The Best Places to Stay, Eat, Drink and Explore in London This Summer
- The Northern Edit
- Jun 23
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 2
London really comes into its own in the summer. Rooftops fill up, terraces spill onto pavements, parks become picnic spots and there's always something happening somewhere in the city.
Whether you're planning a weekend break, a family trip or a longer stay in the capital, we've rounded up some of the places worth having on your radar this summer - from stylish hotels and standout restaurants to afternoon teas, events and family-friendly attractions.
Places to stay
The Cumberland Hotel, Marble Arch
If location is top of your wishlist, The Cumberland is hard to beat. Sitting opposite Hyde Park and moments from Oxford Street, it's an ideal base for exploring central London, with spacious rooms and easy access to many of the city's biggest attractions. Book here.
The Marble Arch Hotel
Travelling with children? The Marble Arch Hotel has teamed up with its resident mascot, Archy Bear, to create a family-friendly stay designed with younger guests in mind. Expect tipi tents, playful touches and plenty to keep little explorers entertained between sightseeing adventures. Book here.
art’otel, Battersea
One of London's most talked-about hotel openings, art'otel Battersea combines contemporary design, impressive city views and a rooftop pool overlooking Battersea Power Station. It's a great option if you're looking to stay somewhere a little different while still being well connected to the rest of the capital. Book here.
The Guardsman, Westminster
Tucked away on a quiet street near Buckingham Palace, The Guardsman feels more like a private London residence than a hotel. It's a great option if you want to stay central without the crowds, with elegant rooms, a relaxed bar and one of the capital's most underrated afternoon teas. Book here.
Town Hall Hotel, Bethnal Green
For an East London stay, Town Hall Hotel combines grand Art Deco interiors with spacious suites and one of the city's most impressive hotel restaurants. The Bethnal Green location puts you within easy reach of Shoreditch, Columbia Road and Victoria Park. Book here.
Places to Eat & Drink
MAAI, Clapham
One of South London's most exciting neighbourhood restaurants right now. Expect seasonal sharing plates, creative cocktails and a terrace that's made for long summer lunches. Book here.
Market Halls, Paddington, Victoria, Oxford Street, Canary Wharf
Whether you're travelling with family, friends or simply can't decide what to eat, Market Halls is always a safe bet. With locations across London, you'll find everything from tacos and souvlaki to Malaysian street food and cocktails all under one roof. Visiting during the FIFA World Cup? Their dedicated match-day packages make it one of the best places in the city to watch the games with a drink in hand and plenty of food options nearby. Book here.
74 Charlotte Street
Looking for a memorable meal while you're exploring London? Head to 74 Charlotte Street in Fitzrovia, where Chef Ben Murphy serves refined modern British dishes, from BBQ monkfish to the signature beef Wellington, in a stylish yet relaxed setting. Perfect for a leisurely lunch or special dinner after a day in the city. Book
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Humble Grape, Battersea, Canary Wharf and Islington
If your ideal weekend involves wine and a leisurely lunch, Humble Grape's Schnitzel & Wein offer is worth knowing about. Every Saturday, guests can enjoy schnitzel and a glass of Austrian Chardonnay for £20. Book here.
Amazing Grace, London Bridge
If cocktails are on your London itinerary, Amazing Grace's new summer menu is worth seeking out. Created in partnership with Havana Club Rum and Altos Tequila, the line-up features seasonal serves, refreshing spritzes and the standout Aperol Spritz-icle – a playful combination of prosecco and an Aperol ice lolly that's made for sunny afternoons and summer evenings with friends. Book here.
Kanishka, Mayfair
Founded by Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar, Kanishka brings the flavours of Northeast India to the heart of Mayfair. The signature chicken tikka pie alone is worth a visit.
And on Friday 3rd July Kanishka will host Taste of Goa, a special one-night dining experience celebrating the vibrant flavours of India's western coastline - the exclusive menu showcases traditional Goan dishes and ingredients, highlighting the region's unique blend of Indian and Portuguese culinary influences. The event offers guests the opportunity to explore one of India's most distinctive regional cuisines through a contemporary fine-dining lens. Book here.
YOPO Zaytoun, Fitzrovia
The Mandrake's newly relaunched restaurant is one for sharing plates and stylish surroundings. Expect Levant-inspired dishes, excellent cocktails and a terrace that feels hidden away from the city outside. Book here.
Lillie’s, Wolves of Tokyo, Bar Arriba and Arbour in Olympia
Whether it’s English sparkling wine and oysters at Lillie’s, a Japanese tasting menu at Wolves of Tokyo, rooftop margaritas at Bar Arriba, or a post-show burger at Arbour, West London finally has a destination dining scene worthy of its address. Lillie’s: Book here, Wolves of Tokyo: Book here, Bar Arriba: Book here, Arbour: Book here
Afternoon Tea & Slower Moments
TWG Tea, Oxford Street
Need a break from shopping? TWG Tea's new Oxford Street boutique offers a calmer side of central London, with hundreds of luxury teas, elegant gifts and takeaway blends to enjoy as you explore the city. Find out more here.
Jacqueline at The Chancery Rosewood
Afternoon tea overlooking Grosvenor Square feels like peak London. Expect beautiful pastries, one of the UK's largest tea collections and live piano throughout the afternoon. Book here.
The Athenaeum
For a classic London afternoon tea experience, The Athenaeum delivers. Inspired by British fondant fancies and served overlooking Green Park, it's a lovely way to slow down between sightseeing. Book here.
Events Not to Miss This Summer
MOTH x NOCI Shoreditch
Bottomless pasta and MOTH Margaritas? Say less. Taking place on 27 June, 25 July and 31 August, NOCI's summer brunch series combines endless pasta, terrace DJs, MOTH Margaritas and sunshine-fuelled afternoons in Shoreditch. Book here.
Cocktails in the City, Bedford Square Gardens
One of London's best summer festivals for cocktail lovers. Across 2-4 July and 6-8 August, Bedford Square Gardens will be packed with pop-up bars serving £10 cocktails from some of the capital's most exciting drinking destinations. Book here.
KERB's Signature Summer Series, South Bank
