Summer is the season during which London shines brightest. The sporting and cultural calendars are in full swing, restaurants spill onto the streets and the city’s parks and historic facades are bathed in the kind of golden hour light that makes even the most familiar corners feel newly discovered. There is a distinct energy to a London summer – an anticipation that builds from the first warm day and carries through to the long evenings of late August.
For the ULYSSIAN community arriving in the city this season, London offers everything from iconic events – Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, the Serpentine Summer Party – to the quieter, less obvious pleasures that only those who truly know the city are drawn to. The vibrant neighbourhoods, the hidden corners, the restaurants and rooms that regulars return to year after year. ULYSSIA’s itinerary brings her residents to London at precisely the right moment.
This is our guide to spending summer in London, the ULYSSIAN way.
Time Well Spent
Live Music
Whether it’s an intimate evening of jazz or a world-renowned concert, London offers a soundtrack to every summer evening. Settle into Soho’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club for late-night performances from some of the world’s finest musicians, or spend an evening beneath the iconic domed roof of the Royal Albert Hall, whose summer programme spans classical, contemporary and everything in between.
Arts & Culture
Spend an afternoon exploring the greats like the V&A, Tate Britain or Tate Modern, before discovering smaller gems such as the Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House with its incredible collection of Impressionists. Dotted around St James’ and Mayfair, you’ll also discover a wealth of independent galleries showcasing the works of renowned and emerging artists alike.
The Best of London’s Boutiques
Begin with the timeless department stores of Liberty, Selfridges and Harrods before exploring London’s most charming neighbourhoods. Marylebone Village offers beautifully curated independent boutiques, cafés and homeware stores, while Notting Hill’s Westbourne Grove and Ledbury Road are lined with fashion, interiors and lifestyle brands.
Defining Summer Moments
Summer in London is marked by a calendar of world-renowned occasions. From the timeless traditions of Royal Ascot and the elegance of Wimbledon to the exhilarating atmosphere of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, each offers its own unique perspective on British culture. For lovers of art and design, the Serpentine Summer Party remains one of the capital’s most anticipated gatherings, celebrating architecture, creativity and contemporary culture in the heart of Kensington Gardens.
Where the Evening Begins
For a perfectly crafted martini, head to The Connaught Bar or Duke’s in St James’s. For something more contemporary, Waltz offers inventive Japanese cocktails in an intimate setting. If a traditional London pub is more your style, few do it better than Mayfair’s Guinea Grill.
London’s Finest Tables
For an authentic taste of British cuisine, St. John Smithfield remains one of the city’s great culinary institutions. Another enduring institution, The River Café continues to set the benchmark for Italian dining on the banks of the Thames. For a truly memorable evening, reserve a table at The Ritz Restaurant for timeless elegance set within one of London’s historic hotels. Notting Hill’s Core by Clare Smyth is where you’ll find exceptional modern British cooking, while in Mayfair much-loved Gymkhana – serving award-winning Indian cuisine – has earned its place among London’s finest restaurants.
