Early Summer Bliss, London’s Social High & That Golden Stretch

Sophie Allatt
Jun 28, 2022
5 min read

Updated: Apr 2

June is wrapping up, and London is finally basking in proper summer warmth. The heatwave mid-month hit 32°C—practically Mediterranean by UK standards—and suddenly every terrace, park, and rooftop became an altar to the sun. Strappy dresses emerged, rosé replaced oat lattes, and people everywhere were declaring iced coffee season officially open with an almost spiritual reverence.

There’s something about late June that feels both luxurious and lazy. The city doesn’t sprint anymore—it glides. Weekday plans now drift long into golden-hour dinners, and that collective “we’ll answer emails later” mentality has taken hold. The air smells like cut grass, sunscreen, and optimism. It’s like the entire city has loosened its collar, unbuttoned its shirt a little, and remembered how to flirt.

And me? I’ve finally stopped pretending I don’t love summer in the city. Give me a sundress, a chilled spritz, and a dinner that rolls into twilight, and I’m borderline poetic. There’s a softness to this stretch of the season. The pressure to “make the most of it” hasn’t kicked in yet, so everything still feels deliciously unrushed.

Social Life: London in Its Prime

If May was the warm-up, June has been the show. My calendar filled itself—one plan turned into three, and “just one drink” became its own personality trait. It’s the season of being joyfully overbooked.

Some favourite snapshots:

Rosé and small plates at The River Café, where the terrace genuinely felt like a tiny slice of the Amalfi coast. We stayed far too long, sun-kissed and tipsy, and ordered dessert twice.
Outdoor cinema at Somerset House—there’s something about watching a film under the stars that makes even a classic you’ve seen a hundred times feel new again. Someone brought a picnic blanket and actual stemmed glasses. We didn’t need them. But they made the night feel a bit magic.
A dreamy afternoon wandering the Serpentine Pavilion, followed by crisp spritzes and sun-drenched gossip at The Berkeley rooftop. Art followed by Aperol: that’s balance.
A Sunday picnic sprawled across Hampstead Heath, complete with overpriced Gail’s pastries, a too-small charcuterie board, and an aggressive debate about whether it’s actually warm enough to swim in the ponds. (I didn’t, but points for the outfit.)
A last-minute invitation to a friend’s "soft launch garden soirée” in Notting Hill, which turned into a barefoot dance party in linen. I wore a white midi dress and left with grass stains and no regrets.

Also: June is that magical window where you can tell yourself it’s still “early summer” while fully leaning into the fantasy of never working again. The group chats are chaotic, the calendar has no margins, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

The Early Heatwave: A Taste of What’s Coming

The mid-June heatwave snuck up on everyone. Suddenly, tube stations became saunas, office dress codes collapsed, and London collectively migrated to any green space with even a hint of shade. It was chaos. It was perfect.

One of the hottest days found me at Frank’s Café in Peckham, up on the rooftop with skyline views, pink wine, and a breeze that didn’t quite reach our table but was spiritually appreciated. We shared anchovies and olives like we were in Spain, not SE15.

Later, we escaped the heat in the most extra way possible—with icy cocktails at The Connaught Bar, because life is about balance and sometimes your air-con solution comes with a twist of lime and a £22 price tag.

It was the kind of week where makeup melted by midday, but no one cared. Everyone was glowing—some of us from serums, others from sheer heat. Either way, it was a look. I even saw someone wearing linen and leather. Bold. Possibly unwell. Still iconic.

Style: The ‘Hot But Still Put Together’ Edit

London in summer is a dressing puzzle. It’s hot, but you’re still in a city. You want to look effortless—but not undone. This month, I leaned into breezy, breathable, and just-polished-enough.

Current rotation:

Linen sets—the oversized shirt and wide-leg trouser combo is having a moment and I’m fully committed. I’ve got a striped one that practically screams “organic rosé.”
Floaty midi dresses, especially those that catch the wind as I walk. Bonus points for feeling like a 1970s romcom extra wandering the South Bank.
Minimal sandals, both flat and heeled, depending on how ambitious the plan is. I refuse to suffer for fashion unless dinner’s involved.
Sunglasses permanently on, not always for the sun, sometimes just to protect my peace. The bigger, the better. Slightly absurd? Absolutely.
Gold jewellery, always, because it tricks people into thinking you’ve made an effort. And on days where effort is optional, it still delivers.
And yes, I now own a woven tote, which means I’ve joined the club of people who look like they summer in Antibes, even if I’m just heading to Waitrose for oat milk.

Also: I’m deep in my SPF and glazed-skin era. Dewy, glowing, slightly sticky in a good way. Some days I think I’m 80% highlighter.

Wellness: Summer Mode, but Balanced

With the social high comes the risk of burnout, so I’m letting wellness be flexible. Less about discipline, more about checking in with myself and asking, “What would feel good today?”

Morning pilates, or just a stretch session with a podcast and the windows open.
Hydration rituals, which is a fancy way of saying I’m putting mint leaves in my water and pretending it’s self-care.
Skincare pared back—cleanser, glow serum, SPF. Less effort, better results.
Evening walks along the Thames, especially around 8pm when the light gets syrupy and everyone’s mood improves by 20%.
And yes, SPF reapplication is now a defining personality trait.

There’s a softness to my routines right now. No pressure, just presence. I’ve stopped trying to optimise my days. If I move, great. If I sit on the grass and watch clouds pass for an hour, also great.

Mindset: Leaning Into the Season

June has reminded me of the joy in simplicity. There’s magic in letting summer unfold without trying to script it. Less hustle, more rhythm.

This month I’ve been:

Saying yes without overthinking.
Turning five-minute chats into hour-long catch-ups.
Romanticising oat lattes, fresh flowers, and the sound of ice cubes clinking in a glass.
Walking slower. Eating slower. Answering messages when I actually feel like it.

Also: that familiar itch is back—the one that whispers, “Book the flight, take the trip, chase the tan.” I’m this close to clicking ‘Confirm Booking’ on a week in Puglia. Don’t tempt me.

Pop Culture, Trends & What’s Happening Right Now

Quiet luxury summer is still reigning—neutrals, crisp cottons, barely-there branding.
Everyone is rewatching Mamma Mia! and secretly Googling Greek island getaways.
Spritzes are back, challenging rosé’s summer supremacy. I welcome the competition.
Strawberry Girl makeup has entered the group chat—blushy cheeks, glassy lips, minimal effort.
Everyone’s back on Pinterest again. Moodboards are the new meditation.

Also trending: linen everything, fruit motifs, impromptu dinner parties, and carrying a book you may or may not read just for the aesthetic. This week I brought Sally Rooney to a barbecue. She didn’t get opened, but she looked stunning on the table next to the elderflower cordial.

The Month Ahead: What’s Coming?