What's on in London in July

The heatwave this week has cemented that summer has well and truly arrived. And with it comes a long to-do list. This month alone, there are English wines to preview, polo matches to attend and pastel de natas to taste. As ever, to make sure you don’t miss a beat, we’ve curated a list of what’s on in July and, more importantly, what’s worth your time. 

The RA Summer Exhibition 

The RA Summer Exhibition is one of London’s oldest and most treasured showcases. Held every year since 1769, it’s an annual opportunity to highlight the works of both emerging and established artists across a variety of media. Anyone can enter their work to be considered, so it really is one of the rare occasions to discover new creators in an artistic institution. 

The Exhibition is open now. Tickets can be reserved at royalacademy.org.uk

RH London Opens The Gallery in Mayfair

American furniture behemoth will this month transform a Mayfair Palladian mansion (and three adjoining properties, no less) into an immersive retail experience. Gone are the days of banal showrooms, the RH Gallery will span five floors to showcase luxury home furnishings, alongside rare art, antiques and artefacts sourced from around the world. Whether you’re looking to renovate or are just browsing, it’s certainly worth a visit.

The RH Gallery in Mayfair opens on 27th rh.com

Black Chalk New Cuvée Preview at Tavern

English wine has been the toast of the wine world for the past few years, in part thanks to our ability to produce crisp, fresh bottles mirroring the fruits of Champagne’s famous soil. Of our homegrown producers, the Hampshire-based Black Chalk, which specialises in small batches created using traditional methods, has built a devoted following. This month, Black Chalk will be launching its latest cuvée, “Eighty Nine Point Six”, and it’ll be available to sample at trendy Shoreditch newcomer, Tavern. Paired with the restaurant’s oyster menu, it makes for the perfect light summer meal. 

Eighty Nine Point Six will be available at Tavern from 1st July.

The Grown Alchemist x Tomorrowland Collaboration

While it may be a Glastonbury fallow year, there’s still plenty of festivals to be frequenting this summer. Whether you’ll be camping or glamping, you’ll no doubt want to ensure you’ve packed a festival survival kit. As of this month, this can now include the new collaboration from iconic Belgian festival Tomorrowland and skincare brand The Grown Alchemist. There’s a hydrating elixir mist that can be spritzed all over to keep skin hydrated and protect against antioxidant damage, a hand and body wash, as well as a shampoo and conditioner that will make you forget all the dust and late nights.

Il Gattopardo Pasta & Vino Offering

One of SPHERE’s favourite Italian restaurants in town, Il Gattopardo is known for evoking visions of 1960s La Dolce Vita nostalgia. Throughout July, the restaurant will take diners on a culinary tour of Italy with a weekly regional wine and pasta pairing. Available to enjoy from the counter at 12pm every day, the first spotlight will focus on the robust spirit of Lazian cooking, accompanied by a regional wine of a similar ilk. 

Book your seat at the counter at gattopardo.restaurant.

Sune 4th July Party 

If the World Cup has your craving a wet, hot American summer, why not join in the 4th July celebrations – it is the 250th anniversary after all. For one day only, Broadway Market neighbourhood spot Sune will be hosting a brunch in partnership with Bubbledogs – the beloved hot dog concept from Sandia Chang. For the weekend, three specific Bubbledogs will be brought back from the archives: the 4th July, with Southern BBQ sauce, creamy coleslaw and bacon bits; the Trishna, with mango chutney, mint and coriander sauce and sev; and the Reuben, with caramelised sauerkraut, Russian dressing and Swiss cheese.

Sandia will also be on hand herself to pour grower Champagnes from her Bubbleshop selection, before the brunch transforms into a street party at 4pm. Book a slot at sune.restaurant

Goodwood Festival of Speed

Not strictly in London, but close enough to warrant an inclusion. This July, the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed returns to the stunning parkland surrounding Goodwood House in Sussex. Described as “motorsport’s ultimate garden party”, there’s an exciting line-up this year including an appearance from reigning F1 World Champion Lando Norris, as well as, of course, the hill climb, where cars race around the estate’s iconic course. 

Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place on 9th - 12th July 2026 goodwood.com

Brasserie Constance, Floral Workshop & Lunch

Nestled on the banks of the Thames sits Brasserie Constance, Adam Byatt's modern British restaurant named for famed British food critic Constance Spry – the legend behind coronation chicken. In celebration of the 70th anniversary of The Constance Spry Cookery Book, the restaurant will host floral workshops followed by lunch throughout July. 

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink before taking part in a guided floral arranging workshop. Once you’ve finished, you can enjoy a three-course lunch which incorporates playful nods to Constance’s retro recipes. 

Tickets for Constance in Bloom can be bought from sevenrooms.com

Santa Nata Soft Serve 

The humble pastel de nata – born in the monasteries of Lisbon more than three centuries ago and now the sweet treat of choice for many a Londoner on the go. Santa Nata, which has stores throughout the city and is religiously committed to serving authentic and traditional pastel de nata, is launching the UK’s first pastel de Nata-flavoured soft serve ice cream. Available at the Battersea, Covent Garden Piazza, and Oxford bakeries, the new soft serve combines pastel de nata custard-flavoured ice cream with creamy vanilla soft serve, pastry flakes, and a dusting of cinnamon. 

If you happen to visit Santa Nata on National Ice Cream Day, 19th July, you can enjoy 2-4-1 on your soft serve. santanata.com