July marks the beginning of high summer in London; roof terraces are packed out ready for golden sunsets, the city’s many parks are lined with picnic blankets, and pub gardens stay bustling from the early afternoon until closing time.
Whether your summer plans involve wellness events, wine tastings, or al fresco dinners teamed with the city’s best cocktails, there are plenty of options to satisfy the most discerning tastes. Lauren Kate Hughes rounds up the best events to try this July.
July in London: The best events, pop-ups and launches to try this month
We’ve curated a list of the best London events in July, 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.
London’s biggest Bastille Day celebration returns to Brasserie Zédel
Bastille Day is known in France as La Fête Nationale, but it’s celebrated in London with live music, French-style spritz and lengthy picnics in the park. As a tribute to Bastille Day, Brasserie Zédel is partnering with Lillet to bring a taste of France to Piccadilly, with a limited-edition cocktail menu available from 1st – 14th July.
The menu includes the Spritz Parisien, incorporating Lillet Rosé, Campari, myrtille liqueur and Crémant de Loire; Liberté, a refreshing mix of Lillet Blanc, vodka, cucumber liqueur, lemon and Pernod; Égalité, combining Lillet Rosé, Plymouth Gin, passion fruit and Crémant de Loire; and Fraternité, made with Lillet Rouge, Crémant de Loire, framboise liqueur and Fever-Tree lemonade.
From 12th – 14th July, Brasserie Zédel will showcase a series of acts, including performances from Mademoiselle Loulou, a roaming accordionist, close-up magic and tributes to French musical icons at Crazy Coqs. Guests dining in the Brasserie over the celebrations can also take part in the much-loved Best Dressed competition, with prizes awarded to those embracing the occasion in true French style.
Afternoons in Bloom at The Greenhouses Marylebone
The Greenhouses in Marleybone offer an enchanting venue, with secret dining rooms nestled in glass houses, surrounded by foliage and fairy lights. They’re launching a series of events throughout the summer, with the first taking place on Saturday 25th July. Part wine tasting, part afternoon tea, this special event showcases the art of pairing as you move through the savoury and sweet afternoon tea courses, paired with wines from Graft, an independent wine importer based in South London.
Aethos London is hosting The East London Social
Aethos London is an exciting new boutique hotel and members’ club with a roster of exciting events. Their July event is the East London Social on Sunday 19th July – a collaborative brunch bringing together The Pickle House and East London Liquor Company for an afternoon of comfort food, Bloody Marys and a DJ set in their members’ space.
Highlights from the menu include Jersey oysters with The Pickle House mignonette, devilled eggs with sourdough crumb, fried chicken and crispy potato waffles with gochujang hot honey, and eggs Benedict with cured beef pastrami and pickle hollandaise, rounding off with a tomato sorbet with strawberries, basil and olive oil. Priced at £45 per person, the menu includes two welcome drinks, sharing starters, a main and dessert.
Glow Up Morning at The Nest at Treehouse Hotel
If you’re in need of some pampering this July, The Nest at Treehouse Hotel London has partnered with GOLD COLLAGEN for a morning of skincare conversation and a delicious breakfast. Guests will go home with a goody bag worth £120 featuring the brand new Gold Collagen Forte Liquid Sachets, plus skincare favourites including four Hydrogel Masks, an Instant Glow Serum and a Night Renewal Serum. Tickets are priced at £20.
Eataly x Birra Flea summer terrace
Eataly London has launched a brand-new summer terrace with Italian craft beer brand Birra Flea, bringing a taste of Tuscany to Liverpool Street. Last year saw Eataly launch the Aperol Spritzeria terrace, and after its success, this year will see the sun trap in collaboration with Birra Flea.
There’s a dedicated outdoor bar, Tuscan décor, and a menu of crafted beers, Italian aperitivo, and delicious dishes. Guests can also order from the various counters in the store for handmade pizzas, fresh pasta and other Italian favourites. For a sweet treat, head inside to Eataly’s Gelateria counter.
Happy Hour at Humble Grape
While wine bars are incredibly popular in London, their high costs can be a deterrent from frequenting them too often, which is why Humble Grape has come up with a solution – a wine-inspired happy hour throughout the summer. Enjoy top-quality wines for just £6 at Canary Wharf on weekdays from 5 pm – 6 pm, as well as during Saturday sessions from 12 pm – 4:30 pm at Battersea, Canary Wharf and Islington.
The first ever Women’s Test Match at Lords
This summer marks a monumental day for women’s cricket, when Lord’s Cricket Ground will host its first-ever Women’s Test Match, as England take on India from 10th – 13th July, promising to be one of the biggest sporting events of the summer.
The match comes 50 years after Rachael Heyhoe Flint became the first England Women’s captain to lead her side out at Lord’s. This year, Nat Sciver-Brunt will captain England in what is set to be a landmark occasion for women’s sport. As well as enjoying the match, visitors can enjoy top-notch food at local food vendors as well as fine dining at Tommy Banks’ Edrich Restaurant. Tickets start from £5 for children and £25 for adults.
