IT'S summer in the UK, for once the sun is shining, and the temperature means it's actually OK to leave your coat indoors.
For some this means heading to the coast, to feel the fresh sea air. Others head to the airport and jump on a plane to an even hotter clime.
Whatever you chose to do, it's rare that you'll be consciously heading into the capital.
Swimming against the tide of people wearing suits, we headed into London to see exactly what this beautiful city has to offer when it is not raining, as stereotypically portrayed in every movie ever made.
We checked into The Wesley in Camden Town, a new boutique hotel just a 10-minute walk from Euston.
The venue has 38 modern bedrooms in a converted Methodist chapel, hence the name, which dates back to 1824.
The recent refurbishment has been done using sustainably sourced materials - and it has transformed the building into a contemporary, chic hotel, albeit still with a traditional meeting hall that's still used for services on a Sunday.
It's a great base, clean and stylish, and the best bit - it has a wealth of opportunities within walking distance.
The first night we wander towards Euston, accidentally stumbling across possibly the best Mexican restaurant in the city - Mestizo on Hampstead Road.
The restaurant offers authentic Mexican food, and we fill up on tortillas washed down with frozen margaritas.
This sets up us perfectly for singing our hearts out to the drag act on stage at Zodiac, which we pass on the stumble back to The Wesley.
The next day, we walk to Coal Drops Yard, which is near King's Cross and St Pancras stations.
The new development houses more than 50 shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. But it's much more than a shopping destination - it's an architectural delight.
Its cobbled streets, and sweeping buildings, look like they should be a computer-generated image than an actual reality.
There's more to do than just wander in and out of posh shops, and this really is aspirational shopping, you must spend at least two hours in the flagship Samsung shop, there's also a huge programme of activities taking place all summer, with free events, performances and even an open-air cinema next to the canal.
It's also home to London School of Art - as if it needed to pull in any cooler clients.
Some of the restaurants have terraces next to a huge 1,000-jet water fountain, which seems like it's the best free activity for any child on a hot day. One little girl, dressed in pretty pink and holding a helium metallic pink balloon in the shape of a 5, is clearly having eth time of her life with a bunch of other five-year-olds for her birthday party.
It's so tempting, I nearly forget about the delicious food in front of me and run out into the jets.
Around the corner, past the crazily long queue for Dishoom (which describes itself as 'buzzy destination for Indian street food' and is a mecca for influencers from everywhere), we wander through the main hall that's packed with stalls with artists selling their unique wares.
Coal Drops Yard is cool, there's no mistaking it.
It's also next to the revamped Camley Street Natural Park, which is packed with stunning wildflowers and urban biodiversity. A real hidden gem.
In fact, Coal Drops Yard is so cool, that after a night spent in Soho, drinking outside pubs in packed streets, we head back the next day, specifically so we can enjoy brunch again on the square.
It's a great way to relax after a busy spell exploring the city - and enjoying its nightlife.
London during the summer may be hot, and we also didn't make it through the whole weekend without, rain reinforcing every stereotype going, but if you look in the right places - like Coal Drops Yard and The Wesley - it can also be cool, very cool indeed.
And a break in the city, is a great way to enjoy some of the best the UK has to offer.
HOW TO TRAVEL
The Wesley Camden Town is London’s newest boutique hotel, located less than 400 metres from Mornington Crescent tube (one stop from Euston).
Prices vary per night and are from less than £150 for a double ensuite room with Queen size bed, luxury toiletries, smart TV, climate control and free WiFi.
There is a 10 per cent discount for direct bookings made at www.thewesley.co.uk.
Within the area are the world-famous Camden Lock Market, Regent’s Canal, Regent’s Park, London Zoo and Madame Tussauds.
The Wesley Camden Town, 89 Plender Street, Camden, London NW1 0JN, tel. 0207 691 1444, reservations@thewesley.co.uk, www.thewesley.co.uk/the-wesley-camden-town/
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