London Foodies' Guide to Happenings in July
- Yvette Thomson
- Jun 21
- 4 min read
by Yvette Thomson
July in London is shaping up to be deliciously chaotic, fizzing with aperitifs, omakase artistry, terrace takeovers and noodle-fuelled friendships. Whether you’re a Lambrusco lover, a rooftop reveller or someone who just wants a solid excuse for a spritz at sunset, here’s our round-up of the capital’s must-know happenings.
HUMBLE CHICKEN: THIRD TIME’S A MICHELIN CHARM
Chef Angelo Sato’s Humble Chicken has entered its next, unashamedly ambitious phase – chasing that elusive third Michelin star. Gone is the yakitori counter of yesteryear; in its place, a sleek 13-seat omakase temple of taste, carved from cherry wood and fuelled by local produce and rare Japanese ingredients. Expect 16 precision-crafted courses, hand-carved chopsticks from Niigata, Herefordshire-blown crockery, and a sake list so deep it requires scuba gear. This is a sensory pilgrimage – less dinner, more transcendental experience.
NOODLES, CHILLI AND CHUMS: FRIENDSHIP LUNCH AT NOODLE & BEER
Is there anything more bonding than a fiery bowl of Sichuan noodles and a shared cocktail-induced sweat? The answer is no. Noodle & Beer’s new Friendship Lunch aims to turn lunchtime into quality time, offering 50% off a second main dish and drink when you bring a friend (sorry, solo noodle lovers). Must-tries include the Xian Jiao Niu-Rou – spicy, beefy, peanutty joy – plus a roster of soups, sides and a Lychee cocktail you didn’t know you needed. Upstairs, it’s all light woods and chilli-red accents; downstairs, moody bar vibes for long lunches that become dinner.
TEN YEARS HIGH: SKY GARDEN X APEROL SUMMER TERRACE
Ten years above the clouds calls for a birthday bash with a view – and Aperol’s stepped in to bring the fizz. The Sky Garden’s summer terrace is back, 35 floors up, with spritz trees (£50 for four), sunset soundtracks and a one-night-only party on 11 July complete with DJs, live music and enough orange-hued cocktails to dye your soul. Book now or regret it as you sip flat prosecco in your garden with the neighbours.
PINTXOS & SGROPPINI AT ORIOLE
Is there a better sentence in the English language than “complimentary pintxos with every cocktail”? Oriole doesn’t think so. Between 3–6pm daily, order one of their dreamy Ice Cream Union-powered Sgroppinis – sorbet + liqueur + Moët = genius – and receive tapas-style bites straight from Spain: Pan con Tomate, Gildas, Spanish Tortilla. Sit on the terrace. Sip something bubbly. Pretend you’re in San Sebastián. Repeat.
ARCADEx RETURNS TO BATTERSEA POWER STATION
The food, drink and party juggernaut that is ArcadeX is back, taking over the Coaling Jetty with burgers from MANNA, baos from BAO, New York-style slices from Gracey’s and tequila-soaked tacos from MEXA. Add Casamigos cocktails, frozen margaritas, riverside views, live DJs and screenings of Glastonbury, Wimbledon and the Women’s Euros. Essentially, this is your summer – all 12 weeks of it – planned. You’re welcome.
COLBERT X MANUEL CANOVAS: PARIS BLOOMS IN CHELSEA
Colbert has gone full Parisian summer fantasy, teaming up with luxury fabric house Manuel Canovas to drape its terrace in technicolour florals, French elegance and Champagne. Literally. Sip a Daisy Spritz or a glass of Pommery under floral awnings and imagine you’re in Saint-Germain-des-Prés (but with fewer tourists and more real estate envy). Très chic, très Chelsea.
THE DARK HORSE TERRACE: PINTS, PIZZAS & MUSIC IN CAMDEN
Upstairs from one of Camden’s most effortlessly cool new pubs is a sun-drenched terrace slinging pizzas, loaded fries and strong opinions on vintage pub food. The Dark Horse has quickly made a name for itself as the local for music heads and pint lovers alike, and now it’s bringing those vibes to its rooftop space – minus the chaos of Camden Market below. Come for the snacks, stay for the vibes, and maybe catch a surprise DJ set from Tape London’s sonic wizards.
ORIGIN CITY’S OYSTER ODYSSEY
Oysters are having a bit of a glow-up at Origin City in Farringdon. The family-run, nose-to-tail restaurant with its own Scottish farm has launched a rotating oyster tasting menu – different varieties every week, paired with all the right condiments and a printed tasting sheet so you can pretend you’re an expert. It’s the seafood equivalent of a wine flight, and we’re here for it. Also worth noting: their hogget shoulder with anchovy dressing might just change your summer.
APERITIVO HOUR AT CHIAVE, SHOREDITCH
Aperitivo hour should be a legal requirement. And at Chiave – the musically obsessed, moody little bar on Redchurch Street – they’ve nailed it. Order a cocktail (they’re excellent) and you’ll get three free snacks: think olives, cured meats, cheese, perhaps a surprise or two. DJs spin low-key sets upstairs or underground, the crowd is stylish but unpretentious, and the soundtrack is heavy on groove. Aperitivo, unlocked.
So there you have it – July in London, from high-rise spritzes to subterranean sgroppinis, seaside oysters to sake dreams. Clear your calendar, loosen your waistband, and drink it all in.
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