Granada with Class: A Guide to Worthwhile Summer Events in London

The summer holidays are in full swing, and temperatures in Europe are at their peak. London excels at many things, but air conditioning is unfortunately not one of them. However, if you still desire an outing—solo, as a couple, with family, or in any other configuration—in the capital of popular culture, here are some suggestions for August, which is just around the corner, with a possible spillover into the holiday period in September.

Musical for the whole family: "Paddington"

You are surely all familiar with the cute, marmalade-loving bear who arrived alone, as a stowaway in a lifeboat, from the jungles of Peru to the heart of London's urban jungle. There, at Paddington Station, the Brown family adopted him and gave him a warm home. After Michael Bond's books, the successful films, and the unforgettable visit to Queen Elizabeth, comes a huge musical that has garnered no less than seven Olivier Awards. It is an outing full of magic for all ages. Paddington is played by a short actress in collaboration with an actor who sings behind the scenes. The pair together won an Olivier Award of their own. It is not easy to get tickets, but it is worth the effort. Paddingtonthemusical.com

Play for the sophisticated: "Electra/Persona"

Sophocles' Greek tragedy about a daughter seeking to avenge her mother, and Ingmar Bergman's Swedish film about an actress who loses the ability to speak while playing the heroine of that same tragedy, blend into one new work directed by Benedict Andrews. Cate Blanchett herself will arrive to star alongside Nina Hoss. Sounds intriguing and explosive. From August 19 at the National Theatre in London. Nationaltheatre.org.uk

Blockbuster exhibition: "Frida: Making of an Icon"

At the Tate Modern in London, a retrospective of Frida Kahlo's works is on display, revealing how the Mexican painter became a cultural phenomenon. Alongside Kahlo's works and objects from her private estate, the exhibition displays hundreds of works by artists influenced by her, and commercial items reflecting her persona as part of the "Frida-mania" that continues to sweep the world. tate.org.uk

Grand performances: Ariana Grande and Jay-Z

Ariana Grande is arriving to conclude her successful world tour with ten performances at the O2 in London. The 33-year-old superstar takes the stage following her seventh album "Eternal Sunshine". Between 15.8 and 1.9.

Jay-Z will hold a one-time performance on 4.9 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium; this is his only performance in the UK this year. The hip-hop master promises to surprise, much like he did at Yankee Stadium in New York. Ticketmaster.co.uk

An immersive experience: "The Lost Estate"

A creative venture that offers hedonistic evenings of 1930s-style jazz and French cabaret from the turn of the 19th century, in two different and semi-secret locations in London. Orchestras, performances, lavish dinners, and champagne flowing like water await you, as well as an entrance into a historical rabbit hole that you will not want to escape from quickly. thelostestate.com

Chef restaurant at popular prices

The Italian of Jamie Oliver, the eternal "Naked Chef", has opened a lovely and welcoming restaurant in the heart of the tourist traps at Leicester Square. The food is tasty, the atmosphere is pleasant, and the highlight: children aged 2-12 eat for free until 31.8, by advance reservation only. Jamiesitalian.co.uk