A tropical retreat on London's Oxford Street

For the second year running, John Lewis has created a public garden on the roof terrace of its flagship Oxford Street store. Last year there were lots of cottage garden plants – this year’s ‘Summer Retreat’ has a distinctly Caribbean feel.

 The first thing you see as you walk out across the grass is a palm tree festooned with signs for Barbados, St Lucia, Jamaica and Tobago, and decorated with realistic-looking parrots.

No beach, but pieces of driftwood, brightly-coloured plants and strategically placed butterflies enhance the tropical mood.

  There are plenty of chairs for relaxing when the sun comes out, and a little balcony provides an unusual view of some London landmarks. Rossopomodoro and Joe and the Juice serve ice cream, Italian food, sandwiches and juices and should you fancy some retail therapy, there are a couple of pop-up shops in beach huts. It’s a great place to escape to - a real treat for shoppers in the know.

The garden is open from noon until close on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday and on Wednesday from noon until 4pm. Access is by lift or stairs near the 5th floor restaurant. More details at http://www.johnlewis.com/findyoursummer/news-and-events