The London hit list: Must-do Spring experiences

As the capital starts to heat up, an endless array of enticing entertainment awaits. Part of a new seasonal series, I share my favourite new finds for those looking to explore London. 

Wellness at Ham Yard’s Soholistic Spa

It’s a minute’s walk from Picadilly Circus yet wonderfully tucked away from all the buzz so that you might not even know it’s there. Ham Yard Hotel is the latest in the glittering line-up of British designer Kit Kemp’s Firmdale Hotels, and the Soholistic Spa so fantastic that soothed muscles will doubtlessly have you returning for more. Passing through the brightly lit and classically colourful spaces associated with Kit’s work, you arrive at the spa, which includes a relaxation area, an all-marble steam room, individual and double treatment rooms, a nail bar, and a fully-equipped gym.

All the usual treatments are on offer, and then some special treats. The aptly named package “Champagne is Always a Good Idea” includes a Champagne & Truffle deluxe facial, a complimentary gift to take home, full use of the facilities, including the steam room, gym and relaxation area for up to two hours, and, on top of that, Champagne Afternoon Tea at Ham Yard Restaurant.

Mayfair magic at Stanley’s Rooftop Bar

With warmer weather and longer daylight hours, London’s rooftop bars quickly become welcome retreats. Bypassing the busier tourist traps, Stanley’s Rooftop Bar in Mayfair is a classy alternative, set in the five-star Chesterfield Hotel. Vintage lifts transport you to the terrace, where open sides and a retractable roof reveal vistas and, on our visit, a spring-blue sky.

After sampling cocktails, the two winners were: the Passion for Chillies, a fiery fusion of tequila, chillies and passion fruit, and “Thymes in Paris”, with its playful mix of Tanqueray No.10 gin, thyme, blackberry liqueur and lime. A variety of tasty small plates pairs well with the cocktails and the view – the chicken satay skewers with peanut dipping sauce were a sure hit. It’s a surprisingly homely and intimate environment. Named after her father, Vicki Tollman explains: “My father had a quiet gift for making people feel at home. Stanley’s is our way of sharing that gift.” Celebrating the family’s South African heritage, artist Athi-Patra Ruga’s surrealist piece adorns the wall – a quirky and colourful nod to Africa. Advanced bookings are highly recommended. 

Bridgerton afternoon tea at The Lanesborough

As a grand London hotel, The Lanesborough hardly needs an introduction; however, what I think does is their enticing Bridgerton-themed afternoon tea. In the elegant pavilion-style tearoom, a smorgasbord of treats was revealed, each cleverly paying homage to elements of the recent Bridgerton series. Do try the Forbidden Love cocktail, which comes wrapped in a mask that we couldn’t help donning for a few moments. The rest of the little surprises, gentle reader, is for you to discover in person at The Lanesborough daily from £92 per person.

Secret gardens with The Montague Summer Garden Series

Ever felt like channelling the inner Mary Lennox, and discovering your own secret garden in London? Thanks to The Montague on the Gardens, the dream can be a reality. With spring, the hotel launches The Montague Summer Garden Series – a string of exclusive events set in the usually-private Montague Street Gardens. Attending the first event, live music filled the air, canapes and drinks flowed and then strolls through the gorgeous Bloomsbury’s Historic Garden Squares. Experience it all at one of the upcoming events: 6th & 7th June – London Open Gardens Afternoon Tea Takeaway, 16th July – Garden Series: Live Jazz Evening 2026, and 15th August: Afternoon Tea Week Montague Street Gardens Celebration. Plus, Bloomsbury’s historic garden square can be hired for private gatherings – for a memorable celebration in the heart of London. 

West End wonder with INALA

INALA is a leg-thumping, heart-racing song and dance performance that will transport you directly to South Africa. The production is brought to life thanks to the powerhouse duo of sisters Ella Spira and Pietra Mello-Pittman – their devotion to South Africa and dedication to spreading the country’s story is contagious. Ella’s art, all painted in situ in South Africa, serves as a context-setting gallery experience pre-show. As does the selection of exclusively South African wines on offer. 

Milton Dlamini Ndlakuse is one of the cast of nine and shared with me the experience of performing in INALA: “The storyline the audiences experience is in how we sing and dance. We are singing in our native language Zulu, while most of the audience won’t know exactly what we are saying, the energy we pass to them helps them feel what we are singing about. It goes back to the power of music. Music has the power to heal, to restore and to unite.” Look out also for the tutored wine flights before the shows, and Wednesday evening Afro-jazz sets performed by the cast after the shows.

Jared Ruttenberg

Jared Ruttenberg is a travel writer from Cape Town, South Africa. He enjoys connecting people and experiences through words, images and social media.