Enjoy Alfresco Living In London This Summer

Some things are just better when enjoyed outdoors. Food, of course, is the most obvious candidate, but there are many other things that translate well to an alfresco setting. From theatre and picnics to sporting events and movies by moonlight, London sets the perfect scene.  

Some cities bake in year-round sun. But in London the seasons shift and change, casting a new spell over the streets each day. So when summer does arrive – when the city awakens to cloudless blue skies – a collective, palpable, ‘joie de vivre’ takes hold. When this happens, the best thing to do is jump in, feet first.

Perfect panoramas

To gauge the weather, head skyward to your nearest roof terrace (The Berkeley’s is complete with pool, loungers and bar). Whether dropping in for a leisurely brunch or a quick iced-coffee, London’s rooftops come alive in the sun – the ideal place to plan your day while taking in the city skyline. To make it a doubly-indulgent morning, pop to Cedric Grolet's pâtisserie counter and pick up a zingy summer treat to start the day in style.

For vistas with a more cultural pedigree, the adventurous can head to St Pauls. Ascend 528 steps to the Golden Gallery, and the city rewards you with one of its finest views. You can also try this in reverse: take a stroll along Southbank at sunset and admire the famous dome as it’s bathed in rays of pink and gold. 

Less lofty but still offering a superb outlook is pretty Primrose Hill. The hill itself offers one of London’s protected views, and is a popular place for family outings. Leafy and serene, come with a picnic to make the most of the space and scenery, or wander past pastel-coloured townhouses until a café catches your eye.

Open-air entertainment

London provides year-round diversions for theatre lovers, but summer unveils new arenas for storytelling. In the heart of Regent’s Park, a modern amphitheatre offers an exciting programme of open-air performances. Summer 2024 sees beloved musical Fiddler on the Roof take centre stage. Complete the night with a glass or two of Pimm’s, and a luxury hamper.

From Tevye to Titania, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is cast over Kew Gardens. Kew’s stunning grounds make the perfect botanical backdrop for Shakespeare’s magical tale. And for children, Kenneth Grahame’s riverbank classic, The Wind in the Willows, is sure to enchant.

Fans of film are also well served, with open-air cinema screenings at The Barbican, Everyman on the Canal at King’s Cross, and Vauxhall’s Pleasure Gardens. Elsewhere, things take a classical turn at Opera Holland Park, while a steady flow of international talent will grace the stage for Somerset House’s Summer Series. 

Eat and drink it all in

After such a whirlwind of activity, it’s time for lunch. And the fastest way to add romance to a meal? Take it outdoors. Think parasols and flowers by day, twinkling lights and cooling air by night. Hidden courtyards, sunny terraces and riverside gardens are London’s calling cards, so carve out some time to relax ‘en plein air’ with good food and flowing conversation.

Everything tastes better outdoors.

Claudia Roden

At The Berkeley, things go alfresco on The Terrace, a Mediterranean-style courtyard where laid-back lunches are best paired with vintage champagne, while lanterns and candlelight set the scene for magical evening meals. Back on the roof, sultry summer evenings demand a last dip in the pool, then cocktails or sparkling wine to toast the setting sun.

Embrace alfresco living at The Berkeley

To live and breathe a true London summer, seek out the help of our Concierge Service. From organising picnics in the park to a champagne welcome on your private terrace, the team is dedicated to helping guests take advantage of the great outdoors. They can even wheel over Berkeley Bikes for an adventure on two wheels – after all, Belgravia is a very cyclable neighbourhood, and Hyde Park has countless scenic routes. Then there are guided tours to take, tickets to outdoor events and dinner under the stars...