London comes alive in summer, with rooftops, courtyards and riverside venues transforming into vibrant seasonal hotspots packed with food, drink and outdoor entertainment.
Whether you're enjoying sunset cocktails with a skyline view, unwinding in a secret garden oasis or soaking up live music in the open air, these summer pop-ups in London are guaranteed to add a splash of sunshine to your plans.
Jump ahead to the relevant sizzling section:
Summer riverside pop-ups and outdoor dining
Between The Bridges
Nestled on the South Bank between Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge, Between The Bridges is one of London's most exciting summer pop-ups, bringing together street food, live entertainment and riverside drinking spots in a lively open-air setting.
The seasonal venue hosts an ever-changing programme of events throughout the summer, from live music and DJ sets to themed parties, comedy nights and interactive experiences.
Alongside the entertainment, you'll find a rotating line-up of street food traders serving everything from burgers and tacos to sweet treats, plus bars pouring craft beers, frozen cocktails and refreshing summer spritzes.
Top reason to visit: Enjoy street food, cocktails and live entertainment with unbeatable views of the Thames and London's skyline.
Summer by the River
Set against the iconic backdrop of Tower Bridge and the City skyline, Summer by the River returns to London Bridge each year with a packed programme of riverside entertainment, pop-up food and drink spots, live performances and cultural events.
Spend the afternoon browsing food stalls, settle in with a refreshing cocktail at one of the seasonal bars, or simply soak up the atmosphere from a deckchair overlooking the water.
As the sun begins to set, the area comes alive with live music, outdoor screenings and performances, making it the perfect spot for a summer evening in the city.
Top reason to visit: Enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment with front-row views of Tower Bridge and the Thames.
River Walk Market at Batteresa Power Station
Make your way to the Thames-side River Walk Market at Battersea Power Station, where seasonal markets and pop-ups bring extra buzz to one of London's most exciting riverside destinations.
Framed by the Grade II listed landmark and sweeping river views, this vibrant waterside stretch plays host to a rotating line-up of independent traders, street food stalls, artisan products and summer-themed events throughout the warmer months.
Browse handmade gifts and local produce, pick up a sweet treat from one of the food vendors, or settle in at a nearby riverside bar or restaurant to soak up the sunshine.
Top reason to visit: Discover independent traders and street-food favourites while enjoying spectacular Thames-side views beneath one of London's most iconic landmarks.
Outdoor entertainment and summer activities
The Rooftop Cinema Club
Swap the traditional cinema for a deckchair under the stars at Rooftop Cinema Club, where cult classics and feel-good favourites are screened against some of London's most impressive skyline views.
Returning each summer to open-air venues across the city, this much-loved pop-up combines the magic of outdoor cinema with comfortable seating, wireless headphones and a lively social atmosphere.
Arrive before the film starts to make the most of the experience, with rooftop bars serving cocktails, wine, beer and snacks as the sun sets over the city.
Top reason to visit: Watch your favourite films beneath the stars while taking in spectacular views of London's skyline.
Roof East
Perched above a multi-storey car park in Stratford, Roof East has become one of east London's ultimate summer playgrounds.
This open-air rooftop pop-up combines skyline views with street food, cocktails and a packed programme of activities, making it a go-to destination for sunshine-filled fun.
Challenge your friends to a game of crazy golf, test your aim at batting cages, try out curling or get competitive on the rooftop archery range before refuelling with food from independent street food traders.
The rooftop's festival-style atmosphere and ever-changing schedule of events make every visit feel different, whether you're gathering for after-work drinks, planning a group day out or looking for a fun alternative to the traditional pub garden.
Top reason to visit: Combine rooftop drinks, street food and games with sweeping views across east London.
Unique foodie pop-ups and summer drink experiences
Chimney Lift Lates: Cocktail Masterclass
Take your summer evenings to new heights at Chimney Lift Lates: Cocktail Masterclass, a limited-edition after-hours experience at Battersea Power Station.
Hosted 109 metres above London at the top of the iconic Chimney Lift, this unique summer pop-up combines hands-on cocktail making with spectacular 360-degree views across the capital.
In partnership with Pérola Cocktail Bar at art'otel Battersea Power Station, the masterclass is led by expert bartenders who guide guests through the art of shaking, stirring and mixing three bespoke cocktails inspired by the London skyline. From light and refreshing summer serves to richer flavour combinations, each drink is crafted while overlooking some of the city's most famous landmarks.
Top reason to visit: Learn how to craft cocktails while enjoying panoramic views from one of London's most iconic landmarks.
Rotate by Jimmy’s
Set along the South Bank with sweeping views of the Thames, Rotate by Jimmy's is a vibrant summer dining pop-up from acclaimed London event chef Jimmy Garcia.
Marking ten years of Jimmy's on the South Bank, this seasonal riverside spot celebrates simple, flavour-packed food and laid-back summer dining in one of the capital's most iconic locations.
The menu centres around expertly cooked rotisserie chicken, served alongside colourful dips and seasonal British sides, while the bar offers a selection of house cocktails, wine and refreshing summer drinks.
Top reason to visit: Tuck into rotisserie favourites and seasonal cocktails while enjoying front-row views of the Thames.
The Ice Cream Project by Anya Hindmarch
Forget traditional vanilla and chocolate – Anya Hindmarch's cult-favourite Ice Cream Project returns to Belgravia each summer with a menu of brilliantly unexpected flavours inspired by everyday cupboard staples, nostalgic snacks and household favourites.
Dare to try scoops inspired by everything from Mini Cheddars, Yorkshire pudding and soy sauce to toothpaste, stuffing and stock cubes, alongside more familiar flavours based on biscuits, coffee and chocolate drinks.
For the full experience, book a blind tasting session at the Anya Café and challenge your taste buds to identify each mystery flavour.
Top reason to visit: Sample some of London's most unusual ice cream flavours at one of the city’s most creative summer pop-ups.
Sip & Soar with Greenwich Gin
See London from a different perspective with Sip & Soar with Greenwich Gin, a unique summer experience that combines gin tasting with a flight above the Thames on the London Cable Car.
Beginning at Greenwich Peninsula, enjoy a welcome gin and tonic before joining an expert-led introduction to gin's heritage and the 13 botanicals used in Greenwich Gin. The experience culminates with a private, fast-track cable car journey across the Thames, where you'll enjoy another Greenwich G&T while taking in sweeping views of the city’s skyline.
From Canary Wharf and The O2 to the winding Thames below, the panoramic views make this one of London’s most memorable summer drinks experiences.
Top reason to visit: Sip a locally crafted gin and tonic while soaring above the Thames with spectacular views of London's skyline.
Open-air culture and summer performances
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Swap four walls for fresh air at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, one of London's most magical summer traditions.
among the trees in the heart of the Royal Park, the award-winning venue has been delighting audiences for decades with a programme of musicals, theatre productions, family shows and special events performed beneath the open sky.
Make an occasion of it by arriving early to stroll through the park's landscaped gardens before settling in for a pre-show drink or bite to eat at the theatre's outdoor bars and dining areas.
Top reason to visit: Watch world-class theatre under the stars in one of London's most beautiful outdoor settings.
Everyman on the Canal
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Granary Square, Everyman on the Canal transforms King's Cross into an open-air cinema destination each summer.
Pull up a deckchair beside the water and enjoy a line-up of beloved classics, family favourites and modern hits as the sun sets over the canal. The relaxed outdoor setting makes it one of the city's most atmospheric places to catch a film during the warmer months.
It’s free and first come first served, so arrive early to secure a spot by the water and enjoy snacks, popcorn and frozen margaritas before the screening begins. Those with a sweet tooth can also indulge in Everyman's extravagant ice cream sundaes and seasonal treats while watching the action unfold on screen.
Top reason to visit: Watch a film beside the canal with summer cocktails, ice cream and one of London's most vibrant waterside settings.