Why You Shouldn’t Miss Marylebone’s Summer in the Square Festival This July
Food, cocktails, art workshops and free Wimbledon screenings—Marylebone’s community garden festival is back, and it’s better than ever
Tucked just minutes from Marble Arch, Summer in the Square is one of central London’s most charming surprises. For one week only – from Tuesday 8 to Sunday 13 July – the usually members-only Portman Square Garden opens its gates to the public, transforming into a leafy escape packed with free cultural happenings, street food, art workshops, and Wimbledon on the big screen. It’s Marylebone’s low-key answer to a city summer festival: family-friendly, totally free, and with a surprisingly strong cocktail game.
Here’s why it’s worth carving out a lunch break – or an entire afternoon- to stop by.
The Food is Actually Good
This year’s Guest Kitchen lineup is seriously decent. Every day of the festival sees a new headliner: Zula (Tues) brings cult burgers and hand-cut fries, Junsei (Thurs) shows off their yakitori game, and Seymour Kitchen (Fri) dishes out generous bowls of Persian comfort food. Come Saturday, The Landmark London steps in with luxe cheeseburgers, followed by fresh seafood from La Petite Poissonnerie on Sunday.
That’s not all. Across the week, you’ll find Nick & Greek’s loaded gyros, Korean fried chicken from Nimtoh, and Bangladeshi bowls from Master of Grill. Coffee? Try Abol’s single-origin Ethiopian brews. Dessert? Track down the Dessert Bike and thank us later.
Need a drink? The team from Home House has the garden bar covered, mixing classic spritzes and ice-cold cocktails with proper west-end polish.
Wimbledon, But Without the Queue
Yes, they’re showing Wimbledon. Grab a deck chair, pick up a Pimms, and catch every serve, challenge and tiebreak on the lawn. The big screen set-up has become a staple for locals over the years, and you’ll find regulars who swear by the chilled garden atmosphere over Murray Mound any day.
It’s Hands-On in the Best Way
Feeling creative? This year’s festival leans into imagination and artistic exploration, with a fresh slate of interactive events. Try your hand at Grayson Perry-inspired art workshops (a cheeky nod to the nearby Wallace Collection’s summer blockbuster), join a community flag-making project, or shake your own cocktails at tasting sessions hosted by The Churchill Bar.
Wellness-wise, the Wellness Den is back, offering free and donation-based breathwork, yoga, and mindful movement sessions throughout the week, curated by local practitioners and supported by Derwent London. You can even blend your own bath salts with anatomē, Chiltern Street’s cult apothecary.
Bring the Kids (Seriously)
So many city festivals promise family-friendly vibes, but Summer in the Square actually delivers. There’s a dedicated kids’ zone with storytelling, outdoor play, and activities curated by Marylebone Theatre, including an Alice in Wonderland-themed theatre experience. Sponsored by Lazari Investments, the entire children’s programme is free and doesn’t require pre-booking—just turn up and let them run wild.
It’s for a Good Cause, Too
This year’s festival supports Central London Samaritans, and their pop-up choir will bring one of the week’s most feel-good moments. Expect more than just tunes—their team will be on hand throughout the event to talk about the life-saving work they do and how you can support it.
Essential Info
Dates: Tuesday 8 – Sunday 13 July 2025
Location: Portman Square Garden, Marylebone W1
Entry: Free entry, all events are walk-up unless otherwise stated. Workshop booking opens 20 June.
Website: makeitmarylebone.co.uk/summer-in-the-square
Instagram: @makeitmarylebone
Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
