Underrated things to do in London in August 2026 for a summer to remember

With the weather we've been having, I can't think of a better way to spend a sunny afternoon than out on the Thames. I recently tried the City Cruises lunch cruise, and it made for a really relaxed way to enjoy the capital.

Instead of squeezing into a busy restaurant, you're served lunch as you sail past some of London's most iconic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf. I had the thyme, rosemary and lemon-roasted chicken, served with a creamy leek, tarragon and mushroom sauce, dauphinoise potatoes and seasonal vegetables, followed by the rose water and strawberry cheesecake with berry coulis.

For me, though, it's all about the setting. Sitting on the river with a drink in hand, soaking up the sunshine and watching London drift by feels like a real treat. If you're looking for a summer activity that's a little different, I'd definitely recommend it. It's an easy way to escape the crowds for a couple of hours while seeing the city from a completely different perspective.

Cruises run Monday-Sunday, and almost every day of the year. To book, visit cityexperiences.com.

Reviewed by: Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Online Editor

One of London's best nights out will always be at The Piano Works. With two locations in Farringdon and Covent Garden, the live music venue never fails to deliver on feel-good vibes, crowd-pleasing cocktails, and non-stop hit after hit. To celebrate the summer, the team at HELLO! enjoyed a work social at the Farringdon venue, but it would also work perfectly for hen dos, birthday parties, leaving dos, and the like.

The main event is the live music, which changes throughout the evening. When we arrived at 6 pm, it was still fairly quiet with two pianists performing, but a couple of hours later, the place was buzzing, entertained by a full band. By the end of the night, the dance floor was truly packed, proving just how popular the venue remains.

It strikes the perfect balance: those who can't stand karaoke or are too shy to perform in front of a crowd can quietly nod along with the professionals or simply sit back and enjoy the live music. While the karaoke kings and queens among us will be in their element, singing along but actually, and more importantly, letting the professionals do their thing and own the stage.

The talent is simply astounding. Anyone and everyone can put in a song request and minutes later, the Piano Works musicians play it to the whole venue, sometimes after having just learnt it on the spot. From power ballads to cheesy pop, musical hits to alternative rock and punk, the roster of musicians has it covered so there really is something for everyone.

It's the ultimate night out for a group of friends or a boozy date, and there are plenty of offers throughout the week to entice, from generous Happy Hour on Wednesdays through to Saturdays, and two-hour bottomless brunches to kick-start the weekend. Go on, book it – you won't regret it.

To book, visit www.pianoworks.bar

Reviewed by: Team HELLO!

Nestled in the heart of Soho, Kumori is London's newest dining destination, bringing the flavours of Japan to the capital with a distinctly modern edge. The intimate handroll bar pairs design-led interiors with an immersive dining experience, where every seat is positioned at the counter so guests can watch the chefs expertly slice fresh fish and flame-sear salmon right before their eyes. Lined with vinyl records and complete with its own carefully curated soundtrack, the space feels as thoughtfully crafted as the menu itself. Trust me, this is Soho's latest buzzy hotspot.

Even the menu is interactive. Guests are handed a paper menu and a pencil to tick off their chosen dishes, adding a playful touch to the dining experience. You can opt for a set of three, four or five hand rolls, with each one made to order before your eyes. My standout favourites were the burnt salmon, which boasted a delicious smoky depth, the spicy tuna, where gentle heat was balanced by creamy avocado, and the yellowtail kosho, a fresh, vibrant option with a subtle citrus kick.

The menu also features a selection of light bites, and the tuna crispy rice is a must-order. The crisp, golden exterior provides the perfect contrast to the rich tuna topping. From the raw selection, the yellowtail yuzu truffle was another highlight. The distinctive earthiness of the truffle complemented the delicate taste of fish.

To end on a lighter note, the matcha mochi provides the perfect finale – a creamy, subtly sweet dessert that completes the meal. Alongside the food, the service is impeccable, with every detail feeling thoughtfully considered. The drinks menu is equally impressive, featuring an excellent selection of wines and cocktails, alongside more unexpected offerings such as matcha-infused beverages.

To book, visit kumorirestaurant.com

Reviewed by: Maria Sarabi, Writer

The basement of a London casino has to be one of the more unusual locations for a Cantonese restaurant, but don't let the bouncers at the door put you off – this delightful eatery is one of Soho's hidden gems, and the tastiest spot for a great meal out.

This summer, Chop Chop has launched a new menu and a new look, so even if you're a devotee, there's something fresh to take in. The restaurant pays homage to the cornerstones of Cantonese cuisine, offering mouth-watering dim sum crafted by hand, homestyle dishes as well as the roast duck that the Four Seasons is best known for.

My favourites will always be the staples: egg fried rice, dumplings, sweet and sour chicken, beef in black bean sauce, and vegetables fried in garlic – the best way to consume your greens, in my humble opinion.

A menu highlight has to be the crispy duck served with spring onions, cucumber and hoisin sauce, now joined by a vegetarian 'mock duck' that caters to all requirements without losing key texture and flavour.

The new dim-sum menu includes spicy chicken siu mai and pork & shiitake mushroom dumplings, alongside an expanded selection of steamed buns filled with Chinese sausage, chicken or vegetables.

Main dishes include sautéed scallops with asparagus and braised pork with vermicelli noodles to Chop Chop’s special chicken curry; Sichuan dried chilli with diced chicken, homestyle prawn scrambled eggs and deep-fried baked spareribs.

I love the energy of this restaurant – peaceful, but always on-the-go, and the quality of the food speaks for itself. Even better, Chop Chop stays open until 4 am, so you're guaranteed a good meal at all times of day.

To book, visit hippodromecasino.com/chopchop

Reviewed by: Millie Jackson, Podcast Producer