a city summer

London weather is finally being kind to us all. Parks are alive again with festivals, picnics, or people are simply enjoying the beautiful weather while lounging on the grass. It’s the time of Aperol spritzes, barbecues and maybe a summer holiday. Bicycles are pulled out of storage, winter coats are put away, and suddenly, London feels like the best place to be in the world. Or maybe I’m just biased. Growing up in London means enduring its cruel, unforgiving moods, essentially 340 days of the year for the past 20 years, only to then revel in the fleeting, warm moments that make the city and its people smile, even if only temporarily and not all at once. I swear, last week it was like rain, shine, rain, shine, with some days being biting and weirdly chilly, while others felt like we were suddenly baking in an oven. It is a shame that this summer I will not be spending it in the city, but instead heading south to somewhere far sunnier and warmer than my home city. So, until I leave, best believe I will make the most of London’s warmer days.

I think everyone is familiar with Britain’s pub culture; it may be the one thing we lead the world in, with our 46,000 pubs across the country. My personal favourite is The Regent in South London, mainly because of its massive garden. Also, I have a soft spot for it as it’s the place where one of my best friends and I have designated our spot to catch up when he comes home from university every couple of months. We have spent countless hours there drinking, laughing, and gossiping. My other favourite is Hootananny on Brixton Water Lane, with great music and atmosphere. However, if you’re looking for the best Sunday Roast in a London pub, that can be found at The Old Nun’s Head near Peckham. Speaking of Peckham, one of my absolute favourite things to do there is the Rooftop Film Club at the top of the Bussey Building. I have been there countless times to enjoy old movies on the big screen, as well as recent hits. It's a cinema experience like no other: delicious drinks and food are delivered right to your seat, even during the film, accompanied by noise-cancelling headphones and comfy deckchairs. Peckham is also home to great, very chill and relaxed wine bars, such as Peckham Cellars and Bar Levan, perfect for quiet summer evenings, whether it’s a romantic or platonic date.

For daytime activities, however, nothing beats a summer picnic, I find. Hampstead Heath is a proven favourite amongst many Londoners; it’s a corner of the city that feels so far away from the loud messiness that London can be, and there are plenty of spaces to relax in your own company or with loved ones. If you don’t feel like preparing and packing your lunch, I’m sure cafes and delis in the area will be able to satisfy any cravings and meet your picnic necessities. Personal favourites are Superette on Swain’s Lane and Ginger & White on Perrin’s Court. Primrose Hill is also a firm favourite for watching the sun set behind iconic London landmarks as the sky twinkles between blues, oranges, pinks, and purples. On the road leading to the park, there’s one of my favourite Japanese restaurants in London, Oka, which is consistently excellent and also has outdoor seating. Or, further up, there's a great wine store and a local grocery store for refreshments. In Brixton, there is a fantastic wine bar, Naughty Piglets, that, until 2 pm on Wednesdays through to Saturday, serves jambon au beurre made to order, which I find is best enjoyed at the park next door.

However, if you're not a fan of lazing in the sun and prefer to be active, fear not - London still has options aplenty. Renting bikes or pedal boats is always a good idea and can be found in most parks across London, from Dulwich to Regent’s to Richmond. Or a friend of mine has found his new pet obsession: wakeboarding. Personally… not for me. I’d much rather take my chances of failing at wakeboarding and falling into the temperate Mediterranean waters than the British, so I’ll be waiting to try water sports until summer holidays. But if walking is your choice of exercise, take your feet around London’s markets to shop! Spitalfields Market is one of my favourites, for food and trinkets, or Salad Days is a great pop-up that happens once a month in Gipsy Hill. Portobello Road Market is also, of course, a well-known and beloved pick for good reason, offering everything you could possibly imagine, with worthwhile finds too. Or, perhaps, for more creative pastimes, pottery painting? Pottery Life is a recent addition you’ll find in Wandsworth at the weekends, and it's so, so, so much fun, even if you’re not creatively gifted like me.

But, as some say, if you are going to plan anything, you must first plan out the food. And, oh, how I love to eat. London is a melting pot for all different cuisines to thrive, offering something for everyone. I’m not sure about you, but I find that some dishes are best enjoyed in warmer weather. Greek food springs to mind, although it's a comfort food regardless of the season. However, something about it feels summery (probably because Greece is a beloved holiday destination), and I have to recommend Oma in Borough Market. I do love their sister restaurant downstairs, Agora, and have been countless times, but Oma is truly amazing. If rooftop dining is what you want in the summer, like Oma offers, Los Mochis in the City is also a good choice. It's a blend of Japanese and Mexican flavours. I would recommend checking out the bar or terrace, where you can relax and enjoy the delicious drinks and snacks, as the entire menu is available and all designed for sharing. For something more relaxed though, Chacarero Empanada House in East Dulwich is a local favourite. Not only is the food and coffee great, but they have a lovely garden in the back that feels like you’re sitting in your own home. Or La Mia Mamma in Notting Hill is another option, serving classic Italian dishes (which, for me anyway, is always the ultimate comfort) and has outdoor dining too. An Aperol Spritz and tiramisu is close to perfection :) I could genuinely go on and on and ON about the best London restaurants or bars, but I will refrain, unless that’s something you want…

For the partiers, however… don’t fret. London has plenty of options. Night Tales and Night Tales Loft in Hackney are consistently good times, or Koko in Camden is a well-known choice as well, or Stepps is a monthly party that travels around London and is sooooo much fun. This summer, for the jazz (and vodka) lovers, Seabird restaurant in Southbank is hosting an event with Ronnie Scott’s and Grey Goose until August, which looks like it could be a summer evening well-spent.

I hope I’ve given you a few ideas on how to spend your summer in the city, and I will talk to you soon! <3