August in the city is usually a time of quiet and calm. The bulk of the London season has passed, many have fled for glamorous holidays on European shores and those left behind are free to enjoy a diary devoid of work events and their pick of the best restaurant tables in town. From delectable new restaurants and rooftop bars to pizza parties and exciting new experiences at London landmarks, here’s our guide to the best things to do in London in August 2023.

The restaurants: Arcade Battersea and Namja

Image: Tim Atkins

Image: Edmund Dabney

Arcade Battersea, the huge food hall inside the Battersea Power Station, has finally opened its doors to the public. The interior design, by award-winning architect Red Deer, takes inspiration from the two eras the power station was built in, merging the glamour of the roaring 1920s with Brutalist 1950s style, while sustainability remains at the forefront. With seating for 500 guests and a number of cuisines to try, the highly-anticipated opening has been developed via Arcade Create, a programme that helps new and exciting food talent launch brands. Four new concepts feature on the menu, all exclusive to Arcade Battersea, including Flat Bread by Thomas Straker; Siu Siu Cantonese comfort food inspired by roast meat shops in Hong Kong; and Phed Power, serving fiery food from Issan, Thailand. It would be rude not to visit…

Five-star hotel InterContinental Park Lane has welcomed an exciting new pop-up to its kitchens this month, bringing an authentic taste of Lebanon to Mayfair. Named Najma – meaning ‘star’ in Arabic – the menu takes inspiration from Georges Rahme, the acclaimed Lebanese chef based in Dubai’s Festival City. Expect to be taken on a gastronomic journey that starts with hot and cold mezze, such as lamb merguez, spiced beef with hummus and labneh, before tucking into sharing platters of mixed seafood and grilled meats as well as signature plates that include pan-fried sea bass with wilted spinach, chilled tomato dakkous and charred lemon. Round off with desserts such as maamoul, a butter cookie filled with crème anglaise and pistachio ice cream, or assorted baklava. The drinks list puts the spotlight on non-alcoholic beverages with mocktails – such as Mango Colada with pineapple, coconut and mango – running alongside alcohol-free sparkling wine and no and low beer. 

Arcade Food Hall is open now at 1st Floor, Boiler House, Battersea Power Station, SW11 8DD, arcadefoodhall.com; Namja Lebanon at InterContinental Park Lane is open now at One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7QY, parklane.intercontinental.com

The terrace: Puerto Rico Terrace at Harvey Nichols

Be transported to the tropical climes of the Caribbean without leaving London this summer, thanks to Harvey Nichols’ Fifth Floor Terrace. A new summer takeover with Discover Puerto Rico, which runs until 31 August, sees the space infused with island-inspired décor, including native flowers and vibrant colours, creating a Caribbean haven high above the bustling heart of London. Indulge in the Boricua spirit with Puerto Rican culinary classics by chef Antonio Pérez, alongside an exclusive cocktail menu curated by Puerto Rico’s famous rum house, Casa Bacardi. There are few better ways to spend an afternoon than sipping on mojitos, Bacardi piña coladas and a rum fashioned on the sun-filled terrace.

Puerto Rico Terrace is open until 31 August at 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ, harveynichols.com

The exhibition: Brent Estabrook, artist in residence at Maddox Gallery

Third Times A Charm by Brent Estabrook

American artist Brent Estabrook is renowned for his large-scale oil paintings of colourful stuffed animals. Honing his textured and vibrant compositions over years of experimentation, in 2015 a series of works titled Perpetual Recess established him in the art world and gained him notable fans including famed restaurateur and hotelier Nobu Matsuhisa. This month brings the LA native to London, as he takes up a residency at Maddox's Shepherd Market Gallery in Mayfair, and the public are invited to visit, watch him work and engage in discussion as he produces original canvases in real-time.

Estabrook’s work is also on display in Maddox's two other London galleries – Maddox Street, also in Mayfair, and Notting Hill's Westbourne Grove – in a group show titled Summer Daze. The exhibition brings together a diverse range of talented artists, both emerging and established, who each offer their unique interpretation of a summer's day through various artistic techniques. And as Estabrook says: "It is not what you paint, but how you paint.”

8 Shepherd Street, W1J 7JE, visit maddoxgallery.com

The events: Sunrise yoga at Art'otel, Barbie at the Rooftop Film Club and International Dog Day

Wake up the mind, body, and spirit with a sunrise vinyasa flow on the rooftop at Art'otel London Battersea Power Station. Running every Friday morning until 24 August, set your weekend up the right way with a 60-minute session led by local yoga teacher Jinis from 7-9am. Post-class, head down to Tozi Grand Café and fuel up for the day with a healthy breakfast dish, hot drink and smoothie – all while surrounded by the work of Art’otel’s signature artist Jaime Hayon. What better way to kick off a Friday?

Margs Before Barbs

If you haven’t already watched Barbie, where have you been? The Greta Gerwig-directed phenomenon hit the cinemas last month – and Barbie fever isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. Fans and new watchers can enjoy a slice of Malibu at Peckham’s Rooftop Film Club from 10-13 August as the space will be transformed into a pink paradise – think pool inflatables, disco balls, a Chevy-car bar and a glitter artist – so you can watch the film in style. Fans of everyone’s favourite doll are also invited to don a fabulous frock, hot pink accessories and channel their inner Barbie or Ken. Plus, enjoy the most talked about film of the year with a hot pink Barbie-Margarita in hand, which can be ordered directly to your deckchair so you don’t have to miss a minute.

Frenchie by Kitty Draws Dogs

To celebrate International Dog Day on August 26, King's Cross is pulling out all the stops with its first dog festival, The Big Woof. Running from 26-27 August, dog lovers and their four-legged friends are invited to the area's 25 dog-friendly restaurants and browse canine accessories and treats at a dog-themed takeover of the Canopy Market. There will also be a whole host of activities to get involved in, including dog shows, art exhibitions, training sessions, canine health and wellness events, and even doggy tarot readings.

Elsewhere, Bloomsbury-based five-star hotel Kimpton Fitzroy London is making the entire month of August extra special for its guests and furry friends. As a pet-friendly hotel – which already offers luxury dog-walking and daycare via The Hound Hut – the hotel team has included a new heartwarming treat: bespoke portraits of beloved canine companions by London-based illustrator, Kitty Draws Dogs. To take advantage of this delightful offer, book a stay at Kimpton Fitzroy London and send a picture of your pooch to the hotel seven days before your arrival to receive a memento of your stay. 

Sunrise yoga at Art'otel takes place every Friday until August 24 at 1 Electric Boulevard, Nine Elms, SW11 8BJ, designmynight.com; Barbie at the Rooftop Film Club runs from 10-13 August at Roof A, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, SE15 4ST, rooftopfilmclub.com; International Dog Day at King's Cross takes place from 26-27 August at Coal Drop's Yard, kingcross.co.uk; Doggy portraits at Kimpton Fitzroy London are available throughout August at 1-8 Russell Square, WC1B 5BE, kimptonfitzroylondon.com

The bars: The Berkeley Rooftop Bar and Sweeties x Eminente Rum

The Berkeley, nestled between bustling Knightsbridge and leafy Belgravia, will open its rooftop – usually reserved for staying guests – to all for the rest of summer. Now open for evening cocktails and small plates, guests will be whisked up to the rooftop in a lift featuring a new, sun-bathed mural by artist Chiara Perano before enjoying sweeping views across Hyde Park. Rosé will be served by the magnum tableside, harking to summer holidays in the south of France, while the cocktail list features a collection of highballs and summer spritzes – we recommend Pool Party: a blend of Campari, Chambord, rhubarb, strawberry bitters and Fever Tree soda. All will be served alongside an informal menu of Mediterranean plates, including seared beef with truffle artichoke pesto and rocket; marinated squid with courgette spaghetti sesame, and ginger dressing; and a watermelon, cherry tomato and feta salad topped with mint dressing.

This August, Sweeties, the sky-high cocktail bar at The Standard, London, is partnering with Cuban rum brand Eminente to launch a selection of limited-edition rum cocktails inspired by the coasts and culture of Cuba. From 2-19 August, take the famous red pill lift to the 10th floor bar and step into an exotic escape furnished with floral displays from Sage Flowers – who will draw inspiration from native flowers of Cuba in a palette of reds, yellows, and greens – and scented by botanical incense from Vryao, featuring the heady notes of tobacco, leather and fresh limes, to transport guests straight to Cuba via King's Cross. 

At the bar, guests are invited to engage in a bespoke fortune teller game where the menu asks where in Cuba they would like to visit via their cocktail. Then, The Standard’s resident flavourologist, Zoe Burgess, will whip up one of three limited edition Sweeties x Eminente concoctions: Cuban Sun, a twist on the classic Airmail cocktail; The Darling Guava, which is a take on the daiquiri, served with a lime twist; and Amber Fortune created to be a more laid-back rum Old Fashioned with Eminente Reserva, cacao nibs, sweet vermouth, and cane sugar.

The Berkeley Rooftop Bar is open at Wilton Place, SW1X 7RL, the-berkeley.co.uk; Sweeties x Eminente runs from 2-19 August at 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG, standardhotels.com

The supper club: The Goring x Fortnum and Mason Supper Club

Images: Zodee Media

Two iconic culinary powerhouses will come together this summer to host three exclusive supper clubs in Fortnum & Mason’s recently opened Food & Drink Studio: an experiential hub dedicated to extraordinary food and drink. Between August and November 2023, The Goring’s chefs and mixologists will host three supper clubs in the studio, seating 18 people each. These exclusive, interactive dinners will showcase the best seasonal British food and will see Fortnum’s join The Goring, a Michelin star and Royal Warrant holder with three AA Rosettes, to celebrate British cuisine via delectable menus and cocktails.

The first supper club on 10 August, A Taste of The Goring Garden, offers guests the chance to sample BBQ heritage tomato salad; Orkney scallops with The Goring garden salad, broad bean, lemon, smoked butter sauce and verbena; and lemon and camomile clotted cream parfait, wild honey and bee pollen to finish. A Harvest Festival supper club is set to take place on 13 September and the final dinner, a Thanksgiving Feast, is scheduled for 23 November. Keep your eyes peeled for the details…

The Goring Supper Club: A Taste of The Goring Garden will take place on 10 August at Third Floor, 181 Piccadilly, St. James's, W1A 1ER, eventbrite.co.uk

The experience: Escape The Power Cut at Control Room B, Battersea Power Station

Image: Johnny Stephens Photography

This month sees Control Room B inside Battersea Power Station launch a new interactive experience: Escape The Power Cut. From 12 August, guests can book the escape room-style event every Saturday for a 90-minute immersion in the station’s electrifying past. Held behind the original dials of the Control Room, guests are asked to embrace their inner engineer, donning lab coats before being treated to a welcome cocktail. Following a briefing, teams of five will decipher cryptic clues, unveil mysteries, and complete problem-solving conundrums against the clock. A particular clue will also unlock a second cocktail or mocktail where guests can choose from high-voltage tipples – we love The Synchroscope with Oxley gin, ginger and lemongrass cordial, pear purée, cloudy apple juice and fresh lime – all before successfully restoring power to the Control Room.

Escape The Power Cut at Control Room B is open from 12 August at Battersea Power Station, Circus Road W, Nine Elms, SW11 8BZ, controlroomb.com

The parties: Pizza Pilgrims’ One Day In Naples and Smokestak’s Summer Street Food Party

Pizza Pilgrims is celebrating its tenth anniversary on 12 August with a huge pizza party, named One Day in Naples, which will be open to the public. This one-off event sees Pizza Pilgrims take over Camden Beer Hall for a food festival featuring DJs, pizza masterclasses, brewery tours, and pizza-inspired games, as well as a range of Neapolitan street food to enjoy. The festival is a showcase of the dishes developed on the brand’s latest pilgrimage to Naples as well as the limited-edition beer created to celebrate Napoli winning the football league. Also watch out for the nippy Pizza Vespa and sidecar, which has just returned from its tour of the Italian city… 

Smokestak will also be celebrating a decade-long legacy of wood-fired food with an al fresco mini-festival that harks to the restaurant’s roots as a street trader. On 19 August, the Smokestak team will be taking over the car park opposite the Shoreditch restaurant where founder David Carter aims to recreate the festival vibes of Smokestak’s early days at Street Feast, complete with a double-stacked, 40ft shipping container bar. For the event, four wood-burning smokers are being imported from across the UK to serve brisket buns, pork rib tip burnt-ends, grilled greens with tahini and pomegranate, and malt ice cream soft serve with a cornflake crumb for dessert. Returning to head up the bar will be Ben Dargue, who created Smokestak’s original cocktail list. Discover his delectable frozen Tommy’s margaritas and rhubarb sours, as well as 40Ft Brewery beer created exclusively for the event. The day will be divided into ticketed sessions so make sure you pre-book. 

Pizza Pilgrims ‘One Day In Naples’ is on 12 August at 55-59 Wilkin Street Mews, NW5 3ED, designmynight.com; Smokestak’s Summer Street Food Party is on 19 August at 35 Sclater Street, E1 6LB, smokestak.co.uk

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