Cassandra's Guide to Summer in London
What to do, what to see and where to eat this summer in London.
Dates For Your Diaries
Chelsea in Bloom 18th – 24th May, 2026
Chelsea Flower Show 19th – 23rd May, 2026
Royal Ascot 16th – 20th June, 2026
Wimbledon Championships 29th June – 12th July, 2026
Glorious Goodwood 28th July – 1st August, 2026
Exhibitions
V&A
SCHIAPARELLI: FASHION BECOMES ART
The UK's first exhibition on Elsa Schiaparelli spans the 1920s to today, celebrating the innovative designer's influence. It traces the fashion house's groundbreaking origins and its evolution under current creative director Daniel Roseberry.
On until 1st November, 2026
In 1938, Walker Evans published American Photographs, capturing a country in flux. This display uses his title to examine how photography documented and shaped the United States.
On until 16th May, 2027
Called a ‘hidden gem’, this art gallery is located in Marylebone in an inconspicuous 18th century mansion. The collection comprises of a very impressive array of 18th century French paintings, furniture and other artistic spoils. It also boasts a wonderful café – great spot for lunch or tea.
Discover the extraordinary house and museum of Sir John Soane, one of the greatest English architects who built and lived in it two centuries ago. The museum is kept as it was at the time of his death in 1837 and displays his vast collection of antiquities, furniture, sculptures, architectural models and paintings.
Open Wednesdays to Saturdays
Entry is free
V&A East
A new permanent home for David Bowie’s archive. A single room featuring guest-curated displays, including spaces where you can book time one-to-one with items from the archive.
Entry is free
Battersea Power Station
More influential than Tutankhamum, King Ramses II widely known as Ramses the Great, ruled Egypt for nearly 67 years. Direct from the Egyptian museum in Cairo, a priceless collection of 180 ancient treasures on show.
Open until 31st May, 2026
Theatre
National Theatre
WAR HORSE
Based on Michael Morpurgo’s wonderful novel, War Horse is a timeless story of love, courage and friendship, brought to life by the astonishing life-sized horses from Handspring Puppet company and a stirring musical score.
16th May – 30th June, 2026
THE MISANTHROPE
Sandro Oh is the mistanthrope in Martin Crimp’s cutting new version of Moliere’s dark comedy.
16th June – 1st August, 2026
Aldwych Theatre
SHADOWLANDS
Based on a true story, Shadowlands follows Oxford don and author C. S. Lewis (Hugh Bonneville) as he opens his heart to a surprising and transformative romance with Joy Davidman (Maggie Siff), a spirited poet whose wit and honesty challenge his long held beliefs.
On until 9th May, 2026
Wyndham's Theatre
INTER ALIA
Starring acclaimed actress, Rosmaund Pike, Inter Alia follows Jessica Parks, a maverick judge who balances to fight to change an unjust legal system with motherhood, friendship and the realities of day-to-day life.
19th March - 20th June, 2026
Theatre Royal Haymarket
A new work by playwright David Hare, Grace Pervades stars Ralph Fiennes as Sir Henry Irving, the greatest of all Victorian stage actors and the first actor ever to be knighted. Also starring Miranda Raison as Ellen Terry who is recruited to join Irving’s company and the pair embark on a relationship that will change British theatre forever.
24th April – 11th July, 2026
Shakespeare Globe Theatre
Under starry summer skies, the Globe transforms into a realm of magic and mischief as lovers and fairies collide in a family-friendly night of wonder and transformation.
23rd April – 29th August, 2026
In celebration since their founding of the company 30th years ago, Opera Holland Park has a wonderful programme including Cosi Fan Tutti, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Turandot and the UK premiere of Ryusuke Numajiri’s The Bamboo Princess.
Greenery
In the heart of Chelsea, the Chelsea Physic Garden occupies four acres of land on the edge of the River Thames. First established by the apothecaries in order to grow medicinal plants, this wonderful garden has an incredible collection of plants, a fun place for families and a wonderful café.
Restaurants
Cassandra's Greek Favourites
Opso, 10 Paddington St. W1U QL
Suzi Tros, 18 Hillgate Street, W8 7SR
Oma, Borough Market SE1 9AL (1*)
Agora, 4 Bedale Street, SE1 9AL
Gea Chelsea, 7 Park Walk, SW10 0AJ
Myrtos, 260-262 Brompton Road, SW3 2AS
Brother Marcus, 1-3 Pelham Street, SW7 2ND
Pyro, 53b Southwark St, SE1 1RU
Chelsea
No. Fifty Cheyne, Cheyne Walk (££££)
At Sloane, Sloane Gardens (££££)
A hotel in Sloane Square reimagined by Jean-Louis Costes. A tactile Parisian home and arts and crafts inspired restaurant and basement bar.
Hunan, Pimlico Road (££££)
Villa Mamas, Elystan Street (£££)
Fusion of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Persian cuisines.
The Cadogan Arms, King's Road (£££)
Granger & Co., Pavilion Road (£££)
Colbert, Sloane Square (£££)
Manicomio, Duke of York Square (£££)
Casual dining.
Willett's at The Cadogan, Sloane Street (££)
Vardo’s, Duke of York Square (££)
All day dining – perfect for 2 or a crowd.
Mezcalito, Sydney Street (££)
Ottolenghi, Pavilion Road (££)
Perfect casual place for a spot of lunch.
The Chelsea Pig, Old Church Street (££)
The Bluebird, King's Road (££)
Perfect spot for a late lunch or cocktails.
Martino's, Sloane Square (£££)
Casual Dining
La Poule au Pot, Pimlico Road (£££)
Superb French cuisine – one of London’s oldest establishments
The Botanist, Sloane Square (£££)
Perfect cocktails, infamous weekend brunch and endless dining opportunities
Josephine Bouchon, Chelsea (£££)
Fabulous French restaurant serving classic Lyonnaise cuisine with a focus on hearty, rustic dishes.
Azzurra, Sloane Street (£££)
From boat to plate - delicious Italian food.
Ixchel, Kings Road (£££)
Mexican restaurant and tequila.
Chishuru, Fitzrovia (££) (1*)
West African modern and delicious food.
Comptoir Libanais, Duke of York Square (££)
Delicious Lebanese food – perfect for sharing plates
Notting Hill
Dorian, Talbot Road (£££)
Strakers, Golborne Road (££)
The Pelican, All Saints Road (££)
Classic gastro pub.
Mazi, Hillgate Street (££)
Classic Greek food with a contemporary
twist.
Suzi Troi, Hillgate Street (££)
Sister restaurant to Mazi.
Theatreland
San Carlo Chichetti, Covent Garden (£££)
Bocca di Lupo, Soho (£££)
The Haymarket Hotel, Piccadilly (£££)
Café Zedel, Piccadilly (£££)
The 10 Cases, Soho (£££)
Barrafina, Covent Garden (££)
Authentic Spanish tapas.
Gymkhana, Albemarle Street (££) (2*)
Indian fusion.
Fine Dining
Riverside Café, Hammersmith (£££) (1*)
KOL, Marylebone (£££)
A Wong, Pimlico (£££) (2*)
Superb Chinese.
And for something completely different
Coya, Mayfair (£££)
Peruvian cuisine with traditional elements
Borough market, fresh food market (££)
A London landmark.
Arthur’s market, King’s Road (££)
A fabulous new immersive culinary experience gathering superb produce with the perfect deli and a unique Japanese dining experience.
BARS WITH A VIEW
The Shard
Sushi Samba, Bishopsgate
The Peninsula, Hyde Park Corner
Cassandra's Favourite Local Shops
Diptyque candles, Sloane Street
Anya Hindmarch
Beautiful handcrafted and witty handbags.
Moyses Stevens, Pavilion Road
For that perfect bouquet.
Conran shop, Sloane Square
Lifestyle retailer.
John Sandoe books, 10 Blacklands Terrace
One of London's best loved bookshops that is crammed full of fiction, non-fiction and classic titles
London Cheese Company, Pavilion Road
Provenance Village Butcher, Pavilion Road
Birley Bakery, Chelsea Green
Delicious French pain au chocolat and croissants and Cassandra’s favourite Tarte Tropezienne.
Buns from Home, next door to Sloane Square tube station
Blog posts
Cassandra's Guide to London in the Summer 2026
What to do, what to see and where to eat this summer in London.
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Onwards: An Interview with Max Worsley
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