17 August Pop-Ups To Know

Cocktails in the City

London’s biggest and most famous cocktail festival returns for its second edition this August. Look forward to London’s best bars, bartenders, and the world’s most recognisable drinks brands all converging at Bedford Square in Bloomsbury for Cocktails in the City, the ultimate garden party celebration. Top restaurants and bars from London will all come together in one stunning location, including Ognisko, Quaglino’s, The Guards Bar at Raffles and Viajante87. Plus, we’ve partnered with the festival to offer exclusive Handbook tickets, which include entry, two cocktails, experiences and access to all areas of the festival.

when: 7th to 9th august
where: Bedford Square Garden, WC1B 3HH
website: www.cocktailsinthecity.com

Greenwich Peninsula’s charity fashion pop-up

If you’re looking for a wardrobe revamp, visit the lovely Charity Super.Mkt pop-up at Greenwich Peninsula that has a carefully curated selection of pre-loved fashion pieces, provided by local and national charities from across the UK. Whether you’re searching for your next favourite pair of denims or you’re keen to get a headstart on your autumn wardrobe, this is a great spot for conscious shopping at its best.

When: till 31st august
where: NOW Gallery, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0AX
website: www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk

The Mermaid Terrace at Wright Bros

Celebrate Mermaid Gin’s 10th anniversary at Wright Bros in Battersea, where Mermaid has taken over the terrace all summer long with a curated menu of delicious cocktails. A must-try is the limited-edition 10th anniversary gin, which features locally foraged rock samphire and coastal fig leaves for a unique island-inspired expression. Look forward to natural flower arches and golden sun-kissed accents at this gorgeous summer escape.

Celebrate Mermaid Gin’s 10th anniversary at Wright Bros in Battersea.

where: Wright Brothers, West Village, London SW11 8EZ
website: www.isleofwightdistillery.com

Camden Market’s Summer of Sound

Camden Market is set to come alive with a series of unmissable DJ sessions celebrating its legendary musical roots. The “Back 2 Life Café” series launches with iconic sets from Jerry Dammers and David Rodigan, setting the tone for a nostalgic tribute to the sounds that shaped the scene. On August 8th, Soul II Soul founder and curator Jazzie B will take the decks for a special session blending soul, R’n’B, hip-hop, and dance classics. The following week, on August 15th, Tony Monson of Solar Radio and Soul II Soul’s Chris Baxter will deliver a vibrant mix of soul and jazz. All sessions are free to attend and take place every Friday from 5pm to 8pm at Hawley Wharf.

when: 8th and 15th august.
where: camden. market, NW1 8AF
website: www.camdenmarket.com

Sax & Slings

Raffles London at The OWO and Sipsmith have launched Sax & Slings, a summer series in partnership with the Royal College of Music. Taking place every Wednesday evening till 27th August at the elegant The Guards Bar, the experience is all about supporting emerging musical talent, offering a platform for up-and-coming performers to take centre stage. You can expect excellent cocktails like the Singapore Sling (a homage to the classic created at Raffles Singapore in 1915), best paired with some delicious crispy chicken. Or try the London Sling, which spotlights the best of British ingredients (made with Sipsmith Raffles 1915 Gin, Strawberry & Oat, Sipello, Linden Tea and cherry bitters). Pair this one with the farinata (tapenade, pine kernels, heritage courgetti, parmesan) and you’re in for a great night.

when: till 27th auugst
where: Raffles London at The OWO, Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX
website: www.raffles.com/london

Roman Meal exhibition at Mount Street

Roman Meal, an exhibition of two new sculptures by artist Kathleen Ryan, is a stand-out exhibition to explore this month. At the exhibition, Ryan reflects her interpretation of the ideas of utility and excess, luxury and repulsion, “while maintaining an appealing sense of the absurd”. The pieces on display are titled Fender Bender and Sliced Bread (Golden Hour), and the exhibition explores everyday and often discarded things. It’s also very much about finding the beauty in seemingly common things.

when: till 15th august
where: 17–19 Davies Street, London W1K 3DE
website: www.mountstreetneighbourhood.com

Hakkasan Uncorked

Enjoy modern Cantonese cuisine at Hakkasan while trying their latest menu offering, Uncorked, an elegant new weekly initiative launching at Hakkasan Mayfair. Taking place every Wednesday, Hakkasan Uncorked invites guests to indulge in an exclusive wine offering, where you can enjoy a selection of rare, celebrated, and iconic bottles available at specially reduced prices.

when: every wednesday
where: 7 Bruton Street, London, W1J 6QB
website: www.taogroup.com/venues

Fenchurch Restaurant x Borough 22

A new limited-edition doughnut has arrived in London that’s bringing serious Caribbean flavour. The Soursop Drop from Borough 22 features silky soursop custard, salty-sweet plantain chips and a fruity mango glaze, all 100% gluten-free and plant-based. Created in collaboration with Kerth Gumbs, Chef De Cuisine of Sky Garden’s Caribbean fine-dining gem Fenchurch, it’s a sweet tribute to Caribbean heritage. The doughnuts are available for a limited time only from Selfridges Food Hall, via Deliveroo, or online.

where: Selfridges Food Hall & borough 22
website: www.borough22.com

Roller Disco at Fulham Pier

This one’s a fun weekend activity for friends, families or anyone who wants to do some dancing (on wheels). Roller Disco is hosting three sessions at Fulham Pier this August that you can book – expect booming beats, dazzling lights, and non-stop good vibes. The experience is great for everyone, whether you’re a total pro or a first-time skater. So get ready to throw on your brightest clothes, grab your glow sticks, and immerse yourself in some seriously retro vibes.

when: 10th august
where: orange box, fulham pier, SW6 6HH
website: www.fulhampier.com

National Art Pass

If you’re on a mission to see the UK’s best art and culture exhibitions, museums, galleries and more, the National Art Pass is for you. With discounts at 100s of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, a National Art Pass helps you save all summer long. Just for the summer, you can try out their membership for 3 months for just £20. Add Plus Kids to your trial for an extra £5 so little ones can enjoy the same discounts. [Please note: this offer is available to first-time members only].

website: www.artfund.org

Kings Cross Summer Sounds

London’s much-loved free music and performance festival, King’s Cross Summer Sounds, is making a return to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The line-up includes saxophonist, YolanDa Brown, singers from the English National Opera, Barbadian–born bassist, vocalist and composer, Isobella Burnham and performances from West End singers from iconic shows like Les Miserables, Mamma Mia, West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked and Grease. The evening concerts will run from 6:30 to 8:30pm with Family Sundays taking place from 1 to 6pm.

When: 7-17 August 
Where: Coal Drops Yard
website: www.kingscross.co.uK

Sunset Sessions at Battersea Power Station

Till 25th August, you can soak up the spirit of Barbados at Battersea Power Station, with a series of free, island–inspired events. Get into the spirit of summer while you groove to music from live performers, including sunset DJ sets. Plus, there will be a Caribbean street food pop-up that you can enjoy in a laid-back, beachside vibe that brings a slice of tropical paradise to London. One to look forward to is the Sunset Sessions taking place on 22nd and 23rd August, where you can sip on rum cocktails and watch the sun go down over the Thames.

when: 22nd & 23rd august
where: battersea power station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8DD
website: www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk

Book ahead: Goodwood Revival

The world’s best historic motorsport event, Goodwood Revival is all about celebrating iconic cars and fashion. The festival brings together some intense racing drama against a bustling vintage atmosphere with plenty of activities planned to keep the kids occupied too (including a pedal car race). Revival is a great opportunity to enjoy the glamour and style of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, so put on your best vintage outfit on this glorious summer day out. This one’s in September, but tickets sell out quite quickly, so you’re going to want to book yours now.

when: 12th to 14th september
where: Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester, West Sussex, PO180PH
website: www.goodwood.com

Pan Pacific London’s soft serve van

Pan Pacific London is bringing a slice of London nostalgia to Bishopsgate with Cream & Stout, a playful summer pop-up inspired by a legendary 1970s ice cream van. Stationed on the hotel’s sun-soaked plaza, the experience blends perfectly poured pints with Guinness Zero soft serves, nostalgic cocktails, and elevated pub snacks including cottage pie croquettes and Carlingford oysters. Running daily until September, this pop-up captures the spirit of London’s vibrant summer
with a touch of East End folklore, all in the setting of Pan Pacific London’s sun-drenched outdoor terrace.

where: 80 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7AB
website: www.panpacific.com

The Portrait Summer Sessions

There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a summer cocktail in hand, surrounded by sweeping views of London. Head to the stunning Portrait Restaurant at The Portrait Summer Sessions: Pommery & the Panorama, a vibrant collaboration with Pommery Champagne that’s perfect for summer.

The bespoke cocktails include the floral elegance of ‘Dusk & Bloom’ to the bold character of ‘The Forbidden. Available until 31st August during the restaurant’s Apéritif Hour daily from 4pm to 6:30pm, each cocktail is just £8.

when: till 31st august
where: National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London, WC2H 0HE
website: www.theportraitrestaurant.com

The Cadogan and Saicho Sparkling Tea Workshop

A highlight of the month will be an exclusive event on Thursday, 14th August, during Afternoon Tea Week. This gathering, centred around craftsmanship, creativity, and the enjoyment of afternoon tea, will be hosted by Benoit Blin and Jo Ann Arts. Benoit will share his expertise on the art of pastry, offering insights into his creative process and techniques. Following this, Jo Ann Arts will lead a botanical workshop, inviting guests to unleash their creativity by painting their own Saicho bottles, creating a personalised keepsake. Tickets are limited and are for £50 per person.

where: 75 Sloane St, Chelsea, London SW1X 9SG
website: www.sevenrooms.com

Peppa Pig at Battersea Power Station

London explorers can meet everyone’s favourite piglet, Peppa Pig, while visiting the unique chimney lift experience Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station.  On select dates, there will be special Peppa Pig meet, greet and storytime sessions, before you soar up 109 metres to the top of the iconic Power Station’s northwest chimney. Young fans can also spot famous landmarks and tick them off on a themed activity sheet. The Peppa Pig Meet & Greet Sessions at Lift 109 take place on 5th & 6th August at 10:30am and 11:15am.

when: 5th & 6th august
where: Boiler House North, SW8 5BN
website: www.lift109.co.uk

Searcy’s secret rooftop bar

No crowds, no queues here – this secret rooftop terrace bar in Westminster looks like a lovely summer place to head to this August. Open to the public for the first time, the all-new Bolney English Wine Bar overlooks Big Ben and is a great spot to enjoy uninterrupted views of London. There’s also a thoughtfully selected drinks menu with award-winning Bolney English wines, gin and tonics, beers, as well as a selection of nibbles and sharing boards. Crafted for summer and available for a limited time until mid-September, this terrace is where Londoners and visitors alike can come to toast the season.

when: open till september
where: 11 Great George St, London SW1P 3AD
website: www.searcys.co.uk

Miris y Maíz at Paradise Soho

Miris y Maíz has a six-week summer residency at Paradise in Soho, that’s all about blending Sri-Lankan and Mexican spices, flavours and
textures, with standout British produce. Highlights on the menu include the 12-hour coconut braised Jaffna beef brisket with chocolate and peanut mole served with calamansi curd, and the roasted lingus pork belly and chorizo, dressed in burnt tomato and cherry salsa roja, with pineapple and habanero chutney. There’s also the coal-roasted prawn with ancho-chilli, Nuwara Eliya coffee rub, lime pickle butter, handello anchovy and chipotle with smashed cucumber and cactus slaw. End with a lovely trés leche cake reimagined with arrack to make an infused milk sponge with a burnt meringue cap.

When: till 30th august
where: 61 Rupert St, London W1D 7PW
website: www.opentable.co.uk