There are several reasons why August is one of the most joyful months to be in London. Notting Hill Carnival returns in all its colourful glory, while the bank holiday poses the perfect opportunity for al fresco dining, picnics in one of the capital's many gloriously green parks and endless family fun.
From the best new hangouts to delicious foodie spots, the ultimate places to picnic and where to indulge in London's luxuries, we've found it all. If you're scrambling to arrange plans before the blissful weather disappears, our guide of the best things to do in August is the perfect way to make the most of glorious London this summer.
Here's what HELLO! recommends this month…
Best restaurants to visit in London in August
London's unrivalled food scene serves up some of the most delicious cuisines, eclectic eateries and noteworthy restaurants to add to your must-visit list. Be it new openings or seasonal menus, here is where HELLO!'s Editors have dined out in August...
Sumptuous Singaporean cuisine at Singapulah
Singapulah has been on my list for ages, and was so glad to receive an invite to try out their summer menu in honour Singapore National Day which takes place on 9 August. From spicy curries to savoury noodles, each dish was bursting with flavour. The menu offers a diverse array of authentic options, including rich laksa, crab bao buns, and the Char kway teow, which I devoured with delight. For drinks, the coconut shake mocktail is a must-try—perfect for beating the summer heat. Singapulah truly brings the taste of Singapore to life, and I highly recommend it for its quality, authenticity, and charming atmosphere.
This year commemorates the 59th anniversary of Singapore National Day, marking Singapore’s independence as a sovereign state. Typically, this is celebrated in Singapore with patriotic parades and performances, and Singapulah will be proudly joining the celebrations by offering two promos from 8-18 August. Spend £59, and receive a goodie bag with Singapulah merch and products fresh from the retail shelves. Or you can get 50% off a main rice/noodle dish for this month.
Reviewed by Sharnaz Shahid, Deputy Online Editor
Visit Covent Garden's hidden Italian gem La Goccia
© La GocciaPetersham Nurseries is something of a London institution thanks to its verdant decor, celebrity clientele and farm-to-table ethos. But you might not be familiar with La Goccia, their more casual sister restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden. Not only is it a chic date night spot, with its rustic table settings, a buzzy open-counter chef's kitchen and floral-infused aesthetic, but the new seasonal à la carte summer menu is seriously good.
I sampled several items from their small plates menu: an interpretation of the Italian aperitivo and small plates known as 'cicchetti'. I say small plates, but the generous portions ensured I didn't leave hungry as I mopped up the leftover sauce from the Polpette (meatballs baked in fresh tomato sauce with provolone cheese) and squeezed in just more Zucchini Fritti. One of my favourite dishes was the Coccoli - moreish Tuscan Dough Balls served with creamy burrata and prosciutto on the side.
As with all Petersham Nursery offerings, seasonality is its core concept, and the ever-changing menu reflects the freshness of the produce. The ingredients – some of which you can also pick up in the cute Italian deli opposite – are sourced from family-run Haye Farm in East Devon. The freshness was reflected in my insatiable appetite. The Paccheri al Ragu was silky smooth with a rich slow-cooked beef sauce, while the caper and basil infused Panzanella Salad went down a treat. I always have room for dessert so managed to squeeze in the Tiramisu to finish - it would have been rude not to!
If you're in the mood for a post-dinner cocktail, velvet sofas, jewel-toned armchairs and vibrant floral artwork make the bar the perfect spot to enjoy a late-night tipple. Tucked away in a little cobbled square off the main Covent Garden plaza, La Goccia, with its pretty outdoor terrace and chic interiors, is a real gem. I know I'll certainly be back.
Reviewed by Kate Thomas, Lifestyle Managing Editor
Indulge in five-star Indian cuisine at Kachori
I am obsessed with Indian food, so when I was offered the chance of trying out Kachori, London's newest modern Indian restaurant with ex-Gymkhana Head Chef Brinder Narula, I jumped at the chance. And oh how I'm glad I did.
Showcasing the delights of cooking across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Punjab, this is my new favourite London hotspot located close to Elephant and Castle in South East London. Whether you're looking for a table for date night, or an evening out with the girls, this really is the perfect spot.
I'm definitely going to try out the new Weekend Brunch Menu which is available every Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 3pm for £22 per person or £42 with limitless bubbles. Kachori is more than a great restaurant, there's a warmth of Indian hospitality at the core of its ethos. I was treated like royalty and it's not because I'm from HELLO! - everyone got five-star treatment.
Be sure to try the spiced naan chips with chapata dip. It's been a while since I've been, but I've lost count of how many times I've thought about those darn naan chips. The samosa chaat also lives rent-free in my mind, as does the dilli chicken butter masala. I'm hungry just thinking about Kachori's menu of delights, I don't think you could make a wrong choice. I
f you have a sweet tooth, Kachori has deliciously decadent desserts and I can highly recommend the salted caramel and peanut butter and jaggery parfait. The whole experience was a 10/10 from me.
Reviewed by Leanne Bayley, Director of Lifestyle & Commerce
Dine like an Italian at Noci, Richmond
© Laura JalbertItalian is one of my favourite cuisines, because who doesn't love pasta? So when I was invited to try Noci, which opened it's doors in Richmond this May, I was understandably excited. Just a short walk from the river on Richmond Hill, this modern Italian restaurant had a lovely, laid-back vibe.
I went with a friend, and we decided to share our starters: crispy fried parcels of aubergine parmigiana and squid fritti. It's safe to say we weren't disappointed. The aubergine parcels were a real treat, whilst the squid fritti was cooked to perfection - tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. For mains, we both opted for the veal and pork ragu, which was deliciously rich in flavour and a generous portion size, too. We were almost too stuffed to eat dessert, but we went for a simple sorbet to freshen our palettes.
To accompany our food we chose a lovely bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, from the quite extensive wine list. Our friendly waitress was highly attentive, and ensured our glass was never left empty.
It's clear to see why the restaurant is popular, particularly with Richmond residents who have been taking advantage of the weekday lunch offer, which includes a drink, focaccia and pasta for £15. It's definitely one to add to your hitlist!
Reviewed by Arianna Chatzidakis, Creative Content Director
Try East London's coolest Pan-Asian themed brunch
Fact: brunching on the weekend is a key activity for any Londoner. East London's newest brunch offering comes from UBA, the Pan-Asian themed restaurant on Great Eastern Street. The restaurant's swanky decor is a real treat for diners, and the live music and DJ's from 12-4pm every Saturday and Sunday make for a memorable experience.
But of course, the main attraction is undoubtedly the food. Inspired by street cuisine, brunch attendees can choose from Japanese Okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake filled with the likes of cabbage, spinach, cheese, ramen noodles and onsen egg; or the popular Japanese Waffles which are made from green tea and buckwheat, with various brunch-inspired toppings available. Or if you have a sweet tooth, the Souffle Pancakes come topped with fragrant matcha ice cream, plum syrup and gin and tonic candy floss. Heavenly!
Add the bottomless prosecco option to your booking for £30, and you'll get 90 minute of free-flowing bubbles. If you find you've enjoyed yourself a little too much, Hart Shoreditch, the hotel which houses the restaurant, is the perfect base to crash out, and rooms start from £189 per night.
Reviewed by Arianna Chatzidakis, Creative Content Director
Treat yourself to a taste of Italy at Harry's Bar, Victoria
Italian food is without a doubt my favourite cuisine, so I had high hopes when I was invited to the new Harry's Bar that just opened in Victoria – and I was not disappointed.
Located on the corner of Grosvenor Gardens, the restaurant features two open-air terraces which are perfect for al-fresco dining on a warm summer's day. As for the interior, the Venetian-inspired decor transported me back in time to 1950s Italy, creating a glamorous yet relaxed feel.
When it came to the menu, I was spoilt for choice. It was genuinely really hard to choose between each dish when deciding my starter and main. From mozzarella salad to lobster ravioli and chicken Milanese, the menu had every authentic Italian dish you could want.
After much deliberation, I landed on the calamari and burrata to start. The calamari was perfectly crispy and came with a garlic aioli that I seriously could have drank, while the burrata was deliciously creamy and was paired perfectly with fresh tomatoes, basil and olive oil.
For the main event, I went for Harry's spaghetti seafood, which I practically inhaled. It was fresh and light but packed with flavour and paired with a deliciously crisp Italian white wine chosen by our waiter.
When it came to dessert, I was immediately drawn to the flourless chocolate cake and chocolate doughnuts. While I do have a sweet tooth, I never expected the dessert to be my favourite part of this meal – especially after my starter and main set the bar so high – but these two dishes were seriously indulgent. If you're a fan of chocolate hazelnut, you really need to try the doughnuts, which were filled with gianduia and hazelnut and came with a hot chocolate dipping sauce.
But it wasn't just the food that made the experience thoroughly enjoyable, the staff were super friendly, too. I'll definitely be going back.
Reviewed by Nicky Morris, Senior TV and Film writer
Enjoy a contemporary feast at The Counter Soho
© OLA O SMITThere's no shortage of contemporary restaurants in London, but the newly opened The Counter Soho just off Carnaby Street is well worth a visit. The space – which is the second branch from Turkish chef and Notting Hill's The Counter founder, Kemal Demirasal – was buzzing when we visited on a weekday night. Its alfresco front terrace and open-air vibe made it a totally welcoming place to walk into and the staff were all so friendly and attentive.
The menu is designed for sharing, which is the perfect way to try as many of the restaurant's delights as possible. Chef Kemal has been inspired by his own home country, but also its surrounding areas such as Greece, the Mediterranean, and the Levant. The result: a beautiful mix of fresh, creative, and vibrantly flavoured dishes that are perfect for a summer's evening.
If you've been to the original in Notting Hill, you may recognise some of his best-sellers, such as the white chocolate babaganoush dip and the vine leaves. But the Soho outpost has some new and exciting dishes. I would recommend starting with some flatbread and a selection of dips; the pistachio muhammara, which is a red pepper paste, was one of my favourites. Next, try the Istanbuli tomato salad, which sounds a little average but was so refreshing and colourful.
The larger starters that were recommended to us which I couldn't fault were the saffron and crab orzo topped with samphire, and the moreish cheese saganaki drizzled with wild thyme and truffle honey. There were, without a doubt, highlights of the meal.
As for the mains, the slow roasted lamb was one of the most succulent I've tried, and served with a side of skinny fries, which were more like crispy, salted potato shavings, made it another winner. If you have space for dessert, I'd recommend the burnt rice pudding, which sits somewhere between a crème brûlée and a classic creamy rice pudding.
Reviewed by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor
Go brunching at Kapara
I visited Kapara for a little bit of brunch on what I'd hoped would be a sunny day in London - but the cloudy Saturday was just one of the reasons that we stayed in the vibrant brunching spot of Kapara for hours on end.
The Eastern Mediterranean, LGBTQI+ owned food spot is located in Soho, one of my favourite foodie spots, and offers a fusian of Syrian, Greek and Tunisian cuisine.My friends and I were genuinely blown away with the grub, with each dish clearly very well thought out and beautifully executed, and could have had seconds and thirds of the array of dishes on offer.
We especially enjoyed the potato and onion puff, smash and shawarma salmon and the scotched falafel.With so many brunching options to choose from in London, it's safe to say that this one is a totally top notch choice for an afternoon well spent with friends.
For more information visit kapara.co.uk/eat-drink/
Reviewed by Emmy Griffiths, TV and Film Editor
Add 1910 Catina to your must-visit list
We've been hearing great words about this South London Mexican food haven for some time now, so it would have been remiss of us not to try it.
Nestled in a backstreet in bustling Balham, 1910 Cantina is doing things that only some of the more well-known Mexican chains can only dream of. Here, it's as authentic as it gets and served with a huge smattering of passion. Our brilliant server Scarlett personified this as she used to come for lunch and now works here. Highlights were the sublime ceviche which had the perfect blend of light acidity and cool freshness we didn't think we'd had better outside of Mexico.
The Baja Pescado Tacos were beautifully cooked with a delectable chipotle mayo and the Cochinita Pibil was suitably covered in a gorgeous habanero salsa that we gleefully managed to get separately to dip our crisp tortillas into. One word of warning though, the Mezcal cocktails are a little too good so just ensure the bottles of water keep coming to stave off that obligatory hangover.
Reviewed by Christian Anderson-Ramshall, Head of Channels
Feast on a five-course Indian tasting menu
Babur, the 2AA Rosette-awarded Indian restaurant in Forest Hill, is a well-known gem of southeast London. It prides itself on serving modern and contemporary Indian fare and has been doing so since its opening in 1985. To celebrate the family-run restaurant's 39th anniversary this year, Babur has created a limited-edition anniversary menu that is well worth indulging in.
While you can order their anniversary specials a la carte, I would recommend taking the thinking out of your order and diving into their sumptuous five-course tasting menu. It's a real feast inspired by the region of Maharashtra (cue: a very diverse set of dishes) and is available over the summer until 15 September.
When I dined with a friend, the highlights for us were the first course of tandoori tiger prawn with masala flat rice, as well as the smaller main of halibut curry with mango and fresh coconut. For the fourth and final savoury course, you have the choice of either a chicken stew or a lamb knuckle curry. I opted for the lamb which was sublime, especially because it was served with everyone's favourite side dish, paratha, perfect for mopping up all the sauce. The tasting menu closes with a showstopper of a dessert – mango kulfi with a fluorescent gond katria topping (edible gum that had the consistency and look of caviar) – a final nod to the creatively presented dishes.
Reviewed by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor
Dine and dance at West End's newest sought after party
© Photography: William HibbertPIRAÑA London is a newly-opened entertainment-led restaurant, bar and private dining room situated in the heart of the West End. Serving up Nikkei cuisine, which is a Peruvian and Japanese fusion. Having recently opened to the public, I was invited down to sample some of the venue's most popular dishes to date, including a mind-blowing sweetcorn ribs with a yuzu seasoning starter, flavoursome seabass ceviche, crispy rock shrimp tempura and a tender salmon teriyaki.
Whether you're sitting in the separate bar area or dining at the restaurant, there's a variety of cocktails to choose from, from signature classics to a full espresso martini menu which was a pleasant surprise. I tried 'The Lady' cocktail, which was a powerful concoction of Belvedere Vodka, Aperol, raspberry purée, vanilla syrupand rhubarb and hibiscus tonic water. It certainly packed a punch in the flavour department!
The venue itself looks like a hybrid of a fancy restaurant and club, and so it's easy to see how it would have a buzzing feel both midweek and on weekends. Promising a live DJ every night from Tuesday to Saturday, guests attending the restaurant come dressed to impress - unfortunately I missed the memo on the dress code, but upon my next visit I'll be sure to come stylishly prepared!
Reviewed by Arianna Chatzidakis, Creative Content Director
Best luxury things to do in London in August
Be it self-care, sumptuous dining or sun-soaked roof terraces on London's most lavish hotels, if you're searching for some luxury in the city this month, here's what HELLO!'s Editors have sunk into this August...
Spa & Spritz at Bistrot on the Terrace
If you're looking for an escape from the heat this August, may I recommend a few hours spent at Sofitel St James? The luxury hotel in central London is offering a Spa and Spritz experience, comprising of a sublime massage in their ultra-relaxing treatment rooms, followed by lunch in the impossibly chic Bistrot at Wild Honey (try the tomato salad, you will not be disappointed).
The dreamy afternoon ends with a spritz on their sun-soaked terrace – I sipped on the Signature Rosa Spritz, then was so taken by people watching from the terrace, I ordered a glass of Lady A rose to follow. It felt like being on holiday in Provence rather than slap bang in the centre of London.
By the time we left the hotel, my shoulders felt three inches lower thanks to the relaxing massage, plus the glasses of summer-perfect drinks had made for a perfect sojourn in an otherwise jampacked summer.
Reviewed by Melanie Macleod, Wellness Editor
Indulge in a champagne picnic in the park
Picnicking in the park is a staple British summertime activity, but Great Scotland Yard Hotel's new offering is one way to elevate the experience. The five-star venue, which is part of Hyatt Hotels, has teamed up with Veuve Clicquot to offer guests and non-guests a luxury alfresco dining service that I was lucky enough to review.
After booking in your time slot and date, you simply turn up at reception and collect a beautiful wicker hamper of premium goodies that have been freshly prepared by the hotel's kitchen – not to mention disposable cutlery, napkins, and a beautiful mat to sit on. You can then make the short, five-minute walk to St James's Park to set up shop and tuck into the delights on offer.
Included in the hamper were cheese and crackers, classic coronation chicken sandwiches, salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, a mountain of potato and walnut salad, and for dessert, a deliciously sweet strawberry cheesecake mousse. All of the picnicky bits were delicious; my only critique would be that there weren't enough of the moreish sandwiches. I would also recommend opting for some add-ons, such as the assorted dips with crudités, or chocolate-dipped apricots, so you have a bit more of a selection. But all in all, it's a delighful way to spend an afternoon in one of London's prettiest parks.
The sophisticated experience includes a full-sized bottle of Veuve Clicquot or Rosé Veuve Clicquot (as well as homemade Sicilian lemonade), which makes the £25pp charge worth it. It's available to book for minimum two people until the end of August, so be quick and get a slot in! And make sure you return the hamper at reception or you could face a £100 charge.
Reviewed by Ainhoa Barcelona, Content Managing Editor
Celebrate The National Gallery’s 200th Anniversary in style
Ochre, tucked away down the side of London's iconic National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, is offering a Bicentenary Afternoon Tea not to be missed, in celebration of The National Gallery’s 200th Anniversary.
Curated by Head Pastry Chef Rebecca Morrison, the exclusive afternoon tea, has been crafted to commemorate this incredible milestone. Served daily from 3–4:30pm and includes; loose-leaf tea, colourful macaroons and scrumptious sandwiches all alongside champagne or english sparkling wine.
If like me and you like to delve into your creative side this provides the perfect pit stop after taking in the latest exhibitions. My highlights had to be the delicious assortment of cakes, from the mini white chocolate and passion fruit birthday cake to the rich chocolate mousse paint brushes delicately placed on an artist's palette.
The Bicentenary Afternoon Tea is priced £55.00, or £65.00 with a cocktail, Nyetimber Sparkling or Laurent Perrier champagne. This will be showcased at The National Gallery until 14th September 2024.
Reviewed by Lauren Connolly, Senior Digital Designer
Jaw-dropping stunts
In need of some inspiration while the kids are on school holidays? Then head to EE Home Presents: The Circus, a spectacular live action, immersive theatre performance designed to help you navigate the chaotic nature of the summer holidays.
Taking place at HERE at Outernet on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August, EE Home Presents: The Circus will feature jaw-dropping stunts, awe-inspiring acrobats, and a whole lot more. A
ll acts are themed around relatable family scenarios and are linked to specific EE Home products (such as EE TV and Home Security), to reinforce how impactful an EE connected home can be.
To book tickets, visit EE Home presents: The Circus Tickets | London | TodayTix
