Summer in Marylebone is set to shimmer once again as Summer in the Square returns to the quietly opulent Portman Square Garden this July. For one luminous week, from 7–12 July, the private Georgian garden — normally reserved for keyholders and whispered about as one of London’s most immaculate hidden spaces — opens its gates to the public, inviting the city into a world of culture, creativity and languid summer pleasure.
Now in its twelfth year, the festival has become a cherished ritual: a moment when London feels softer, slower, and somehow more intimate. Visitors step through the gates and find themselves in a sun‑dappled sanctuary where deck chairs line the lawns, pathways meander through pockets of activity, and the hum of the city fades into a gentle, village‑like buzz. It is a rare chance to experience Marylebone at its most elegant — a secret garden in full bloom.
This year, creativity takes the spotlight. The programme has been thoughtfully expanded to encourage imagination and participation, with hands‑on art workshops, community installations and playful performances unfolding throughout the week. Families will discover a dedicated children’s area offering storytelling, crafts and outdoor play, all designed to spark curiosity and connection. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming and quietly magical — a place where adults and children alike can lose themselves in moments of discovery.
And then, of course, there is Wimbledon. Few things capture the essence of a British summer quite like the tournament’s final week, and at Summer in the Square it becomes a chic garden‑party ritual. Guests sink into deck chairs beneath the trees, spritz in hand, as every serve and rally plays out on the big screen. Whether you’re a devoted tennis follower or simply there for the ambience, it remains one of the festival’s most beloved pleasures — Wimbledon reimagined with Marylebone’s signature refinement.
Food, naturally, plays a starring role. The Guest Kitchen, curated by Portman Marylebone, brings a rotating line‑up of standout chefs and restaurants to the garden, creating a culinary experience that feels both elevated and effortlessly relaxed. A vibrant street‑food village offers global flavours and indulgent treats, while the Home House garden bar keeps the mood bright with chilled cocktails, crisp spritzes and drinks made for golden‑hour lounging.
Moments of calm are woven throughout the festival. The Wellness Den, supported by Derwent London, returns with yoga, breathwork and mindfulness sessions led by expert practitioners — a serene counterpoint to the city’s usual pace. Creative workshops and hands‑on experiences invite visitors to pause, play and reconnect, adding a sense of balance to the week’s festivities.
At its heart, Summer in the Square is a celebration of community. Organised by Baker Street Quarter Partnership, the festival brings together local businesses, partners and residents in a shared expression of Marylebone’s vibrant spirit. This year, it proudly supports The Passage as its charity partner, offering visitors opportunities to engage with and contribute to its vital work. The event is made possible through the support of The Portman Estate, Lazari Investments, Derwent London, Home House and The Passage.
Free to attend and open daily from 12pm to 8pm, the festival offers a rare invitation to step inside one of London’s most beautiful private gardens — a hidden oasis just moments from Marble Arch and Baker Street. Workshop bookings open in June, with all activities free and optional donations supporting the festival’s charity partner.
Summer in the Square is more than an event; it is a mood, a moment, a reminder of how enchanting London can be when the sun comes out and the city decides to breathe. This July, Marylebone invites you to slow down, savour the season and experience its most elegant secret in full summer bloom.
More information: makeitmarylebone.co.uk/summer-in-the-square
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