25+ Fun Things To Do In London This Weekend

It’s finally the weekend! How will you be spending it? Whether you’re in the mood for secret bars or exclusive pizzas, immersive exhibitions or pop-up experiences, there’s plenty going on in London to accommodate your desires. From new exhibitions to new activities (pasta making anyone?), here’s what to do in London this weekend.

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What To Do In London This Weekend: 11–12 May 2024

1. Visit Affordable Art Fair

Affordable Art Fair is back in Hampstead for its spring affair, running from 8–12 May at Hampstead Heath. Expect world-class contemporary art showcased by over 100 galleries from the UK and across the globe, all available to purchase to kick start your burgeoning art collection. Better still, the Fair will host the Heath’s only rooftop bar. In between browsing artworks, sip champagne and gaze across the sprawling expanse of the Heath as it comes to life. Daily wine tasting class en-plein-air will also be on offer.

Details: 8–12 May 2024 at Hampstead Heath (Lower Fairground Site, Hampstead Heath, London NW3 1TH). Tickets from £10 per person. Find out more and book at affordableartfair.com

These Are The Best London Art Shows & Decorative Fairs Still To Come In 2024

 

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2. Hidden Gem Brunch

Celebrate the arrival of summer with brunch in the light-filled conservatory of TH@51. Tucked away in St. James’ Court London, A Taj Hotel (one of our favourite hotels in London), just beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows is a vibrant courtyard filled with blooming flowers, elegant brickwork and colourful faux birds suspended from the sky. It feels like a secret garden – yet you’re a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace. Tuck into a very reasonably priced (and very delicious) brunch soundtracked by live music and clinking glasses – what better way to celebrate the weekend in London? The menu is inspired by nature’s elements, featuring the likes of a Breezy Acai Bowl, the Ocean Breeze Shrimp Cocktail, Lamb Chops with a wild mushroom risotto, and the Andalusian Gazpacho Bowl with ancho chilli grilled shrimp – with more classic dishes available too. Don’t forget to kick it off with a tasty mimosa, and wrap it all up with pudding (naturally); who can say no to a hot ganache cookie and a dollop of ice cream?

Details: 12:30–4:30pm every Saturday and Sunday at TH@51 (Suites and Residences, Taj 51, 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF). th51.co.uk

3. Visit A Drive-In Cinema

Classic cars and timeless movies unite at this ultimate drive-in cinema experience in one of London’s chicest new neighbourhoods, Nine Elms. From 10am–10pm, The Embassy Gardens Drive-In Cinema will screen back-to-back blockbuster films, all enjoyed from the comfort of your own car with a wireless speaker provided. Or hire one of their spectacular classic or supercars for an unparalleled experience. Peckish? Delicious food and drink will be served by The Alchemist, from brunch burritos to flatbreads, burgers, snacks and ice cream – all delivered straight to your car. Of course, traditional movie snacks like popcorn and pick ‘n’ mix will be available too.

Details: Saturday 11 May 2024 at Embassy Gardens (3 Viaduct Gdns, Nine Elms, London SW11 7AY). The cinema comes from Duke of London, a family-run classic and supercar hub based in West London. Tickets start from £7.50, with bring your own blanket and deckchair options also available; click here to purchase yours.

4. Natural Face Lift, Anyone?

This is how HarSPA Richmond’s brand new HIIT Facial and Stretch Treatment is best described. A truly rejuvenating experience, enter the spa at Harbour Hotel Richmond’s den of tranquillity, and emerge renewed. Created with UK-based sustainable skin and body care brand, Proverb, this facial is less about layers of serums and more about energising the skin and facial muscles for natural brightness and lift – all elevated with Proverb’s  gender-neutral, clean and natural skincare. Launched by former pro rugby player Luke Sheriff and his partner Kirstie, Proverb draws on athletic performance, and this facial really is a workout. Thanks to proven facial techniques to lift, contour and tone the skin, your circulation will be boosted bringing nutrients to the surface, and you will also benefit from lymphatic drainage, removing any toxic and waste. (Gua sha fans, this is your dream come true.) Afterwards, wind down from your workout (yes) in HarSPA’s idyllic facilities: luscious relaxation rooms, bubbly Scandi hot tubs in the garden, and a wellbeing juice bar to fuel your skin with lots of nutrients. For more fuel, Harbour Hotel’s laid back restaurant, The Gate, is the perfect pitstop – and the carrot salad is perfect (and very delicious) for any health-conscious visitors.

Details: The Proverb HIIT Facial and Stretch Treatment is available at HarSPA (Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6RP). The treatment is £68, with an exclusive gift when you book your first treatment. The Gate is located in Harbour Hotel (152–158 Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6RP). harbourhotels.co.uk

5. See A Tasty Exhibition

Do you eat to live or live to eat? Either way, don’t miss Camilla Wordie’s foodie exhibition in Kensington, a captivating and playful exploration of our intricate relationship with food – a universal love language understood by all.

Details: 8–12 May 2024 at Feelium Gallery (7 Kensington Mall, London W8 4EB).

6. Try Tattu’s Imperial Roast

Fancy a roast with a Chinese twist? Tattu is bringing a new dollop of weekend indulgence to Soho with its new Imperial Roast, served exclusively on Sundays. It’s the perfect roast set up, with three meats included (and a fourth available to be added), so no one has to make the dreaded decision as to which to go for. Instead, tuck into tender miso glazed chicken, pile aromatic roast duck high into a pancake, and chow down on the softest char siu pork possible. All of this is served up with a selection of soft steamed bao buns and pancakes, plus pack choi and decadent salt and pepper roasties. For an extra indulgence, tag on the caramel soy beef fillet served on a bed of asparagus – just divine. And, naturally, don’t miss dessert – the white chocolate dragon egg is a must-try (and must-smash).

Details: The Imperial Sunday Roast is available for £41.50 per person, for a minimum of two people, every Sunday at Tattu London (The Now Building Rooftop, Outernet, Denmark St, London WC2H 0LA). Vegetarian options are available, including satay cauliflower and mock caramel soy beef fillet. tattu.co.uk

7. Build A Terrarium

Bring some brightness to your living space with your very own beautiful (and low maintenance) terrarium. If you fancy making your own, join Katie and Lucas in Tottenham for guidance and all the materials you need to craft your very own oasis.

Details: Sessions take place on Saturdays in Tottenham, priced at £70 per person. See all of the details at wecandoo.uk

8. Brunch In The Sky

London’s highest brunch experience has arrived, taking over Shangri-La The Shard’s elegant Sky Lounge every Sunday from midday. Guests are welcomed with a crisp glass of Veuve Cliquot Champagne to sip while perusing the concise seasonal menu and gazing at the breathtaking skyline views. Choose from a selection of Asian-inspired à la carte starters and mains, including caraway toast loaded with a tender and fresh medley of organic carrots, confit salmon with rainbow radicchio, super soft Vietnamese-style sea bass with glass noodles and sumptuous wok-fried beef fillet with lemongrass, chilli and jasmine rice. The star of the show, however, is the incredible market-style buffet boasting chocolate and pastry creations beside cheese from renowned cheesemonger Aubrey Allen. A cheese expert showcases and serves an array of ethically sourced British and European farmhouse cheeses, from creamy blues to tangy cheddars, paired with crackers, grapes and chutneys, while sweet toothed guests can tuck into the marvellous creations crafted by the Shangri-La’s in-house pastry chefs, spanning cakes, cookies, doughnuts, pastries and pies, with a chocolate fountain bubbling away at the centre of it all. The perfect Sunday treat.

Details: Sky Brunch is available every Sunday from 12–4pm in the Sky Lounge at Shangri-La The Shard (31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU). The brunch is priced at £79 per person including a welcome glass of Champagne, or £139 per person with bottomless Champagne. Book your table at skylounge-shangrila.com

9. Learn To Make Gelato

Say hello to warmer days with a gelato making session. Join Elisa and Fabiano in Wandsworth to learn all about the art of gelato and sorbet making, before tucking into your creation – 500g of it, no less.

Details: Sessions take place on Wednesdays and Sundays in Wandsworth, priced at £65 per person. See all of the details at wecandoo.uk

10. Dine At London’s Buzziest New Restaurant

Round of applause for CLAP, Knightsbridge’s buzziest new restaurant, featuring the sleekest of interiors (transformed from a refurbished tube station, no less), delicious Japanese food and stunning cityscape views to boot. Sip a playful cocktail and watch the sun sink beneath Harrods’ iconic dome on the horizon – or pull a stool up to the sushi counter to watch the magic happen. Peruse the lengthy menu featuring mouthwatering dishes such as Hokkaido Scallops, Roasted Tamara King Crab Leg, Sea Bass Amapeño, Pistachio Crusted Baby Chicken with yuzu and daikon, and plenty more. Or go omakase and leave it up to the expert chefs in the kitchen to put their wisdom to work. Before or after finishing a decadent meal, make sure you go upstairs to see the seventh floor complete with a statement bar, lounge, DJ deck and a rooftop terrace area with 180-degree views of London.

Details: CLAP (Sixth and seventh Floor, 12-14 Basil St, London SW3 1AJ) is open for lunch (12–3pm) and dinner (6–11pm) every weekend. claprestaurant.com

11. See A New Sculpture

With only 13 percent of known sculptures in London attributed to women, Brookfield Properties and its new partner, The Association of Women in the Arts (AWITA), has unveiled the first of two consecutive exhibitions by women sculptors, curated through a female lens and timed to coincide with Womens’ History Month. ‘Creating visibility for female artists and valuing them through a commissioning and exhibition platform is vital to continue progress towards gender equity,’ explains Sigrid Kirk, co-founder of AWITA. Crafted by Jodie Carey and curated by Eve Miller, Beyond the Matrix is on display now.

Details: ‘Beyond the Matrix’ can be seen at 100 Bishopsgate (London EC2M 1GT) until September 2024.

12. Watch A Rooftop Film

Film lovers rejoice: Rooftop Film Club is back for 2024, herading rooftop season with it. Both the Peckham and Stratford venues will be screening a mixture of new releases and cult classics throughout Spring and Summer, from Anatomy of a Fall to About Time, Poor Things to Notting Hill. Meanwhile, nibble on pizza, popcorn and desserts, and sip on cocktails from the bar.

Details: Roof East (Rooftop Film Club Roof East, Great Eastern Rd, London E15 1BB) will be open from 18 April, while the Peckham venue (Roof A, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST) will open on 25 April. Book your tickets at rooftopfilmclub.com

13. Celebrate Aperitivo Hour At Swift

With lighter evenings finally the norm once again, celebrate the weekend off in style with Aperitivo Hour cocktails at Swift. Order any cocktail before 6pm and get it for only £7.

Details: £7 cocktails are available everyday before 6pm at Swift Borough (66 Borough High St, London SE1 1XF; open from 3pm on Friday, 1pm on Saturday and close on Sundays) and Swift Shoreditch (91-93 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3HZ; open from 3pm Friday–Sunday). Walk ins are very welcome, or secure your table at barswift.com

14. Skin Refresh For The Weekend

Skincare lover wondering what to do in London this weekend? Cult skin clinic Skin Laundry is pioneering the non-invasive laser facial, and we’d highly recommend it. With a limited number of services available, expect high quality, clinically proven treatments delivered by warm clinicians, many with no down time at all and some with instant glowy results. Unsure what to go for? Book a consultation and step into the calming studio ready for a candid conversation with one of the friendly clinicians regarding your skincare goals. They’ll guide you through the whole process, explaining why the lasers work, and what results you can expect. And even though ‘laser’ might sound daunting, don’t worry: it doesn’t hurt in the slightest. Already sold? Join the Skin Laundry club for multiple monthly facials and exclusive discounts on all services and products.

Details: Skin Laundry is open everyday in Chelsea (69A King’s Rd, London SW3 4NX), Soho (9 Newburgh St, Carnaby, London W1F 7RL) and Hampstead (68 Heath St, London NW3 1DN), 10am–8pm with reduced hours on Sundays. Book your appointment at skinlaundry.uk

15. Dine Atop The National Portrait Gallery

If you haven’t visited the rejuvenated National Portrait Gallery yet, where have you been hiding? (Away from the crowds, no doubt…) If you’ve been looking for an excuse to visit, this is it: perched atop the stunning, world-famous gallery is The Portrait, Richard Corrigan’s restaurant serving delicious British fare with stunning city views, from Big Ben to the London Eye. Gone are the days of stale bread rolls and lukewarm soups; this museum restaurant takes everything up a notch (or 10). The vibes are upscale yet super laid back, with pale wood interiors throughout and an open kitchen. Expect high quality artisan ingredients transformed into creative dishes, starting with the likes of duck heart, celeriac soup and an indulgent yet playful crispy slow poached egg. For mains, there are three pastas to choose from, or tuck into a hearty plate in classic British style; think Fillet of Beef, Lamb Rump, or the rich Guinea Fowl with nduja. Divine. Visit before a stroll through the gallery below or to refuel afterwards, resting your weary museum walked legs.

Details: The Portrait is open for lunch Tuesday–Sunday and dinner Wednesday–Sunday at National Portrait Gallery (St Martin’s Place, London, WC2H 0HE). Book your table at theportraitrestaurant.com

16. See The Yoko Ono Exhibition

She may be best known for being married to John Lennon, but there’s a lot more to Yoko Ono than her Beatles connection. The Japanese musician and performance artist, now 90, has a fascinating body of work that spans over seven decades – which is being explored in an landmark exhibition at Tate Modern. The largest show Yoko Ono’s work yet, Music of the Mind will delve into some of the most talked about works of her career, from the 1950s to the modern day. Naturally, her London years (1966 – 1971) will be a point of intrigue: the period she became intertwined with a nonconformist network of artists and musicians, including Lennon. Her banned Film No. 4 (Bottoms) will be shown, and visitors will have the chance to participate in White Chess Set, a game with solely white chess pieces believed to symbolise Ono’s anti-war stance.

Details: 15 February–1 September at the Tate Modern (Bankside, London SE1 9TG). tate.org.uk

17. Visit The Immersive David Attenborough Experience

Nature fan looking for a new immersive experience in London? We’ve found the perfect thing for you to try this weekend in London: OTHERWORLD’s David Attenborough Immersive Anthology. A three-part immersive journey narrated by David Attenborough, this stunning 8K virtual reality casts nature’s beasts and beauties into sharp relief, featuring carnivorous flytraps, majestic butterflies and towering pterosaurs, all brought to life by state-of-the-art 3D cinematography and computer graphics, spatial audio and tactile bass technology.

Details: OTHERWORLD has two London venues: Victoria (85 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0QJ) and Hackney (336 Acton Mews, Haggerston, London E8 4EA). Tickets are £35 per person for the 70 minute experience, including a 15 minute interval, and can be purchased at other.world

18. Sip Cocktails In A Secret Bar

Sotto is London’s latest speakeasy bar opening, hidden beneath Soho’s buzzy Bocconcino. It’s all about classic Italian elegance, expressed through chic interiors, soft lighting, and a cool menu of unique savoury cocktails. Everything has an Italian twist: think an Old Fashioned infused with wild mushrooms, or the Avocado Amore blending the favourite fruit with Italian lemons, Calabrian chilli and basil foam, or the Velvet Corvina mixing corvina wine with peach purée, wine cordial, crème de cassis and blood orange. Enjoy alongside a selection of small plates for the perfect intimate date night spot. Cheers!

Details: Sotto is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm–2am at Bocconcino Soho (59 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7JY). Book at bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk

19. Sound Healing At The Mandrake

Seeking some serenity? Experience the transformative combination of Reiki and Sound Healing every Saturday at The Mandrake Hotel, guided by skilled sound healer Maria Lodetoft. Expect Reiki healing amid the soothing soundscape of alchemy crystal singing bowls, producing tones and frequencies thought to align the chakras, calm the mind, and open the heart.

Details: Every Saturday at 11am at The Mandrake Hotel (20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG). Places cost £40 per person and can be booked at themandrake.com

20. The Leo Green Experience

Live music and jazz fans should flock to QT this weekend, where The Leo Green Experience celebrates the best sax solos centre stage, putting a high-energy sax twist on the biggest hits of the last 30 years. Featuring table service delivering an array of small plates and cocktails, there’s an old school vibe with an easy breezy air: think drinking, dancing and eating while Leo and his band raise the roof.

Details: Every Friday and Saturday evening from 7.30–9.15pm and 9.45pm–1am at QT (Middle Eight Hotel, 66 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5BX). Tickets are £25 for general admission, or £35 for seated table service. Book at middleeight.com

21. Wine & Small Plates

Nothing says ‘weekend’ better than a heady mixture of delicious small plates washed down with a crisp glass of wine. If you’re looking for a new go-to in London, try Humble Grape, with six venues across London all somehow retaining the je ne sais quoi of a chic, neighbourhood wine bar. All dishes are sustainable, organic and seasonally inspired, with mouth-watering options like crispy chilli fried chicken, moreish burrata and rich baked camembert with a hunk of sourdough bread. Don’t miss the crispy cauliflower with chilli ketchup and aioli: you’ll be batting forks with your peers to snag the last bite. On the drinks side, Humble Grape is all about organic, sustainable wine, whether you’re a connoisseur, a casual wine drinker, or a newbie to the scene. It’s got the perfect low-key vibe for a pre-Valentine’s date, a gossip with your pals, or simply select a bottle from the shop and drink it in the bar for the chicest of weekend activities.

Details: Humble Grape has six London venues: Battersea, Islington, Canary Wharf, Fleet Street, Liverpool Street and Crouch End. humblegrape.co.uk

22. Dinner Break From Shopping

Going shopping in London this weekend? If you’re looking for a chic spot to fuel up after a busy day on your feet, Bar des Prés is the perfect answer. From acclaimed French chef Cyril Lignac, expect a thrilling blend of Franco-East Asian cuisines across meticulously crafted dishes, from California rolls to sashimi, gyoza to the signature Crunchy crab & avocado galette (you’ll see everyone ordering this; it tastes as beautiful as it looks). Sit barside for a front row seat to the cold kitchen show, plus watch the mixologists shaking up a storm, with a concise cocktail list catering to all tastes – the signatures are all delightful. There are some seasonal specials evoking perfect cosy vibes, from Beef Gyoza with Ginger and Soy to Miso Caramelised Aubergine to Roast Scallops with Potimarron Squash. But the signature dishes remain stunning as ever, including ever-delicious Black cod caramelised with miso, served with baby spinach (who knew spinach could be so delicious), plus perfect cubes of Wagyu and the ever-intriguing Vanilla wash (weird and wonderful). All this amid sophisticated, moody, intimate surrounds; if it’s just a cocktail you seek, venture downstairs for a subtly chic subterranean space.

Details: Bar des Prés (16 Albemarle St, London W1S 4HW) is open for dinner everyday from 6pm, closing at 11pm Monday–Saturday and 10pm on Sundays. bardespres.com

23. Live Music Bars

There’s only one thing better than live music: live music with a glass of something in your hand. London’s live music bar scene is thriving – it always has been – and from jazz clubs to hi-fi DJ venues, there are plenty to choose from. Our favourite this winter is Brilliant Corners, a vibrant yet moody spot tucked away in Dalston, serving natural wine, zingy cocktails and a delicious seasonal five-course set menu inspired by the izakaya of Japan.

Details: Brilliant Corners is open 5pm–1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays and 4pm–midnight on Sundays at 470 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AE. Book your table at brilliantcornerslondon.co.uk

London’s Best Bars For Live Music

24. Columbia Road Flower Market

Brighten the gloomy winter days with a trip to London’s premiere flower market this weekend: Columbia Road. Taking place every Sunday between Bethnal Green and Hoxton, it attracts people from far and wide in droves and for good reason, offering a glorious slice of unchanging London life, with reasonable prices across flowers and bulbs, succulents and houseplants. With a rainbow of vibrant colours, it’s hard to resist succumbing to the classic Instagram shots. Afterwards, head into Shoreditch, or grab a bagel on the ever-popular Brick Lane.

Details: Sundays, 8am–2pm at Columbia Road, Bethnal Green E2 7RG. columbiaroad.info

More Of London’s Gorgeous Flower Markets To Visit

25. Go Bowling

OK, OK, a generic weekend suggestion – but London’s bowling alleys are some of the nation’s best. Whether you’re looking to host a big birthday blowout, make plans with friends or you’re in need of new date ideas, you’ll bowl everyone over with these spots.

26. Learn To Make Pasta

Wondering what to do in London next weekend? Try your hand at the Italian art of pasta making at Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy in Farringdon. Expect to learn all about the best ingredients and techniques, and eat your creation at the end, too. Read our review of the Beginners’ Class here.

Details: Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy (62-63 Long Lane, Barbican, London EC1A 9EJ). These classes are extremely high-demand, so your weekend activity will inevitably be booking ahead for a future weekend. pastaevangelists.com

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