Why The Montague on the Gardens’ Summer Garden Series Is the Ultimate London Summer Escape
There’s something wonderfully liberating about London in summer. The instant the temperature nudges past 20 degrees, the city’s people start behaving as though they have personally invented sunshine. Pavements outside pubs become crowded with rosé-drinking friends, parks fill with picnic blankets and beer gardens overflow with Londoners determined to soak up every possible ray while it lasts.
But while many flock to the city’s busiest outdoor spots, there’s something to be said for discovering a quieter, more refined side of summer in the capital — hidden garden spaces, elegant terraces and tucked-away courtyards that feel a world away from the crowds.
This year, The Montague on the Gardens in Bloomsbury is offering exactly that with the return of its beautifully curated Summer Garden Series, running from June through to September. Nestled beside tranquil private gardens just moments from Russell Square, the luxury hotel is inviting guests to embrace al fresco London in a far more sophisticated setting.
The series forms part of the much-loved London Open Gardens event, which grants visitors rare access to more than one hundred hidden green spaces across the city. In partnership with the Bedford Estate — custodians of Bloomsbury’s historic garden squares — The Montague on the Gardens is opening the doors to a summer programme designed to celebrate outdoor dining, culture and relaxed seasonal entertaining.
For many Londoners and visitors alike, it’s these hidden pockets of calm that make the city feel truly magical during summer. Bloomsbury itself has long been associated with literature, creativity and timeless elegance, and The Montague on the Gardens captures that atmosphere perfectly. With its classic interiors, traditional hospitality and garden setting, the hotel feels worlds away from the fast pace of central London despite sitting right in its heart.
The Summer Garden Series embraces everything people love about the season — leisurely afternoons outdoors, live music drifting through warm evening air and the simple pleasure of enjoying food and drink beneath the trees.
Guests can expect traditional afternoon teas served picnic-style during the London Open Gardens weekend, offering a quintessentially British way to spend a summer afternoon. Delicate pastries, finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones become even more enjoyable when enjoyed outdoors in one of Bloomsbury’s prettiest hidden locations.
The programme also brings a touch of theatre to the gardens with a special open-air performance of Shakespeare’s Othello by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. Watching live Shakespeare performed outdoors on a summer evening feels wonderfully nostalgic and perfectly suited to the surroundings.
For those looking for something more relaxed, the live jazz evening in July promises a sophisticated atmosphere ideal for unwinding with cocktails as the sun begins to set over the gardens. It’s exactly the sort of understated luxury London does so well during the warmer months.
The highlight dates for this year’s Summer Garden Series include:
Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June
London Open Gardens Afternoon Tea Takeaway
A picnic-style afternoon tea experience during the exclusive London Open Gardens weekend.
Tuesday 14 July
Shakespeare’s Othello Performance
Performed by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men in the hotel gardens.
Thursday 16 July
Live Jazz Evening
An elegant evening of live music and summer drinks beneath the trees.
Saturday 15 August
Afternoon Tea Week Celebration
Classic afternoon tea served outdoors in the gardens.
As London comes alive for another summer season, experiences like these offer a reminder that some of the city’s best moments can still feel intimate and undiscovered. Whether you’re planning a luxury London staycation, searching for unique summer events or simply looking for an excuse to spend more time outdoors, The Montague on the Gardens’ Summer Garden Series feels like one of the capital’s most charming hidden gems.
So why not enjoy your own little piece of al fresco London in style — while that ever-elusive sunshine lasts.
Find out more about The Montague Summer Garden Series
15 Montague Street, London, WC1B 5BJ
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith
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