Image Credit: PizzaExpress
Summer menus have officially taken over London. British strawberries are at their sweetest, spritzes are replacing red wine, rooftop tables are in high demand and chefs are making the most of the season’s best produce before autumn arrives. From making the most of PizzaExpress’ ExpressFest with seasonal specials and exclusive summer offers to one-off dining experiences you’ll still be talking about in September, these are the food moments worth seeking out this summer.
If your idea of summer eats is trying somewhere new every weekend, Plated Knightsbridge should be firmly on your radar. Throughout August, some of the neighbourhood’s most celebrated restaurants are serving exclusive dishes, limited-edition menus and special dining experiences you won’t find at any other time of year. It’s the perfect excuse to tick off several bucket-list restaurants in one visit, including spots like Sticks & Sushi, Harry’s and The Hyde Bar.
Every summer, Londoners queue around the block for The Anya Hindmarch Ice Cream Project, and after one glance at the menu it’s easy to see why. This year’s collection transforms cupboard staples into surprisingly convincing ice cream flavours, with everything from Mini Cheddars and soy sauce to baked beans making an appearance. Equal parts bizarre and brilliant, it’s become one of the capital’s most photographed foodie traditions.
Long summer days call for leisurely lunches and golden-hour dinners, and PizzaExpress Bankside is perfectly placed for both. Just moments from the Thames, it’s the ideal stop after a riverside stroll or before an evening exploring the South Bank. This summer, the restaurant is celebrating the season with ExpressFest – PizzaExpress’s feel-good celebration of great food, live music and the joy of getting together. Expect fresh seasonal flavours, ice-cold drinks, epic giveaways and exclusive offers designed to make every visit feel like a summer occasion. Sip on 2 for £14 cocktails or 2 for £10 large Peroni while enjoying seasonal specials like the Chipotle Corn Palooza or Peach & Parma Hot Romana. Make the most of the sunshine with a £10 Power Lunch, or settle in for a starter and main for just £20. The setlist looks impressive at ExpressFest – you won’t want to miss out on this foodie feast!
Forget simply booking dinner – The BBQ Club turns the whole meal into an experience. Sitting right on the South Bank, this summer-only pop-up invites guests to cook elements of a six-course tasting menu over their own Big Green Egg barbecue while watching the sun set over the river. It’s relaxed enough for a summer evening with friends but special enough to feel like an occasion, making it one of London’s standout seasonal dining experiences.
British strawberries are only at their best for a few short weeks, and The Langham’s Palm Court makes the most of them with a limited-edition afternoon tea dedicated to the season. Expect beautifully crafted pastries, elegant cakes and delicate desserts showcasing sweet Kent strawberries in every imaginable form, all served beneath one of London’s most iconic glass atriums. If you’re only booking one afternoon tea this summer, this is the one worth making time for.