Obviously, we love London (it’s no coincidence we have five Lockes in the city). But summer in the capital really can’t be beaten – and everyone here knows it. Ref: the smug smiles, the contented lounging, the generally fizzy atmosphere everywhere you walk.
If you’re planning a trip: congrats – you’re going to have a blast. (If not, read on and we guarantee you’ll be booking by the end of the article.) Wondering about the best things to do in London this summer? Here are our top picks in Locke’s neighbourhoods.
What to do near Ember Locke.
Have a picnic in the park
Just 8 minutes’ walk away is Holland Park, a serene retreat home to the beautiful Kyoto Garden. In 20 minutes you can wander to the gorgeous Kensington Gardens, dreamed up by Queen Caroline in the 18th century. Or jump on the District Line for half an hour to Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for its diverse plant collection and iconic glasshouses.
Go treasure hunting at Portobello Road Market
The world’s largest antiques market is just as good as it sounds – and in the summer, drifting along busy streets lined with colourful houses and treasure-filled stalls is nothing short of a delight. If you work up an appetite there are plenty of food stalls too.
Relish dinner on the terrace at Julie’s
This west London institution hosted Kate Moss’ birthday party in the 90s – it’s that cool. Its recent renaissance maintains the same bohemian spirit and fizzing atmosphere, with an unfussy but elegant brasserie-style menu. The chic terrace is just the spot for a balmy summer evening.
Get your floral fix at Chelsea Flower Show (20th-24th May 2025)
If you fancy yourself a tad green-fingered, why not get inspired at this world-famous gardening mecca. Blooming (sorry) with stunning garden designs, gorgeous floral displays and tempting shopping, it’s the perfect place to indulge your inner horticulturist. Be quick: tickets sell out fast!
Catch live music at BST Hyde Park (27th June-13th July 2025)
From Sabrina Carpenter to Stevie Wonder, this three-week musical bonanza features legendary headliners with support from rising stars every weekend. Travelling midweek? You can still enjoy free activities and entertainment, scrummy food and drink, and a festival vibe.
Get lost in the rhythm at Notting Hill Carnival (24th-25th August 2025)
Not for the faint-hearted, this iconic parade is one of the biggest and oldest street parties in the world, showcasing the best of mas, soca, calypso, steel bands and sound systems. Dance to thumping floats, oggle feather-bedecked performers, and scoff jerk chicken.
What to do near Bermonds Locke & Locke at Broken Wharf.
Enjoy an alfresco brunch at Toklas
Created by the founders of Frieze art fair and named after Gertrude Stein’s life partner, this restaurant couldn’t not be chic. Take a seat on the enormous planted terrace and indulge in the simple, summery Mediterranean menu. (Just save space for the bakery on your way out.)
Experience open-air theatre at Shakespeare’s Globe
Shakespeare fans (even if you mainly like the big-screen versions) and history nerds will love this modern reconstruction of the original open-air Globe theatre. Be warned: the cheapest tickets are standing and plays can be long… Remember to bring a raincoat – this is London, after all.
Toast to the summer at Forza Wine, National Theatre
Serving Italian-ish small plates, creative cocktails and a rather lovely view of the Thames from a terrace on the top floor of the National Theatre, Peckham-born Forza Wine’s spot on the Southbank is great for those glorious days when the sun shines and all is good in the world.
Hit up Tate Modern’s 25th Birthday Weekender (9th-12th May 2025)
To celebrate being around for a quarter-century, this iconic gallery is hosting a four-day party featuring everything from vibrant, wholesome daytime programming to a dynamic takeover of the museum with cutting-edge artists and collectives by night. Expect all the vibes.
Get a musical education at Little Simz’ Meltdown, Southbank Centre (12th-22nd June 2025)
This year, it’s the turn of Mercury Prize-winning Little Simz to curate the 11-day Meltdown festival. Expect a boundary-pushing line-up featuring local and grassroots organisations, sets from the likes of The Streets and Ghetts, plus a headline gig with the curator herself.
Go to a gig with a difference at Somerset House Summer Series (10th-20th July 2025)
Held in the enclave of the iconic Neoclassical building, this series of open-air gigs hosts an eclectic mix of legends and fresh talent – this year's bill features Rizzle Kicks, Giggs, FLO, Joy Oladokun, St. Vincent, Parov Stelar and more. Not to be missed.
What to do near Buckle Street Studios & Leman Locke.
Amble through Columbia Road and Broadway Market
An East London Sunday wouldn’t be complete without a loop around Columbia Road and Broadway Market. Pick up some fresh blooms at the weekly flower market or enjoy lunch at one of Broadway Market’s many food stalls.
Eat well in a walled garden at Rochelle Canteen
Best enjoyed on a summer’s evening, when the dainty festoon lights and snug tartan blankets make the British basics done (really) well somehow taste even better. To find it, look for the door in the brick wall on the south-east side of Arnold Circus and press the buzzer marked ‘Canteen’.
Sip drinks with view at Kaso at One Hundred Shoreditch
London is great all year, but in the summer it really shines. Scale to the top floor of this East London hotel and nab a table on the terrace (we recommend arriving early) to take in panoramic views of the city while you sip tasty cocktails and feast on Istanbul-inspired dishes.
Expand your mind at SXSW London (2nd-7th June 2025)
The renowned multi-disciplinary festival and conference is coming to London – more specifically, Shoreditch – for the first time, with more than 70 legendary live performances, 420 trailblazing talks and 250 fearless film screenings across six days. And yes, it’s a big deal.
Have a Brat Summer 2.0 at Lido Festival (6th-7th & 13th-15th June)
Sprawled across two weekends in Victoria Park, the inaugural Lido festival is going big. First up are trip-hop legends Massive Attack and dancefloor delight Jamie xx. Next is a takeover by hardcore festival Outbreak, followed by Charli xcx and London Grammar. We’re pumped.
Dance until you drop at All Points East (16th & 22nd-24th August 2025)
Returning to Victoria Park for its seventh edition, the festival’s reputation for exciting line-ups is bolstered once again with a bill featuring Barry Can’t Swim, RAYE, The Maccabees, Confidence Man, Shygirl, Tyla, Bombay Bicycle Club, Dry Cleaning, and Chase And Status.
Where to stay in London this summer
Now you know what to do in London this summer. But where to stay? For your own space close to the action, Locke aparthotels are where it’s at. Choose Ember Locke for West London fun, Bermonds Locke or Locke at Broken Wharf for South London shenanigans, or Buckle Street Studios or Leman Locke for East London adventures.
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