When city heat cranks up, finding somewhere to cool off can feel like a mission. But tucked just moments from Oxford Street is one of Fitzrovia’s best-kept secrets: Rathbone Square. With its leafy gardens, shady seating and relaxed, traffic-free vibe, it’s the perfect place to hit pause on a summer’s day.
Whether you’re recharging after a shopping spree, meeting friends for an al fresco catch-up, or simply escaping the crowds, Rathbone Square has everything you need to cool down and refuel. From iced coffee to energising juices, nutrient-packed smoothies to fresh vegan snacks, this hidden haven brings together some of the best refreshing drinks and outdoor summer dining London has to offer.
Let’s take a look at what’s on the menu…
Smoothie Bars in Fitzrovia: Joe & the Juice
If you’re searching for the best smoothie bars in Fitzrovia, Joe & the Juice has to be your first stop. This vibrant corner of Rathbone Square is known for its energising juices and signature shakes – all made fresh to order and packed with goodness.
Choose from favourites like the Energizer (apple, red grapefruit, ginger), Prince of Green (cucumber, pineapple, lemon), or Stress Down (apple, strawberries, ginger) – perfect for beating the heat or just getting a little pick-me-up.
Prefer something a little creamier? Joe’s shakes never disappoint. The Power Shake blends banana, strawberries and vanilla milk, while the Avo Shake adds avocado into the mix. For something greener, try the Green Mile – a health-packed combo of apple, avocado, spinach and lemon.
Beyond drinks, Joe & the Juice also serves breakfast bowls, toasties, paninis and snacks, so you can stay fuelled while you enjoy a well-earned summer breather.
Check out more refreshing drinks to try in our Hydration Stations blog
Sustainable & Seasonal: White Pine
If your idea of the perfect summer drink includes a little sustainability and a lot of flavour, White Pine ticks every box. As Rathbone Square’s go-to cruelty-free coffee and juice bar, it’s one of the most refreshing smoothie bars in Fitzrovia.
On the menu, you’ll find cold pressed juices like Detox (kale, parsley, spinach, ginger, lime and apple), Mental Power (beetroot, apple, ginger, lemon), and Immunity (pink grapefruit, ginger and apple). Their Icelandic-style protein shakes are a firm favourite too – think Peanut Butter Protein with banana, chia seeds and skyr, or the indulgent Chocolate Protein Shake made with raw cacao.
For a proper summer treat, try their seasonal frappés, such as Mango Coconut or Strawberry Vanilla – the perfect cool-down companion in the sunshine.
There’s also a menu of plant-based snacks sourced from local suppliers, making White Pine a great spot to sip, snack and slow down.
Japanese Coffee in London: Omotesando Koffee
When it’s too warm for a flat white, and you fancy something a bit more refined, Omotesando Koffee is the place to be. This serene little spot in Rathbone Square serves up Japanese coffee in London with absolute precision – and plenty of cool factor.
From their iced matcha latte to a traditional iced coffee, mocha or cappuccino, every drink is crafted to order by baristas dressed in crisp white lab coats. It’s a calm, minimalist space that feels a world away from the city buzz – perfect for taking a quiet moment and sipping slowly in the square.
Looking to branch out from your usual espresso? Omotesando Koffee’s Japanese brewing techniques and specialist beans bring a whole new depth of flavour. It’s thoughtful, elegant – and totally worth the detour.
Explore Japanese coffee culture
Try a new favourite from our coffee alternatives blog
Sweet Treats on the Go: Crosstown Doughnuts
Need a quick pick-me-up while the sun's blazing? Crosstown Doughnuts is your go-to for a sweet treat, ice cream or cooling drink. Whether you're craving a handcrafted doughnut or one of their famous cookies, everything's made fresh on-site using seasonal ingredients – and it shows.
It’s the perfect spot if you’re after a grab-and-go sugar boost. Pair your treat with a chilled coffee, matcha or chocolate - and you’ve got yourself the ultimate iced coffee London combo.
Summer Dining London: Take it Outdoors
There’s no better way to enjoy summer dining in London than with a relaxed outdoor lunch at Rathbone Square. With its landscaped gardens, shade-giving trees and laid-back deckchairs, it’s a peaceful retreat in the heart of Fitzrovia.
Pick up something light and tasty from Joe & the Juice, White Pine, or Crosstown Doughnuts and settle in for a casual lunch under the sky.
Prefer a more elevated experience? Sicilian dining sensation Circolo Popolare has a terrace that delivers full-on Mediterranean holiday vibes – perfect for lingering over a long lunch.
Whatever your flavour, dining outdoors at Rathbone Square lets you soak up the summer at your own pace.
Take a look at our favourite al fresco dining spots
Explore more about Sicilian dining
For the best refreshing drinks and outdoor spots in London this summer, visit Rathbone Square!
On the trail of the best outdoor spots and smoothie bars London has to offer? Rathbone Square has you covered. Treat yourself to the summer drink of your choice, grab a cool spot under the shade of a tree, and rest a while to ready yourself for the remainder of the day. It’s London’s best kept summer getaway!
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