July 2026: London’s Top Destinations for Arty Food Lovers
London in July is at its very best — long, light-filled evenings, a packed events calendar (Wimbledon, BST Hyde Park and the Buckingham Palace summer opening all fall this month), and every park and rooftop bar full of people making the most of the sunshine. If you’re planning a visit and love colour, art, design and good food, we’ve put together our favourite way to spend a day in the city, not just enjoying tourist sites in London, but taking in north London’s most atmospheric corners, a world-class exhibition.
Here’s our guide the top things to do in London in July 2026.
1. Brunch at Panzer’s Delicatessen, NW8
Begin the day at Panzer’s Delicatessen, a beloved St John’s Wood institution that’s been serving the neighbourhood since 1944. It’s renowned for its hand-sliced smoked salmon and freshly baked bagels, and is just as at home serving a leisurely coffee and pastry as it is a full deli breakfast. Grab a seat at the coffee bar or out on the terrace and ease gently into the day.
Where: 13-19 Circus Rd, London NW8 6PB
Getting there: Take the Jubilee line to St John’s Wood then a 2 minute walk from the Tube Station.
Coffee bar Opening Times: Daily 7am – 7pm
Website: panzers.co.uk | Instagram: @panzers_deli
2. Frida Kahlo Collection at Sonya’s Studio
From Panzer’s St John’s Wood, jump in a taxi/Uber for a ten minute journey our studio in NW5 to explore the Viva Musa Collection, our Frida Kahlo-inspired range of hand-tufted rugs, cushions and wall hangings. Also to view is our classic collection of rugs and cushions. It’s the perfect stop for anyone who loves bold colour, pattern and craftsmanship. Take your time and learn how rugs are designed and hand-woven while browsing our rug collection and a selection of artisan jewellery and sculptures including handmade illusional ceramics by Alice Rose, glass artworks by Tim Rawlinson, vibrant sculptures by Philip Low and among other handcrafted jewellery. Let us know you are planning to visit here or give us a call at +44 (0)20 3283 8776 and we can make sure to give you our undivided attention!
Where: 14 York Rise, London NW5 1ST
Getting there: A ten minute drive from Panzer’s, with free parking outside after 12pm. By public transport, take the Northern Line to Tufnell Park Tube Station and walk 5 minutes, or take the Mildmay Line to Gospel Oak Overground Station and walk for 10 minutes.
Opening times: Monday – Friday, 10am – 6pm
Website: sonyawinner.com | Instagram: @sonyawinnerrugs
3. Highgate Cemetery, N6
Swain’s Lane N6 nearby to Hampstead Heath holds a wonderful selection of cafes and eateries, on the way to one of London’s most atmospheric and unusual attractions: Highgate Cemetery.
Highgate Cemetery filled with wild ivy, towering Victorian monuments and winding pathways make this one of the city’s most photogenic and quietly moving spots, offering a striking contrast to the vibrant colour of the morning’s stops. Famous residents include Karl Marx and George Eliot, and the Egyptian Avenue in the West Cemetery is a particular highlight for anyone drawn to Gothic architecture.
One of Sonya’s favourite experiences in London is a guided tour of the West Cemetery — a wonderful way to learn about the lives its Victorian inhabitants led. Book online for a tour, or visit the East Cemetery, where no booking is required.
Why not take a short stroll through Hampstead Heath up to Parliament Hill, on the way to the Cemetery, making the most of London’s best free skyline view. It’s a firm favourite with locals for good reason — open, green and refreshingly quiet compared with central London. Stop at Parliament Cafe, under new management by Daisy Green Food, from June 15th 2026 to refuel before continuing to Swain’s Lane.
Where: Swain’s Lane, London N6 6PJ
Getting there: A 20 walk from Sonya Winner Studio or Hampstead Heath, or a 15 minute walk from Archway Tube Station (Northern Line)
Good to know: the West Cemetery is only accessible by guided tour and needs booking in advance; the East Cemetery is open for walk-in visits.
Opening times: Daily 10am to 5pm. Last entry 4.30pm.
Website: highgatecemetery.org | Instagram: @highgate_cemetery
4. Lunch at London Shell Co., Swain’s Lane, N6
Giles Coren, notorious food critic of The Times, called the London Shell Company the best restaurant in the world!
Founded by siblings Leah and Harry Lobek, London Shell Co. is a fishmonger-meets-restaurant that opened its Swain’s Lane site in 2023 and has quickly become a firm neighbourhood favourite. It’s known for its transparent, sustainable approach to sourcing, with all of its fish coming from British day-boats and bought whole to be filleted to order. The lunch menu changes daily depending on what’s come in that morning, and when the fish counter is open you can even choose your own fish straight from the ice to be cooked exactly how you like it. Next door find Superette – a fabulous mini deli ideal to find an extensive choice of additional deserts or coffee!
Where: London Shell Co, Swain’s Lane, N6 6AG
Getting there: A couple of minutes’ walk from Highgate Cemetery or Hampstead Heath, right on Swain’s Lane.
Booking: Tables inside can be booked online in advance, while the outside tables are kept for walk-ins and allocated on a first come, first served basis — worth bearing in mind if you’re set on eating al fresco.
Opening times: Lunch service runs Tuesday to Sunday, 12–3pm
Website: londonshellco.com | Instagram: @londonshellco
5. Tate Modern and Frida: The Making of an Icon, SE1
Spend a couple of hours exploring the galleries at Tate Modern, with a particular focus on the Frida: The Making of an Icon exhibition — a fitting continuation of the day’s colour and creativity theme. Housed in a converted power station on the banks of the Thames, it’s one of London’s most striking gallery spaces in its own right, exhibition aside. Give yourself a little extra time to wander beyond it too, since the permanent collection is free to visit and always worth a look. Be inspired by the story of Frida’s life, as well as her works. Advanced booking recommended.
See a sneak peek video of the exhibition here.
Where: Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Getting there: From Swains lane walk to Tufnell park Tube (10-15 minutes) and take the Northern line to London Bridge and walk 10 minutes to The Tate Modern OR disembark at Charing Cross and walk 5 minutes to Embankment Pier and take the gorgeous Thames Clipper boat to Bankside (no advance booking required).
Opening times: Sun to Thurs 10am–6pm. Fri to Sat 10am–9pm
Website: tate.org.uk | Instagram: @tate
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a London local looking for a fresh day out or visiting the city for the first time, this itinerary combines art, colour, nature and food in a single, easy-to-follow route across north and central London. See the Google map below for links to each destination in our list of London Sightseeing Places.
Sonya Winner Studio
As a small independent design studio based in North London, we’re incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by inspiration every day. Whether it’s the expressive work of artists like Frida Kahlo, the city’s beautiful architecture and parks, or the colours, textures and flavours found in London’s restaurants and markets, these experiences all find their way into our designs. We hope you have a wonderful day exploring London, and if you’re feeling inspired, discover our collection of handcrafted rugs and home accessories – art for the floor, woven by expert artisans.
Follow us on Instagram @sonyawinnerrugs for more art and travel inspiration and behind-the-scenes looks at the studio.
See our collection of rugs, runners, wall hangings and cushions
The Viva Musa Rug Viva Musa Wall Hanging & Cushion
The After Matisse Rug The Mexico Sun Rug & Cushions
After Albers Cornflower Rug & Cushions Antelope Canyon Twilight Rug
