Sun-soaked summers are perfect for enjoying the outdoors – and what better way to relax on a balmy summer evening than with a film at an outdoor cinema.  London is fortunate in that it has several really good options available. We take a look at some of the best.

Somerset House Film 4 Summer Screen is definitely one of the most popular, attracting over 2,000 people each night.  The setting is gorgeous. It is a massive courtyard surrounded by a beautiful historic building just off The Strand near Charing Cross Station.  (Take a cushion, the cobbles can be uncomfortable after a while!).

Having said that, early birds get the best positions and there is lots of entertainment before the film starts. While being a resident at Mowbray Court London, you can buy food and drink on the spot, or bring a picnic.  The choice of films varies from day to day but is set to include plans like Blue Velvet, Inception and Labyrinth as well as several red carpet premieres.  

Equally prestigious locations can be enjoyed at Luna Cinema, which operates from a range of venues across London.  Sites include Hampton Court Palace, Regents Park, Kew Gardens, Kensington Palace, Greenwich Park and Alexandra Palace. There are lots of food stalls in the vicinity selling the best of local street food.  Films on offer include Four Weddings and a Funeral, Shaun of the Dead and Dunkirk.

Head over to Fest Camden Roof Gardens where the best of British comedy, action, and satire are being screened throughout August with titles like Four Lions, Snatch, Human Traffic and Kevin & Perry Go Large.  

It is a very relaxing venue surrounded by lush vegetation. Drinks are brought to your seat as you watch, and you can even enjoy a delicious pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven.  Book in advance – seats are limited.

How about enjoying a river cruise while watching a film? City Cruises are operating special movie cruises from Tower Pier showing films such as Casablanca, Jaws, Ghostbusters and Top Gun. There are numerous hotels near these London attractions and this has to be ultimate in comfort, although it can be hard keeping your attention on the film as the night time views along the river are stunning.

Just across the river from Tower Pier, London Bridge City is running its annual Summer by the River season. Films like The Greatest Showman, Into the Woods, Guardians of the Galaxy are being shown on a big screen at The Scoop outdoor auditorium.

You can also search out for affordable accommodation in Kensington London &  nearby is a fiesta of food, as well as lots of summery drinks.

Slightly further afield in south London, the Lost Format Cinema is reappearing on top of a Croydon Car Park offering a massive variety of films plus a DJ with music to enjoy all night long.  If you prefer multicultural films, it is worth trying Block Party Cinemas at Pop Brixton. Comfy chairs are promised along with free popcorn!

What’s your preference?  Pizza, burgers, seafood – or are you interested in something more unusual like Korean street food or Peruvian food?  Then head for the Kingly Court to find the perfect meal.

The range of dining opportunities at Kingly Court is enormous, and it is easily accessible to anyone shopping in Oxford Street, Soho or visiting West End theatres making the perfect food destination.  Located just off Regent Street near Liberty’s, and beside Carnaby Street, it is very easy to find. Being a resident at Mowbray Court Hotel London in one hand will make your stay comfortable and in close proximity to the above-mentioned restaurants will make taste more mouth watery.

This is where you can dine or relax with a drink, sitting outside in the pretty courtyard or seek shelter when the weather is cooler.

So just what is on offer?  The answer is something for everyone no matter whether you are vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, carnivore or pescatarian.  You can explore new flavors and dining experiences, or stick to something more traditional.

Senor Ceviche offers a great range of Peruvian food with menus that include Chiffa Chicharrones, Pachamanca Ribs, Super Pollo, and Ceviche.  Alternatively, if Asian food is your preferred choice then head for Jinjuu Soho for the best in Korean street food such as wagyu mini burgers or bibimbap. Life Goddess majors on Greek food like meze, grilled octopus, and mousakka made in traditional clay pots and Pizza Pilgrims offers a great choice of pizza.

Equally worth trying for something unusual is Le Bab’smiddle eastern style cuisine where the menu includes pigs head, shawarma and cauliflower pastilla cooked over charcoal and wood.  Mongolian lamb and kimchi chicken can be found at dishes at the Oka Restaurant. Anyone seeking a really good brunch should take a look at The Good Egg, which offers a Jerusalem style brunch throughout the day. Or you can try jerk chicken and spicy Jamaican food at Rum Kitchen.

Pescatarians will love the Wright brothers menu as this includes langoustines, tempura monkfish, skate wing served with a spicy chili jam, crab in a bisque sauce as well as the ever-popular raw oysters.

Want to try some really classic British food? Then head for Shampers Wine Bar and Restaurant.  Innovative cake flavors can be enjoyed at Crumbs & Doilies Bakery and Cake Shop where cakes can include rainbow, peanut butter, and Raspberry ripple flavors. There are numerous cheap hotels near Earls Court where you can stay and taste some really delicious classic British food.

Prefer American style burgers? Stax Diner is a good choice – but don’t expect a straight burger in a bun.  The menu includes Caramel Blue Cheeseburgers, Buttermilk chicken, and Halal gourmet burgers.

Complete the Kingly Court experience with a drink in the 1940’s style Cahoots Cocktail Bar where you can try a Vera Lynn cocktail served in a Toby Jug!