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Ultimate Guide to August in London

We’re taking full advantage of the sunny weather, and in general, the summer that we always long for. So with August firmly in our hands, we’re well and truly making the most of London this month. Whether it’s celebrating one of the best carnivals, eating your way around London or enjoying a cocktail (or three) in our favourite bars, there’s always something for everyone.

Cocktails in the City

( 3 – 4 August)

Ultimate Guide to August in London

When you bring London’s best bars, brands and cocktail lovers together to celebrate the art of the cocktail in impressive surroundings, you’ve got one hell of a cocktail party. Whether you want to discover new flavours from those bars you’ve been meaning to try, or opt for your favourite tipple from that much loved boozer of yours, all we know is that you shouldn’t make plans the following morning. You’ll thank us later.

London Craft Beer Festival

(3 – 5 August)

Ultimate Guide to August in London

Moving into a bigger space at Tobacco Dock, you’ll have plenty more room to drink craft beer, eat all of the good street food and enjoy time with your pals (once you’ve worked your way around 65 breweries, or at least attempted to). That’s our weekend plans sorted.

Film4 Summer Screen

(9 – 22 August)

Ultimate Guide to August in London

Everyone loves watching a film, but there’s just something even more spectacular about watching your favourite film outdoors, especially with this glorious weather! Returning for two weeks at Somerset house, all films take on the theme of dreams. So pack up your picnics and get settled into a world of fantasy under the night sky this summer.

Afternoon Tea Week

(13 – 19 August)

Ultimate Guide to August in London

Ain’t no par-tea like a tea party and when you get to celebrate all week long, we’ve never appreciated our true British tradition more than ever before. We’ll be working our way around our favourites such as Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, St Martins Lane’s delicious tea and Cafe Royal’s Diptyque Afternoon Tea. The question is, jam or cream first?

Notting Hill Carnival

(26 – 27 August)

Ultimate Guide to August in London

London’s biggest street party is back and better than ever. With thrilling performers, elaborate floats and a whole lot of colour, there’s plenty of celebration to the wonderful traditions and culture of the Caribbean communities. Dance your way to the countless food stalls. We’re heading straight for the chicken!

South West Four Festival

( 25 – 26 August)

Ultimate Guide to August in London

If you’re a lover of big beats, then you’ll have heard of Europe’s best loved electronic dance festival, SW4. With the likes of Dizzee Rascal, SIGMA and Lethal Bizzle, you’ll wish this festival lasted longer than two days. Also, it falls on the bank holiday, so thank you SW4 for this perfect weekend.

Underbelly Festival

(August & September)

Ultimate Guide to August in London

For the second year running, London Wonderground and Udderbelly are joining forces to stage Underbelly Festival. Making it all about the four C’s: cabaret, circus, comedy and children’s theatre, it’s a fun-packed festival with plenty of entertainment and alfresco eating and drinking. Bring all the family.

Scoop: A Wonderful Ice Cream World

(August & September)

Ultimate Guide to August in London

Looking for the coolest edible exhibition? Yep, we’ve found it! The British Museum of Food’s founders Bompass & Parr, present this wonderful exhibition dedicated to all things ice cream. Try glow-in-the-dark ice cream, understand the neuroscience of the frozen treat and explore the dark side of desserts. After all, life is better with ice cream.

Can August last two months instead of one?