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On a global scale, London isn't exactly known for its sunshine. British weather is famously unpredictable but, believe it or not, summer the capital can get pretty hot – making it the ideal time to visit if you're used to warmer climates, and the perfect excuse to get out the house if you're a local. It's also when London’s restaurants come into their own, opening their terraces and plating up the best of the season’s produce. Here, our MICHELIN Guide Inspectors share their picks for what to do in London this summer – and where to eat exceptionally while you're at it.
1. Enjoy Parkland Strolls & Leisurely Lunches
Gardens, parks, woods, forests, commons and heaths – about 20% of London is public green space, so summer is the time to really explore. Fortunately, most of the city's parks are close to top restaurants too. You can go horse riding in Richmond Park, then for lunch at One-MICHELIN-Star Dysart Petersham; discover the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, before Greek delights at Krokodilos; combine horticultural inspiration at Kew Gardens with affordable French fare at Mignonette; and play football in Victoria Park or rounders in Regent’s Park, near which Mayha provides quality Japanese cuisine. If you have a dog to walk then try Parliament Hill, before having lunch at the dog-friendly Bull & Last.Check out our comprehensive guide to the best London parks and where to eat nearby.
2. Have Brunch on a Terrace
Rising relatively early at a weekend is an unseemly, irksome prospect in winter when it’s cold and dark outside. But summer is easier, especially when your curtains aren’t that thick and your open window is amplifying the traffic noise outside. Meeting friends for brunch will remind you why you live in the big city and when your chosen restaurant has a summer terrace, the day’s got even better – and that’s before you’ve ordered your first Bloody Mary. Dovetale has a very smart and comfortable terrace; Bellanger in Islington offers a French-inspired brunch; while Le Pont de la Tour offers one of the best terrace views in the city, taking in the iconic Tower Bridge.Discover our full list of London's best restaurants for outdoor dining.
3. Go Wild for Wimbledon
For many, Wimbledon fortnight is the very definition of summer in the city. Two weeks of fantastic tennis, strawberries and cream, glasses of Pimm’s and a forlorn longing for British success. Committed tennis fans unsuccessful in the ticket ballot can try their luck by queueing for the daily tickets. For the rest of us, watch it on the TV, take notes and then try out your backhand on a local public tennis court. Play on Clapham Common and the winner can buy lunch at Upstairs (at Trinity); at Paddington Rec you can replenish the batteries with dinner at Bib Gourmand Kateh; and if playing in Ravenscourt Park, it’s a short walk to Silver Birch for lunch.
4. Discover London's Restaurants on Foot
To get to know London like a local, there's one simple solution: walk its streets. By wandering everywhere from tiny alleyways to vast boulevards, you'll get a proper feel for the city. What's more, you're likely to stroll past plenty of MICHELIN-recommended restaurants. You can choose to explore Soho and tie it in with lunch at The French House, or discover the City of London, accompanied by a meal at Brigadiers. Even better, take a guided walking tour to learn more about the city's history. Some tours are themed around fictional characters like James Bond, Harry Potter or Sherlock Holmes (be sure to stop off at the Royal China Club on Baker Street), while others have a musical theme, like The Beatles.
5. Bask in Stunning Views & Sky-High Dining
Vistas are vastly superior in summer, thanks to the greater likelihood of clear days and bright skies. As London is largely flat, any hill will prove a good spot for views. But for foodies, it's worth going to one of the many restaurants where the setting is as enticing as the food. There are some lovely spots by the Thames, such as Sam's Riverside, but for sheer elevation you can't beat Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High, City Social or Endo at The Rotunda. Non-restaurant spots to visit include Primrose Hill, Parliament Hill, Greenwich Park Observatory and Alexandra Palace Park, which are all worth the climb to the top. There are no end of man-made alternatives too, like The London Eye, The Sky Garden, The Garden Museum Tower, The Garden At 120, Horizon 22 and The Shard. If you're staying the night, check out the breathtaking terraces in our rundown of London's best hotel rooftops.Love all things MICHELIN?
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6. Experience Outdoor Theatre & Global Feasts
Just because the sun is shining, it doesn’t mean you can’t nourish your soul with more than just vitamin D, thanks to London's range of open-air shows. Opera in Holland Park is a delight, especially with an early dinner or a pre-matinée lunch at One-MICHELIN-Star Kitchen W8. Shakespeare's Globe, an approximation of the original Globe on virtually the same site next to the Thames, gives visitors a chance to witness his plays in the way The Bard intended. Afterwards, head down to Borough Market for a choice of cuisines, from Sri Lankan at Rambutan to French at Camille. The Regent's Park Open Air Theatre’s programme includes everything from family shows to Shakespeare – but come prepared, because Britain’s oldest outdoor theatre offers no shelter from the elements. Austrian-inspired Fischer's is a great choice for nearby refreshment, at any time of day.
7. Admire Visionary Artworks & Culinary Creations
Not an outdoor activity, but an enduring feature of summer in the city, The Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition has been held every year since 1769 without exception. Anyone can submit work to the judging committee, which inevitably results in some sniffy reviews for the final selection from the overlooked or underappreciated. Open this year from 17th June to 17th August, it offers a wonderful collection of artwork, most of which is available to buy – if you get in early enough. Breakfast or lunch at The Wolseley, virtually opposite, or 45 Jermyn St, at the back of Fortnum & Mason, will ensure you make a fine day of it.
8. Take to the Water
As temperatures soar, summer is the time to get in and on the water. That could mean a swim in the ponds on Hampstead Heath or in one of the many lidos in the city; try London Fields followed by a visit to Pophams – bakery by day, Italian restaurant by night. For those who prefer a more sedentary aquatic experience, nothing beats taking a boat down the Thames – even long-term Londoners need reminding now and then of the famous landmarks along the way from Westminster Pier to Greenwich. Finally, nothing is more romantic than a pedalo in Hyde Park; afterwards try lunch at Nanyang Blossom, where influences come from China and Southeast Asia.
9. Uncover London's Best Markets for Foodies
Nothing beats trawling through markets on a summer’s day – whether for clothes, food or general 'tat' – and London has plenty to offer in this regard. Old Spitalfields Market is covered, ready for any unexpected summer showers, and Bib Gourmand St. JOHN Bread and Wine is close by. Saturday is the day for Portobello Road, although crowds there will make walking pace snail-like, so you can always duck into Straker’s for a welcome bite. Friday is a good day for Borough Market, but if the famously bustling atmosphere gets too much, then dive into Kolae or AGORA for Thai and Greek flavours respectively. On Sundays, you can choose between Brick Lane or Columbia Road Flower Market or, for the perpetually kohl-eyed, there’s always Camden Market.Want a full rundown of the best markets in London? We've got you covered.
10. Get On Your Bike
Granted, London is no Amsterdam when it comes to cycling, but it’s getting better every year and there are some fantastic routes to explore. Whether it’s along the Thames or simply around a park, it’s a great way of getting to know the city, so pull on your lycra and start practising around the Outer Circle in Regent’s Park along with all the other amateur enthusiasts. If your motivation quickly wanes, then glide down to nearby Marylebone Village and spend your time in a restaurant instead – the choice is considerable, from MICHELIN-Starred Trishna to Cavita and Zoilo. If you don't have your own bike, hire one of the many public ones available across the city, which we detail in our London transport tips.Related Reads:
Hero Image: People enjoying the sunshine near Big Ben, one of the many things to do in London in the summer. © fotoVoyager/iStock
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