4 summery things to do in London in July 2026

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

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