4 exciting things to do in London in September 2026

What better way to see out the remainder of summer in London than at a vibrant rooftop venue?

Nestled in the very heart of the city is Kitty Hawk, a stylish rooftop restaurant and lounge boasting stunning views over the West End.

With a warm, relaxed yet chic interior, Kitty Hawk is the perfect location for an intimate dinner date.

While you might initially book Kitty Hawk for its prime location, it's the food that will keep you coming back. There's something for every palate on the Eastern Mediterranean and Levantine-inspired menu, which boasts an array of small plates, mezze spreads, and grilled dishes.

We started off with the red pepper muhammara and cumin hummus, with the red pepper muhammara and cumin hummus, both of which went down an absolute treat with warm pitta bread. Both dips were so delicious, I could have easily sat there with a fresh loaf of bread and finished off a full tub.

Up next was a selection of small plates, including a refreshing Greek salad, grilled octopus, chicken souvlaki, and lamb kofta – all of which were excellent. The lamb in particular was a standout, paired perfectly with rich miso aubergine.

The highlight of the evening, however, came recommended by our server: the Saganaki – feta wrapped in delicate filo pastry and drizzled with truffle honey. If you book a table at Kitty Hawk, you simply cannot leave without trying it.

For dessert, we had the chocolate tahini mousse - another excellent recommendation from the attentive waiting staff. It was rich, delightful, and the perfect finish to an exquisite meal.

Paired with an extensive cocktail list and a great wine selection, anyone who loves a good tipple certainly won't be disappointed.

Book here. Reviewed by Nicky Morris, Deputy Entertainment Editor.

There is nothing quite like a spot of Turkish food, and nestled in Fitzrovia is the gorgeous Lokal, which transports you to a personal paradise. With a dedicated cocktail bar, private dining spot and standard dining area, no matter what occasion you want, you can take yourself to the heart of Türkiye by just stepping through the doors.

Thankfully, I was there for more than just cocktails, and enjoyed a stunning three-course meal, consisting of mezze and spreads, larger dishes and a sweet dessert. While I was informed the Atom wasn't too spicy, I still opted for the Cacik, a tasty little dip with a strong mint flavour that accompanied my octopus. The star of this portion was the restaurant's signature Lokal bread, an inflated loaf that didn't feel nearly as moreish as other breads at restaurants, and perfectly went with any dips.

My main of Beef Saslik was gorgeous and a true highlight of the experience, while the Kadayif, almost like a nest cake, was so tasty and helped to settle the stomach after the meal. Oftentimes, puddings end up making you feel ill, but this light dessert gave you a sweet hit without any of the downsides.

Reviewed by Matthew Moore, Senior Evening Writer

Set in one of the smartest parts of London and almost opposite The Ritz, The Bar at Gaia Mayfair feels like a hidden gem in the heart of tourist London.

Tucked away above the famous restaurant, it’s an elegant yet lively space, with intimate tables nestled into corners and a menu of exquisite cocktails and sharing plates.

We arrived at 7pm, when the atmosphere was quiet and relaxed - perfect for a proper catch-up. By nine, a DJ was pumping out tunes and the energy had noticeably shifted, setting the scene perfectly for the Saturday night ahead.

The cocktails were exceptional. Rather than asking us to choose a spirit, our waiter suggested starting with a flavour – strawberry, perhaps, or lychee. A fun way to get our taste buds ready for the Mediterranean treat ahead.

The Theo was a favourite for me - a tequila cocktail with basil and olive oil making for a beautifully savoury take on a martini. The Pithari was even more intriguing - a completely clear coconut and tequila cocktail, described as a clarified piña colada. All the tropical flavour of the original, but with considerably more class.

The sharing plates deserve equal attention. Don’t miss the sea bass ceviche, beautifully presented within the original fish, and served with three different sauces on ice.

It’s a special night out, with a price tag to match, but it’s a great spot for a celebration or for a few incredible cocktails before an evening out. The bar is sophisticated without feeling stiff, and definitely one to try.

The Bar at Gaia is open daily, 4 pm-midnight.

Reviewed by Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, Chief Content Officer

It might be September, but that doesn't mean that the sun has entirely slipped behind the grey clouds, so while you can still enjoy the warmth, make sure you head to the Soho Sky Terrace. Barely a five-minute walk from Oxford Circus, this rooftop bar is located on the top of the Courthouse Hotel. The 80-seat venue boasts epic views of the London skyline and some incredible wine.

Team HELLO! was treated to bottle of Whispering Hills rose wine and Vinho verde white wine, and it was still light outside when we eventually decided to call it a day. Signature cocktails, beers and soft drinks are also available for those who don't fancy the wine options.

And dining is also a possibility when you're several stories in the air with pizzas, burgers and wraps populating the menu. We had a selection of nibbles, which consisted of breaded chicken bruschetta, samosas and chicken tikka, all of which were very quickly demolished by our group. It's a shame we only discovered this venue at the tail-end of the year, as we could've spent the whole summer going.

Reviewed by Team HELLO!