WHAT? Serpentine Pavilion

WHERE? Serpentine South, Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA

WHEN? Now until  29th October.   Free to visit 

WHY GO? To kickstart summer.  It’s only officially summer in the city when the annual Serpentine Pavilion pops up in Kensington Gardens, with its glorious wild no-mow areas alongside green manicured lawns. 

The temporary summer structure fosters an interest in new architectural talents while serving as a communal meet, greet and dine al-fresco spot and thus is aptly named ‘A Table’.

Designed this 22nd year by French-Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh, who invites us to share the, ‘histories that bring us together’, under a circular wooden gazebo with fretwork screens that are as fanciful as a stack of French macaroons and on oak tables designed in conjunction with Conran. 

From above, the Pavilion amongst the trees resembles a giant circular paper umbrella and lit up at night, the whole effect will undoubtedly entice a great many summer parties. 

Check online for future diary events which will include music, dance and poetry readings. 

IN THE KNOW

The Pavilion design honours the heritage of the Serpentine South building which was originally opened as a teahouse in 1934 before it was converted into an art gallery in 1970.

For the first time a special summer menu has been designed by the architect in collaboration with Benugo favouring locally sourced produce with a Mediterranean feel.