings. We started with their warm olive bread that paired perfectly with the freshness of the Greek salad – a blend of mountain tomatoes, barrel aged feta and homemade pickled olives.

We were recommended the Sea Bream Carpaccio that arrived with three different dressings – lemon, mandarin and truffle. This was undoubtedly a standout dish. The fish was exceptionally fresh, elevated by the delicate crunch of the rock salt served on the spoon and complemented by the bright, citrus-infused dressing. The lightly smoked tuna carpaccio with black truffle dressing was one of my favourite parts of the meal. The rich, earthy truffle delivered a bold burst of flavour that paired well with the tuna's delicate saltiness.

The spinach and feta pie was soft, with a thick, flaky pastry that made it the perfect side dish. Equally impressive was the barrel-aged feta, baked with honey, crunchy nuts and delicate filo pastry. The warm, gooey cheese was elevated by subtle notes of paprika and aromatic spices, creating a balance of sweet and salty flavours.

For the main course, the lobster linguine is not to be missed. Tossed in a rich cherry tomato sauce, the pasta strikes the perfect balance between savoury and subtle sweetness. Equally delicious was the black rigatoni with truffle, which was among the best I've tasted thanks to its indulgently rich, creamy sauce.

No visit to GAIA is complete without trying its famous homemade frozen Greek yogurt, served with honey, caramelised walnuts and freshly made loukoumades. The dessert is refreshing, with the tanginess of the yogurt balancing its sweetness, while the warm, bite-sized loukoumades – light Greek doughnuts delicately infused with cinnamon – are perfect for dipping. I also enjoyed the peanut tart that featured peanut butter shortbread, salted caramel ganache and milk chocolate cremeux.

GAIA has also unveiled its first standalone cocktail bar, located on the restaurant's first floor, alongside a new drinks menu titled A Modern Vision on Traditional Craft. The space is sleek and sophisticated while remaining true to its Grecian-inspired aesthetic, featuring elegant arches, warm natural textures and plush blue velvet seating. I recommend choosing their popular THEO 20 – Patrón Silver Tequila, Basil, Bergamot, Theo Olive Oil, Skinos Mastiha – or a classic Gamma Negroni – Bacardi Ocho Rum, Spiced Caramel, Coffee-Infused Martini Rubino Vermouth, Cynar, Amaro Averna.

Book here.

Reviewed by: Maria Sarabi, Writer

Afternoon teas are aplenty in London, but one that truly stands out is the whimsical A Midsummer Night's Dream afternoon tea at Kona restaurant, at the luxurious Taj 51 Buckingham Gate hotel. Inspired by Shakespeare's play, the experience is divided into five showstopping acts, which put a delightful twist on the traditional scones, sandwiches, and sweet treat offering.

Beautifully presented, the tea is almost too good to eat – almost! We thoroughly enjoyed admiring the mini cakes, tarts, and pastries, but enjoyed tucking into them even more. Anyone with a sweet tooth will love sampling the medley of treats, from the dark chocolate heart to the pistachio-lemon delight, a nod to Titania's spellbound heart.

The savoury sandwiches were just as colourful and delightful, making a vibrant change. Instead of the classic salmon and cream cheese finger sandwiches, you'll find an open salmon sandwich on spinach bread. Another example: the orange-zested ricotta and cucumber sandwich is also creatively served in beetroot bread.

The scones are naturally a highlight of any afternoon tea, and at Kona's, you'll find a glorious selection. The final act is Puck's Magic – a sweet touch that perfectly rounds off the tea. For those who want a luxurious dining experience, this is one not to be missed.

Book here.

Reviewed by: Team HELLO!

To 10 Trinity Square for an evening of serious steak and stiff cocktails. Housed within the Four Seasons in the imposing former Port of London Authority, contemporary steakhouse Cooper's Cut prides itself on top-class cuts of meat,  clever drinks and service with a smile.

In a nod to its new lunch offering, the Three Martini Mid-Day, I begin with a CC Gimlet, which blends London gin with curry leaves, white port, vetiver gris and verjus for a martini that offers far more flavour than my normal vodka with a twist. 

The restaurant's Chef's Menu showcases its kitchen's prowess across five courses, with highlights including a scallop and steak tartare starter mopped up with sourdough made using local stout before the main event: a Hokkaido A4 Wagyu steak served with spinach and confit garlic that melted into the meat, leading my companion to pronounce it was 'the best steak' she'd ever had. 

We finished with a Granny Smith apple tarte tatin, laced with cognac. Fruity and thick like a marmalade, it was cut through with a creamy, creme fraiche ice cream I wish I could have had second helpings of. 

Book here.

Reviewed by: Miranda Thompson, Features Editor

In the heart of Chelsea, a stone's throw from Sloane Square, quietly sits Kahini. The contemporary Indian restaurant, whose namesake means "story" in Hindi, celebrates modern Indian cooking using the finest seasonal British ingredients. The focus of the sumptuous dishes is lighter eating, and a lot of the small plates are made for sharing.

The airy restaurant is stylish and spacious, and the staff is hugely knowledgeable and attentive. We started our evening with a variety of incredible cocktails before we began to indulge in a variety of courses. It was clear that the dishes were created with first-rate ingredients; every mouthful was mouthwateringly good, and the offerings were a great mix of adventurous twists, alongside a plethora of Indian classics.

The Trio of Chicken Tikka was a highlight, and the Tandoori Peshawari lamb chop with fennel & star anise will forever be something I think of!

Michelin-starred chef Peter Joseph is the man behind Kahini. Peter, who is one of Britain's leading modern Indian chefs, opened Kahini as his first solo restaurant, blending the flavours and traditions of his South Indian heritage with contemporary techniques.

Book here.

Reviewed by: Laura Sutcliffe, Fashion and Beauty News Editor

After a busy day at work, I headed to ALBA London in Knightsbridge, and it couldn't have been a better place to switch off for the evening. The restaurant captures the true essence of la dolce vita, with Amalfi Coast-inspired touches, from real lemon trees to yacht-inspired furnishings. Combined with views overlooking Harrods, it makes the whole experience feel effortlessly elegant and just that little bit more special.

We opted to share a selection of dishes, which felt like the best way to experience the menu. We started with the Burrata Mozzarella before tucking into the Amalfi Tagliolini with Mazara prawns, bottarga and lemon sauce, alongside the Diavola pizza with buffalo mozzarella, spicy halal salami and arrabbiata. We also couldn't resist the Arrabbiata alla Vodka Burratina, which was packed with flavour. Everything was exactly what you want from Italian comfort food, generous and incredibly delicious.

Not only is the food fantastic, but no detail is missed in the presentation. Each dish is served on beautiful decorative plates, while the cocktails arrive in elegant ceramic floral jugs that make every order feel like an occasion. If you visit, don't miss the signature ALBA Spritz, made with elderflower liqueur, yuzu, prosecco and soda water. It's the perfect refreshing drink to pair with the menu.

My standout favourite had to be the Grand Gelato Hazelnut Praline. The tableside presentation was such a fun touch, with the ice cream carved in front of you from what looks like a giant Ferrero Rocher.

If you're looking for a beautiful restaurant in central London that delivers on both atmosphere and exceptional Italian food, ALBA is definitely one to add to your list.

Book here

Reviewed by: Lauren Connolly, Digital Design Lead 

I've always wanted to try a proper seafood boil, so Shrimp Shack had been on my list for a while - and it didn't disappoint. The menu centres around generous seafood boils made for sharing, packed with shrimp, lobster, crab, mussels, calamari, corn and potatoes, all coated in a rich, buttery sauce.

I also tried the lobster roll, which was filled with sweet lobster in a soft, toasted bun, while the loaded sides were well worth adding to the table. There are also colourful mocktails and fresh smoothies if you fancy something refreshing alongside your meal.

It's a relaxed, no-frills spot where the food does the talking. If you're looking for a fun group dinner or just an excuse to finally tick a seafood boil off your foodie bucket list, this is a great place to do it.

Book here

Reviewed by: Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Online Editor

On the 14th floor of The Hoxton, Southwark, high above the commuters and tourists that throng the street below, Seabird London feels like a trip to the Med with one crucial difference – the incredible vistas of the UK capital from its tables, which take in the London Eye, The Shard and St Pauls in one unforgettable panorama.

This summer, as temperatures soar, it’s teamed up with tequila brand Herradura to bring a taste of the Balearics to London. On the menu? Weekend DJs and bespoke cocktails that conjure nights by the sea. The hot honey margarita with apricot, ancho chilli and lime packs a pleasing punch but, for date nights, opt for the shared version of the restaurant’s big, salted watermelon highball. It’s served with the fruit as a pitcher and two straws for up-close slurping.

Inspired by Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, the food here is a treat too, with tapas-like plates that are also best shared, as well as London’s longest oyster list. We opted for wood-fired scallops topped with rich sobrasada butter and a plate of perfectly-cooked langoustines, accompanied by a crisp mixed herb salad and paprika-sprinkled chips. 

However, if you really want to push the boat out, it’s worth investing in the restaurant’s Med-inspired version of a British classic: the Afternoon Sea. A generous, £240 platter of seafood, this comes packed with shellfish (including everything from oysters to half a lobster, via langoustine, spider crab and more) and accompanied by smoky romesco and sourdough bread.

Book a shady table and while away an afternoon. Or stay until the sun sets, fairy lights twinkle on the terrace’s greenery and the London skyline glows neon. Book here.

Reviewed by: Team HELLO!

There are plenty of new restaurant openings in London, but every now and then one comes along that makes you want to plan your next visit before you've even finished dessert. Jul's is one of them.

Just tucked away from Piccadilly Circus, Jul’s is the sort of place that immediately feels special without being intimidating. The interiors strike that perfect balance between elegant and relaxed, with warm lighting, plush seating and understated luxury that makes you want to linger long after your meal. We were seated towards the back of the restaurant, which turned out to be the best spot in the house. From our table, we had a clear view into the open kitchen, watching the chefs calmly plate up dish after dish with incredible precision. Every plate looked like a miniature work of art, and the presentation was every bit as impressive as the flavours themselves.

We decided to share several dishes so we could sample as much of the menu as possible. To start, the beef tartare with truffle was beautifully balanced, while the grilled calamari was wonderfully tender with just the right amount of char.

For mains, the corn-fed chicken with pea and mint velouté, lime yoghurt and unagi glaze was unexpectedly light yet packed with flavour. The roasted lamb, served with silky salsify purée and a deeply savoury sauce fricassée, completely lived up to its reputation as one of the restaurant's signature dishes.

Dessert was the perfect ending. We opted for the yoghurt olive oil ice cream with burnt honey toffee and a delicate milk tuile. It was fresh, creamy and unlike anything I'd tried before. Afterwards, I couldn't stop thinking that all yoghurt should come as ice cream.

The service was warm and polished throughout, and if you're not planning a full meal, the beautiful downstairs cocktail bar is well worth a visit on its own.

Book here

Reviewed by: Lauren Connolly, Digital Design Lead 

Only moments from Grosvenor Square, 34 Mayfair is renowned for exceptional steak and seafood. This summer, its collaboration with Nyetimber pairs premium English sparkling wine with refined dining. With an open kitchen, diners are invited to witness the expertise behind every dish, creating an intimate dining experience.

Whetting the appetite, I began with a delicate balance of fresh, citrusy and nutty flavours from the yellowtail sashimi. Light but vibrant on the tastebuds, the dish was enhanced by plum nam jim dressing, crisp Carosello cucumber and Marcona almonds. 

If you're looking for something to quench your thirst between bites, The Lakes Cup is the cocktail to order. Blending The Lakes vodka with strawberry, raspberry, Chambord, maraschino and Nyetimber's signature Classic Cuvée, it's fruity with refreshing sparkle. It perfectly captures the core of a warm summer evening.

For the full 34 Mayfair experience, I'd recommend feasting on one of the restaurant's signature steaks. I opted for the Black Angus ribeye, which delivered a rich smoky flavour and was served with lemon and oregano potatoes. Preferred for many, crisp on the outside and fluffy within, the potatoes added a citrusy contrast to the steak's tenderness.

Don't leave without trying the crème brûlée cheesecake. Combining two classic desserts, I devoured the creamy filling topped with a light caramalised shell and fresh, juicy berries, all made for the ideal sweet ending.

For a classy summer evening in the heart of Mayfair, make sure to visit 34 Mayfair before its collaboration with Nyetimber comes to an end on 12 September. Raise a glass of England's celebrated sparkling wine and savour a refined dining experience with a loved one. 

Book here. 

Reviewed by: Alannis Archer, Junior Digital Marketing Executive

There are few better ways to spend an English summer's day than at the polo - and the Coronation Cup at Guards Polo Club on Saturday 25th July is the pick of the season. England take on Uruguay in one of the sport's most storied fixtures, and you don't need to know a chukka from a throw-in to fall for it: the thunder of hooves, champagne on the lawn, and the gloriously British ritual of treading in the divots at half-time.

Beyond the action on the pitch, the day also celebrates Hurlingham Polo's own luxury clothing collection - a line steeped in British sporting heritage, available to guests at the Club's boutique.

A prestigious day out that feels effortless - equal parts sport, style and summer.

Tickets are available now, with 10% off exclusively for our readers using code HELLO10. Can't make it on the day? The collection is also available online, with 10% off using code POLO10.

Find out more here

If you are someone who enjoys a dose of wellness alongside delicious food, there's a sumptuous brunch that combines the two. Genius! Famed central London spots Aqua Kyoto and Aqua Nueva have teamed up with luxury sportswear brand lululemon to present the 'Wellness Brunch Club; Empowered by lululemon', which includes an incredible yoga session, followed by a delicious brunch afterwards. With magnificent views of the capital, I enjoyed a fantastic rooftop workout which incorporated yoga and Pilates, and a memorable, sumptuous brunch which satisfied my post-workout feels.

Aqua Kyoto's indulgent Japanese brunch experience is a generous offering, which includes sharing plates of starters, featuring edamame beans and prawn-filled tacos. The main was a pure treat - unlimited sushi, featuring generous portions, alongside signature mains, including melt-in-the-mouth marinated chicken. The dessert platter was not to be missed - a mountain of fine sweet delights - the perfect end to a meal.

Book here.

Reviewed by: Laura Sutcliffe, Fashion and Beauty News Editor 

If you’re looking for a school holidays treat that you might actually enjoy too, why not take a chance on ABBA Voyage? If the spectacle has somehow passed you by over the past four years, it’s best described as a virtual concert featuring “ABBAtars” depicting Bjorn, Benny, Anni-Frid and Agnetha as they appeared in 1979, and using their original vocals alongside a live band.

The permanent residency in a dedicated arena near Stratford is best-known for attracting raucous hen parties, middle-aged couples on date nights and the odd glitter-clad team-building rabble, but it more than holds its own as a family day out. My kids are 11 and 8 and, despite being core Gen Alphas who’ve grown up taking AI and all things digital for granted, their minds were blown by what they saw and heard.

I remember going to see an ABBA tribute band during my own very 1990s childhood, but it’s fair to say they weren’t quite as impressive as this. ABBA songs are truly timeless - it feels like every generation is somehow born knowing all the words to Dancing Queen - and we enjoyed the show just as much as the many audience members who might have even seen the real ABBA first time around.

If you’re taking kids, I’d recommend booking a matinee slot and going for arena seating rather than a “dancefloor” standing ticket, or they won’t be able to see a thing. I’d also make the most of the fact that the queues for ice cream and popcorn are much shorter than those for prosecco (although I may have had a cheeky one anyway…).

Beware the merch shop, though - pretty much everything you can think of, from baubles to baseball caps - is available with glittery, colourful ABBA Voyage branding that little magpies won’t be able to resist…

Tickets to ABBA Voyage start from £38.50.

Book here.

Reviewed by: Isabel Mohan, Second Act Editor

There's only one place to be as the sun sinks below the Thames in Richmond, and that's on the terrace at Tower House. We joined the relaxed diners and drinkers reaching for summer spritzes and selfies amidst greenery and flowers, toasting to the last of the day's rays with a G&T-ish Riviera Spritz (with gin, sherry and lemon) and a fresh, punchy elderflower and cucumber martini.

The restaurant, which opened in November, prides itself on its modern Mediterranean menu, featuring plenty of clever salads and vegetable options alongside meat and fish options from its open-fire kitchen. Moreish, melty jamon croquettes with manchego and aioli and polenta fries soaked up the cocktails before we led onto a feta and cherry salad with braised shallots, balsamic and mint - delicious. 

Our iberico pork chop with burnt butterbeans and romesco was tender and juicy, matched with crispy purple potatoes with a tangle of pickled shallots and pecorino pesto and a beautiful Beaujolais red. To finish, a slab of moist orange cake with a side of vanilla ice cream on our waiter's recommendation, and thick, decadent chocolate tart with a crunchy almond crust. It felt like a holiday at home - and really, can there be anything better?

Book here
Reviewed by: Miranda Thompson, features editor