With summer’s grip firmly wrapped around us, the long sunny days and (patches of) glorious weather have us raring to get out and about and actually do things! Whether you’re sipping pints, trying out world-class restaurants, or heading off to the beach, there’s something to keep you entertained. So without further ado, get a load of these amazing things to do in London in July 2023!
1. Celebrate love and show your Pride
As Pride month draws to a close, it can hardly be said to be fizzling out or winding down. Instead, the month caps itself off with plenty more celebration, in particular with several Pride parades. London Pride Parade takes to the streets on July 1, before the London Trans+ Pride Parade makes its way through London on July 8.
The parades are celebrations of identity and, obviously, pride – but they’re also protests, as the LGBTQIA+ community continue to fight for their rights. Join in, make your voice heard, and remember to love each other.
2. Attend Europe’s first-ever LGBTQIA+ classical concert from a major orchestra (July 7)
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) and an LGBTQ+ chorus have partnered up for a very special celebration of queer composers in classical music, at London’s Barbican Centre. Classical Pride with ViiV Healthcare and GAY TIMES, will encompass work from composers such as Tchaikovsky, Bernstein, and Poulenc, all of whom were gay. The works will also include music by Caroline Shaw, a living composer who, at the age of 30, was the youngest composer ever to win a Pulitzer Prize. There will also be a brand new piece from composer Julian Anderson CBE. The event will be presented by Nick Grimshaw, with Oliver Zeffman, who created the event, conducting the pieces.
As well as being a gorgeous celebration of queer history, and the enduring impact of the LGBTQ+ community on musical history, proceeds from the event will go to LGBTQ+ charities. All proceeds will be split amongst the Terrence Higgins Trust, Amplifund, and the Rainbow Railroad.
Be sure not to miss out, and book your ticket at the Barbican website.
3. Enter an immersive world of music and dance at Elrow Town 2023
Elrow Town is a gargantuan, worldwide festival that brings incredible music and performances across nine themed stages with more than 50 world-class DJs and 200 live acts and performers keeping the good vibes pumping. As well as over ten hours of music throughout the day festival, guests can expect games, theatrical shows, creative collectives, incredible inflatable creatures, and oodles of sheer unadulterated joy. It’s an absolute international blast, with other Elrow Town festivals also taking place in Holland and Spain.
Grab your tickets here so you don’t miss out!
4. Explore a completely new world (drink in hand)
Over in Shoreditch, a portal to a whole new world awaits you. Extra special drinks are waiting to be drunk, and the secrets of another place, unlike anywhere you’ve ever been before, are waiting to be unravelled. Don your jumpsuits and step through into Avora, where you’ll be treated to a cocktail experience unlike any other. Over the course of the experience, you’ll interact with the local inhabitants of the planet, the Avorians, and explore the lush ecosystem as you forage for cocktail ingredients. As day turns to night, though, secrets will unravel and you’ll have to make a choice that decides the fate of the world.
Alternatively, a family-friendly version of the experience is also available. The cocktails are swapped out for drinks that the whole family can enjoy (making use of some special ingredients found in the new world). The experience itself also changes, with more of a focus on exploring the unique new world, and finding out what makes the world of Avora so special. See how the planet’s ecosystem changes as it transitions from day to night, and gain the trust of locals to learn all of Avora’s secrets.
Grab your tickets to the Avora: New World Cocktail Experience here. Or grab tickets to the Avora Family Immersive Adventure here.
5. See all the public art on display for Kensington + Chelsea Art Week (June 22 – July 2)
The London borough celebrates culture and art by filling the area with a host of public art installations, events, and exhibitions. Over 4oo venues are participating, and you’ve still got a few days left to catch it! If, however, you do miss the special events taking place, you can still enjoy The Kensington + Chelsea Public Art Trail, which will run all through the summer until August 31. The trail takes visitors through “some of West London’s most beautiful and iconic sites, including Napoleon Garden in Holland Park, Duke of York Square, Earl’s Court, Notting Hill Gate, North Kensington, Sloane Street, South Kensington, the King’s Road and Knightsbridge”. Along the way, take in works from the likes of Ai Weiwei, Misha Milovanovich, Malgorzata Lisiecka, Baker & Borowski, and plenty more.
Find out more here.
6. Catch The Fans Strike Back before it leaves London
The last chance to catch this enormous Star Wars exhibition, it is. Run, you should, so miss out, you do not. Okay, painful Yoda impression aside, time is actually ticking for those who still (somehow) have yet to check out the Star Wars memorabilia exhibition, The Fans Strike Back. With hundreds of collectables to gaze upon, official limited-edition merch to snag, and immersive photo opportunities, it’s a must-visit for the biggest Star Wars enthusiasts and casual fans alike. The exhibition’s final day is July 16, so act fast and secure your ticket – otherwise, bummed to have missed out, you will be.
7. Head to the beach
If this warm weather keeps up – which we’re hoping it does, since that’s what’s supposed to happen in the summer – you’ll definitely want to track down a sandy beach. Whether you’re happy to trek all over the UK in search of the most beautiful beaches the country has to offer, or want a beach a little closer to London, we’ve got you covered. Grab your swimmers and some towels, and go for a dip! Or just lounge on the sand and enjoy the sunshine and the summer days.
Psst, in keeping with our secretive nature, we’ve also got a list of some hidden beaches near London, where you can avoid the crowds. Just don’t tell anyone else about them, agreed?
8. Marvel at a stunning immersive light show
In London’s Swiss Church, an absolutely awe-inspiring light show awaits. Genesis depicts the story of Earth through an immersive light display that completely consumes the room and everyone in it. Focusing on the elements of light, water, earth, and plants, across a 30-minute show, the performance drops visitors right into the middle of “the first three days of creation in ‘Genesis.'” The show recently show huge success across Europe, and is now landing in London for us to get a taste!
Find out more, here.
9. Celebrate Summer at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (July 4-9)
Summer is in full bloom in July, and so are the idyllic surrounds of Hampton Court Palace. Head on down to the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival for a gorgeous celebration of gardens, floral displays, and more. It’s perfect for the green-fingered and flower-eyed among you. With food and drink available, plenty of shopping opportunities, talks and workshops, and gorgeous Show Gardens to wander through, it’s a blooming lovely way to spend the day.
10. Join the ‘Muricans and ring in the 4th of July
July 4th is just about the most American of celebrations there is – perhaps even more than Thanksgiving (but that probably depends on who you ask). So, why are we including it in the Secret London guide of things to do? Well, there are plenty of Americans living in London, too, and there are also plenty of places celebrating the day with special menus and events! Here are just a few of the ways you can commemorate the ocassion in London – regardless of whether or not you’re American:
🥃 The Blues Kitchen brings a little taste of the American deep South to London with the launch of their A Taste of Texas events. Head on down to their Shoreditch, Brixton, or Camden venues and you’ll feel like you’ve suddenly been transported across the Atlantic and touched down on US soil.
🤠 Or, for a more weekend-friendly (and slightly delayed) celebration head to The Country Bottomless Brunch at The Anthologist by Drake & Morgan. Guests will be treated to live country music, a DJ, a rodeo bull, Southern BBQ food, and bottomless drinks. Grab your tickets here!
🥃 Wild Turkey is taking over the esteemed Islington bar, Homeboy on July 4, with a bourbon tasting and masterclass. You’ll be greeted with a welcome drink before trying a variety of tipples from Wild Turkey, ending with a masterclass on making the perfect Old Fashioned cocktail. Find out more and grab your tickets to the event here.
11. Give yourself a dopamine boost
Did you know there’s an interactive museum that’s specifically designed to boost your dopamine levels? That’s right, Dopamine Land is more than just an uber-Instagrammable destination, it literally makes you happier. 11 rooms offer up different experiences, designed to thrill, excite, and generally allow you to let out your inner child and return to the boundless imagination of your younger years. It’s great for a day out with the kids, or for the kids inside all of us at the late-night adults-only sessions, and is a perfect way to take a break from the day-to-day life.
12. Head to a brilliant London festival
With summer in full swing, festival season has taken hold of London, with musical celebrations taking place all over the city. Some of the biggest names in the industry will be taking to the stage across London, from music legends to hot new acts. Here are some of the truly impressive festivals on the cards for July:
🎭 The National Theatre’s free annual festival River Stage returns for its fourth and final weekend in 2023 with the Hackney Empire’s Young Producers showcase. Performances range across hip-hop dance, interactive movement workshops, live musical performances, poetry, and more. Running from June 30 – July 2, don’t miss out on this weekend-long celebration of the young talent of London. Find out more here.
🎉 BST Hyde Park closes out its run of weekend festivals on July 8 with a suitably legendary roster of acts. July sees chart-topping, world-famous acts like BLACKPINK and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band headlining.
🎥 Meanwhile, BST Hyde Park Presents Open House offers up 8 days of activities and free entry (alongside some ticketed events) for revellers. With dates running through to July 5, guests can check out orchestral performances, outdoor cinema screenings, yoga sessions, street food markets, and more. Find out more here.
🎶 Over in Greenwich is the brand new Greenwich Summer Sounds festival (July 4–8), which has kicked off with a bang. Across four nights there are incredible headlining acts (from Nile Rodgers & CHIC to Tom Jones, and more) and street food and drink galore – all in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
🎉 Wireless is bringing the best of the best from the worlds of hip-hop, rap, and grime from July 7-9. We’re talking 50 Cent, Travis Scott, Latto, Lil Uzi Vert, Ice Spice, and much more.
🤣 Banana Cabaret’s Balham Comedy Festival 2023 will see the likes of Ed Byrne, Richard Herring, Tiffany Stevenson, Janey Godley, and many more taking to the stage from July 7 – 15. It’s the eleventh iteration of the comedy festival, from one of the UK’s oldest comedy clubs, with 28 comedians to keep you howling with laughter over the course of the festival. Find out more here.
🎧 Junction 2 returns to its original home at Boston Manor Park this summer, from July 21-22, with the most stacked bill in the festival’s history. Bringing together names from all corners of the house, bass, and techno scenes, it’s set to be an incredible two days of live performances and DJ sets. Don’t come if you aren’t ready to dance the day away! Grab your tickets here.
🎶 Over in Canary Wharf they’ve brought back their free arts, theatre, and comedy festival, Festival 14 (July 26-30). Among the things to keep an eye out for are the DJs and live acts at Canada Square Park, the outdoor theatre performances at Westferry Circus, and even a children’s disco. Head on down and spend the day (or days) exploring all that the festival, and the area, has to offer.
🎉 Body Movements is back again on July 30 with their celebration of “queer bodies in electronic music”. Taking place across 16 venues in Hackney Wick, visitors are in for a hell of a good time as they dance through the day and into the night.
Read our full guide to London’s music festivals here.
13. Grab a drink on the roof
Because when the sun comes out we want to get as close to it as possible to enjoy its rays! London is full of rooftops (duh) and as a result, is also bursting with rooftop bars. There are beer-oriented offerings, with tank-fresh brews on tap, and even rooftops with simply unparalleled views of St Paul’s. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the skies and grab a drink or two. Check out our guide to London’s rooftop bars here.
14. Spend your weekends at the beach (in the middle of the city)
London City Beach is keeping the good vibes flowing on the weekends in July at their private beach oasis in Southbank. With daytime brunches and summer night partying sessions, guests can indulge in bottomless drinks and delicious cocktails while kicking back in the vibrant atmosphere. Create some sun-kissed, beach-side memories without heading to the coast!
Grab a ticket to the session of your choice here.
15. Hit up a Hip Hop brunch (July 1)
South London’s favourite rooftop bar, Skylight Peckham, is partnering up with Hennessy for a hip-hop-happening rooftop brunch. On the first Saturday of every month, you can head to the skies for BBQ food, bottomless Hennessy cocktails, and the best hip hop, R&B, Afro Beats, and Dancehall tracks. If you just want to join the party, you can also grab a ticket to the party without the food, with a welcome cocktail.
16. Catch an orchestral performance in a car park
Multi-Story Orchestra’s Young Creatives bring their groundbreaking approach to live music and orchestral performance to Bold Tendencies in Peckham for several shows this summer. July 6 and 7 will see the group perform ‘Routes’, a spoken word and music piece that uses the question “So, where are you from?” as its jumping-off point for a story about a first date.
17. Sip on Cocktails in the City (July 6-8)
Okay, I know the title is a bit vague – where in the city? What cocktails? Haven’t I been doing that already? But I’m in fact talking about the cocktail celebration event taking place in early July that brings together some of London’s best bars in one place, for you to drink special creations from the city’s best mixologists. With live music playing, and a choice of Mexican, Italian, and Greek street food to nosh on, you’ll simply spend the day drinking Cocktails in the City. July’s roundup of bars includes the likes of Florattica, TT Liquor, Nightjar, Hacha, and many, many more. Further editions of Cocktails In The City will then take place on August 17-19, and September 7-9, each focused on a different cocktail theme.
Fancy a drink? Secure your ticket here.
18. Immerse yourself in the world of Van Gogh’s art
Vincent Van Gogh has to be one of the most famous painters of all time, with some of the world’s most immediately recognisable artworks. And over in East London, just a hop, skip, and a jump from Spitalfields Market, is a glorious experience that allows you to step inside his iconic paintings. Van Gogh The Immersive Experience drops visitors right into the middle of a light and sound spectacular, where two-storey projections surround you with the artist’s brush strokes. Visitors can also use VR to walk alongside Van Gogh himself and explore some of the landscapes that inspired his most famous pieces.
Make sure to secure your ticket now and head along for the experience before it ends!
19. Head to the newly re-opened Young V&A
Previously known as The Museum of Childhood, the Young V&A reopens to the public on July 1. The museum’s opening and rebranding come in the wake of a longer-than-expected closure and £13 million redevelopment. Key to the museum are three permanent galleries, themed around Imagine, Play, and Design. These will feature plenty of interactive and hands-on experiences, supplemented by over 2,000 works from the V&A’s art, design, and performance collections.
20. Purchase a piece of the English National Opera’s history
Now here’s a bit of a weird one for you. The English National Opera is opening up its costume and props archive for the first time in over a decade, and allowing you the chance to browse (and purchase) the wares. Each item has played an integral part in the ENO’s operas, and each has stories and emotions attached to them. Objects range from wedding dresses to vintage furniture, giant lizards, and much, much more! Head on down and net yourself a piece of decor with a story, or an over-the-top outfit with theatrical pedigree.
The English National Opera costume sale will take place on July 6-8, from 10-4pm, at Stonelake Industrial Park.
21. Let the champagne flow as you sample this hotel terrace’s new summer menu
Especially for the summer, The Royal Horseguards Hotel has launched an all-new menu of seasonal, British delights, to be enjoyed at their hidden gem, The Terrace. Surrounded by blooming gorgeous florals, and tucked away from the city’s hustle and bustle, guests can enjoy a celebration of summer in an elevated dining space with unique views over the River Thames and the London Eye. The new menu (available until September 1) has found The Terrace partnering with Lanson Champagne on a selection of British classics that perfectly complement the champagne tipples.
Drinks range from the Lanson Le Rosé, a lightly fruity, salmon-tinted, rosé with a fresh finish, to the more complex Lanson Père et Fils with its honey and cinnamon notes. Each champagne also comes with complimentary strawberries and cream à la Wimbledon. The drinks list is further enhanced by cocktails such as the French Garden (Lanson Père et Fils, Absolut Citron, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and sugar syrup) and the Dark Empress ( Lanson Père et Fils with Sipsmith London sloe gin). Naturally, you’ll need a bite to eat, too, and they’ve got you more than sorted. Munch on the likes of Salt & Pepper Squid with chive & garlic mayo, before cutting into a main of freshly battered Fish and Chips or Smoked Duck Salad (among other choices). Round it off with a classic British favourite for dessert, such as Eton Mess or Earl Grey Panna Cotta. The Terrace is the ultimate destination for relaxed summer days.
Find out more, and book your seat, at the website.
22. Go food-crazy at the National Geographic Food Festival (July 15-16)
The National Geographic Food Festival, which comes to London’s Business Design Centre this July, brings together the best of the travel and food worlds under one roof. Hear from Masterchef judges and the current Masterchef: The Professionals champion Nikita Pathakji, as well as the most exciting voices in food today – from cookbook authors to restaurateurs, and more. You can also watch live cooking demonstrations in the huge Masterclass Theatres, and even sample a variety of drinks, from Californian wines to Kentucky bourbons, and more in the Wines & Spirits theatre.
All that is without even mention the star attraction that holds the whole festival together: The Main Hall. Exhibitors will range from producers to tourist boards, with plenty of samples, stories, and demonstrations to experience. It’s the ultimate day out for the food-obsessed!
See the full line-up and grab your ticket here.
23. Fill your belly with a never-ending supply of wings
Much-beloved Camden Market pub, The Farrier, is looking to sate those summer hunger cravings. It’s far too hot to cook for yourself, after all! To fill your gaping stomach, they’ve got a hot new addition to their menu with bottomless wings every Wednesday. Chow down on a 90 minute never-ending supply of wings (chicken or cauliflower) that have been marinated in seven different sauces that go from ‘a lil kick’ to ‘holy shh…’. Priced at just £20pp, how many wings do you reckon you could take down in an hour and a half?
Find out more, and book your space, here.
24. Grab a round at this free pop-up pub (July 8)
Inch’s Cider has partnered up with MOB for a super limited pop-up pub to line your stomach and wet your whistle, completely free of charge! At this pop-up pub in Shoreditch, The Local, food will be made with ingredients sourced within 40 miles of the venue, in keeping with how Inch’s sources its apples from within 40 miles of where they make the cider. Guests can enjoy free pints of Inch’s Cider and food from Ben Lippett of MOB popularity.
Find The Local pop-up at Iron Bloom, 46 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3EP on July 8, from 12:30pm onwards. Act fast, because it will only be open for one day!
25. Catch all of the hottest sporting action in July
As the weather starts heating up, so too do some of the world’s most exciting sporting events. July plays host to a plethora of tournaments and match-ups that get the whole world whipped up into a frenzy. Here’s the run-down of the can’t-miss face-offs this month.
🚲 Tour De France (July 1-23)
Across 21 stages, each one covering around 225 kilometres, this sure ain’t your daily commute to work. This is some proper beast-mode cycling. To catch the action, head to Canary Wharf’s Summer Screens, or find a local cycling-obsessed venue such as Putney’s The Dynamo – which excels at cycling, coffee, and food.
🎾 Wimbledon (July 3-16)
Is there a sporting event that’s more famous than this prestigious leg of the Grand Slam championship? You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard of the vaulted tennis tournament. As with all of the summer’s hottest sporting events, Canary Wharf’s Summer Screens will keep you up to date with each serve and backhand if you can’t make it into the stadium itself. There are also screens outside Wimbledon itself each year, as well as a whole host of pop-up viewing experiences around London.
⛳ U.S. Women’s Open (July 6-9)
The U.S. Women’s Open golf championship will hit Pebble Beach in California from July 6-9. Your best bet to catch this, without sitting at home on the couch, is to find your nearest sports bar to get the drinks in and watch the action play out.
🏎️ 2023 F1 British Grand Prix (July 7-9)
Drivers will have to endure a gruelling 52 laps of the almost 6-kilometre Silverstone Circuit as they battle it out for glory. In the days leading up to the race itself, on July 9 at 3pm, practice circuits and qualifying runs will keep motorheads glued to their screens.
🏏 The Ashes (ends July 31)
The historic match-ups between England and Australia return for 2023, with the first two tests taking place in late June and early July. The final three date ranges are July 6-10, 19-23, and 27-31, at which point one country will take home the trophy until the next competition. Can England narrow the gap between themselves and Australia, who currently lead the series total with 34 series wins to England’s 32? Find out by tuning in!
🏏 Women’s Ashes
The Ashes action carries on with the women also battling it out for the glory in a multi-format series of face-offs. Continuing the historic rivalry between England and Australia, the teams will hit Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 8 for the T20 International portion of the competition. And tickets start at just £15 for adults. Last year saw the same match drawing record-breaking numbers of fans, and they’re expecting more of the same this year! Find out more and grab your tickets here.
⚽ FIFA Women’s World Cup (first match, July 20)
Taking place in Australia and New Zealand this year, the FIFA Women’s World Cup will kick off on July 20, with New Zealand facing off against Norway and Australia challenging the Republic of Ireland. And with it all coming to a close on August 20, you’re sure to hear plenty about local pubs and bars screening every kick across their screens.
On July 20, to commemorate the start of the cup, M Canary Wharf is hosting a Women’s World Cup Preview Dinner with Kelly Smith MBE. She’ll share stories about her storied football career, and provide an insight into what we can expect from the Lionesses this year – all while guests enjoy a drinks reception and three-course dinner. The dinner is part of M’s Summer of Sport Series. Head to their website to find out more.
26. Forget Wimbledon, check out the Aldi Swing Ball Championships
The supermarket brand is looking to compete with the most vaunted of sporting competitions with its Swing Ball Championships. Opening on the same day that Wimbledon itself kicks off (July 3), at Cannizaro Park next to Wimbledon Common, visitors can make use of free swingball courts and challenge friends to the ultimate face-off. After a hectic match-up against your pal, you can then enjoy Aldi’s Austin’s Classic Summer Punch and portions of strawberries and cream. And in another daring cut-down of the tennis tournament, refreshments are a paltry 78p for the summer punch and 89p for strawberries and cream. A far cry from the outrageous prices demanded within the walls of the All England Club!
27. Design and drink your perfect cocktail (July 8)
Ever been to a cocktail bar without a menu? (If not, check out Hackney’s incredible Behind This Wall) Typically, they’ll ask you a few questions or get an idea of what you’re after, or if you know exactly what you want they’ll often just go ahead and whip it up for you. But rarely do you get the chance to completely make up your own drink from scratch. OFF THE CUFF is London’s first off-menu cocktail club – where you call the shots on what you’re drinking. You can base your drink around an existing cocktail, or go completely rogue – it’s all up to you! Experience bartenders will then shake up your drink and deliver your very own cocktail creations.
Find out more, and grab your tickets to their first session, here.
28. Mosey on down to some of London’s newest openings
🍸 For drinks with a side of culture, head on down to Tate Modern’s new riverside bar and café Corner, which opens on July 7. By day they’ll be serving up sandwiches, salads, snacks, and more, before transforming into a suave bar at night for craft beers, carefully curated wines, and art-inspired cocktails.
😋 Arcade, arguably London’s greatest food hall, is adding to its roster of venues by opening a second site in Battersea this July. Their existing Tottenham Court Road-adjacent venue has taken the idea of a food hall to a new level of choice, quality, and taste, and the Battersea Power Station venue is sure to keep up with Arcade’s reputation for incredible food and drinks.
🍽️ South London’s new Birch (Selsdon) hotel recently opened the doors to their new restaurant, Elodie, from award-winning and Michelin-starred chef Lee Westcott. Driven by nature, a seasonal tasting menu offers up “the best produce the British Isles has to offer.” Read more here.
🍹 East London hotel, The Gantry, has partnered with gin brand The Botanist to launch a new summer terrace with a super refreshing gin menu to be enjoyed amidst flowers and foliage galore. Don’t miss The Botanist garden swing, the ultimate place to while away the summer evenings, drink in hand. Best believe they’ll be serving up some incredible G&Ts alongside their cocktail menu.
🍴 Two Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers is bringing his talents to the forthcoming 1 Hotel Mayfair with the opening of his new restaurant, Dovetale, on July 13. The menu, nodding to classic British fare, will include such indulgent delights as English olive fed Wagyu carpaccio and Grand marnier soufflé with tonka bean crème anglaise. Find out more and book your spot here.
🍕 South London pizza favourite, Four Hundred Rabbits, is bringing their beloved sourdough pizzas to a new venue in Battersea Rise. Set to open in mid-July, the new site will offer signature pizzas (including a rhubarb-topped pie!), craft beers, natural wines, and cocktails – don’t miss their famed frozen margaritas – and their very own ‘hutch-made’ seasonal gelato and sorbet.
🥗 Kaleido Rolls has launched its new flagship spot at 10 Kingly Street for the ultimate healthy lunch destination. Featuring the brand’s first on-site rolling station, customers can watch as their salad rolls are prepared in front of their eyes. Their 10 unique flavour combinations, half of which are veggie or vegan, come wrapped in rice paper and with a choice from four dips: peanut, tahini, sweet chilli, or lemon. Need a quick lunch that won’t weigh you down – Kaleido Rolls has you sorted.
29. Delight your senses at an enchanting candlelight concert
Have you ever been so enamoured with a piece of music that you’ve shut your eyes in bliss as you listened to it – or turned off all the lights and cranked the volume? Well, these gorgeous candlelight concerts take that experience to the extreme. Live musicians perform some of your favourite songs, from Beyoncé’s biggest tracks to Zelda’s most memorable tunes, and Queen’s smash hits, in gorgeous environs lit by candlelight. There’s sure to be one for you, no matter your musical tastes. Here are a few of the candlelight concerts we’re most excited about in July.
🕯️ Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works at Central Hall Westminster (July 1)
✨ Candlelight: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac (July 13)
🌟 Candlelight: The Best of Zelda (July 14)
🕯️ Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen (July 21)
✨ Candlelight: A Tribute to Rihanna (July 22)
🌟 Candlelight: Magical Movie Soundtracks (July 22)
🕯️ Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyoncé (July 22)
✨ Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele(July 22)
🌟 Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay at Southwark Cathedral(July 25)
🕯️ Candlelight: A Tribute to Pink Floyd at Southwark Cathedral (July 29)
Head here to see the rest of London’s candlelight concert offerings.30. “Make it work” at the Fashion District Festival (July 11-16)
A six-day celebration and exploration of sustainable fashion will hit Spitalfields this July, with events designed for guests to WATCH, SHOP, MAKE, and GROW. 2023 is only the second iteration of the festival, but there is nonetheless plenty to see and do. Over 40 events, from pop-ups to masterclasses, are on offer, with support from the London College of Fashion, UAL.
Plan your visit and check out the full schedule for the festival here.
31. Try out A Taste Of Texas
From July 1 all the way through to August 31, The Blues Kitchen is showcasing the food, music, and drinks from the state of Texas. Across eight weeks, A Taste Of Texas will feature special food and drink menus designed and curated by Texan chefs and mixologists. There will even be musicians flown in from Texas for one-off live shows. There will be an exclusive taco menu, created under the watchful eye of taco-masters from masters of Tex-Mex Beto & Sons, and a limited-edition burger from Dallas icons Nitro Burgers.
Check out the full schedule of events here.
32. Attend a special collaborative late-night museum session (July 14)
The London Transport Museum is partnering up with The Making of Black Britain (MOBB) for a special Museum Lates full of talks, workshops, and screenings. Spotlighting the voices of the people, past and present, who have made Britain what it is today, the event will mark the 75th anniversary of the 1948 British Nationality Act and its influence on London. The programme will range across talks from speakers such as Diane Louise Jordan, the first Black TV presenter of the children’s television programme Blue Peter, African head wrapping tutorials, and beyond. And as with every Museum Lates, you also get to explore the London Transport Museum after-hours with music, food, and drinks. The Museum Lates session precedes a number of collaborative events planned between Making of Black Britain and the London Transport Museum.
Find our more and book your tickets here.
33. Celebrate Bastille Day (July 14)
Commemorate La Fête Nationale (as the French would say, in place of our anglicized name for the occasion) with some French fun. Which mostly means wine and food – no complaints from me! Here are a few ways to truly French it up:
🐌 Maison François is commemorating Bastille Day with a grand Fête de l’Escargot. The day will start at the neighbouring Chequers where guests can gorge on freshly baked baguettes piled high with buttery, garlic snails while enjoying entertainment in the form of a snail race, a traditional accordion player, and a mime act. It’s then off to Frank’s, the bar below Maison François for a Gallic feast of crudites, confit duck, niçoise salad, and with salade niçoise and a classic French strawberry tart.
🧺 Enjoy the heat, and La Fête, by packing yourself a picnic of the French-est delights you can find in the city. There are many delis around London serving up properly authentic French fare, such as l’eau à La Bouche and Le Coq Epicier.
🗼 Check out London’s own La Tour Eiffel, which can be seen on a clear day from all around London. Admittedly, it’s not actually a replica of the Eiffel Tower, but in fact the Crystal Palace transmission mast. It doesn’t stop me from calling it the Eiffel Tower every time I see it (is that why I don’t have any friends anymore?).
34. Enjoy a gin-tastic day out at the Beefeater Gin Distillery
Did you know that every drop of Beefeater Gin around the world was distilled from the one and only Beefeater distillery here in London? And it’s open to the public, offering a number of incredible tasting tours and seasonal events! One that we are particularly excited about this month is the Beefeater Summer Festival. Taking place on July 15-16, this joyful celebration of all-things-Beefeater will begin with an immersive distillery tour and a welcome cocktail. After sampling the goods in the still house, you’ll be taken to the terrace to soak up the sun with a Van Dough pizza and a delicious Beefeater cocktail in hand – sounds like bliss right? Tickets are £25, book your ticket to the Beefeater Summer Festival today and use the exclusive Secret London code BEEFEATERSECRETLONDON at the checkout for 10% off.
35. Head to one of this Walthamstow pub’s many events
Over on the Blackhorse Beer Mile, the Big Penny Social is well and truly welcoming the summer with an absolutely packed month of things to do. Head to the UK’s biggest beer hall, where events see them collaborating with a whole host of London organizations and institutions.
In support of the nation’s independent food suppliers, Big Penny Social has partnered up with Nourished Communities for the first ever Nourished Communities Food Festival. July 2 will see the cavernous space filled to the brim with over 100 independent producers from around the country. There will be food to eat, cheese to taste, kefir to make (in a hands-on workshop) and plenty more to see, taste, eat, drink, and do. Tickets are just £3, and can be bought on the door or ahead of time, here.
Charity-shop-scourers and second-hand-fans will want to head down to the pub as they collaborate with Beyond Retro on a week-long bonanza and pop-up shop. Running from July 4-9, the week will kick off with a launch party on July 4 where free tickets will net visitors a £5 voucher to go towards any purchase over £25 and the chance to participate in a retro-themed quiz. Throughout the week, other events include the WINE AND WEAN event (July 5), “offering a family-friendly atmosphere for parents and their little ones to enjoy a platter of wine and cheese before browsing the rails”, and an ultimate HAWAIIAN PARTY. Kicking off the weekend, guests will be treated to live music and DJ sets, as well as pop-ups from Glitterati Parties with face painting, temporary tattoos, and flower and hair braiding stations. Find out more and grab your tickets here.
36. Do some late-night charity shopping
Charity retailer TRAID is keeping their doors open late this summer for a series of special TRAID Lates. Guests can do some late-night browsing, and even participate in henna and screen-printing workshops. Different events will be held at different stores, with the first at TRAID Peckham on July 13, and a subsequent event at TRAID Dalston on July 27.
Find out more here.
37. Grab a slice at this beer and pizza festival (July 15-16)
Hot off the back of a taco festival back in May, the team is back with a pizzas and beer festival to celebrate the nation’s top pizza vendors. Slice-O-Mania is “the UK’s biggest pizza and beer festival”, and it’ll be touching down at the Blackhorse Beer Mile‘s Signature Brew for a two-day celebration. Sponsored by Wild Bee Hot Honey & Jarritos the festival will run on July 15 and 16. Each day will offer up family-friendly day-time sessions, and raucous evening sessions with a proper party atmosphere. Expect slices from pizzerias that have come from Bedford to Bristol and beyond, and a great day out!
Head to Signature Brew’s site to find out more, see the rest of their events, and nab your ticket.
38. Jump around at a top London gig
July is absolutely PACKED with huge names performing live in London. Here is just a tiny look at the gigs that we’re most excited about in July:
🎸 Iggy Pop and Blondie (July 1): Crystal Palace Park – punk legends descend upon London for a raucous night of music.
🪕 The Lumineers (July 8): Crystal Palace Park – the band is playing their biggest ever UK show with a stacked roster including Rag’n’Bone Man, Ella Henderson, and more. Read all about it here.
🎙️ Hak Baker (July 11): Strongroom Bar – Baker brings his ‘G-folk’ sound to Strongroom with music inspired by his rebellious upbringing in London’s East End.
🎵 beabadoobee (July 12): Somerset House – beloved by her legions of Gen-Z fans, beabadoobee is forging her own path in pop music.
🎸 Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard (July 15): Sebright Arms – the gloriously vintage rock-n-roll-and-glam-inspired sounds of Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard infuse rooms with joy and fervour.
📻 Blur (July 15): Wembley Stadium – can we say Blur won the brit-pop battle after all, since Oasis still hasn’t reunited?
🎙️ Belle and Sebastian (July 17, 18): The Roundhouse – Scottish indie legends headline two nights at one of London’s best gig venues.
🎸 Hozier (July 21): Alexandra Palace Park – take me to church Alexandra Palace!
🎶 Claud (July 25): The Lower Third – the first to be signed to Phoebe Bridgers’ record label, Saddest Factory Records, Claud’s bedroom pop ranges from delightfully infectious, to devastating.
🎤 Bebe Rexha (July 28): O2 Shepherds Bush Empire – Rexha has gone from one of pop’s most in-demand songwriters to a performing force to be reckoned with.
🎹 Herbie Hancock (July 28, 29): Barbican Centre – one of jazz’s most influential performers descends upon London for his exclusive UK dates.
Read our handy monthly gig guide here.
39. See science come to life
The Summer Science Exhibition 2023 will land at the Royal Society, Carlton House Terrace from July 4-9. The completely free event will treat visitors to a whirlwind exhibition with some of the “UK’s most exciting research, lectures, and late-night events”. Topics will range from space exploration and robotics to gene research, and much more.
40. Act fast so you don’t miss out on these super special limited-time dining experiences
🔥 Gozney is bringing their international Secret Supper Club to London for one night only on July 20. F.K.A.B.A.M’s Lee Tiernan and U.S. James Beard award-winning chef and author Danny Bowien will put their cheffy powers together for a one-time-only multi-course live fire dining experience. Find out more, and grab tickets when they become available, here.
🍻 Nepalese chef Rajiv KC, is bringing his eponymous ‘Rajiv’s Kitchen’ pop-up to The Crooked Well in Camberwell, until the end of August. The food will pay homage to the chef’s home country, and the pop-up is well worth a visit just for those MOMOS! There’s seriously no better accompaniment to an ice-cold beer than the fiery Chilli Momos, fried and cooked in Nepali ‘sweet & sour sauce’ with chillies, capsicum, red onions, and spices.
🥘 South East London institution, Babur, is celebrating its 38th anniversary (!) with a special menu celebrating the flavours of the forgotten region of Bihar. Running from July 20 – September 17, diners can expect a unique insight into what is referred to as the “soul food of the country”. I’m particularly excited to try the Champaran Gosht, Sattu paratha – a “hot and spicy dish of kid goat on the bone, slow cooked into clay pot with rustic garam masala and whole garlic”.
🍷 New Zealand wine brand Cloudy Bay is taking over OXO Tower Restaurant’s al fresco terrace with a six-course tasting menu perfectly paired with Cloudy Bay wine and stunning views over London. Diners will get a glimpse of the New Zealand spirit and an escape from the hustle and bustle of London in tranquil environs of botanical greens. They’ll even have special Cloudy Bay cocktails to sip on in the sunshine. Book your spot here.
🍜 Shoryu Ramen is celebrating the Hakata Yamakasa Festival with a limited-edition set menu featuring some of their ramen-y delights. From June 27 – July 23 diners can enjoy mini donburi bowls with a host of toppings, a Shoryu Ganso Tomkotsu (the signature ramen with rich pork broth, topped with char siu pork belly, and all the trimmings), and either a Strawberry Gin & Tonic or a
Strawberry Shochu Sour.
🔥 Dalston BBQ favourite, Acme Fire Cult, has teamed up with Jameson Black Barrel for an all-new menu of whiskey-paired delights. Available exclusively for the month of July, the menu features four special dishes and three whiskey-focused cocktails. We’re particularly excited for the 50-day-aged Beef Chop and Smoked Ox Cheek & Bone Marrow, with Malted-Whiskey Glaze, Roast Margherita Onions and Acme Pickles. And we’ll definitely be ordering a few Black Barrel Velvets to sip alongside – Jameson Black Barrel whiskey shaken with 40ft Brewery stout reduction, Acme Fire Cult ‘spent coffee’ kombucha cordial, and demerara syrup. Book your spot here, and you’ll probably catch us there every night filling our bellies.
🌿 Outcrop is not just a limited menu offering, it’s a limited restaurant entirely! Popping up at 180 The Strand for three months, from July 7, Outcrop will serve as an inner-city oasis and social space to connect guests with nature. Art installations will fill the space, up-and-coming DJs and performers will keep the music pumping, and AngloThai’s John Chantarasak will be cooking up his revered Thai dishes. Alongside all of that will be a menu of low-impact and sustainable drinks, including cocktails made from solely British ingredients and spirits. Basically, it’s exactly where you want to spend a lazy afternoon that becomes a spirited evening, then a wonderfully carefree night out. Find out more here.
🍷 Lifestyle hotel Sanderson London has partnered up with B Corp-certified canned wine brand, The Uncommon, for the first vine-to-can terrace experience in London. All the way through summer, guests can enjoy The Uncommon’s uncommonly good canned English sparkling wines. Alongside The Uncommon’s Bubbly White Wine (Bacchus and Chardonnay) and Bubbly Rose Wine, Sanderson London’s mixologists have whipped up a menu of seasonal spritzers and cocktails that make use of the wines. And if the Elderflower & Cucumber White Wine Spritzer doesn’t sound like the perfect tonic for hot summer days, we don’t know what does!
41. Then check out the newest offerings from some of London’s favourite eateries
🤤 Vori, one of London’s latest Greek restaurants, serves up soulful Greek food from its site in Holland Park. With the warmer weather finally hitting the capital, Vori is celebrating Greek island cooking with brand new summer menus for lunch and dinner. The sharing-focused menus feature the likes of Spanakorizo (a spinach-based risotto), Chtapodi (freshly prepared, grilled octopus), and more. Be sure to make a booking so you don’t miss out!
🥘 Gunpowder founder, Harneet Baweja, and food journalist Richard Vines have joined forces to offer a cut-price new menu at Gunpowder Soho for one day only. The ‘Vines Pines’ offering is a “love letter to Kolkata” with three courses that range from begun bhaja (shallow fried disks of aubergine) to kati mutton roll, and sandesh, a dessert made from jaggery, paneer and condensed milk. The meal will be available from late morning to early afternoon on July 9, priced at just £35. Head here to secure your spot.
🍰 Maître Choux has launched a brand new Pâtisserie Collection in their store: the ‘Miracles’ range. Comprised of a semi-spherical pastry on top of a pie crust, crowned with a baby choux pastry, inspired by the traditional “Religieuse” pastry, they’re available in limited numbers daily. Initially launching at the brand’s South Kensington store, they’ll roll out to other locations from September onwards.
🍣 Experience the luxurious delights of Nobu London for less this summer with its £50 4-course summer lunch menu. The iconic Japenese-Peruvian restaurant is offering up the likes of Yellowtail Jalapeño sashimi, a choice between Beef Tenderloin Toban Yaki or Seafood Toban Yaki, and more. And if the four courses aren’t enough, you can supplement the meal with a sushi platter made with the chef’s choice of fresh fish, for an extra £22. Available Monday to Friday, find out more and book your spot here.
🍹 Chino Latino has launched an exciting new menu of pan-Asian favourites. Choices range across sushi, dim sum, seafood, steaks, and even taquitos (yes, really!). Complement the whole affair with a tipple from their extensive drinks menu. Whether you’re after a tropical cocktail or sake to pair perfectly with sushi, they’ve got you sorted.
🍻 Hidden away in the back of a Camden pub, The Parakeet, ex-Brat chef Ben Allen (one of London’s most exciting culinary talents) is cooking up a veritable storm. The head chef recently launched the pub’s inaugural bar food menu, offering up an even more casual menu of the pub’s lauded offerings that find diners treated to world-class cuisine in casual environs. The pub, once the site of the landmark The Oxford Tavern, is stunningly presented but nonetheless belies the food offering. Among the bar snacks available to nosh on with a pint or a glass of wine are the Oyster Of The Day, Beef Tartare Miang, the restaurant’s signature Leeks, Smoked Mushroom, and Pecorino on skewers, and more. Run down and try the food before everyone finds out, and it becomes impossible to get a table!
42. Check out the newly re-opened National Portrait Gallery
After three years of closure, the National Portrait Gallery was announced to be re-opening on June 22. The closure saw the museum undergo its most extensive refurbishment and redevelopment since it first opened back in 1856. There’s now an all-new entrance to the gallery, space for the entire collection of art to be displayed, and even a luxe new eating and drinking venue.
43. Absorb some culture at an art exhibition
EXHIBITIONS OPENING IN JULY
💛 Maria Prymachenko (July 14 – August 31): Saatchi Gallery – the work of the late Ukrainian artist is exhibited in the UK for the first time.
💜 Jenny B. Musungay: You. Me. You. (Opens July 14): Grand Union Community Hub, Wembley – paintings and a digital installation investigate human relationships and the way we interact with people and the world around us.
💙 Herzog & de Meuron: The Gabrielle Jungels-Winkler Galleries (Opens July 14): Royal Academy of Arts – explores the revered architecture firm’s approach to reimagining forms and buildings.
🧡 A World In Common: Contemporary African Photography (Opens July 22): Tate Modern – photography exhibition exploring how art and media have reimagined and redefined Africa’s cultural and historical narratives.
EXHIBITIONS CLOSING IN JULY
💚 David Moli: Moli Icons(Ends July 5): Grove Gallery – the pro-footballer-turned-artist presents a show featuring portraits of his icons, and those who have most inspired him.
❤️ Saints and Sinners (Ends July 7): Guts Gallery – “a group show… exploring what it means to be LGBTQIA+ in an age where we increasingly see the physical closure of safe spaces.”
💛 Sahara Longe: New Shapes (Ends July 8): Timothy Taylor – Sahara Longe’s first UK solo exhibition following her Frieze debut last year.
💜 Sophie-Yen Bretez: Powerful, Despite it All (Ends July 8): JD Malat Gallery – a surreal exploration of femininity that blends poetry and painting.
💙 No Place Like Home (Ends July 11): Museum of the Home – co-created exhibition by KV Duong and Hoa Dung Clerget, featuring work from a group of Vietnamese diasporic artists exploring the theme of Home.
🧡 The Angel in the House (Ends July 20): STUDIO WEST – a group exhibition featuring seven emerging UK-based female painters that re-approaches the relationship between women and domestic space while revisiting age-old signifiers of femininity in a new light.
💚 Jan Sebastian Koch: Midsummer In Yves’ Garden (Ends July 22): BEERS London – new, and newly completed works that were once abandoned, created in the solitude of nature in Northern Norway.
❤️ Ai Weiwei: Making Sense (Ends July 30): Design Museum – juxtaposing tensions including past & present, hand & machine, precious & worthless, and more.
Here’s our guide to the best art exhibitions to see through 2023.
44. Cool off in the Thames
Canary Wharf has once again re-opened its outdoor swimming space for Londoners to enjoy amidst the hotter weather. There’s no need to fear dirty water here, however, as the water is tested often to ensure it maintains extremely high levels of cleanliness. Instead, you can just take a dip and cool off, without having to head for the beach or fight for space in your local lido.
Read all about it here.
45. Explore Japan at the UK’s biggest Japanese food and culture festival (July 21-23)
Can’t afford a flight to Japan? Well, at least make sure not to miss out on this year’s HYPER Japan festival. It’s surely the next best thing, behind actually visiting Japan. Returning for its 13th year, the huge festival is bringing over 300 exhibitors to showcase the best of Japanese food, art, and culture. New for 2023 is the Sake Experience, where visitors can sample a whopping 21 types of sake from 8 different breweries. There will also be plenty of food, entertainment, photo opportunities, and more for revellers to fill their day.
46. Try out these all-new cocktail menus from London’s best bars
🍹 Lovely London speakeasy, Nightjar Carnaby, has launched their new cocktail and canape pairing menu for you to ‘Sip and Savour’ on your next visit to the bar. Find out more here.
🍸 Silverleaf’s new menu, the bar’s first new menu since opening in 2022, explores the fusion and connections between art and science while pushing the boundaries of cocktail making. Book your place and try the new menu here.
🍹 East London drinking den, The Sun Tavern, has given its house cocktail menu a revamp just in time for summer. The short-and-sweet selection of ten drinks runs the gamut of flavours and experiences, from the Ban Slippy – a tropical take on a gin sour that largely utilizes Australian ingredients – to the Italia 90, a bright, crisp, and refreshing drink that’s perfect for the summer. Find out more here.
🍸 The opulent The Donovan Bar launches their new EVOKE menu in July, with cocktails carefully crafted to provoke responses based on guests’ emotions. Book your next visit here.
🍹Oblix has just added two impressive new cocktails to their menu, both of which come served in an eye-catching giant glass bee! The Bee Sting makes use of honour liquor, while the Liquid Nectar is an alcohol-free alternative with honey water and Seedlip 42. Find out more and book your place here to try it before they leave the menu on August 20.
🎭 Middle Eight’s ‘A Sip of Theatre’ menu is a brand-spanking-new cocktail selection that is perfect for pre- and post-theatre sipping (as the name might suggest…). Theatrical flavour combinations collide with Head Mixologist, Maurice Lawrence’s memories of childhood for a dazzling choice of drinks available both across the hotel bar and at the hotel’s restaurant, Sycamore Vino Cucina. Try the Tropic Tommy which takes the classic margarita in a daring new direction inspired by Lawrence’s mother’s chicken recipe growing up.
🍸 Eve Bar has launched a brand-new cocktail menu focusing on Techniques. Three signature cocktails highlight the roles of Carbonation, Clarification, Distillation, Fermentation, and Freezing, through demonstration during the cocktail-making process, with a touch of theatrical flair. You HAVE to try the Chicken Butter Old Fashioned with Chicken butter washed truffle Michter’s Sour Mash, Metaxa 12 Stars, poppy seed Peychaud’s bitters, and Morveren Cornish absinthe. Each drink also contributes to cutting down waste by giving new life to a leftover ingredient from Michelin-starred Frog by Adam Handling, which sits above the bar.
🌎 TT Liquor is being taken over by a two-week-long series of events, The House of U.S. Spirits, which will showcase the best American spirits available to UK drinkers. From June 26 – July 9, the bar will host masterclasses, tastings, and more across its unique spaces. Across the two weeks expect a special menu featuring American spirits, special bottles for sale through the Liquor Store that aren’t widely available to UK buyers, and screenings of classic and modern American films (July 3-6) with complementary cocktails from American spirits brands. Find out more here.
🥃 TOZI Victoria’s newly launched 10 Negroni Menu, from General Manager Stefano Meloni, is one of the most extensive Negroni collections in London. Complementing TOZI’s signature Barrel Aged Negroni is a variety of novel takes on the classic cocktail, from the Wake Me Up, where the sweet vermouth is swapped out for Mancino-infused coffee, to the Just One More – a white Negroni made with Berto aperitivo, Tanqueray No. 10, and Cocchi Americano. Make a booking here so you can sample all the negronis (okay, maybe not all… 10 negronis is a lot…).
47. Celebrate Ichiba Japan Centre’s 5th birthday
Got a friend who celebrates their birthday all week long? Ichiba Japan Centre (Europe’s largest Japanese food hall) is going even bigger than that, celebrating their birthday all July long with a month of special free events. The traditional Japanese events and activities will include the likes of a calligraphy workshop, a vintage kimono pop-up, an origami workshop, sake and Japanese food tasting, and a mochi pounding demonstration. Head on down to the centre, at Westfield, London, White City, to join in the fun.
Find out more, here.
48. Put your Jenga skills to the test (July 23)
East London rooftop playground, Roof East, is bringing its massive Jenga competition back for the summer, and you could even net yourself an £800 holiday voucher! A number of different team-based Jenga match-ups are on offer, from Toppling Triva Jenga to Roulette Jenga. If you let the tiles fall, at least you can still enjoy all that the rooftop has to offer!
Sign up for the competition here.
49. Attend an after-hours session at The Courtauld Gallery (July 28)
Everyone dreams of wandering around a museum or art gallery late at night, and here’s your chance to do so at the Courtauld Lates. You’ll be treated to an evening of art, cocktails, music, and live performances as you explore the museum’s masterpieces. Among the gallery’s renowned pieces are Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear and Manet’s A Bar at the Folies-Bergère. Stay tuned and act quickly when tickets are released on the website.
50. Head to the sky (garden) for an unforgettable party (July 28)
Sky Garden’s Summer Party is back for 2023, bringing Londoners the ultimate chance to dance the night away with perhaps the most spectacular backdrop in all of London. On July 28, to the soundtrack of ALR Music and the resident late-night DJ, guests can enjoy champagne, cocktails, fine food, and revelry as they gaze out at one of the best panoramic views of London.
Can’t make it on July 28? You’re not completely left out, because Sky Garden is also hosting regular Havana Music Nights in collaboration with Havana Club. Taking place every Tuesday, from July 11 until the end of August, the Havana Music Nights will bring the spice of Cuba’s exoticism to the Sly Gardens’ 35th-floor garden oasis.
Grab a ticket to the ultimate summer party before they’re gone, or grab a place at the Havana Music Nights, here.
51. Watch a movie in the great outdoors
One of the greatest joys of warmer weather in London is finding ways to take typically-indoor activities outside somehow. Dining becomes al fresco, pub-goers head to the beer gardens, and movie screenings take place in all sorts of locations. London’s outdoor cinema experiences range from rooftop film-viewing to canal-side screenings. And some of them are even free! Check out our run-down of London’s brilliant outdoor cinemas here.
52. Spend your ‘Summer Nights in Vegas’ (in London)
100 Wardour Street has partnered up with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and Cîroc Vodka to bring a taste of Sin City to The Big Smoke. Running from the end of June through to September, ‘Summer Nights in Vegas’ will see the venue transformed into a neon-lit haven. Guests can make use of casino-style games, while Cirque du Soleil contortionists and showgirls provide live entertainment. There’s also the Little Wardour Chapel with a marriage officiant for the perfect photo opportunity. All while you sip on special Cîroc Vodka cocktails and nosh on American bar bites.
Throughout the summer, thirsty Londoners can sip for cheap thanks to £8 cocktails on Monday – Thursday from 4pm – 7pm. There are also many events planned for the summer, from 4th of July celebrations to live performances and bottomless brunches. Is it true what they say – that what happens in Soho, stays in Soho?
53. Watch professional Shakespearean actors deal with a drunk taking to the stage
What do you get when a troupe of professional actors takes a classic Shakespeare script and throws a bucket-load of booze into the mix? The raucous, worldwide sell-out phenomenon that is Sh!t-faced Shakespeare®. Each night’s performance is preceded by one designated actor consuming as much alcohol as they can in the four hours before the show – and then proceeding to take to the stage with the rest of the cast! It’s Shakespeare like you’ve never seen it before, and this year they’re bringing their antics to the stage with a production of the classic Shakspearean tale of mistaken identity, Much Ado About Nothing. They’ll be performing at Leicester Square Theatre from July 5 – September 9.
Find out more, and grab tickets, here. And remember to “always ‘enjoy Shakespeare responsibly’.”
54. Take in some shows on the West End
NEW OPENINGS
💔 A Little Life (July 4 – August 5): Savoy Theatre – the intensely emotional production of Hanya Yanagihara’s epic novel moves from the Harold Pinter Theatre to the Savoy.
👑 The Crown Jewels (July 7 – September 16): Garrick Theatre – a star-studded historical comedy set in 1671, where King Charles II faces off against someone trying to steal the crown jewels
🤖 Disruption (July 7 – August 5): Park Theatre – a cautionary tale about AI and what happens if we stop thinking for ourselves.
✨ La Cage aux Folles (July 20 – September 16): Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre – the play that inspired the hit comedy film, Birdcage, “brings glitz, glamour, and glee to Regent’s Park”.
🙊 Word-Play (July 20 – August 26): Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Upstairs – explores the power and long-lasting ripple effects of language as it disperses through society.
👑 Macbeth (July 21 – October 28): Globe Theatre – Shakespeare’s cursed Scottish play lands at the Globe in a thrilling new production.
🎩Laurel & Chaplin – The Feud (July 24 – August 28): Cambridge Theatre – slapstick, burlesque, and cirque exploring the long-simmering feud between Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel
📺 The SpongeBob Musical (July 26 – August 27): Queen Elizabeth Hall – Southbank Centre – the cult TV show takes to the stage as SpongeBob tries to save Bikini Bottom.
ENDING SOON
🪞 The Shape Of Things (Ends July 1): Park Theatre – how much would you change yourself for someone you love?
🎙️ 42nd Street (Ends July 2): Sadler’s Wells – A Golden Age musical all about the joys and struggles of bringing a Broadway play to life.
🎭 Tambo & Bones (Ends July 15): Theatre Royal Stratford East – Tambo and Bones explore the commodification of Black culture and pain in the 21st century.
🕵️ The Motive and the Cue (Ends July 15): National Theatre – Sam Mendes directed drama on the making of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor’s Hamlet.
🎨 Modest (Ends July 15): Kiln Theatre – “the baddest, bitchin’ babe of art” fights for a seat at the table in the misogynistic art world of the 1870s.
🏹 Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written (Ends July 22): Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre – Sherwood Forest comes to life in the outdoors, through a 21st-century lens.
🤭 The Comedy of Errors (Ends July 29): Globe Theatre – the Shakespearean comedy of mistaken identity and all-out chaos.
Here’s our guide to the best London theatre shows to catch in 2023.
55. Paint a neon masterpiece at the limited-time Paint in the Dark sessions (July 28 – 30)
This ain’t your ordinary ‘painting with drinks’ style experience. Paint in the Dark takes the format and flips it on its head by turning out the lights. In a neon-lit setting tinged by retro-futuristic vibes, participants get the chance to create their own artwork with both classic and fluorescent paint. While you’re given carte blanche to paint whatever you want, an artist is on hand guiding you through your process. You’ll walk away from the session with a one-of-a-kind creation to proudly display in your home. With a paintbrush in one hand, and a drink in the other (alcoholic or not – it’s your choice!) settle in to Paint in the Dark!
56. Experience the Rotten Royals of the Tudor era
The London Dungeon has announced its newest show for the summer, taking guests back in time to the dark side of royal history, when King Henry VIII sat on the throne. In the depths of the dungeon, guests will have to plead with the “ruthless King’s Guard and unsympathetic Executioner before meeting their inevitable fates as punishment for their loyalty to the King’s ‘adulterous’ wife Anne Boleyn”. Does it matter that you’ve clearly come from the future, and there is no evidence of your wrongdoing? Not in the slightest, because who dares question the King’s orders? The new show will launch on July 22 and is included in the standard entry ticket for the London Dungeon.
Dare you descend into the dark, knowing what fate awaits you? Then book your ticket here.
57. Celebrate pay day with cut-price pints
With so many things to do in July, your pocket might be feeling the sting when payday rolls around. Instead of splurging immediately (as I’m wont to do), celebrate payday in a relatively responsible way at Signal Brewery’s Pay Day Parties. The cost-of-living crisis has hit many industries hard, in particular hospitality and production. And many breweries and bars around London have had to close due to monetary woes. In an effort to combat this, and also ingratiate future customers, the Croydon-bordering Signal Brewery is offering up cut-price pints at their brewery taproom. Taking place on the last Saturday of each month (ie. after payday), a Pay Day Parties ticket nets you a pint and a slice of pizza for just £5 – which is not a deal to be sniffed at! The Happy Hour (1pm-4pm) sees pints offered up at just £4, with a 25% discount on other drinks. Add to all that a live DJ, free beer tastings, and beer pong competitions, and you’ll wonder why you ever spent payday Saturdays any other way!
July’s Pay Day Party will take place on July 29. Head to the website to find out more.
58. Grab a seat at the table of a touring Italian feast (July 31)
Italian beer-slingers Birrificio Angelo Poretti are bringing a taste of Italy to the UK with a touring feast that touches down in the most picturesque locations. Kicking off in Cornwall on July 20, La Grande Tavola will then arrive in London on July 31, bringing a menu of authentic Italian dishes designed to perfectly complement the flavour of Birrificio Angelo Poretti – the UK’s fastest-growing Italian beer. London’s sessions will see the beer brand partnering with MOB, with each seating offering up room for 100 diners at a time. Don’t miss out – find out more and grab your ticket here.
59. Keep exploring this charming city
😍 7 Quirky Places In London You Need To Visit This Summer
🌴 Barts: There’s A Hidden Negroni Forest Tucked Away Behind This Secret Speakeasy Bar
👨🎨 Sculpture In The City Returns This Summer For Their 12th Year Of Public Art Trails
😋 Hackney Bridge: A Canalside Dining And Drinking Venue Has Launched At Hackney Wick
🤩 Sabine: The Beautiful Rooftop Bar With Stunning Views Of St Paul’s Cathedral
🍨 Chin Chin Labs: This Wickedly Inventive Ice Cream Parlour Uses Liquid Nitrogen To Make Scoops
🤤 Humble Crumble: Cult Crumble Vendors Have Opened Up A Stunning New Permanent Location
🍸 OCTO: Amazonico Have Just Opened A Magical Hidden Bar That Invites You Into An Underwater World
⭐ The V&A Is Celebrating The World’s Most Iconic Performers In Their DIVA Exhibition
☕ OATIS: A Gorgeous New Oat-Centric Café Is Opening In Notting Hill This Summer
🍺 Kraft Dalston Rooftop: A Dalston Rooftop Bar With Cocktails, Ceviche, and Super-Fresh Beer
🚇 Explore The 100-Year-Old Underground Postal Railway Hidden Beneath The Postal Museum
🪴 The Nunhead Gardener: This Adorable House Of Plants Is Hiding Inside A South London Railway Arch
🍨 The Ice Cream Shop With Brain-Freezingly Terrifying Flavours Returns To London Today
📽️ This Limited-Time Wes Anderson Exhibition Immerses Visitors In The Director’s Newest Film
😇 Mercato Mayfair: There’s A Heavenly Food Hall To Be Found Inside This Restored Mayfair Church
🍸 The Brig: London’s Smallest Bar Is So Miniscule That It Only Has Room For Four Guests At A Time
🍕 This Luxe Italian Restaurant Has Launched A Bottomless Pizza And Pasta Brunch
🎉 Bongo’s Bingo A Raunchy Bingo Party That Is Absolute Chaos In The Best Way
📸 Have A Summer Of Queer Joy At King’s Cross’ New Photography Exhibition
🚂 Live Out Your ‘Steam Dreams’ On A Magical Day Trip Aboard A 1940’s Locomotive
🖼️ An Army Of Morph Sculptures Is Now Dotted Around London In A New Art Trail
🍹 This Margarita Showdown Will See London’s Top Bartenders Battle For The Margarita Crown
More things to do inspiration…
😁 200 Fantastic and FREE Things To Do In London
🚶♀️ 50 Of The Best Things To Do In London At Least Once In Your Life
🍽️ 50 Of The Best Restaurants In London To Wine And Dine At
Also published on Medium.