Summer in the city? Prepare to discover hidden corners and surprises. London’s rooftops, canal banks, green spaces and terraces come alive at this time of year so if you’re spending time in the capital, we’ve gathered up our favourite places for you to explore. Prepare to escape and get lost
Sister Jane – Notting Hill
The roof terrace on the 1st floor of Sister Jane’s townhouse sings with sunshine spirit. Ideal for a half day summer Friday, you’ll find us here, shooting the breeze over a super refreshing bowl of watermelon gazpacho and the terribly moreish chocolate chilli tart. Latino infused food, retro canary yellow banquettes, the sounds of Goldbourne Road wafting up from below, good friends: what can be a better way to while away the afternoon.
Seabird – Southwark
Sometimes we like to go HIGH. On the 14th floor of Southwark’s Hoxton Hotel is Seabird, a refreshing splash of coastal living in the city. High above the streets it’s a wonderful escape brimming with the fresh flavours of Southern Europe. The airy terrace and glass-walled interior is filled with laid-back rattan furniture, sheer muslin and plants – a modern twist on 70s – and the menu is filled with mindbogglingly tasty sea-to-table offerings. The triple stack ‘Afternoon Sea’ is not to be missed.
Petersham Nurseries – Richmond
In summer, this fragrantly chic corner of the city needs to be seen to be believed. Potting sheds, beds of lush produce, Indian antiques and an overwhelming sense of abundance: summer is peak Petersham. As a self-confessed ‘celebration of the seasons’ this is the place to trail your hands through greenery, inhale the scent of geraniums and drift off, surrounded by beautiful objects and delicious food: courtesy of the visionary Boglione family. All hail.
Chiltern Firehouse – Mayfair
The plant-filled terrace of dreams, food of the imagination and an ever-cool crowd of people. Stay, play or just enjoy the vibe, this Marylebone hotspot is where to go for 5-star luxury and a good time. Part of Andre Balzac’s portfolio alongside LA’s Chateau Marmont, the old firehouse is one of our favourite places to eat alfresco due to its super-seasonal all-day menu. This summer you’ll find us here with a forkful of wood-roasted cauliflower & almonds.
White City House – Wood Lane
Two words: rooftop pool. When the sun is shining you could be forgiven for confusing White City House with Soho Warehouse in Downtown Los Angeles. With a 1960s vibe, this buzzy spot in the old BBC TV centre is the perfect place to hang out and feel glamourous. 180 House on The Strand is coming up fast as another favourite from the Soho House stable – our new top place to take an open air dip in the heart of the West End.
Pergola – Paddington
Another corner of the city reclaimed for fun and now on our summer hot list. Tucked away in Paddington Basin, Pergola is a roomy open-air dining and drinking space. With four guest kitchens serving luxe streetfood each season, it’s our favourite casual group meet-up location as it suits diverse palates. Sunset wall art, greenery overhead, DJs, daybeds, two bars and bench seating give it a beach vibe while you enjoy jerk bbq, kebabs, Korean fried chicken, sharing platters and cocktails.
Bussey Rooftop Bar – Peckham Rye
Southside vibes. If you’re in South London on a warm day, we urge to swing by the Bussey Building and head up to the roof for a cocktail, slice of pizza and epic views. It’s the highest drinking spot in the area so prepare yourself for sunset-ready 360-degree panoramas. Cane chairs, wooden decking, hanging greenery and sparkling fairylights make this one of our favourites for balmy evenings.
Oakley Court – Windsor
Afternoon tea by the River Thames on a warm day. Can it get better (and more English) than this? How about a game of tennis and then a cycle ride on one of the guest bikes through the wildflowers on the river path? Just downstream from Eton and Windsor, this gothic beauty of a residence is our new favourite weekend spot. We love sun snoozing on the Summer River House stripey daybeds. Wind In the Willows eat your heart out.
Beach Blanket Babylon – Notting Hill
Going strong since 1990, this gorgeous corner of West London oozes charm. The Georgian townhouse offers dining inside or out in the summer under its signature stripey awning. Enjoy laid back, effortless style, perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch, after work cocktails or candlelit dinner with friends in the warm breeze. We’re dreaming of the miso roasted aubergine and lemony couscous – the taste of sunshine.
Parillan – Kings Cross
Love the fact that an old city can keep regenerating to bring new places to play. Coals Drops Yard in Kings Cross opens up Regent’s Canal as a spot to eat, shop, learn (hello Central St Martins) and people-watch on a warm day. Here you’ll find Parillian. With a huge outdoor terrace, this al fresco Spanish joint invites you to grill your own meats and seafood and sip on sangria blanca. Book a table on a hot night and bring on the European holiday vibes. Perfect.
