9 summer hot-spots to rediscover in London as lockdown restrictions ease
Add magic to your summer with things to do in London’s cultural epicentre
Back to ItineriesFrom the secret garden at The Ritz London to upcoming exhibitions at London’s leading art galleries, uncover a treasure-trove of treats to explore as lockdown restrictions are lifted in London’s cultural epicentre.
Looking to uncover London's finest things to do this summer?
As London’s leading art galleries and institutions get ready to welcome back visitors, here’s our quick guide so you can stop looking and start booking for a summer filled with fun.
Whether you’re an art aficionado, a culture vulture, or just looking for an essential catch-up with your friends, enjoy everything summer 2021 finally has to offer so you can make the most of going out again.
Sensing the unseen at the National Gallery
This highly acclaimed art gallery exhibition is set to reopen as lockdown restrictions ease.
For those who missed the opening in December, get ready to take your first step into Jan Gossaert’s world of intricate detail, technical mastery and rich meaning in a new Gallery experience where you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of his 500-year-old masterpiece: The Adoration of the Kings.
Sensing the Unseen at the National Gallery revitalises the gallery experience. Using soundscapes, spoken word, hi-resolution digital imagery and gesture-based interaction, onlookers get the chance to travel through their own personal journey to discover not only the visual riches of the painting but also why it tells more than a simple story.
This is an opportunity to not only stand in front of the painting but immerse yourself in its world and the artistry that built it.
Running until 13th June 2021, book your free tickets online here. Or, call or email using the following details:
T: +44 (0)20 7747 2885
David Hockney: The arrival of spring at the Royal Academy of Arts
Be first in line to see the new 2021 exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts featuring works by David Hockney.
In the midst of a pandemic, David Hockney RA captured the unfolding of spring on his iPad, creating 116 new and optimistic works in praise of the natural world. Made during a period of intense activity at his home in Normandy, this exhibition charts spring, from beginning to end, and is a joyous celebration of the seasons.
Organised by the Royal Academy of Arts, London in collaboration with the Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels (BOZAR), the exhibition will be shown in the Main Galleries from 23rd May until 1st August 2021.
Book your tickets online here. Or, call or email using the following details:
T: +44 (0)20 7300 8090
Image credit: David Hockney, No. 241, 23rd April 2020. iPad painting. © David Hockney.
The art of shared dining at Radisson Blu Edwardian’s May Fair Kitchen
Mayfair is the mecca for art enthusiasts. So be at the centre of all the action with retreat to May Fair Kitchen.
Recognised for their unique take on the relaxed art of shared dining, get ready to make your mouth water with a menu of contemporary Italian and Spanish small plates to be enjoyed.
Plus, if you’re looking for a luxurious weekend, stay in the centre of the world’s internationally renowned gallery district with signature suites and a blissful retreat with the hotels spa and gym at the Radisson Blu Edwardian’s prestigious May Fair Hotel.
Whatever you decide, the May Fair is a must-have on your cultural tour of the West End, situated a stone’s throw from the Royal Academy of Arts.
Book your table online here. Or, call or email using the following details:
T: +44 (0)20 7915 3892
Delightful dining in the heart of Covent Garden at The Delaunay
In the tradition of Mittel-Europe’s grand cafés, The Delaunay’s elegant combination of green leathers, dark wood, granite flooring and brass fixtures provides a luxurious setting for the perfect dining experience.
The restaurant will reopen for take-away and terrace dining from 13th April 2021, before later reopening for inside reservations from 17th May.
So, get ready to treat yourself and loved ones to a Delaunay weekend brunch, complete with typical breakfast Viennoiserie, egg dishes, smoothies and lunch-time classics, or order café staples such as goulash, stroganoff or tartes flambées. As well as an extensive all-day à la carte menu, The Delaunay also offers afternoon teas, serving a selection of sandwiches, savouries and Viennese cakes, together with a choice of teas and coffee – all only seconds away from London’s leading art galleries and institutions.
Book your table online here. Or, call or email using the following details:
T: +44 (0)20 7499 8558
Explore the secret garden at The Ritz London
The Ritz may be one of the most famous hotels in the world, but it continues to surprise us.
Unwind with al fresco dining and a collection of wonderful cocktails in the sunshine at the best outdoor venue in town. Away from the hustle and bustle of Mayfair, the Secret Garden offers a secluded oasis for guests and is the ultimate sun-trap.
Filled with trimmed topiary, olive trees and verdant green foliage, the paths are lined with fragrant lavender pots and colourful flower boxes featuring geraniums. Open every day of the week during the summer months, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a lingering lunch on the patio or spend an afternoon sipping cocktails.
Come evening, the garden gains some added charm with twinkling lights and candles, all set to soft music playing in the background. Of course, the most important part of a bar is its drinks, and The Secret Garden Bar has a full menu available throughout the day and night. Seasonal cocktails are found alongside a selection of wines and Champagnes, while peckish visitors can tuck into traditional dishes such as The Ritz classic club sandwich and The Ritz Caesar salad, as well as British seafood platters to share, with dressed crab, oysters, lobster, shrimp and prawns. A caviar menu is also available.
Book your table online here. Or, call or email using the following details:
T: +44 (0)20 7493 8181
Timeless elegance served only at Wiltons
Richer in history than the Royal Academy of Arts and only seconds away on Jermyn Street, Wiltons was first established in 1742, making it the oldest institution in the capital.
Created by George William Wilton as a shellfish monger originally located on London's Haymarket, the restaurant was almost destroyed during the Second World War. It was during the war that the restaurant was bought by the Hambro family and later moved to London’s most fashionable district, Jermyn Street, in 1984.
Wiltons today, has the same timeless elegance, passion and dedication to excellence it has always had, throughout the centuries of serving London’s finest communities. Still serving its signature Oysters, only available from September to April, it’s the perfect pit-stop to for a bite to eat before or after a visit to the Royal Academy of Arts or more of London’s leading art galleries nearby.
Alongside an extensive caviar and sea food selection, guests can enjoy meats and grills, chef specials and delicious desserts, paired perfectly with a variety of wine and champagne, all available by the glass or bottle.
Make a reservation online here. Or, call or email using the following details:
T: +44 (0)20 7629 9955
Refuel with a refreshing take on Afternoon Tea at The Dilly
Alight at The Dilly’s restaurant to refuel on the sun-trap terrace overlooking Piccadilly, reopening in summer 2021.
The award-winning Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea selection is a must-try. Tuck-in to on a magical wonderland of Peter's favourite treats inspired by the classic Beatrix Potter tale.
From Mr McGregor's Garden, a delectable baguettini filled with fresh vegetables and hummus, to the Flower-Pot Hideout, an edible chocolate pot filled with chamomile mousse and blackberries, harking back to Peter's adventurous day. Not forgetting warm fluffy scones, served with jam and clotted cream in adorable plant pots.
Plus, they’ve got a cracking Gin-based cocktail menu to complement your cultural caper.
From the Copperhead cocktail, mixing Copperhead Alchemist Gin with classic tonic, dried orange, rosemary, juniper, to the Roku cocktail mixing Suntory Roku Gin with pomelo & pink pepper tonic, ginger stick, lime and juniper, there’s something to make everyone’s tastebuds dance with delight.
Whatever you decide, The Dilly is a treasure trove overlooking the heart of London’s original cultural district.
Make a reservation online here. Or, call or email using the following details:
T: +44 (0)20 7734 8000
Art-deco inspired dining at The Wolseley
Located on Piccadilly and perhaps London's most classic restaurant, the art deco history of The Wolseley is reflected in its black & white marble, and towering Venetian-inspired pillars, making it the perfect place for art enthusiasts to stop by to refuel.
A popular ‘café-restaurant in the grand European tradition’, The Wolseley combines London heritage and Viennese grandeur offering a classic all-day brasserie in Mayfair. Its black, gold and cream colour scheme celebrates its prestige. Once a car showroom in 1920s, it’s now firmly on many a London visitor’s checklist, alongside nearby bastion of tradition and Fortnum & Mason situated seconds away.
The Wolseley will reopen for inside dining from 17th May 20201. Book your table online here. Or, call or email using the following details:
T: +44 (0)20 7499 6996
Outdoor dining and Zestival pop-up at Firmdale group’s Ham Yard Hotel
The leafy courtyard at Ham Yard Hotel’s restaurant will return from the 12th April 2021. One of London's most popular spaces for alfresco dining, enjoy this glorious setting beneath the five tall oak trees.
Choose dishes from their new Spring menu, including Burrata with grilled courgettes and hazelnut romesco or citrus and chilli chicken with baby gem, watermelon and fresh jalapeño. Follow this with delicious desserts like our summer berry pavlova. Reservations are now open.
What’s more, Ham Yard Hotel and Sipsmith return this Spring with an all new pop-up on the hotel's exclusive Roof Terrace. Celebrating their passion for the freshest ingredients, Zestival will see the space transformed into a world inspired by Sipsmith's orange and lemon traditional flavoured gins.
Taking inspiration from the history of British greengrocers, expect zesty oranges and fresh lemons hanging from the canopy, wooden crates overflowing with fresh fruit, a stunning fountain flower feature and more. Ham Yard’s expert bar team have crafted a menu with innovative cocktails including The Zest-Tea Party, with Sipsmith Zesty Orange, blood orange Campari, Aperitivo del Professore and Cremant.
Reopening from 14th April, at £22 per person, including Roof Terrace access, welcome drink and a further cocktail of your choice. Lazy Sunday Sessions tickets also include a 45 minute live music set.
Book your table online here. Or, call or email using the following details:
T: +44 (0)20 3642 2000
Featured Venues
Ham Yard Hotel
Hotel
In the midst of Soho and moments from Mayfair, Ham Yard has an urban village feel. The hotel revolves around a leafy courtyard with a bronze sculpture centrepiece by Tony Cragg. Interiors are designed by Kit Kemp in her award-winning modern British style. Alongside the hotel's 91 individually designed bedrooms and suites are 24 apartments, 13 boutiques and a restaurant and bar, there is a drawing room and library, rooftop terrace, spa and gym, theatre, private event rooms and bowling alley.
May Fair Kitchen
Restaurant
As the Flagship Kitchen, May Fair Kitchen showcases the best of Spanish and Italian small plates, while also embracing our signature Peruvian, Mexican, Japanese and Mediterranean dishes from sister restaurants Monmouth, Leicester Square, Peter Street and Bloomsbury Street Kitchens. Complemented with the finest wines and signature cocktails, discover the art of shared dining in exclusive Mayfair.
Wiltons
Restaurant
Wiltons was first established in 1742 by George William Wilton as a shellfish monger in London's Haymarket. In 1840 having moved to Ryder Street, Wiltons became a fully licensed restaurant. During the Second World War the restaurant was bought by the Hambro family and moved to Jermyn Street in 1984. Wiltons today has the same timeless elegance, passion and dedication to excellence it has always had, throughout the centuries!
The Ritz London
Restaurant
Located in the heart of London's cultural district, The Ritz London hotel boasts original, ornate Louis XVI interiors, 136 bedrooms and suites overlooking the Royal Green Park and Piccadilly. Serving afternoon tea in the spectacular Palm Court, cocktails in the Rivoli Bar, luxury hotel stays, The Ritz Casino and a cigar shop and sampling lounge.
The May Fair Hotel, A Radisson Collection Hotel
Hotel
The May Fair Hotel is set in the heart of one of the most sought-after addresses in the world. Proud to be the Official Hotel to London Fashion Week, The May Fair enjoys some of the largest bedrooms in London, including an iconic collection of suites, world-class food and drink in Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, May Fair Kitchen, a vibrant bar, secluded terrace, stunning event spaces and tranquil spa.
The Dilly
Hotel
Set in the heart of London's West End, The Dilly complements the hotel's vibrant cultural and architectural surroundings. Seconds away from St James's, Piccadilly Circus, and Leicester Square, this luxury 5-star hotel boasts a stunning indoor swimming pool and spacious, elegant rooms for hotel guests. Plus, open to both guests and visitors, enjoy a superb meal in The Terrace restaurant overlooking Piccadilly, or a mouth-watering cocktail concoction in the Maskelyn & Cook bar.
National Gallery
Gallery
The National Gallery is one of London's greatest art museums located in Trafalgar Square, London. Founded in 1824, it houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.
Royal Academy of Arts
Gallery
The Royal Academy of Arts is a world-renowned art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly, London. For over 250 years, the RA has existed to champion art and artists and offers a place where art is made, exhibited and debated. Enjoy their expanded campus with free displays, new spots to eat, drink and shop, and much more.
The Wolseley
Restaurant
The Wolseley is a café-restaurant located in Mayfair, on London’s iconic Piccadilly serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and weekend brunch. Explore The Wolseley's online shop for the perfect present or indulgent treat for every occasion. Plus, discover their delightful range of gift hampers, candles, teas and coffees, silverware and much more.