Biscuiteers’ Private School of Icing – A Storybook Escape in Notting Hill.
Tucked along the picture-perfect streets of Notting Hill, the icing cafe looks like it has been sketched into the neighbourhood rather than built.
SUMMER HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED.
Terraces are filling up, rooftop pools are reopening, and long lunches are stretching effortlessly into golden evenings.
Whether you're staying in the city or making the most of weekends away, this season's edit brings together the experience’s worth seeking out; from al fresco dining destinations, plein-air art masterclasses to rooftop retreats and memorable days in the sun.
Consider this City O’Clock’s guide to a summer well spent.
ROOFTOP POOLS
For those seeking a more contemporary take on the classic rooftop pool, Art'otel Battersea delivers. Perched above the city's newest cultural quarter, the infinity pool offers sweeping views across London's skyline.
Spend the afternoon poolside with a cocktail in hand, linger over lunch, or simply soak up the sunshine above the bustle of Battersea Power Station. It's one of the capital's most exciting summer addresses.
ROOFTOP POOLS
Few London hotels do summer quite like The Berkeley. Hidden above Knightsbridge, its rooftop pool feels like a private sanctuary in the heart of the city, offering a welcome escape from the crowds below.
Elegant, understated and effortlessly luxurious, it's the kind of place where a leisurely swim is followed by an afternoon spent unwinding on the terrace. For those looking to elevate a summer day in London, few experiences feel quite as exclusive.
BOAT HIRE
What could be more quintessentially British as a leisurely afternoon on the Thames? At Cliveden House, guests can swap bustling city streets for the tranquillity of the river, drifting past some of Berkshire's most beautiful scenery from the comfort of a private boat.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply making the most of a sunny afternoon, boat hire at Cliveden offers a wonderfully relaxed way to experience the estate. Pack a picnic, bring a bottle of something chilled – preferably rosé, and enjoy a slower pace of life on the water.
CURATED PICNIC
Capture the spirit of summer with a beautifully curated picnic. The Luxury Picnic Company elevates the experience with thoughtfully styled settings, elegant details and exceptional attention to detail, transforming a simple afternoon outdoors into something truly memorable.
Whether it's a celebration with friends, a romantic occasion or simply an excuse to spend time in the sunshine, each picnic is designed to feel effortless yet special. Expect beautiful tablescapes, indulgent treats and a setting that encourages you to slow down and savour the season.
CURATED PICNIC
Dust off your favourite teddy bear because picnic season has officially arrived! Sharky & George's Teddy Bear Picnic combines imaginative play, creative workshops and classic British garden games for a wonderfully memorable family day out.
From designing T-shirts and creating teddy bears to taking on egg-and-spoon races, biscuit decorating and playful challenges, every detail is designed to spark creativity and encourage fun. With storytelling, puppet shows and a delicious picnic spread to enjoy along the way, it's a charming celebration of childhood, summer and the great outdoors.
ART & CRAFT
Summer invites us outdoors and encourages a deeper appreciation of our surroundings. Curated by City O'Clock, our plein air art experiences offer a rare opportunity to slow down, switch off and engage with the natural world through creativity.
Set in carefully selected locations, each session combines expert guidance with beautiful surroundings, creating an experience that feels both enriching and restorative. Whether you're an accomplished artist or picking up a paintbrush for the first time, you'll leave with a renewed sense of calm, a fresh perspective and a memory of a special summer afternoon.
AL-FRESCO DINING
Nestled beside one of London's most iconic green spaces, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park offers a summer dining experience that feels both refined and wonderfully relaxed. Its garden setting provides a rare opportunity to enjoy exceptional hospitality with uninterrupted views across Hyde Park, creating a sense of tranquillity in the heart of the city. Whether stopping for a sun-drenched lunch, afternoon refreshments or an elegant evening meal, you can enjoy the best of the season surrounded by lush greenery and timeless luxury. It's an address that perfectly captures the art of outdoor dining in London.
AL-FRESCO DINING
Hidden within the rolling countryside of Ashcombe Estate, Carousel’s Wild Kitchen is an intimate retreat. Limited to just twenty weekends over the summer period, the experience brings together acclaimed guest chefs, open-fire cooking in a spectacular lakeside setting. With wild swimming, woodland spa rituals and beautiful country interiors, it’s one of the summer’s most sought-after retreats.
Tucked along the picture-perfect streets of Notting Hill, the icing cafe looks like it has been sketched into the neighbourhood rather than built.
Some dining experiences leave an impression.
If you love meat, hands on experiences, and a touch of indulgence, the Ginger Pig Steak Class is a must.
Tucked along the picture-perfect streets of Notting Hill, the icing cafe looks like it has been sketched into the neighbourhood rather than built.
Some dining experiences leave an impression.
If you love meat, hands on experiences, and a touch of indulgence, the Ginger Pig Steak Class is a must.
