Allow me to reluctantly admit something: there is no better place than London during the summer. 

As someone who grew up in the Oxfordshire countryside, where warm days were spent dipping into rivers and laying out in fields, I never really got why Londoners were so obsessed with surrounding themselves with concrete, high rises and sweating crowds when the temperatures started to climb. 

If anything, even the suggestion of a heatwave made me want to run to the nearest open green space and set up camp there until it passed. But when I moved here in 2019 and experienced a first glorious summer in the city for myself, I finally understood. 

When the weather changes, the streets hum with energy. People walk with their faces turned up towards the sunshine, buzzing on the pavements and squeezing onto street corners with drinks in hand.

As sceptical as I was at first, I now wouldn’t trade setting my picnic blanket up on Primrose Hill and people-watching the day away for anything. Yes, some might be overwhelmed by the pace (and hey, I won’t pretend that the Central Line is the best place to be when it’s 30 degrees outside) but if you can’t beat them, you have no choice but to join them. 

And as someone who has well and truly joined in, I’ve spent the last five years perfecting the ultimate summer in the city routine. From a slow morning to the best way to end a balmy evening across this whirlwind of a city I’m now proud to call home, here’s where I’d head for a dream day in the sun that celebrates a London summer in all its glory.

As a north Londoner, I’m very precious about my local area and truly believe that Muswell Hill has some of the best bakeries, coffee shops and brunch places in London.

My favourite of all is Beam, a Mediterranean inspired chain where I like to start a weekend of fun in the sun. My brunch order is their Turkish eggs with a hot cappuccino, followed by a green smoothie for the road. 

Life is all about balance, after all. Finally, I’ll pick up a pastry from local spot Dunn’s Bakery and save to enjoy later. 

North London also boasts a great second-hand shopping scene: I’ve found everything from vintage Burberry to brand-new-with-tags Cos in charity shops around Highgate and Crouch End. 

While the warm weather is all about making the most of time outside, I can’t resist having a rummage through rails of clothes in North London Hospice or Mind under the guise of “getting some shade”. 

The key to second-hand shopping success is to literally look through every item in front of you and ignore sizes. You never know what gems might be tucked away in the wrong section or using a different sizing system (for example a vintage one) to what you’re used to. 

Just be sure to try everything on before you buy to avoid any buyer’s remorse. 

Of course, the key to any perfect summer day is spending as much time as possible outside. 

A walk in the sunshine is a reliable joy, and whether you’re north, east, south or west, the city has so many great parks and green spaces to enjoy, from the urban wilderness of Hackney Marshes to the boating lakes of Hyde Park. 

My all-time favourite spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon, however, has to be Hampstead Heath. Not only does it offer some of the best views of London, from the ladies pond to the gardens of stately home Kenwood House, there is just so much to take in. 

All you need to pack are your headphones, a picnic blanket and a good book for the ultimate laidback afternoon. 

If I’m heading into Central, I always like to make sure that it’s in the early evening: that’s when the streets are buzzing and the sun is still beating down, but the city feels at its very best.

For the perfect sundowner, I love to head to the glitzy, Regency-style bar The Soho Residence for a Chambord Spritz or Raspberry Fool - a great option for anyone with a sweet tooth. 

Another favourite spot is CellarDoor in Aldwych, an intimate bar that serves a mean Some Like It Hot cocktail, made with Chambord, El Jimador Blanco, lime and ginger beer. What better way to round off the ideal summer day?

Make every moment magnifique with Chambord, a fruity and decadent black raspberry liqueur.

Please Drink Responsibly.
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