August sees The Royal Exchange turn up the heat in a season of vivid flavour and high glamour. Our bars and restaurants stage their own exchange of taste, with classic City cocktails rubbing shoulders against Korean feasting menus and terrace-side charcuterie, while our luxury houses look to the coastline with beach-inspired drops. Add picnic-perfect pairings and a treasure trove of jewellers, and there’s never been a cooler way to spend a hot city summer.

The Royal Exchange has always been a meeting point — of commerce, culture, and now, cuisine. This summer, an exchange of flavour plays out across our bars and terraces, where classic City cocktails meet flavours from further afield. August’s menus are anything but ordinary: from martinis in the historic vaults to Korean feasting menus and elegant terrace snacks, here’s how to eat and drink well this season.

Summer means sand between your toes and salt in the air, and this month our luxury brands are drawing inspiration from the shore. Surf’s up: think high-performance sun protection, fragrances that capture the spirit of the coastline and luggage designed to keep pace with your sense of adventure…everything you need to hit the beach in style.

The season calls for a picnic that looks as good as it tastes. With Aspinal of London’s beautifully crafted accessories and Fortnum & Mason’s iconic hampers, we’re packing a magical al fresco afternoon. Headed to one of London’s pleasant commons? Or, perhaps, the beauty of Box Hill? These pieces will turn your time outdoors into something altogether more chic.

For jewellery lovers, The Royal Exchange is home to a treasure trove of specialists, each offering distinctive pieces as iconic as the building itself. Boodles lends its celebrated British heritage; Searle & Co brings connoisseurship and an intimate, personal touch; Tiffany & Co. adds its unmistakable glamour; while Royal Exchange Jewellers and Trotters complete the suite with their own distinctive charm.

Have you visited our new florist’s or fashion house yet? Our fabulous new arrivals are turning heads. Jen’s Plants & Florist is making the most of wedding season with creative approaches to colour and design: in centre pieces, bud vase arrangements, button holes and corsages.

Goff Courtney highlights its collection of heatwave lifesavers — luxury layerings to enhance your outfit while keeping you cool. Think floaty capelets, light shrugs and crisp ponchos, all created from reconfigured shirts, dresses and tops.