Looking for a bar to make the most of London’s summer weather? From Japanese terraces and Guinness cocktails in Canary Wharf to £5 happy hour drinks in Battersea, these are five spots worth booking this week if youre looking for drinks in the sun with some pals.
1. SUMI, NOTTING HILL
The Lowdown: Notting Hill favourite SUMI is embracing summer with a new terrace experience that’s made for long afternoons. Available from 3pm to 5pm, the special menu includes a glass of Rathfinny and a chef’s selection of temaki for £30 per person, alongside snacks including edamame, pickled vegetables, Japanese crackers and seaweed salad. On hotter days, cool off with Kakigōri – Japanese shaved ice topped with fresh fruit and syrup.
What to Drink: SUMI’s seasonal cocktails include the refreshing Kyūri, made with Roku Gin, shiso cordial, lemon and miracle foamer, while the Dion combines Haku Vodka, basil, lemon and sencha. Pair them with fresh temaki and enjoy one of west London’s loveliest summer terraces.
Where: 157 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2RS
2. THE DONOVAN BAR, MAYFAIR
The Lowdown: Brown’s Hotel’s legendary Donovan Bar has launched a limited-edition cocktail inspired by Harry Styles’ Watermelon Sugar. Created by Director of Mixology Federico Pavan, Watermelon Pop blends fresh watermelon with Campari, sparkling wine and soda, creating a crisp and bittersweet summer spritz.
What to Drink: Served in a chilled coupe over a single clear ice block, Watermelon Pop (£25) is designed as the ultimate pre- or post-Wembley drink. Elegant, playful and undeniably summery, it’s one for Harry fans and cocktail lovers alike.
Where: Brown’s Hotel, Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BP
3. THE PARLOUR, CANARY WHARF
The Lowdown: Canary Wharf’s favourite after-work hangout has teamed up with Guinness for a terrace takeover celebrating “The Guinness Effect”. Vintage Guinness memorabilia, retro artwork and the iconic toucan bring plenty of character to the Park Pavilion spot.
What to Eat & Drink: Snack on Guinness-infused popcorn, peanuts and Guinness-glazed popcorn chicken while sipping one of three cocktails. The Black Velvet mixes Guinness with Prosecco, the Guinness Old Fashioned combines Singleton 12-Year whisky with honey and orange, while the Guinness Espresso Martini adds raspberry and coffee into the mix. Of course, there’s also the perfect pint available all summer long.
Where: The Park Pavilion, Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14
4. KAYA GREAT NORTHERN HOTEL, KING’S CROSS
The Lowdown: Located opposite King’s Cross Station, Kaya Great Northern Hotel is shaping up to be one of the city’s go-to summer spots. Open from breakfast through to late evening, the terrace combines relaxed dining with live jazz every Wednesday and DJs every Saturday.
What to Eat & Drink: Expect everything from sandwiches and steak to fresh mussels and cream tea. On the drinks side, highlights include the floral Ultimate Spritz with Ultimate Provence Rosé, the rhubarb-infused Rhuby Spritz and the tropical Lucaya rum punch layered with pineapple, peach and warming spices.
Where: Great Northern Hotel, Pancras Road, London N1C 4TB
5. CINNAMON KITCHEN, BATTERSEA
The Lowdown: Vivek Singh’s Battersea restaurant is bringing the spice to happy hour with four hours of £5 cocktails and £1 bhajis every weekday from 3pm to 7pm. Set beneath the arches of Battersea Power Station, it’s one of south London’s best-value after-work destinations.
What to Eat & Drink: Choose from Aperol and Hugo Spritzes, a Mango Chilli Margarita, or low and no-alcohol options including a Platform Spritz and 0% G&T. Pair them with crispy bhajis before diving into Cinnamon Kitchen’s signature grills and curries. With World Cup matches screened during opening hours, it’s an easy choice for pre-game drinks and bites.
Where: 4 Arches Lane, Battersea Power Station, London SW11 8AB
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