10 Things to do this May Bank Holiday

A few times throughout the year, we are reminded of what a good idea it is for weekends to be three days long. Make the most of this long awaited rarity; from two-day festivals to bottomless bubbles on the rooftop, here’s our round-up of things to do this May bank holiday.

KERB Bank Holiday Festival: Jam on Rye

Leading street food trader and purveyor of all things delicious, KERB will be hosting the Bank holiday festival to satisfy all your cravings. Held in Peckham Rye Park on Monday, Jam on Rye will be dishing up reggae beats, a laidback summer vibe and of course, mouth-watering food courtesy of KERB, Bleeker Burger, vegan Club Mexicana, BBQ Dreamz and Baba G’s. If you can pull yourself away from the delicious culinary offering, you’ll find the best of London’s emerging talents in music and art on show, with US superstar Kelis headlining. More information and tickets available to purchase at jamonryefestival.com

Late Night Bites at Pergola, Paddington

If there was one in spot last summer, it was Pergola and this season it’s back and transforming British springtime into Balearic high summer. Featuring hidden gardens, alfresco drinking and dining in the heart of London, Pergola has taken inspiration from the Mediterranean coastline. Grab a spot at any of the 850 seats – preferably atop the topdeck, and while away the hours sipping on frosé, feasting on a bottomless brunch or simply unwinding on one of their bookable daybeds. If you can’t get away from the city for the bank holiday, Pergola is the next best thing. pergolalondon.com

Afternoon Drinks at The Prince

Another brilliant bottomless brunch (because really, can you ever have too many?) is available at The Prince where guests will have the option of limitless bubbles or flowing Bloody Mary’s, accompanied by good from the most delicious line-up of food traders including pizza experts Homeslice and burger aficionados Patty & Bun. The retractable rooftop means The Price is a go in any weather – a huge bonus in temperamental British spring. It’s the perfect laidback atmosphere and greasy food for a chilled out day relaxing from the weekend’s revelries and mentally prepare for the working week ahead. theprincelondon.com

Take in a Jazz Show at the Krispy Kreme Doughtown Records Pop-Up

Cadburys aside, our neighbours across the pond always seem to have the better sweets but Krispy Kreme’s newest and most indulgent menu is bringing classic American pie flavours like Cherry, Banana Kreme, Maple Pecan and Reese’s Peanut to London. To celebrate the launch of the four quintessentially American doughnuts (lovingly dubbed The Pie-Ettes) Krispy Kreme will be hosting a swinging sixties themed dessert bar, Doughtown Records. Once you’ve filled up on records and doughnuts, make your way to the secret doorway at the back of the record store and say the password (Sweet as Pie-Ettes) to gain access to London’s sweetest speak-easy. Expect soulful singers, dancing and of course, all the desserts you could possibly want. 24 – 25 May. Hourly seating tickets for £5 from Eventbrite with limited tickets available on the door, and all proceeds going to Krispy Kreme’s charity partner Teenage Cancer Trust. Archdoor Boutique, 105 Great Portland Street, W1W 6QF.

Catch a Film at Rooftop Film Club

Nothing says summer in London like a rooftop movie and love really is in the air following the announcement of Rooftop Film Club’s romance-themed May line-up of our favourite movie moments. With screenings at The Bussey Building in Peckham, Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch and Roof East in Stratford and a range of movies from Casablanca (1942) to Pretty Woman (1990) all the way to Mary Poppins Returns (2018), there’s something for you. This May Bank Holiday the films on show include Back to the Future, The Greatest Showman, Bridget Jones’s Diary, A Star is Born and Clueless. Full listings and tickets available to purchase from rooftopfilmclub.com

Order a Jo Malone Cocktails at The Ivy Market Grill

To celebrate London coming into bloom with Chelsea, Belgravia and Covent Garden all taking part in the floral extravaganza, The Ivy Market Grill has partnered with Jo Malone to create a special cocktail menu focusing on the performers new Blossom collection. We’re partial to the Silk Blossom Cosmo, or for a non-alcoholic version, the zesty Orange Blossom Bloom is a winner. Be sure to snap a pic in front of the restaurant’s incredible floral exterior installation on your way out. As if we needed another reason to go to The Ivy… theivymarketgrill.com

Croquet on the Skylight Rooftop at Tobacco Dock

Like everyone, we love a good rooftop when the sun is shining but the skylight rooftop at Tobacco Dock makes a case for top deck chilling under the stars (or at least city lights). Famous for its panoramic views of London’s skyline, it’s the ideal spot for a sophisticated wind-down this bank holiday. Unique urban lawn games offer some fun – and good old friendly competition. If you’re more of an early-ish bird than a night owl, Skylight boasts day beds and garden booths. skylightlondon.com

Celebrate National BBQ Week with Chotto Matte

It’s very fitting that National BBQ Week should fall on a Bank Holiday weekend, and for those of us lacking the necessary grilling skills (or a barbecue for that matter) it’s lucky that delicious Japanese-Peruvian restaurant, Chotto Matte will be hosting their own BBQ we can get it on. The pop-up will be enticing passers-by on Frith Street with the delicious smell of Halloumi Teriyaki, Courgette & Eryngii Mushroom and of course the restaurant’s classic, Pollo Den Miso – all served with a spicy, spring salad plus sweet potato and rice. If you’d rather a sit-down meal, the restaurant will be offering a delicious BBQ meat platter including a delectable chipotle Iberico pressa and tasty teriyaki short rib. If you’ve ever thought about trying Chotto Matte, this weekend is the perfect opportunity. From 27 May, chotto-matte.com

Live at The Savoy with Judi Jackson

The latest in their new series of evening entertainment taking place every night of the week, Judi Jackson will be performing on the Friday giving you the perfect start to the bank holiday weekend. The Virginia-born performer has sold out headline shows world-wide and promises to enthral you with her incredibly soulful vocals. As you’d expect at The Savoy, superb entertainment is of course accompanied by superb food and for the Friday guests can dine on a new Thames Foyer evening menu featuring three delightful courses. 24 May, Tickets are £25 with an additional minimum spend of £20 on food and beverages per person

Al Fresco Drinks at Kricket Television Centre

We can’t get enough of terraces during summer, and with the launch of its expansive garden one just in time for the Bank holiday weekend, Kricket Television Centre has become a go-to summer destination for delicious food and boozy cocktails. To usher in the sunshine and celebrate the opening of its terrace, the acclaimed Indian restaurant is serving up unique cocktails like their Pink Lady; gin, spiced rhubarb and chilli. While you’re there soaking up the rays, be sure to order one of Kricket’s seasonal dishes – the duck leg khaki with peanut chutney and cucumber pickle is our pick of the (all very delicious) bunch. kricket.co.uk

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