Sundrenched parks, lengthy picnics, and rooftops at golden hour – August in London is always a good time, with everyone across the city eager to tick off the last things on their summer bucket list before autumn arrives. The August Bank Holiday is just around the corner, giving Londoners a last taste of summer freedom before the busy autumn season.
From spa and brunch launches to one-off events and everyone’s favourite West London street party, there’s no shortage of things to do. But while Notting Hill Carnival and All Points East might be on everyone’s radar, our guide offers some events, launches and ideas that are a little more low-key. Whether your summer plans involve wellness events, wine tastings, or al fresco dinners teamed with the city’s best cocktails, there are plenty of places to enjoy the last days of summer. Lauren Kate Hughes rounds up the best events to try this August.
August in London: The best events, pop-ups and launches to try this month
We’ve curated a list of the best London events in August, whether you’re looking for some R&R, a summer terrace to while away an evening on or something a little more unusual to try with friends.
Visit Coq au Vin, a limited edition wine bar
This Bank Holiday, we’re about to witness a beautiful love story where fried chicken and chicken wine come together. La Vielle Ferme, everyone’s favourite affordable, Provence-style (though, fun fact: it’s actually produced in the southern Rhône Valley rather than the official Provence region) rosé wine, has teamed up with KFC for a pop-up wine bar serving the ultimate wine pairings.
Try popcorn chicken with pink fizz, sticky wings and a full-bodied rouge, with some surprises along the way. Tickets are £15 and include the full Coq au Vin experience. Limited walk-ins are available during the day, but if you want to guarantee a space, grab a ticket via Eventbrite.
Try Rita’s Raw
Legendary Soho restaurant Rita’s has launched Rita’s Raw, a dedicated raw bar and cold kitchen celebrating the best of summer produce. Expect bluefin tuna crudo, oysters, ceviche, peel-and-eat shrimp, tuna tostadas, steamed lobster and more, alongside ice-cold martinis and a concise wine list. The restaurant has quickly become a London institution, drawing in crowds for its intimate feel and delicious dining. This fresh, light menu is perfect for an al fresco (UK weather permitting) lunch and cocktails. The perfect end to summer.
Sample Vapoura Rum in a new cocktail menu at The Mandrake
The Mandrake hotel, a sultry hotel in Fitzrovia that feels like stepping into a surrealist gallery, is home to Waeska Bar, one of the Capital’s most atmospheric cocktail bars, as well as YOPO Zaytoun, the hotel’s high-drama candlelit restaurant. They’ve recently partnered with Vapoura, a super-premium and unique English rum distilled, for After Stories, a multi-sensory collaboration that transforms the hotel’s dark, moody spaces into a limited-edition vinyl and themed cocktail menu.
There are three cocktails to choose from, crafted with Vapoura’s Chapter One and Chapter Two expressions: Angel Sage, a bright mix of citrus and herbs; Velvet Cocoon, a blend of coconut oil and a watermelon and mango cordial. (both served in Waeska Bar); and the more indulgent Sacred Bean (available in YOPO Zaytoun), which layers nutty amaretto, earthy sweet potato shochu and violet-hued ube with white chocolate and tonka cream. The perfect trio to work through this August Bank Holiday weekend.
The Landmark has relaunched its spa with incredible results
Anyone needing a little R&R this Bank Holiday weekend after a summer diary full of plans, this one is for you. The Landmark London‘s legendary spa has had a major upgrade, working in collaboration with award-winning architecture studio Alex Kravetz Design (AKD). Visitors and guests can enjoy a sophisticated thermal suite, designed around contrast therapy and thermal recovery.
The space includes a 34°C vitality pool, with Swan Neck hydrotherapy jets, an aromatic steam room, Finnish sauna, ice fountain, heated marble loungers and multi-sensory experience showers. The best news is that those not staying at the hotel can experience this beautiful spa as well, with a series of newly introduced day packages that invite guests to tailor their time, from a focused two-hour thermal journey with dedicated relaxation to more immersive spa rituals.
Stretch out during Rooftop Rituals at Aviary London
Aviary is a beautiful rooftop venue where you can take part in an extra-special wellness experience with views over London. As well as a memorable experience guided by wellness expert and influencer Emily Mouu with views across London’s skyline spanning St Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard, guests are treated to a beauty and wellbeing goody bag worth £50. You can book tickets here.
Experience The Maine’s Newly Designed Palm Room
The Maine is another London institution that’s switched things up this summer. The Palm Room is a glamorous new dining space inspired by ‘faraway shores’ and designed by AD100-listed Linda Boronkay. Expect a breezy summer colour palette enhanced by antique lighting and bamboo details, with a showstopping mother-of-pearl chandelier. Come for a relaxed dinner, come for cocktails, or peaceful wine in the afternoon after shopping in Mayfair just to soak up its elegant ambience.
Go and see ‘The Story’ at The National Theatre
The Story is a powerful new play debuting at The National Theatre – and we’d suggest snapping up tickets now. Launching on the 27th August (the Thursday before the Bank Holiday), Tracey Scott Wilson’s seminal newsroom thriller, starring Black Panther‘s Letitia Wright, is the show everyone’s going to be talking about. The story centres around four journalists racing to cover the murder of a white teacher in a Black neighbourhood, raising important questions around race and ethics. Not one to be missed, especially with tickets from as little as £25. Book your tickets on the National Theatre website.
Enjoy brunch at Marylebone’s hottest new address
Bank Holiday weekends are made for brunching – particularly those long lazy brunches that turn into afternoon cocktails or mocktails. Mour is a swish new restaurant in Marylebone known for its Mediterranean-inspired food and assortment of martinis. The new brunch menu will serve everything from Turkish eggs and French toast to coconut matcha and freshly pressed juices, and great coffee, of course. Savoury highlights include Turkish eggs with garlic yoghurt, chilli oil and sourdough, with the option to add nduja; eggs Florentine with sautéed spinach, poached eggs, Xigalo Sitias PDO and dill; avocado toast with lime, red chilli and mixed seeds; and classic eggs Benedict and eggs royale.
Enjoy a stylish dessert at Donutelier
Donutelier has to be one of the most stylish patisseries in London, bringing its distinctive brand of gourmet doughnuts and pastries to London. Currently, they’re celebrating summer with sundae-inspired soft serve desserts in a range of delicious flavours. The collection includes the Dulcey Ice Cream Doughnut, pairing a honey butter doughnut with caramel ice cream, toffee sauce, caramelised pecans and sablé; the Vanilla-Berry Ice Cream Doughnut with berry coulis and fresh strawberries; and the Vanilla-Chocolate Ice Cream Cookie, served on a choice of double chocolate or chocolate chip cookie.
Also available are Donutelier’s seasonal Berry Macaron, Lemon Meringue and Strawberry Matcha doughnuts, alongside summer drinks including the Blueberry Matcha Cloud, Strawberry Matcha Cloud and Berry Pink Lemonade. The Oxford Street boutique will be open throughout the Bank Holiday weekend from 9 am–9 pm, or until sold out.
It’s the last chance to enjoy the outdoor cinema at The Barbican
One of London’s most iconic venues has shapeshifted into an outdoor cinema for the summer, playing a range of classic shows within the surroundings of the Barbican Sculpture Park. The final few weeks will see the likes of Janet Jackson and Tupac starring in Poetic Justice, as well as Madonna in ’80s cult classic Desperately Seeking Susan. Film buffs, it’s one for the bucket list. Plus there’s some tasty street food on offer to enjoy during the show. Standard tickets are £20 (£18 concessions and £10 for under-18s).
CATS is now playing at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
The revival production of CATS is currently playing in London at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, one of London’s most beautiful theatre spaces. This new version of the play directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, this limited London season plays until 19 September, before the production goes on a tour of the UK and Ireland. Expect a modern retelling of the story that leans into the magical surroundings of Regent’s Park, with actors winding in between the trees before pouncing onto the open-air stage. You can find out more on the CATS at Regent’s Park website here.
Burgers & Bordeaux Saturdays at Humble Grape
Humble Grape is one of our favourite London wine bars thanks to its delicious food menu and extensive wine list. While Burgers and Bordeaux might not be the most conventional pairing, it works just as wonderfully as a steak and punchy glass of red. For just £20 (a bargain, by London standards) team a glass of Château Grangey ‘Le Cerisier’, 2020, Bordeaux, a classic (and very classy) Merlot/Cab Franc blend, with one of the restaurant’s signature beef burgers, served with dijon mustard, aioli, tomato, chilli jam, and cornichons – once you go Bordeaux and burger, you won’t go back.
