Summer shenanigans at The Goring

Summer in the city is always a packed affair and this year is no different. As ever, our Head Concierge Big John is on hand to organise the best of the best, from access to sold-out gigs to queue-jumping where it really shouldn't be possible...

The Season 

Summer in the city leaves no man behind and 2025 is looking set to outdo itself. A fan of musical theatre? Hollywood has sent over one of its brightest young stars, Rachel Zegler, to make her debut in Evita at the London Palladium, where she will be asking Argentina not to cry for her until 6th September. Over in Sussex, Glyndebourne returns as the biggest opera/competitive picnic event of the season until August 28th, with a packed programme that embraces the joys of The Marriage of Figaro and the dramas of Parsifal. Hampers and black tie at the ready. 

Music makes the people come together

Do you ever find yourself thinking, ‘Everything was better in the nineties’? You’re not alone. Noel and Liam Gallagher appear to have come to the same conclusion, finally realising that refusing to get back together after years of the entire world pleading was just mean. Their global tour comes to Wembley Stadium on 25th, 26th, 30th July/ 2nd and 3rd August for what promises to be a nostalgic, rousing and riotous series of dates. And if the thought of a potential fight breaking out just when you thought they were going to launch into Wonderwall doesn’t fill your heart with excitement, the charming but no less epic Coldplay will be taking to the legendary stadium’s stage on several dates between 22nd August and 8th September. Please attend carefully to your voice over the coming weeks. Screaming, singing and shouting, ‘THIS IS INCREDIBLE,’ above the roar of an 80,000-strong audience requires careful prep.

Place your bets

In the mood for a spot of betting with a large side order of glamour? Then perhaps we can organise a bells-and-whistles day out at Glorious Goodwood, an unmissable date in the racing calendar. Hosted by the Duke of Richmond since the 1800s, this ‘garden party with racing tacked on,’ as described by Edward VII, is one of the highlights of the season. When it comes to the dress code, guests invited to the Duke’s Box should take note that ladies must wear hats and gentlemen, a jacket – otherwise, think summer sophistication rather than formality. The event also includes the annual Goodwood Talent in Fashion Award, which is NOT voted for by the horses but would doubtless get their approval. 

Art in the right place

Is there such a thing as owning too many paintings? Of course not, so you really must get yourself to the famous Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, running until 17th August. Showcasing some of art’s brightest upcoming stars, this hotly-anticipated event is a magnet for London’s glitterati, with guest lists including Charli XCX, Lila Moss, Vick Hope, the younger Gallagher brothers (Lennon and Gene very much demonstrating the powers of heredity with the unmistakable family eyebrows) along with master of the cocktail shaker, Stanley Tucci and his wife Felicity Blunt. Deeply civilised. And a lot of fun. 

If any of these summer extravaganzas tickle your fancy, be sure to gee up Big John and let us stage your most sensational season yet at The Goring.