What’s on in July 2018: 8 things to do in London this month
Start planning for the month ahead
RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
The Royal Horticultural Society’s largest – and most popular – flower festival will return to Hampton Court Palace this month to celebrate all types of plants, flowers and gardens. Highlights this year include the striking line-up of groomed show gardens; a river of flowers and a workshop with Raymond Blanc, all against the dramatic backdrop of Hampton Court Palace. There is also a soft play area and crèche for little ones; a variety of interactive workshops; waterfront dining and a champagne bar.
3-8 July, Tickets from £22, rhs.org.uk
4th of July Celebrations in London
Calling all Americanophiles and stateside natives. Celebrate 4th of July in London this year at one of the capital’s top restaurants. Balthazar is bringing a slice of the USA to Covent Garden this Wednesday 4 July with a range of American-style pies, available to eat in or takeaway. For one day only, the restaurant will also host a real-life version of the popular game, Pie-Face! Across town, head to Sea Containers at The Mondrian for a delicious dinner American-style, and end the night at the Rumpus Room rooftop bar, where you can enjoy a number of stateside-inspired activities and bespoke cocktails.
4 July, balthazarlondon.com, rumpusroomlondon.com, seacontainersrestaurant.com
Connaught Village 150th Anniversary
Connaught Village – the Hyde Park Estate’s luxury retail quarter – is turning 150 this month. To celebrate, the Georgian village is transforming into a hub of live music and indulgence for one day only on 5 July 2018. Visitors can partake in floral crown workshops; dance classes and Victorian-era games, while enjoying a diverse bounty of food, drink and entertainment.
5 July, Free entry, connaught-village.co.uk
Inko Nito opens in Soho
This July, be one of the first to book a table at Inko Nito in Soho. The laidback Japanese restaurant is the latest opening from restaurateur Rainer Becker, founder of Zuma and Roka. The opening follows the successful launch of Inko Nito in Los Angeles and exudes a similar LA-cool vibe – think exposed brick, low lighting and high wooden tables. The open kitchen’s robata grill is the star of the show, where the likes of sizzling pork belly, miso-glazed tiger prawns and soy-soaked cauliflower are dramatically prepared over charcoal in front of you.
55 Broadwick Street, Carnaby, London W1F 9QS, inkonitorestaurant.com
British Summer Time Festival, Hyde Park
British Summer Time Festival returns to Hyde Park this July for another jam-packed run of music and entertainment. Headliners this year include Eric Clapton, Bruno Mars, Michael Bublé and The Cure, enjoyed on the park’s vast manicured lawn. There are also free activities running throughout the week as part of the eclectic Open House schedule, including an outdoor cinema screening family-friendly entertainment and classic films; performances by The House Gospel Choir and Hip Hop and Bogan Bingo.
8-15 July, Tickets from £67.95, bst-hydepark.com
Henley Festival
Forget denim shorts and Wellington boots – this high-end riverside festival operates a strictly black tie dress code. Don your finery and enjoy headlining sets from Rita Ora, Grace Jones and Nile Rodgers, supported by up-and-coming new artists. Quench your thirst at one of many pop-up bars or restaurants on the banks of Henley-on-Thames, or explore an eclectic offering of on-site art, comedy and entertainment. The not-for-profit event will donate all profits to the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, which aims to help recognise and treat signs of depression and supports mental wellbeing.
11-15 July, General admission from £35, henley-festival.co.uk
Shakespeare’s As You Like It at The Open Air Theatre
Directed by Max Webster with music by Charlie Fink (former front-man of Noah and the Whale) Shakespeare returns to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre for a colourful interpretation of As You Like it. Set in the mythical Forest of Arden, this timeless tale promises adventure, comedy, mistaken identity and burning romance.
6-28 July, From £25, openairtheatre.com
Mãos by Nuno Mendes & James Brown
Mãos is the latest dining project by acclaimed Portugese chef Nuno Mendes and James Brown, founder of multi-storey concept store Hostem. Held in Blue Mountain School in Shoreditch, the intimate setting comprises of just 16 seats at a single dining table. The convival evening begins at 7pm, where guests can enjoy drinks and snacks while mingling with Mendes, before feasting on a multi-course tasting menu. Saturday Matinee sessions also finish with drinks on the secluded rooftop terrace, with views overlooking east London.
Open Tuesday through Saturday, from £150 per person, maos.dinesuperb.com