As the warmer months roll on, London is alive with events and pop-ups.
With summer in sight, now’s the time to start planning ahead, filling the season with new experiences and memorable antics. L360 have handpicked the best events and one-offs to bookmark in your summer calendar.
Leadenhall Market
A historic hub of commerce dating back to Roman London, Leadenhall Market bustles with boutiques, cafes, restaurants and bars. Continuing tradition, the Grade II-listed structure hosts weekend pop-up markets beneath its glass-covered atrium. From April to November, over 17 market days, you can wander its cobbled walkways perusing stalls teeming with one-of-a-kind items and handmade crafts. The Vintage Furniture & Flea Market offers a curated selection of mid-century retro home decor and clothes. For crafters, SoLo Craft Fair showcases an array of jewellery, art, home accessories and children’s toys from independent artists, makers and traders.
Cocktails in the City, Bedford Square, Bloomsbury
Nothing says UK summer like cocktails in a heritage botanical garden. This year, Bloomsbury’s Bedford Square becomes the backdrop for Cocktails in the City – an alfresco party in one of London’s most historic garden squares. Marking its 10th anniversary, the festival spans two weekends: 10–12 July and 7-9 August, for £22 a ticket per weekend. Here, London’s top bars will gather to showcase everything from bold, Indian-inspired creations and rich coffee cocktails to tequila and mezcal – with exclusive tasting flights curated by agave experts like Mezcalito, Café Pacifico and 1910 Cantina. And foodies, don’t fret, you’ll also have the pick of plenty street food from vendors like Sticks and Sushi, Get the Greek and Officina 00. Plus, enjoy live music, cocktail masterclasses, ice carving workshops and a silent disco to cap off the evening.
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Enjoy Rooftop Film Club’s open air movie nights
Film-lovers, take note. Rooftop Film Club is back for 2025 at Peckham’s Bussey Building and Roof East in Stratford. From When Harry Met Sally to Nosferatu, this season includes cult classics, new releases and live-streamed sporting events. Watch your favourite films amid sweeping 360-degree views of London, while food and drinks are delivered to your seat. The brand new ‘Fireside Film’ option offers a two-person seat next to a wood-burning heater — perfect for a snug evening. Tickets include a seasonal beverage, like hot chocolate or tea. And, if the weather takes a turn for the unpredictable, bookings can be easily rescheduled.
Wing Fest
A three-day festival dedicated entirely to chicken wings might sound like overkill, but the largest event of its kind is back from 25-27 July. More than 100,000 wings will be served alongside a selection of street food traders, barbecue teams, restaurants and pop-ups. For those feeling brave, the legendary ‘Lava Wing Challenge’ features some of the hottest wings in the UK, judged by world-class chefs. There’ll also be live music from DJs, blues and brass bands, plus activities like axe throwing and fairground rides. The Wing Fest line-up includes Thunderbird, Wingmans, Jack Blumenthal’s Ginger Wings, Poor Boys and Mexican Seoul.
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National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival
For the foodies among us, the annual National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival is the promised land. On 19-20 July, the biggest names in food will gather at London’s Business Design Centre for two days of interviews, tasting sessions, workshops and live demonstrations. Expect live recreations of signature dishes and stories from the likes of Yotam Ottolenghi, who’ll be making his festival debut. He’ll be joined by chef and TV personality Andi Oliver and Asma Khan, the restaurateur behind Darjeeling Express. Arrive curious and hungry for street food and new flavours aplenty.
Feature image: Rooftop Film Club
