And frozen cocktails — max out on the capital’s heatwave this week
board-based activities to step up your summer. In the evening, Iceland take on Croatia, so get in the mood with some ice karting at Queens in Queensway. Race up to eight karts around the 12,000 ft² ice rink – it’ll keep you cool.
Wednesday
Take to the water: Brockwell Lido is hosting post-swim sundowners on Wednesday nights this week with changing frozen cocktails. Or see the floating Christo sculpture on the Serpentine. Rent a pedalo to get up close. For a darker but still outdoors activity, there’s The Turn of the Screw at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Now’s your chance to see it without risking rain.
Thursday
This is it. The one we’ve all been waiting for. England vs Belgium’s 7pm clash in Kalingrad looks set to bring London to an early standstill, as we all rush out of work early to find a spot in the sun for the Group G decider.
Flat Iron Square’s massive 100 inch outdoor screen has tables on a firstcome-first-served basis, ably served by street stalls from Baz & Fred’s pizza to Bar Duroro’s Lisbon wines.
Like your summer sandy? Fulham’s Thames-on-sea Fulham Beach Club will be screening the game on jumbo outdoor screens besides the river, with beach hut bars, beer pong and croquet if you’re attention wanders.
If that’s not your jam, there’s the Ru Paul’s Drag Race final – is this the dawning of the age of Aquaria? We’ll see. Or, with everyone watching England, it’s an opportunity to get a table at a usually oversubscribed restaurant like Sabor or Ottolenghi’s, Rovi – it has huge windows so you won’t miss out on the sun.
Friday
Start the weekend early – if you can’t sneak your way out of work by lunchtime, quit.
This will provide ample time for the important things in life: namely jumping on a train, finding a beach outside London, and fending off seagulls while you try to unwrap your sandwiches.
Camber Sands, Botany Bay, West Wittering, Margate – the world is your oyster (as are the oysters).
If you don’t like to be beside the seaside, there’s a new wild swimming spot in town at the West Reservoir Café in Stoke Newington (on Fridays, they roast marshmallows).