London is a destination so major, so epic, and so iconic that it can be seriously daunting to navigate in those hustling and bustling after-work hours, especially when the temperatures rise and the sun actually shines. From sunset swims to the very best barbecue clubs, here’s how to venture off the well-trod path and discover the many sides of London this summer.
There’s a thousand places to explore in London and a hundred ways to do it, but cruising down London's oldest canal from Limehouse to Hackney Wick as the sun sets behind this iconic skyline might just be our favourite. And the plan is as simple as it is epic. Collect your canoe after work and then paddle along the 5km of winding canals, soaking up the sights of this urban adventure as twilight takes over before pulling up at whichever waterside spot has space for you to enjoy a refreshing pint of hoppy stuff: Crate Brewery, The Milk Float, Number 90 or our personal favourite, Barge East.
Setting up shop in both Cavendish Square and Earls Court, the epic Underbelly Festival is ready to make your summer evenings truly unforgettable. From aerial acrobatics to creative cabaret to the most talented comedy performers you can imagine, the Underbelly Festival is bringing its famous festival spirit and sensational shows to some very cool al fresco locations, along with a range of tasty street food vendors and outdoor bars so that you can enjoy some after-office fun in the sun.
Enjoy getting your film fix under the stars this summer, the warm summer breeze cooling your skin as you head to one of London’s alfresco movie spots. From rustic rooftop hideaways to the capital’s most illustrious venues, Hampton Court Palace to Kenwood House, The Luna Cinema is showcasing a range of cinematic classics in the most dazzling destinations all summer long. So pop some beers in your backpack and get ready to enjoy the summery weather as you watch anything you like, as London’s twinkling light show starts up around you.
The next time you step out of your air conditioned office and get hit by the warm evening air, make the most of it by heading to any one of London’s awesome wild swimming spots. From the 17th Century swimming ponds at Hampstead Heath to the West Reservoir in Hackney, the Serpentine Lido in the middle of Hyde Park to Ham Lake on the edge of Richmond, make the most of the long summer sun as you explore the most adventurous swimming spots in the big city as and when the weather calls for it. Simply stash a pair of swimmers in your backpack and go with the flow.
Get ready to put your grill skills to the test at Jimmy’s BBQ Club this summer, as you and your mates head down to the sun-soaked Southbank for an al fresco dining experience that will feed your soul and fill your stomach. Showcasing an array of delicious and time-honoured barbecue techniques, you’ll get to whip up a 6-course meal of whiskey smoked trout, lamb cutlets, ribs, and sticky pineapple n’ coconut panna cotta. And the best part: you get to enjoy it from your own cabana.
