Finding exciting new places to eat is one of the best parts of summer. Whether you’re escaping London for a leisurely riverside lunch, planning a long-overdue brunch with friends or searching for somewhere new to celebrate Wimbledon, these five restaurants and bars are well worth adding to your list. From Berkshire’s peaceful marina to Chelsea cocktail residencies and beautifully designed Italian terraces, there’s something here for every occasion.
1. For Riverside Mediterranean Dining: Mediterranevm Bray
The Lowdown: If you’re looking for an excuse to get out of the city, Mediterranevm Bray is well worth the journey. Tucked away within Bray Marina, the restaurant feels like a genuine hidden gem, reached by a peaceful riverside walk overlooking the Thames. The setting alone makes it an easy choice for a relaxed summer lunch, but it’s the Mediterranean hospitality and menu that make visitors want to linger a little longer.
The bright conservatory-style dining room opens onto the marina, creating an atmosphere that feels worlds away from central London. Whether you’re visiting Windsor for the day or exploring Berkshire’s riverside villages, it’s an idyllic stop that perfectly captures the slower pace of summer.
What to Eat & Drink: The menu celebrates Mediterranean and Italian cooking with plenty of fresh seafood, authentic Greek meze, handmade pasta and expertly grilled dishes. Start with a selection of sharing plates before moving onto one of the restaurant’s seafood specials or charcoal-grilled meats, all best enjoyed alongside a crisp glass of wine overlooking the water.
Where: Bray Marina, Monkey Island Lane, Bray, Berkshire SL6 2EB
Book Here.
2. For Design-Led Summer Dining: Nipotina, Mayfair
The Lowdown: This summer, Nipotina is embracing the Italian philosophy of Il Dolce Far Niente with the launch of La Lunga Estate, a three-month collaboration with luxury interiors brand Addison Ross. Running throughout the summer, the restaurant’s terrace and newly opened enoteca have been transformed with the brand’s signature cherry-red accessories, creating one of Mayfair’s most stylish outdoor dining spaces.
It’s a collaboration that goes beyond beautiful tablescapes. Every detail has been carefully considered to encourage guests to slow down, settle in and enjoy long lunches and even longer evenings over exceptional food and wine.
What to Eat & Drink: Alongside the restaurant’s Italian favourites, look out for seasonal sharing dishes including Bigoli with sweet red prawns, whole roasted turbot and an impressive Bistecca Fiorentina. Behind the bar, a limited-edition cocktail menu created with Malfy Gin features highlights including the Negroni alla Ciliegia, perfectly suited to warm summer evenings on the terrace.
Where: Nipotina, 49 South Audley Street, Mayfair, London W1K 2QD
Book Here.
3. For Award-Winning Mexican Cocktails: Ixchel, Chelsea
The Lowdown: Chelsea’s Ixchel is welcoming one of London’s most celebrated cocktail names this summer as HACHA takes over the Nocturna Lounge for an exclusive residency running until the end of August. Bringing together two of the capital’s biggest champions of tequila and mezcal, the collaboration promises an exciting new chapter for London’s cocktail scene following the closure of HACHA’s Dalston site earlier this year.
Expect a lively atmosphere with weekly DJs, late-night energy and a rotating programme of special drinks events, making it one of the most exciting places to spend an evening this summer.
What to Eat & Drink: The headline serve is undoubtedly HACHA’s legendary Mirror Margarita — the crystal-clear cocktail that has built a cult following across London. Guests can also order award-winning creations including the Salted Pomegranate Margarita, the smoky Miles Away featuring passion fruit-infused mezcal and charred pineapple, alongside a refreshing Paloma made with tequila blanco, grapefruit soda and house-made agua fresca.
Where: Ixchel, 33H King’s Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4LX
Book Here.
4. For Wimbledon Dining with Champagne: Orion, Wimbledon Village
The Lowdown: Wimbledon season has officially arrived and Orion is marking the occasion with an exclusive collaboration alongside Lanson Champagne, the Official Champagne of The Championships. Created by Michelin-trained chef and MasterChef: The Professionals winner Alex Webb, the limited-edition experience brings together refined British cooking, premium Champagne pairings and live match screenings throughout the tournament.
The restaurant has fully embraced the spirit of Wimbledon, extending its opening hours and introducing everything from breakfast and brunch to street-side service serving strawberries and cream, lobster rolls and Pimm’s. Whether you’re stopping by before watching the tennis or planning a leisurely afternoon of food and Champagne, it’s one of the capital’s most stylish ways to celebrate the Championships.
What to Eat & Drink: The specially curated three-course menu showcases the very best of the British summer season, beginning with Devon crab salad before moving onto black cod with clams and a delicate white wine cream sauce. Dessert arrives in the form of a playful tennis ball-inspired creation featuring English strawberries and Champagne jelly. Alongside the menu, guests can enjoy expertly paired Lanson Champagnes, Oyster & Champagne Happy Hour throughout the tournament and a limited-edition Wimbledon Hamper created in collaboration with the historic Champagne house.
Where: Orion, 75–77 Ridgway, Wimbledon Village, London SW19 4ST
Book Here.
5. For Weekend Brunch With A Twist: The Brush, Shoreditch
The Lowdown: If your perfect weekend starts with brunch, The Brush at art’otel Hoxton has just unveiled a menu that’s anything but ordinary. Available every Saturday and Sunday from midday, the new offering takes inspiration from Europe’s grand cafés while adding plenty of playful creativity to classic brunch dishes.
There’s also plenty of reason to stay beyond your meal. The restaurant’s spacious dining room flows onto its suntrap terrace, making it an ideal spot for lazy weekend afternoons, while those celebrating can opt for one hour of bottomless cocktail pitchers alongside their food.
What to Eat & Drink: The star of the menu is the restaurant’s signature ‘Cake in a Pan’ pancake stacks, available with toppings including peri peri chicken with crispy rice noodles, maple pork belly with chilli and chorizo jam, or slow-cooked oxtail with poached egg. Sweet options are just as tempting, from brioche French toast topped with poached pear and gorgonzola to caramelised banana with orange marmalade and nutmeg Chantilly.
Classic brunch favourites including Eggs Royale, Benedict and Florentine remain on the menu, while drinks range from creative cocktails to bottomless Strawberry Margaritas, Aperol Spritz, Pimm’s and Coalition Beer. There’s even an Elderflower Spritz for those skipping the alcohol.
Where: The Brush, art’otel London Hoxton, 84–86 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3JL
Book Here.
Whether you’re planning a day trip beyond the capital, making the most of Wimbledon season or simply looking for somewhere new to meet friends this weekend, these five destinations prove there’s no shortage of exciting places to discover. From riverside Mediterranean feasts and Italian-inspired terraces to inventive brunches and award-winning cocktails, they’re all worthy additions to your summer dining list.
For more recommendations, visit TONE Magazine LDN and our Eats page.
