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London 2022. Temperatures are going up, the sun is shining, and although love never really goes out of fashion, a bright Summer’s day does wonders for everybody’s sense of what’s possible. Add to that a change of scene and you’ve got the perfect ingredients for romance. So it’s time to think of downing tools, if only for a few hours, and indulging in shared pleasures. A meal, a show, a film – a walk beside the river. The most important gestures don’t have to be grand. Although if you’re looking for impact and glamour, London has it all.
Whether it’s one night, a weekend or longer, why not spend it sampling the freedom of the city? Here are a few of the many date nights London has to offer. And while you’re at it, why not book a hotel in London?
Theatre, Music, Films, Festivals
Moulin Rouge
Until January 2023
Piccadilly Theatre, Denman Street, W1
Baz Luhrmann’s film translated to the stage, a tour de force of Love Almost Lost, set to a classic soundtrack courtesy of David Bowie, Elton John and Christina Aguilera among others. The hits just keep on coming – literally. Fast, feel–good entertainment.
My Fair Lady
Until 27 August
London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2
Critically acclaimed production of the classic show, in London this Summer, and staged just around the corner from Covent Garden where our heroine, Eliza Doolittle, is first found selling her flowers by Henry Higgins the linguistics professor (and famous snob). See the show, tour the sights, sing the songs.
Wicked
Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, W1
Now one of London’s longest–running shows, Wicked turns the Wizard of Oz on its head. Seen by over 10 million people and counting.
Secret Cinema Dirty Dancing
Until July 31
Immersive Experience
Secret location: dress as part of the cast, stay in the audience or take centre stage… eat, drink, interact with the characters. For serious fans, aged 18+
BBC Proms
July 15 to September 10
Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7
Needs very little introduction. World famous classical music and more. Over 40 days of fine orchestras, famous soloists and magnificent spectacle. Buy tickets or queue on the day. On the doorstep of London’s famous royal parks.
Disney on Stage
Covent Garden
Magical Disney interactive summer pop-ups - Frozen, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast.
Royal Academy of Arts Summer exhibition
Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1
Until 21st August
Discover art works by established emerging artists based on this year’s ‘Climate’ theme.
July 15 to October 16
Milton Avery: American Colourist at Royal Academy
View luminous paintings by one of America’s most important and influential 20th century artists.
Raphael Exhibition
Until 31st July
National Gallery, Trafalgar Square
Once in a lifetime show with loans from the Louvre, the Prado Museum, the Uffizi, the Vatican and the National Gallery of Art Washington.
The Photographers Gallery
Ramillies Pace, W1
Ongoing
The Photography Quarter. Free art display covering the streets in Soho now transformed into a new and permanent art gallery.
This Bright Land Festival
August 1 to 29
Somerset House Courtyard
Many of us will be familiar with Somerset House in Winter, with its fab ice rink and lights, but now it’s Summertime’s chance to get the sunshine wonderland treatment. Day and night performances. London culture and grassroots communities.
The World Reimagined
August 13 to October 31
A unique sculpture trail in the City of London. A journey of discovery exploring the many layers of shared world history and making racial justice a reality.
Illuminated River Boat Tours
Ongoing
All nine illuminated river bridges, City of London guides, iconic landmarks.
Summer in the Square
July 21 to 31
Grosvenor Square, Mayfair
A celebration of wellness, music and entertainment in Grosvenor Square.
Art in Mayfair
Until 31st July, fashion meets art in the streets of Mayfair.
August 5
Christina Aguilera at the 02 Arena
August 6
Westlife in concert at Wembley Stadium
August 12 to 20
Coldplay in concert at Wembley Stadium
Festivals
London Dessert Festival
August 12 to 14
Business Design Centre, Islington
Puddings. The way to many a lover’s heart. A celebration of all things sweet.
August 5
Needs no further explanation. Your excuse to sample something new.
Local Craft Beer Festival
August 13 to 14
The world’s best breweries get together at Tobacco Dock for a tribute to beer in all its forms.
Covent Garden
August 19 to September 4
This has to be the most indulgent festival of all, perfect for the Summer. Also frozen cocktails!
Cocktails in the City
Bedford Square Gardens, WC1
August 20 to 21
London summer cocktail happening, cocktail making, cocktail tasting. Festival vibes and non-stop live music. The likes of London Cocktail Club, Barrio Bars and Callooh Callay amongst those running the drinks.
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
August 26 to September 11
Free theatre, art, dance and circus. Might as well make the most of it and book into a tower hotel London.
Visons Festival Hackney
July 22 to 23
One day festival of underground music, taking place over multiple venues across Hackney (including Oslo, Chats Palace, Hackney Church, and Paper Dress Vintage). This year’s line-up includes Aya, Black Country, New Road, and Deathcrash amongst others.
UEFA Women’s EURO
Until July 31
Football. Nine stadiums in eight cities across England, but the final takes place at London’s Wembley Stadium.
51st State Festival 2022
August 20
51st State Festival: Pioneers of house music and breakthrough acts of today. Performers from UK, Europe and the Americas. Copthall Playing Fields, North London.
Notting Hill Carnival
August 28 to 29
Renowned Notting Hill Carnival in the streets of West London.
London E- Prix
July 30 to 31
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championships: teams go wheel to wheel on the streets around historic East London’s docklands.
Eat, Drink and Be Happy
Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill
11–15 Swallow Street,
Just because everybody knows about oysters and romance…
Ceviche Soho
17 Frith Street, W1
More Peruvian charm, this time in Soho, but this one is Michelin Guide listed. Said to have ignited the London Peruvian restaurant tradition. More than ceviche on the menu, though.
Hawksmoor Air Street
Art Deco ambiance overlooking Regent Street. Market Fish and matured beef on the menu, said to be one of the most sustainable restaurants in the UK.
Heddon Yokocho
8 Heddon Street, W1
Retro ramen bar designed to take you back to the 1970s Yokocho alleyways of Japan.
The Wellington Al Fresco
Vincent Square, Westminster SW1
The Blue Orchid Wellington Hotel is located on one of London’s biggest (and surprisingly quiet) leafy squares in Westminster. Al fresco food and drink from the Terrace, within the hotel’s own gardens and close by major landmarks (Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, Big Ben) as well as the Apollo Victoria Theatre (home of hit musical Wicked).
Bleeding Heart Yard, Farringdon, EC1
Hard to resist a name like that. “Best French Bistro in London” (City AM) and large outdoor terrace.
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Coya Angel Court
31-33 Thorgmorton Street, EC2
Any restaurant on Angel Court has to have something about it. And this one is a Peruvian inspired terrace. Outdoor dining, tucked away, a fun escape. Bar food served from both the lunch and dinner menu, also COYA’s Pisco Sours…
Celebrate
Blue Orchid Tower Suites
100 Minories EC3
The name gives it away: ideal for couples who want to celebrate an anniversary or birthday, indeed any significant memory. On offer is an overnight stay for two in Tower Suites near the iconic Tower of London plus a three course dinner at the Italian inspired Cento Alla Torre restaurant. On top of that, there’s a complimentary bottle of champagne and a rooftop photoshoot from the Skyline London terrace bar, with the Tower and Tower Bridge as your backdrop.
High Timber Restaurant
Broken Wharf House, 8 High Timber Street, EC4
South African cuisine, featuring Stellenbosch’s most awarded wine estate, and chef Bartek Wegzryn. Something a little bit different on the banks of the Thames.
Jubilee at the Tower
100 Minories, EC3
A staycation with a royal theme. Overnight luxury stay for two in Blue Orchid Hotel, Tower Suites boutique apartments, plus two adult tickets to Superbloom and the Tower of London, the much talked about ocean of wildflowers now planted in the Tower’s extensive moat. Plus complementary in-room breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner at in–house Italian inspired restaurant Cento Alla Torre.
Royal Time at the Tower
Another royal offer from Blue Orchid Tower Suites: an overnight stay for two, plus a private walking tour of local landmarks, and a private tour of the Tower of London.
Leadenhall Market
Grace Church Street, EC3
Among the most picturesque of covered markets in the city, made famous by the Harry Potter films, near the Monument and London Bridge, famous for its shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes.
Heron Tower (38th and 39th floors)
110 Bishopsgate
Japanese–Peruvian–Brazilian fusion rooftop restaurant plus 360º views of the city. And a very prominent, very orange tree on the west terrace.
9–11 Bow Churchyard, EC4
Traditional and modern Italian food, charming, understated, and big on pictures of sleek Italian sports cars on the walls.
Aldgate Sounds
Aldgate Square, EC3
A mindful musical lunch break with live concerts. 12-2pm Tuesday throughout July and August.
Petticoat Lane Thursday’s
Wentworth and Goulston Street
Music, fun, food and creative goods. 12-3.30pm Thursdays 14th, 21st, 28th July.
BaLaCo Festival
Aldgate Square, EC3
Community arts and culture festival celebrating the Bangladeshi, Latino and Cockney cultures, part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. 2-8pm Friday 22nd July.
Nocturnal Creatures (Late Night Arts Festival)
Saturday 23rd July 6pm–11pm
Free
Something for older children and adults: A free arts festival that transforms a host of indoor and outdoor spaces around the Whitechapel Gallery and the City of London. Installation, film, live performance and music to enhance the unusual and the historic. Your family might welcome the convenience of a nearby 5 star hotel in London afterwards.
Contact us at
hello@centrallondonalliance.com