Lounging on the grass, listening to sweet music and trying to keep the damp off your backside is one of the perennial delights of the English summer, and nowhere is better suited to the experience than the grounds of Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath. Why the organisers have chosen the London Sinfonia for tomorrow’s last-night climactic gig and relegated timeless classics by Bjorn Again to tonight’s slot is anyone’s guess, but the glorious setting and the late-summer air make up for such mysteries. But, while picnics are all very nice, relying on what comes out of the hamper can be a risky business, so before crossing the Heath wise concerteers will refresh themselves at the Freemasons Arms to avoid any nasty surprises.

What’s it like?

Right across the road from the Heath, the Freemasons gives a taste of the Kenwood experience without the risk of rheumatism. Reflecting the elegance of the bigger place up the hill, it offers light, air and views of greenery through its handsome windows, while a landscaped garden provides outdoor opportunities with the added advantage of proper tables and chairs and access to a bar. There’s a courtyard complete with a fountain and ample seating at the front overlooking ivy-clad houses, and the inside is designed with a light, cool touch that combines hints of Eastern decor with a worn genteel look to create a bright, sophisticated and stylish space that draws a well-dressed crowd and can be difficult to leave, whether or not you plan to get down and grassy later on.

What to drink?

A luke-warm bottle of shaken-up fizz can cast a shadow over the best-planned outdoor evening, so making the most of the Freemasons’ facilities beforehand is a very wise step. Whether it’s something from a wine list befitting a pub with a reputation for excellent food, or a pint of Timothy Taylor Landlord or Fuller’s London Pride, the right preparation will make Abba’s greatest hits seem that little bit greater.

Freemasons Arms, 32 Downshire Hill, London NW3 (020-7433 6811)

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