July

With the sunshine coming out to play this month we’ve picked out some of our favourite happenings in and around London. From Wimbledon, to sipping cocktails or heading to the seaside, we’re sure to have something that will get you into the summer spirit. Cheers to July may it be hot and sticky with plenty of ice cream days. Enjoy, and remember to share any hip happenings in the comments below x

Wimbledon - 1st-14th July

Kicking off this month is one of the most quintessentially British summer events, Wimbledon. It remains one of the very few major UK sporting events where you can still buy premium tickets on the day of play. Tickets are sold strictly on the basis of one per person queuing.

A limited number of tickets are available daily for Centre Court, No.1 Court and No.2 Court, except for the last four days on Centre Court, when all are sold in advance. In addition, several thousand Grounds Passes are available each day at the turnstiles entitling use of unreserved seating and standing room on Courts No.3 - 18. For more info click here.

Summer Cocktails

Secret London have a great selection of cocktail spots with some of the best places to sip on cool, alcoholic beverages in London this season; from frozen margaritas to charitable sugar snap pea-infused vodka. Believe me, they’re good. For more info click here.

Escape to the beach

There are plenty of ways to escape London - from lush park walks to weekend village breaks - but sometimes a trip to the seaside is the only way to reset and unwind. Londoners needn’t trek far for a brilliant beach; the capital is well connected to some of the best beaches in the country, and in less than two hours, city folk can find themselves oceanside making sandcastles, spotting wildlife, and copping a lungful of fresh salty air.

From the fresh oysters on the foodie coastline of Mersea Island to seal-spotting and fossil hunting at Walton-on-the-Naze - here’s Time Out’s guide to the best beaches near London.

Summer swimming

Come rain or shine, outdoor swimming was a favourite British pastime in the 1930s, over the last few years it has been making a bit of a come back. Luckily there are a few of the original lidos that remain and have been revamped for modern day – now serving as ideal spots for al fresco exercise or lazy summer days by the pool. Sheerluxe have pulled together some of the very best ones in London, and around the UK…for in for click here.

ON Blackheath - 13th-14th July

Born out of a desire to stage an event that would celebrate this stunning part of London, ONBlackheath was created as the perfect festival for unwinding and putting a smile on your face, showcasing the best in local and international artists, serving up amazing food, and offering a world of fun for our younger visitors. For more info click here.

Somerset House - Summer series - 11th-21st July

Across eleven nights of open-air gigs, Somerset House Summer Series brings a vibrant festival atmosphere to the very heart of London. With a programme of pioneering musicians across a range of genres, Summer Series gives music fans a live experience unlike any other, with the rare chance to see critically acclaimed artists plus some of the best up and coming performers in a spectacular yet intimate setting. For tickets nad more info click here.

Citadel Festival - 14th July

If we’re being honest, Sundays at a festival are usually a bit of a damp squib. After days of abuse, both your inflatable mattress and soul are dangerously deflated. Going to a festival on a Sunday all fresh and rested, on the other hand, sounds a lot more appealing, especially if it’s tailor-made for the day of rest – which is where Citadel comes in. Returning to Gunnersbury Park once again as the calmer post-Lovebox antidote, Citadel has more of a chilled vibe to it, but still boasts some top musical acts including Friendly Fires, Honeyblood and Dream Wife, plus all manner of other pursuits, including comedy, arts, talks, workshops and lots of top food and drink. Words by Time Out for more info click here.

Longboys - Now open

This new venture from former Group Pastry Chef for the Hakkasan group, Graham Hornigold, and Heather Kaniuk, former Executive Pastry Chef at the Mandarin Oriental, has brought us some very unholy doughnuts. These aren’t round boys, they’re Longboys.

Found at Wembley Boxpark and the Selfridges Food Hall, Longboys has changed the game for doughnuts. More like a eclair-doughnut hybrid, they’re filled with all sorts of fresh and tasty ingredients, such as rhubarb, custard and orange; sticky toffee, date and pecan; raspberry, rose and lychee; and lemon meringue pie.

June

Summer officially starts this month and we are loving the warmer weather. People are descending to parks and BBQ’s are making an appearance. Summer in London is on another level and the happy vibe is infectious. We truly appreciate the warmer months because we know it won’t hang around for long ;) We’ve pulled together some of our favourite hits in the capital this month, enjoy. And please feel free to share your hits this month below in the comments x

Photo: @blossomandbabe

1st June - Lavender Fields - Mayfield Lavender Farm.

Picture this: it’s a gorgeous summer’s day, and the wind gently ruffles your hair as you wander lazily through a field of lavender. Does that sound like perfection to you? If the answer is yes, you need to get yourselves down to Mayfield Lavender Farm. (If the answer is no, you clearly need to rediscover the joy in life, so head there anyway.) This perfectly purple paradise reopens for 2019 on June 1, and it really is the place to be this summer. For more info and to discover the best time to visit click here. Words by Secretldn.com

Instagram @fielddayfestival

7th-8th June - Field Day Festival

Field Day 2019 takes place in a groundbreaking new festival venue, The Drumnsheds, with state-of-the art production and the loudest festival sound system in the capital. Open until 3am, their new home features 10 acres of outdoor space and four gigantic interlinking warehouses. See the likes of Skepta, Jorja Smith, Diplo, Jungle, Pusha-T, Bonobo (dj set), Octavian, Death Grips, Earl Sweatshirt, The Black Madonna, Deerhunter, HOMESHAKE, Mahalia, Seth Troxler, Tiga, Todd Terje and many more! Sample sensational food from some of London’s finest traders in the Street Food Arcade, check out 10 independent breweries in the Beavertown & Friends Beer Market, take a Photography Masterclass with the Guardian, be part of Boiler Room’s first live festival broadcast and much, much more. Then experience the first-ever Field Day Late Night after parties when the likes of George FitzGerald dj, LEON VYNEHALL, Modeselektor dj, Nocturnal Sunshine, Denis Sulta, HAAi, Mella Dee and Tiga take over the main warehouse space and keep the festival alive until 3am! For ticket and more info just click here. Words by Field Day Festival.

Instagram @londonparksandgardenstrust

8th -9th June - Open Garden Squares Weekend.

Open Garden Squares Weekend highlights some of the best gardens and green spaces that make up the rich tapestry of London’s green infrastructure, but there are many others – just as valuable to their communities – which are in decline or under threat of development. For one very special weekend in June, London's hidden green spaces open their gates for public enjoyment and discovery. With the purchase of a Weekend ticket, you can explore a huge variety of gardens which are usually closed to the public - and enjoy a host of activities and experiences for all the family. For more info click here. Words by Open Garden Squares Weekend.

Instagram @zipnowevents

12th June -15th September - Zip Now London

The world's highest and fastest city centre zip wire returns to London this summer. Zip Now London is setting up camp in Archbishop's Park in Lambeth for a third consecutive year, with a 225m-long zip line to keep the capital's thrill seekers happy. Climb to the 35m-high launch platform (that's about 10 storeys high and — sorry — there's no lift), and enjoy the view before launching yourself off the platform and across the tree canopy below. Previously, three lines ran parallel, but this year, a fourth has been added, meaning you can add an extra mate to race. And once you've reached the other end, there's a further treat for adrenaline junkies, with the option to take part in a free-fall Mega Drop to get back to the ground, stairs are also an option, if you've has enough excitement for one day. For tickets and more info click here. Words by Zip Now London.

Boa Borough

Now Open - Bao Borough

Looking for a restaurant experience with a difference, then why not try out the latest offering from Bao. Cult Taiwanese favourite Bao has launched its third site on the edge of Borough Market. A prevalence for fun is exemplified by BAO KTV, the gang’s first karaoke room, which is bookable for up to 12 guests. For reservations and more info click here. Words by Bao.

Taste London

19th-23rd June - Taste London

Popping up twice a year in June and November, Taste of London is the highlight of the foodie calendar. Each June, over 50,000 people flock to London’s Regent’s Park for an alfresco summer feast like no other. Sample signature dishes from London’s latest, greatest and most exciting restaurants, as well as off-menu items they've created exclusively for Taste. For tickets and more info click here. Words by Taste London.

Merchant Square - Paddington

19th - 20th June - Water Zorbing

Water Zorbing is back to Merchant Square for the ‘Summer of Fun’ programme! Walk on the canal on Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th June with all your friends from 12PM – 8PM each day. If Water Zorbing isn’t for you why not try paddle boarding or Yoga at Merchant Square. There is so much more to checkout throughout the summer. All activities are free to partake in and bookings can be here. Words by Merchant Square.

Instagram @fulhambeach

Now Open - Fulham Beach at Neverland London

Escape the city, tucked away by the Thames, Fulham Beach provides guests with a stylish and multifaceted venue consisting of the brand’s signature beach, an large indoor jungle themed pergola, two pop up restaurants, two bars, live Dj's, weekly events and games for all to enjoy. Other offerings include, bottomless brunches, Rose Saturdays, yoga sessions on the beach, cocktail masterclasses, glitter artists an outdoor cinema on the beach, showing cult classics every Tuesday! For tickets and more info click here. Words by Neverland.

March

March is an exciting month as there is lot’s going on, the days are getting longer and sunnier with spring on the horizon. It’s time to get outside and embrace the warmer weather. To help inspire you we have a round up on all the different things to get up to this month in and around London.

Tom Daley’s Banana and Blueberry Pancakes

5th March - Pancake Day

Have your frying pans at the ready because Pancake Day is just around the corner. If you’re looking to perfect your pancake toss at home or venture out to explore some yummy treats check out the previous blog post for inspiration. If you live in the Greenwich area of you fancy a good giggle, check out the Flippin’ Good Pancake races at Greenwich market on the 2nd and 5th March. For more info just click here.

7th-10th March - The Affordable Art Fair - Battersea

The Affordable Art Fair returns to Battersea Park this month. Whether you know your Hockney’s from your Hirst’s, or are simply looking to dip your toe into the world of contemporary art. Friendly, expert gallerists will be on hand to help you choose the perfect piece to suit your space, taste and spend. Discover an array of original artworks from their curated collection of living artists, all priced between £100 and £6,000, and find that perfect piece to bring your home to life! For info click here.

WOW Festival

8th March - International Women’s Day - WOW Festival at the Southbank.

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. To mark the day why not attend WOW festival.

WOW festivals began in the UK in 2010, launched by Kelly at Southbank Centre London, where she was Artistic Director, to celebrate women and girls, taking a frank look at what prevents them from achieving their potential, raising awareness globally of the issues they face and discussing solutions together.

This year WOW presents an incredible line-up of events to mark the launch of The WOW Foundation and begin the countdown to 2020 – the 10th anniversary of WOW. The programme includes two very special conversations, including on Friday 8 March – International Women’s Day – with Angela Davis, and with Naomi Klein on Saturday 9 March, as well as two full afternoons: WOW: What Now? and WOW: What Next? led by Jude Kelly – and more. For more info and tickets click here. Source: Wow Festival Southbank.

Source - Blue Plant II at the O2.

17th March - St Patricks Day

On the 17th March it is St Patricks Day, the pubs will be full to the brim and the rugby will be on. But if you want to do something a bit different why not check out what is happening at the O2 on the 17th March. We were all obsessed by Blue Planet II and now you can relive the best bits of the action as the show is going on a UK concert tour and it hits Londons O2 this St Paddy’s Day. Stunning film sequences from the series will be screened alongside the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra playing live, featuring music by Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea and David Fleming for Bleeding Fingers Music. And if you thought the programme looked epic on your telly, just wait until you get a look at it on the state-of-the-art 200sqm 4K Ultra HD LED screen…it’s going to be epic. For more info and tickets just click here.

The London Coffee Festival

The London Coffee Festival- 28th-31st March

Returning for 2019, the London Coffee Festival is the UK’s largest coffee and artisan food event, a celebration of London's vibrant coffee culture featuring gourmet coffee, speciality tea, artisan food, demonstrations from world-class baristas, live music and a comprehensive ‘lab’ seminar programme that will educate even the keenest of coffee lovers. 

The festival is once again the flagship event of UK Coffee Week. Highlights include the Latte Art Live workshops where you can learn to craft milky masterpieces, home barista workshops and a brand-new multi-sensory, guided and meditative coffee tasting experience. For info click here. Source - London Coffee Festival

The Gloria

With the warmer weather and longer evenings just around the corner, it’s time to get out of hibernation and explore again. It’s also Mother’s Day on the 31st so if you’re looking somewhere new to treat your mum look no further. Here are our top picks of restaurants and bars to check out this month.

The Gloria - We all have dreams and fantasies. Today, one of our wildest ones at Big Mamma is coming true (spoiler: it’s not taking pizza to the moon ). Since the beginning, we’ve always wanted to open in London, the most exciting city with the craziest vibe.
So meet Gloria, a 172-seat traditional Italian trattoria in the middle of Shoreditch.
Joyful and lush by day, it also gets funky with a buzzing atmosphere and house made playlists.

For info and reservations click here.

EartH Kitchen

EartH Kitchen - Earth kitchen is situated in the recently launched music and arts venue Earth (Evolutionary Arts Hackney), a former art deco cinema in Dalston’ bustling Stoke Newington road.

The kitchen was established by Auro Foxcroft, founder of Village Underground and EartH, and Chris Gillard, who previously helmed the St. John Group as Executive Chef.

EartH Kitchen reflects Head Chef Chris’ passion for using the best available ingredients in line with the changing seasons. Restaurant Manager Toni Castillo, also formerly of St. John, will be running the floor and curating the wine list with a European focus, while the cocktail list will make the most of seasonal ingredients.

For more info and reservations click here.

BBQ Dreamz

BBQ Dreamz - Fresh from their triumph on My Million Pound Menu, where they secured investment from Draft House founder Charlie McVeigh, street food faves BBQ Dreamz will be popping up at MEATLiquor Kings Cross for a six-week residency. The 11-course tasting menu will consist of dishes that featured on the show, including grilled satay duck hearts (in homage to co-founder Lee Johnson’s auntie who runs a skewer stall back in the Philippines), their signature lechon kawali, adobo glazed chicken wings with lime aioli, and sour papaya noodle salad, with calamansi lime-spiked Bloody Marys on offer too (plus other drinks from the MEATLiquor bar). For more info click here.

DND

DND — Do Not Disturb. Is the cocktail bar hidden in the basement of the Vintry and Mercer Hotel in the City of London — it is the place for a clandestine drink in the City. Hand-beaded images of Ziegfeld Follies girls line the walls, beckoning guests into this secret bar through a darkened entrance tucked back on Garlick Hill.