Looking for the ultimate summer hangout during the heatwave? Escape the scorching city streets and head straight to Soho – where sun-soaked al-fresco terraces, ice-cold drinks, and the ever-thrilling Soho Food Scene await. This is a neighbourhood where culinary creativity never takes a break – whether you’re cooling down with a scoop of artisan ice cream or a matcha soft serve, grabbing an iced coffee between bites, or settling in for cocktails and small plates al fresco, Soho is the go-to destination to eat, drink, and beat the heat in serious style.

The Ultimate Heatwave Pit Stops:

Big Kid Ice Cream, 1 Kingly Street
When Soho heats up, Big Kid Ice Cream comes to the rescue. This playful parlour dishes out nostalgic favours with a grown-up twist – think Cornflake & Jam or Malty Milk Chocolate, finished with neon dips and crunchy toppings. A must-stop for cooling off, cone in hand.

EL&N, 35 Great Marlborough Street
For those with a sweet tooth and a love for all things Matcha, EL&N Soho has something you won’t want to miss. Their Matcha soft serve – exclusive to Carnaby Street – is the ultimate summer treat, swirling creamy goodness into every cone. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and made for those sunny Soho strolls.

Nagare Coffee, 2 Newburgh Street
Minimalist, serene, and a saviour in the heat. Nagare Coffee serves up ultra-refreshing iced matcha and cold brews that are perfect for escaping the midday sun. Grab one and recharge in the shade before heading back out into the Soho buzz.

Kolamba, 21 Kingly Street
For those that want to cool off whilst diving into big flavours, Kolamba will be serving a limited-edition heatwave special, a Sri Lankan-style iced coffee from Thursday through to the end of this weekend. This unapologetically indulgent pick me up is totally unlike your normal iced latte order. Think strong, darkly roasted coffee brought to life with the sweetness of condensed milk and perhaps a splash of brandy or rum too. Traditionally served at special occasions, we’d say the weather is worth celebrating, wouldn’t you?

Panadera Bakery, 3 Hopkins Street
This Filipino favourite is as good for caffeine as it is for comfort. Pop into Panadera for a smooth iced latte, a refreshing Matcha Cream Top, a zesty Sunrise Espresso, a tropical Mango Dream, and many more – ideal for sipping while exploring Soho in the sunshine. Bonus points if you pair your drink with a pillowy pandesal or decadent sando.

Donutelier, 50 Carnaby Street
Beating the heat doesn’t mean skipping dessert. Donutelier has just unveiled brand-new iced drinks for summer: the Berry Pink Lemonade, with raspberry, lychee, rose petals, and fresh mint; the sparkling Yuzu Mint Lemonade, zinging with Yuzu, ginger, lemon, and mint; and for something extra indulgent, the rich Chocolate Frappé, topped with milk chocolate whipped cream, cocoa powder, and chocolate shavings. Sweet, stylish, and seriously photogenic – just like your next summer break in Soho.

Breadstall, 92 Berwick Street
Hot day? Cold marg? Sorted. Breadstall is serving up the perfect summer pairing: a Neapolitan pizza slice with a frozen margarita for £14. Whether you perch outside or grab it to go, it’s the ultimate Soho snack for sunny days on the move.

Where to Dine Al Fresco in Soho:

With over 220 al fresco covers, Kingly Court’s buzzing open-air courtyard is your must-visit al fresco destination, with critically-acclaimed restaurants serving up fresh food from across the world. Alternatively, visit one of the many outdoor terraces across Soho for a quick bite or a cool drink.

Goldies, Ground Floor Kingly Court
Wood-fired flavour meets outdoor chill. Goldies is all about indulgent sharing plates, slow-smoked meats, and house-made sauces – served up in the sunshine. Round up your crew, grab a table, and settle in for an al fresco feast built for long, lazy summer days.

Rita’s, 49 Lexington Street
Bold flavours, balmy vibes. Rita’s brings American-inspired cooking to a breezy Soho terrace – perfect for golden-hour grazing or a post-shop pitstop with a little edge.

BAO, 53 Lexington Street
Cloud-soft buns and cult status. BAO’s Lexington Street outpost serves up Taiwanese classics – bao, soy milk fried chicken, and those irresistible fries – with a side of sunshine. Nab a pavement table and get stuck in, Soho style.

Brindisa Tapas, 46 Broadwick Street
For those craving a sun-drenched taste of Spain this summer, Brindisa Tapas in Soho has just the thing. Their menu is bursting with seasonal flavour, from padrón peppers to perfectly chilled gazpacho. Pair it all with a refreshing Mezcalito and you’ve got the makings of a perfect golden hour escape.

HIMI, 4 Newburgh Street
For those looking to sweeten up their summer stroll through Soho, HIMI is dishing out a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is bold. Treat yourself to their Sake Kasu and British Strawberry ice cream – topped with a vibrant strawberry coulis, Kinako crumble, a dusting of hojicha powder, and playful strawberry candy. It’s a delicate balance of East meets West, rich with flavour and full of surprises. Because sunshine calls for something a little special, don’t you think?

Pastaio, 19 Ganton Street
This beloved pasta spot is turning up the flavour this summer. Pastaio’s annual slushy series is back – this time teaming up with some of London’s most exciting recipe developers. Kicking things off in June is Christina Soteriou with a bold, beautiful creation: the Sumac & Pomegranate Stewed Cherry Slushy. Inspired by her debut cookbook Big Veg Energy, the vibrant magenta drink features seasonal Italian cherries stewed with citrusy sumac and pomegranate molasses, spiked with a splash of arak. In a nod to Christina’s Greek-Cypriot roots, the drink is finished with a drizzle of nutty tahini caramel. Even better? £1 from every slushy sold goes to a charity chosen by each collaborator – Christina’s pick is Medical Aid for Palestinians.

Where to Drink in the Sunshine:

The Blue Posts, 28 Rupert Street
A Soho classic for a reason. The Blue Posts is where cold pints meet prime people-watching, with a sun-soaked corner spot that’s perfect for a post-shop pint or early evening refresher. Grab a table and soak up that golden hour buzz.

Ain’t Nothin’ But, 20 Kingly Street
Blues, brews, and street-side stools. Ain’t Nothin’ But keeps the summer spirit alive with live music spilling into the street and ice-cold drinks flowing ’til late. It’s as laid-back as it is legendary – a Soho essential when the sun’s out.

Bar Crispin, 19 Kingly Street
Tucked just off Carnaby, Bar Crispin brings natural wines, Mediterranean plates, and low-key charm to a leafy Soho terrace. Whether it’s a quick glass or a bottle with snacks, it’s a hot-weather hideaway you’ll want to linger in.

Two Floors, 2-4 Kingly Street
For those looking to sup something cool while soaking up the Soho buzz, Two Floors has you covered. Grab one of their takeaway cocktails – like the punchy Margarita or Duty’s Frozen Ginger Beer – perfect for those who like a little zing with their sunshine. With mocktails and beers also on offer, there’s something for every kind of summer stroll.

Marjorie’s, 26 Foubert’s Place
Soho’s latest opening is already making a stylish statement. Marjorie’s features a breezy outdoor seating area and an all-French wine list perfect for sun-drenched sipping. Nab a table outside, order something crisp, and settle in for crab tart, low-lit glamour, and a slice of Paris in the heart of Soho.