{"id":12729,"date":"2021-08-05T14:30:19","date_gmt":"2021-08-05T13:30:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/po\/?p=12729"},"modified":"2021-08-05T14:30:19","modified_gmt":"2021-08-05T13:30:19","slug":"london-summer-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/london-summer-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Looking good, London: why a capital city break is a must this month"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>Put the flags out! Be part of the back-to-normal buzz in <a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/europe\/united-kingdom\/london\">London<\/a> while other staycationers flock to the coast and countryside<\/h3>\n<p>Visiting London during the summer has always felt special, but there is a just-can\u2019t-put-your-finger-on-it buzz going around the capital following the Freedom Day lifting of restrictions. Restaurants, pubs and caf\u00e9s have started to claim the streets as their own, with alfresco tables spilling out under awnings and fairy-lights creating a European atmosphere of romance and excitement. Open-air markets are fit to burst with foodie delights and antique finds, picnic in the park season is at its height, while galleries, museums, and theatres are putting on a show with more enthusiasm than ever. There\u2019s a first time for everything feel, because, well, it\u2019s the first time in a long time we\u2019ve actually been able to enjoy ourselves and the city millions of us call home, even just for the night. So here is our guide to falling in love with London again, because the post-pandemic magic in a bottle moment might not last forever\u2026<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12735\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/London-Summer-resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/London-Summer-resized.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/London-Summer-resized-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/London-Summer-resized-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">Let\u2019s go alfresco\u2026what and where to eat in London<\/h2>\n<p>Oh, how the tables have turned. If we can&#8217;t go abroad, we&#8217;ll try our very best to pretend we&#8217;re slurping spaghetti on a pretty piazza in <a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/europe\/italy\">Italy<\/a>, or sipping ros\u00e9 on a sunny street in <a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/europe\/france\">France<\/a>. Colourful chairs are filling up cobbled squares, as more and more places are becoming pedestrianised for dining beneath the skies. Just remember to bring your brolly if you&#8217;re unsure whether your table is covered or not&#8230;great British weather and all that.<\/p>\n<h3>For keep-coming-back coffee&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12736\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@grind_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@grind_resized.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@grind_resized-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@grind_resized-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12743\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@pophams_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@pophams_resized.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@pophams_resized-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@pophams_resized-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Images: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/grind\/\">@grind<\/a><\/em> <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/pophamsbakery\/\">@pophamsbakery<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/pophamshome\/\">@pophamshome<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p>The pretty pink packaging of organic and ethically sourced <a href=\"https:\/\/grind.co.uk\/\">Grind Coffee<\/a> (not to mention their signs&#8217; motivational messages throughout lockdown) is sure to put a smile on your caffeine-fixed face, and with Instagrammable branches dotted throughout London hotspots, you&#8217;ll want to slow the grab-and-go routine to sit in surrounded by inspirational neon signs and a healthy amount of house plants. If you like your morning coffee with a freshly prepared pastry, artisanal bakery and coffee shop <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pophamsbakery.com\/\">Pophams<\/a> in Islington and Hackney should be your go-to, where you can also purchase the house ceramics, linens, glassware from their delectable homeware shop. For a super hip serving of Japanese coffee and custard cube kashi, <a href=\"http:\/\/ooo-koffee.com\/\">Omotesando Koffee<\/a> is as trendy as they come, while Wandsworth&#8217;s independently owned, Antipodean-style <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flotsamandjetsamcafe.co.uk\/\">Flotsam &amp; Jetsam<\/a> caf\u00e9 is our flat white favourite, made with delicious Allpress coffee beans.<\/p>\n<h3>For seriously good brunch&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12738\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@bourneandhollingsworth_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@bourneandhollingsworth_resized.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@bourneandhollingsworth_resized-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@bourneandhollingsworth_resized-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Images: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bourneandhollingsworth\/\">@bourneandhollingsworth<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Arguably the best meal of the day, there are thousands of brilliant brunch spots in London. Whether you like a sweet or savoury start to your day, we&#8217;d recommend heading to Balham&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/milklondonshop.uk\/\">Milk <\/a>for their secret recipe granola, Earlsfield&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beanandhop.co.uk\/\">Bean &amp; Hop<\/a> for mind-blowing bacon butties washed down with local craft beer (yes, you read that correctly), Southfield&#8217;s dog-friendly <a href=\"http:\/\/dropshotcoffee.co.uk\/\">Dropshot<\/a> for tennis-inspired toasties, and Clerkenwell&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bourneandhollingsworth.com\/\">Bourne &amp; Hollingsworth<\/a> for weekend brunch with bottomless Bellinis in a beautifully botanical setting.<\/p>\n<h3>For pub grub with a garden&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12739\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/The-Albion-resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/The-Albion-resized.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/The-Albion-resized-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/The-Albion-resized-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>The rear garden at The Albion is covered by a stretch tent, keeping you from the worst that the Great British weather can throw at you. Dogs are also welcome to join diners and will be spoilt rotten by staff.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Going to the pub is a staple part of British culture, but choose one with a glorious garden and you&#8217;ll have found your second summer home. For a taste of when Islington was fields and farmland, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.the-albion.co.uk\/\">The Albion<\/a> is a wisteria-clad Georgian gastropub with a charming walled garden and an extensive wine list, perfect for sophisticated summer afternoons. For something a little more laid-back, Battersea&#8217;s <a href=\"http:\/\/www.magicgardenpub.com\/\">Magic Garden<\/a> has a festival feel, where you can cosy up on alfresco armchairs and sofas while listening to an ever-changing line up of live music.<\/p>\n<h3>For afternoon tea with a twist&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12740\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Ampersand-Afternoon-Tea-resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Ampersand-Afternoon-Tea-resized.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Ampersand-Afternoon-Tea-resized-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Ampersand-Afternoon-Tea-resized-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Physics, chemistry and gastronomy meet in a curious alchemy of dishes, from jams served in petri dishes, to chocolate spacemen and dinosaur biscuits, all served in a delightful English drawing room at The Ampersand Hotel.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Is there a more quintessentially British way to spend an afternoon? For a far-from-traditional take on this English ritual, be sure to book a table at <a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/hotels\/the-ampersand-hotel\">The Ampersand Hotel<\/a> for an out-of-this-world menu inspired by its South Kensington neighbour, the Science Museum. Then there&#8217;s the East meets West options at <a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/hotels\/prince-akatoki-former-arch\">The Prince Akatoki<\/a>, which fuses authentic Japanese flavours with homegrown produce from suppliers around London, or traditional Indian sweets and a bespoke tea selection presented by a professional Tea Sommelier at <a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/hotels\/the-lalit-london\">The LaLiT London<\/a>. Tipsy tea takers will feel most at home on the rooftop restaurant of <a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/hotels\/vintry-and-mercer\">Vintry &amp; Mercer<\/a>, where you can sip from a creative collection of \u2018Tea Pot-Tails\u2019 overlooking the city skyline.<\/p>\n<h3>For ice-cream to rival Italy&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12741\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@cremolosogelato_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@cremolosogelato_resized.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@cremolosogelato_resized-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@cremolosogelato_resized-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Image: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/cremolosogelato\/\">@cremolosogelato<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p>With rumours of a heatwave approaching later this month, we got the scoop on London&#8217;s best ice-cream parlours so you can sweeten your summer&#8217;s day when the frozen section of every supermarket has sold out. <a href=\"https:\/\/gelupo.com\/\">Gelupo Soho<\/a> serves up the finest gelato this side of the Alps, with daily-made ice-cream in deli-inspired flavours, while <a href=\"https:\/\/cremolosogelato.co.uk\/\">Cremoloso<\/a> in Earlsfield has regular queues for its photogenic ice-cream waffles and Sicilian brioche ice-cream sandwiches drizzled with chocolate sauce.<\/p>\n<h3>For &#8220;it feels like we&#8217;re abroad&#8221; alfresco dining&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12744\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@petershamnurseries_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@petershamnurseries_resized.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@petershamnurseries_resized-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@petershamnurseries_resized-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12745\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@dallowayterrace_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@dallowayterrace_resized.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@dallowayterrace_resized-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@dallowayterrace_resized-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Images: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/petershamnurseries\/\">@petershamnurseries<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/dallowayterrace\/\">@dallowayterrace<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p>With over 1,300 covers across Soho for alfresco dining, countless restaurant terraces and brightly coloured tables set up on Carnaby Street, Newburgh Street and Ganton Street for communal seating, there&#8217;s a strong Mediterranean vibe to this corner of the West End right now. Meanwhile in Bloomsbury, the ever-photogenic <a href=\"https:\/\/dallowayterrace.com\/\">Dalloway Terrace<\/a> has transformed into a flower-filled, citrus scented <a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/europe\/italy\/amalfi-coast\">Amalfi Coast<\/a> paradise, where diners can tuck into rosemary focaccia washed down with limited-edition Malfy Gin cocktails. Then there&#8217;s the slow-food menu courtesy of the Boglione family at <a href=\"https:\/\/petershamnurseries.com\/\">Petersham Nurseries<\/a> Covent Garden, home to two restaurants, a deli, wine cellar, and sensationally styled homeware boutique.<\/p>\n<h3>For creative, cool, and quirky cocktails&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12747\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Cocktails_resized-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Cocktails_resized-1.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Cocktails_resized-1-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Cocktails_resized-1-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Left: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/mrfoggsgb\/\">@mrfoggsgb<\/a> \/ Right: DUKES Bar is renowned for serving the best martinis in town \u2013 even the world, some would argue.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>In need of a tipple or two after months spent in lockdown? Celebrate your new-found freedom with friends at these well-established watering holes, from the James Bond-approved <a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/hotels\/dukes-london\">DUKES<\/a> Bar tucked away in St. James&#8217; where Sir Ian Fleming apparently coined the phrase &#8220;shaken, not stirred,&#8221; to Hoxton&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/barnightjar.com\/\">Nightjar<\/a>, a small, speakeasy-style jazz bar which oozes 1920s glamour. Day drinkers can quench their thirst at the recently opened <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mr-foggs.com\/\">Mr Fogg&#8217;s<\/a> Secret Garden, a whimsical Victorian garden with a Pimms Rose Walk and Tanqueray Orangery, serving botanical-infused cocktails beneath canopies of white roses and citrus groves.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">The hottest tickets in town\u2026a look at London\u2019s must-visit exhibitions and shows<\/h2>\n<p>The capital&#8217;s arts and culture scene has been making a much needed come back following pandemic closures, with a whole host of exciting exhibitions, gallery pop-ups, and must-see shows hitting theatres and cinemas.<\/p>\n<h3>For some art and soul&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12748\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Art_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Art_resized.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Art_resized-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Art_resized-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Art lovers should make a beeline for the highly anticipated, multisensory Vincent Van Gogh art experience at 106 Commercial Street, a former 19th century stable building which has been transformed into a fully immersive digital spectacle, where the iconic post-impressionist painter&#8217;s work is taking over the walls as visualised through the lenses of several dozen projectors and hyper-realistic VR headsets. Look out for going-like-gold-dust cancellations for Yayoi Kusama&#8217;s <em>Infinity Mirror Rooms<\/em> at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tate.org.uk\/whats-on\/tate-modern\/exhibition\/yayoi-kusama-infinity-mirror-rooms\">Tate<\/a>, which is currently fully booked until the end of October this year, or meet the man behind the myth at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britishmuseum.org\/exhibitions\/nero-man-behind-myth\">British Museum&#8217;s<\/a> <em>Nero<\/em> exhibition, who&#8217;s gone down for his madness in merciless, matricidal megalomaniac history.<\/p>\n<h3>For a song and dance&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p>It&#8217;s time to take your seats on the West End, where Lily Allen has had rave reviews for her chilling performance in <em>2:22 &#8211; A Ghost Story<\/em>, while there are only five weeks left to enjoy <em>Les Mis\u00e9rables \u2013 The Staged Concert<\/em> at the Sondheim, a show so good it has been extended twice by public demand. If you&#8217;re bored of <em>Netflix<\/em> and chilling, outdoor cinema is returning to the city&#8217;s parks, rooftops, and rivers with the likes of the Rooftop Film Club and Summer Showtime putting on a mixture of new releases and old classics on big screens around the capital. And if you&#8217;re struggling to secure last-minute tickets, why not settle for a sing along at one of the many piano bars across London?<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">In full bloom\u2026the greenest places to go for a breath of fresh air<\/h2>\n<p>London residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to urban oases, from royal parks to secret gardens there is no shortage of places to picnic, walk your dog, or read a book on your break. There is an endless list of reasons why spending time outdoors is beneficial to both our mental and physical health, and the restorative powers of nature have never been so needed for us Vitamin D-deprived, house-bound city dwellers.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12752\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Richmond-resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Richmond-resized.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Richmond-resized-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Richmond-resized-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>For picnics in the park&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p>The Pimms is flowing freely from strawberry-stuffed glasses, the hamper is full to the brim with honey-mustard sausages, crudit\u00e9s and delicious dips, Scotch eggs and overfilled baguettes, and the blanket or bench has been spread or set. On a swelteringly hot summer&#8217;s day, set up camp near the public swimming ponds at Hampstead Heath for a post-picnic dip, or seek shade beneath the trees in Kew Gardens&#8217; woodland areas. Primrose Hill and Alexandra Palace Park both boast breath-taking views of the city, and the Thames-side positioning of Hammersmith&#8217;s Furnival Gardens means picnickers can watch boats bobbing along in the water while soaking up the sunshine.<\/p>\n<h3>For glorious gardens&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12750\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Chelsea-Physic-resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Chelsea-Physic-resized.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Chelsea-Physic-resized-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Chelsea-Physic-resized-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Chelsea Physic Garden are offering behind-the-scenes tours with a senior member of the horticultural team this month, for the green-fingered to see areas not usually open to the public.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>With summer in full swing, the city&#8217;s gardens are currently at their most delightful. Feel transported to the Far East with a stroll through the Japanese-style Kyoto Gardens at Holland Park, or step back in time in 18th-century walled garden at Fulham Palace or the landscaped grounds at Hampton Court Palace designed by Henry VIII. For the royal treatment, take a turn about Buckingham Palace Gardens or Kensington Gardens, where budding gardeners can pick up tips for growing fruit and vegetables from the park\u2019s very own allotment.<\/p>\n<h3>For dog-friendly walkies&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12751\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/dogs-reszied.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/dogs-reszied.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/dogs-reszied-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/dogs-reszied-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If your regular park rounds are starting to take the biscuit, we&#8217;ve sniffed out the safest spaces to let your lockdown puppy off-lead and give your four-legged friend a good run around. As London&#8217;s largest open space, Epping Forest has hundreds of walking trails through ancient woodland, with plenty of ponds and lakes to keep your dog cool in the summer heat. Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve and also happens to be London&#8217;s largest enclosed space, with over 2,500 acres to roam &#8211; just be sure to avoid the park during the deer rutting (September to October) and birthing (May to July) seasons.<\/p>\n<h3>For fabulous flower markets&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12753\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@strawlondon_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@strawlondon_resized.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@strawlondon_resized-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/@strawlondon_resized-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Images: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/strawlondon\/\">@strawlondon<\/a> on Columbia Road<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Undoubtedly London&#8217;s best and most famous flower market, Columbia Road is where locals and tourists alike flock on a Sunday to browse the narrow road lined with stalls spilling over with freshly cut flowers, along with an Instagrammable array of independent shops, caf\u00e9s, restaurants and galleries. If you can&#8217;t face the crowds of Columbia Road, nearby Broadway Market is a lovely alternative on Saturdays, bustling with well-dressed Londoners on a morning mooch around curated bookshops with brown paper-wrapped bunch in hand. Early risers should head for New Covent Garden Market which opens at 4am, while night-owls can snap up some blooming bargains at New Spitalfields Market which opens at midnight and runs until 11am.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\">Where to stay in style&#8230;the best boutique hotels in London<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12755\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/The-Franklin-resized-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/The-Franklin-resized-1.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/The-Franklin-resized-1-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/The-Franklin-resized-1-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Rooms at The Franklin rekindle the spirit of La Belle \u00c9poque London \u2013 reinvented for the modern era.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/hotels\/the-franklin\">THE FRANKLIN<\/a><\/strong>\u2026 Gatsby-era glamour round the corner from the luxury shopping of Knightsbridge.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/hotels\/the-ampersand-hotel\">THE AMPERSAND<\/a><\/strong>\u2026 unique interiors inspired by London\u2019s most famous museums, including the V&amp;A.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/hotels\/the-lalit-london\"><strong>THE LALIT<\/strong><\/a>\u2026 Indian hospitality meets British tradition, with rich colours and a fusion spa.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/hotels\/vintry-and-mercer\">VINTRY &amp; MERCER<\/a><\/strong>\u2026 quirky luxury boasting an exclusive speakeasy bar and a roof terrace restaurant with skyline views.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12754\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/London-Hotels-resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/London-Hotels-resized.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/London-Hotels-resized-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/London-Hotels-resized-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/hotels\/dukes-london\">DUKES LONDON<\/a><\/strong>\u2026 a sophisticated home-from-home, featuring the bar that inspired James Bond\u2019s famous martini.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/hotels\/st-james-hotel-and-club\"><strong>ST. JAMES\u2019S HOTEL &amp; CLUB<\/strong><\/a>\u2026a hidden gem conveniently placed for the best West End shopping and theatres.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/hotels\/prince-akatoki-former-arch\"><strong>THE PRINCE AKATOKI<\/strong><\/a>\u2026 minimalist, clean d\u00e9cor with Japanese influences, and a fine selection of whiskies and sakes to indulge in after a day in town.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/hotels\/flemings-mayfair\"><strong>FLEMINGS MAYFAIR<\/strong><\/a>\u2026a chic townhouse hotel in one of London\u2019s most exclusive addresses.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/hotels\/the-capital-hotel-apartments-and-townhouse\"><strong>THE CAPITAL HOTEL, APARTMENTS &amp; TOWNHOUSE<\/strong><\/a>\u2026enviably located just yards from Harrods and Harvey Nichols.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/hotels\/the-academy\"><strong>THE ACADEMY<\/strong><\/a>\u2026straight from a Georgian period drama complete with library \u2013 the perfect spot for a craft gin cocktail.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/hotels\/the-mitre-hotel\"><strong>THE MITRE HOTEL<\/strong><\/a>&#8230;a <a href=\"https:\/\/slh.com\/hotel-types\/pet-friendly-hotels\">dog-friendly<\/a> riverside retreat offering a bespoke picnic service, waterfront alfresco dining, and afternoon tea in historical Hampton Court.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"750\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12758\" src=\"https:\/\/testjournal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Mitre-resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Mitre-resized.jpg 990w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Mitre-resized-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Mitre-resized-768x582.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Indulge in one of the Royal rooms at The Mitre Hotel \u2013 the Catherine Parr suite perhaps, named after Henry VIII\u2019s last wife \u2013 and delight in details like copper roll top baths, four poster beds and expansive river views. Photographs by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/clairemenary\/\">Claire Menary<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Put the flags out! Be part of the back-to-normal buzz in London while other staycationers flock to the coast and countryside Visiting London during the summer has always&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":12757,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[128,163,157],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Looking good, London: why a capital city break is a must this month - Small Luxury Hotels of the World Journal<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A curated guide to falling in love with London this summer, including where to eat, what to do, and the best boutique hotels to stay at.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Looking good, London: why a capital city break is a must this month - 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