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.

May

With two bank holidays in May we’ve got some great ideas on how you might want to spend your long weekends. Sometimes it fun to explore the city we live in. Festival season kicks off this month and we will be sharing our favourites to check out this Summer.

The BBQ Club

The BBQ Club - Starting 3rd May

Based on the Southbank, directly on The Thames, The BBQ Club encompasses the best of modern BBQ food. From their reservation only interactive 6 course rooftop dining concept each evening, to a delicious casual street food menu featuring everything from burgers to showcasing the best rare breed meats with their low and slow specials… All washed down with delicious and refreshing summer cocktails and craft , its a must to check out. To book tickets and for more info click here.

Wine Week

Wine Week - 13th -19th May

London Wine Week is a seven day summer festival which takes place across the city, with delicious events happening each day of the week – from pop-up wine bars to al fresco parties, decadent dinners and tutored tastings – plus some of the very best wine bars creating bespoke tasting flights of wine for just £6 for you to try! For the first time - Festival Passes for London Wine Week are free meaning even more reason to drink up for more info click here.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 21st - 25th May

The world’s most famous flower show is back for another year, featuring cutting-edge garden design  fabulous shopping and plants from every corner of the globe. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, runs from 21 to 25 May 2019 and will feature the very best that the gardening world has to offer, including the famous Great Pavilion at the heart of the show packed with specialist growers and nurseries. It’s the ultimate day out for tickets and more info click here.

Grand Design Live 4th -12th May

Grand Designs Live, proudly sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements, returns in 2019 at London's ExCeL from 4-12 May and from 9-13 October at Birmingham’s NEC. Based on the Channel 4 series and presented by Kevin McCloud, the show offers visitors top expert advice, new product launches and specialist exhibitors in six project zones. Whether you’re planning a self-build, renovation or are adding the finishing touches, find ideas and inspiration for your very own Grand Design at this multi-award winning event. This year Sommer will be taking part in a panel, health vs the home. For tickets and more info click here.

All Points East

Festival season kicks off this month, each month we’re going to share some of our favourites to check out. Starting with All Points East.

All Points East - 24th May to 2nd June

All Points East is a music festival held over two weekends once a year in London’s Victoria Park, run by AEG Presents. The 10 day event comprises of two weekends of the most exciting names in music and four days of free entry and community activities known as In the Neighbourhood. For more info and tickets click here.

Float Tanks

3 Tribes - Floatation Tanks - now open

With wellness becoming the biggest trend of 2019 we love to explore new ways to relax and look after ourselves. If you find it hard to relax then head to a floatation tank.

Floating is an experience that can help to reset our mental well being and bring balance to our thinking. By taking some time to quieten all the thoughts passing through our head, we allow ourselves to think clearly and become more focused. Floatation tanks are a modern and controlled way to meditate. Many of us have high-pressure jobs and find it hard to take time away from screens, people and everyday noise. For more info and to book an appointment click here.

Vinegar Yard

Vinegar Yard - now open

Vinegar Yard is set to be a brand-new eating, drinking, shopping and art space from the team behind Flat Iron Square. Located under the direct gaze of The Shard, Vinegar Yard will comprise art installations, container pop-up shops, bars, street-food traders and a huge open-air garden area with outdoor seating for hundreds of people. Open seven days a week from early until late, we imagine the venue will be filled with after-work drinkers and weekend fun-seekers come summer. For more info click here.

Lyaness

Lyaness - now open

Lyaness is the brand new bar from the award-winning Mr Lyan and team, continuing their collaboration with Sea Containers London and the iconic space overlooking the Thames. We love the interiors an can’t wait to check it out for more info click here.