Whether you’re travelling from Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow or beyond, the capital comes alive in summer with rooftop bars, open-air festivals and riverside dining. Swap familiar streets for the bright lights of Soho, Southbank and Shoreditch — and discover why London remains one of Europe’s greatest summer destinations.
Dining & Drinking
Taste of London
No London summer staycation is complete without a visit to Taste of London, the city’s biggest open-air food festival, held in Regent’s Park from 18–22 June. Expect a who’s who of the capital’s food scene, with 2025 newcomers like Manzi’s, Bébé Bob, ZIMA, and Eataly joining cult favourites Roti King, Norma, and Hotbox. Festival-exclusive dishes, masterclasses with Michelin-starred chefs and live fire pit demos promise a feast for both eyes and appetite. Highlights this year include the World Food Championships Burger Showdown and hands-on Korean BBQ sessions. It’s a proper showcase of London’s food culture in one park.
Marugame Udon
Beat the heat with Marugame Udon’s new summer specials. This cult Japanese noodle bar has launched Japanese Cold Udon — slippery noodles in chilled soy-dashi broth, perfect for warm city evenings. Or try the Genki Salad Udon, loaded with your choice of pulled shiitake, soy chicken or salmon. For indulgence, the Sumo Carbonara Udon fuses creamy comfort with Japanese character.
Kaieteur Kitchen at Castle Square
South London’s best-kept secret, Kaieteur Kitchen serves Guyanese home-cooking from a lively unit in Elephant & Castle’s Castle Square. Expect rich curries, rice dishes and tropical flavours from owner Faye Gomes, served with warmth and community spirit.
Harry’s King’s Cross
Bring a little dolce vita to your staycation at the newly opened Harry’s King’s Cross. This chic Italian spot serves everything from antipasti platters to signature seafood pasta and the viral-worthy Harry’s Toadstool dessert. Nab a table on London’s largest Harry’s terrace and watch the city drift by with an Amalfi lemon sundae or a Sicilian Margarita in hand.
Courtyard Wine Cellars, Covent Garden
Wine lovers should book a table at Courtyard Wine Cellars, a vaulted labyrinth beneath Covent Garden’s historic market. With over 1,000 wines from 10 countries, candlelit alcoves and artisan sharing platters, it’s a snug, atmospheric escape from the summer bustle.
SOUND Cafe at The Cumberland Hotel
In a rush? SOUND Cafe has launched a Speed of Sound Express Lunch Menu — a main and drink for £19.33, served in under 30 minutes or your meal’s free. Choose from dishes like BBQ Glazed Chicken, Reuben Sourdough or Grilled Seabass and be back in Soho before anyone notices you’re gone.
Truffle Burger & Friends at Southbank Centre
Truffle Burger’s cult-favourite patties hit the riverside this summer for a pop-up collab series at Southbank Centre. Expect big-name partnerships, exclusive dishes and viral bites — think NYC burritos, French lobster rolls and next-gen taqueria creations. The riverside skatepark-meets-street-food vibe makes this one a staycation essential.
The Terrace at The Royal Horseguards
For a refined escape, book a table at The Terrace at The Royal Horseguards Hotel. Overlooking the Thames and London Eye, this country garden-style alfresco spot offers seasonal British dishes like Pan Seared Seabass and Sumac Roasted Butternut Squash. Sip a Pimm’s Spritz or Terrace Raspberry Fizzante while soaking up the view.
Kingly Court
A three-storey open-air food courtyard just off Carnaby Street, Kingly Court is a must for grazing-style staycations. Mix-and-match from standout indie restaurants including:
- Donia — a contemporary Filipino bistro serving creative small plates, Kinilaw and the city’s best lechon pork belly.
- Goldies — A wood-fired dining spot with twists on classic plates, twice-fried Goldie’s frites, and a menu crafted with sustainable, locally sourced produce.
- Darjeeling Express — Asma Khan’s trailblazing home-style Indian restaurant, run by an all-female kitchen team. Go for the Railway Lamb Curry or celebratory biryani feast.
- Imad’s Syrian Kitchen — Imad Alarnab’s heartwarming restaurant serving fresh, soulful Syrian plates like Fattet Macdous and crisp falafel.
- Liu Xiaomian — a cult favourite famed for its spicy and numbing Chongqing noodles.
Shopping
Soho & Carnaby Street
No London trip is complete without a wander through Soho and Carnaby Street — the neighbourhood where many fall in love with the city for the first time. Record stores like Ain’t Nothing But, Sister Ray and Third Man remain firm favourites, but this summer a new wave of standout openings is making headlines.
Fashion and beauty fans should seek out TALA, the cult activewear brand founded by Grace Beverley, which has launched its first ever store with exclusive drops and planet-friendly fits. PURESEOUL has also arrived, bringing the largest K-beauty store in the UK to Soho, while Club M·A·C is changing the face of beauty retail with immersive events, tutorials and a new space for creators. Sneakerheads can pick up fresh kicks at Autry’s debut UK store and soak up the area’s streetwear scene alongside staples like size? and END.
Activities & Things To Do
Bat & Ball, Covent Garden
If your idea of a summer night involves games, drinks and the occasional karaoke power ballad, Bat & Ball in Covent Garden is your place. From interactive darts, shuffleboard and pool to ping pong, Prosecco pong and mini golf in an urban jungle setting, it’s a one-stop activity bar for birthdays, after-work drinks and spontaneous nights out. With 24 HD screens showing live sport, private karaoke booths, and a menu of loaded burgers, sourdough pizzas and spicy wing challenges, it’s the ultimate Covent Garden hangout.
Elvis Evolution
For something a little different, Elvis Evolution lands in London this July at the brand new Immerse LDN venue. This high-tech, high-energy immersive experience takes you on a 110-minute journey through the life and music of The King — from Tupelo’s crop fields to Vegas showrooms. Expect AI-enhanced performances, sensory surprises and exclusive archive content, followed by a rock ‘n’ roll afterparty complete with live bands, DJs and 60s diner snacks.
Late Night
When the sun goes down, London’s late-night scene comes alive — and Soho remains the undisputed epicentre.
Cahoots serves up 1940s-themed cocktails in an underground station bar, while Ronnie Scott’s is still a go-to for world-class jazz. Aegean-inspired Hovarda pairs live DJs with mezze and martinis, while Flute at Broadwick Soho offers skyline views and chic cocktails until late.
For something casual, Speedboat Bar channels Bangkok’s Chinatown with spicy late-night snacks, Thai pop, and pool tables open until 1am. And if you’re still going, head to SOMA on Denman Street — a sultry, Indian-accented speakeasy pouring thoughtful, spice-infused cocktails until 3am on weekends.
Where to Stay
The Cumberland Hotel
A reliable base just moments from Marble Arch and Hyde Park. The iconic venue has hosted some of the most iconic faces in rock music over the years and now offers a memorable stay right in the heart of London.
Nobu London Portman Square
This luxury lifestyle hotel is in the heart of London’s coveted Marylebone neighbourhood, tucked away yet conveniently close to the bustling streets of Mayfair and Soho. Experience Nobu’s iconic cuisine and renowned hospitality where Japanese minimalism meets London’s cosmopolitan culture.
Radisson Blu Hotels
Affordable, well-located options across the city, with standout properties in Covent Garden, Bloomsbury and Canary Wharf.