31 best things to do in London this weekend: 30 August - 1 September 2024
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When searching for the best things to do in London each weekend, it’s hard not to end up more confused and indecisive than when you started. While it’s never a bad idea to secure a booking at one of the best restaurants in the capital, spend an evening in one of the latest innovative bars on the scene, or even explore an iconic London attraction, we’re always on the lookout for new, exciting pop-ups, openings and events. Each week, we get the inside track on exciting things to do in London for the upcoming weekend to help us discover a new area of the city or explore a new address in a neighbourhood we (thought) we’d already uncovered.
31 best things to do in London this weekend
1. Seek out a fireside feast
Amble past Richmond Bridge and discover one of London’s prettiest restaurants as Petersham Nurseries hosts its first fireside feast. Enjoy a welcome drink before sitting at the banquet table as chefs whip up a fabulous four-course supper. Embrace the smokey scent and savour flavourful dishes alongside botanical Fever Tree tipples.
Address: Petersham and Ham Sea Scouts, Meadow Close Richmond TW10 7AH
Website: petershamnurseries.com
Price: £175 per person
Date: Thursday 29 August and Friday 30 August
2. Tuck into nostalgic treats
Lola’s cupcakes have a tasty deal for muggles with a sweet tooth this week. 50 free cupcakes are up for grabs at each store to celebrate the launch of the new Harry Potter collection. Use the secret code ‘GOLDENSNITCH’ on Wednesday 28 August, for a complimentary treat while stocks last. The range includes decadent cupcakes topped with golden snitches and chocolate frogs, while larger cakes include a nostalgic “Happee Birthdae Harry” cake.
Website: lolascupcakes.co.uk
Date: Wednesday 28 August; the range is available in stores and online now
3. Catch a fascinating new flick
Widow Cliquot is the hottest new movie release, with plenty of London’s swankiest cinemas showing the flick. The biopic of entrepreneur Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin reveals the true story behind one of the most successful Champagne houses in the world, as she defied norms of the age to take on the family wine business following the sudden death of her husband. Settle into comfy seats at a Picturehouse cinema, or head to Riverside Studios’ “Pay What You Can” show on Wednesday 28 August.
Address: Riverside Studios, 101 Queen Caroline Street, London W6 9BN
Website: picturehouses.com
Date: In cinemas now
4. See a summer of sport continue
Soak up the final days of summer in Eccleston Yards and catch free showings of all the Paris Paralympics action as the big screen returns. The summer of sport continues in partnership with Boodles as the leafy courtyard’s restaurants, bars and cafes serve treats. Swing by and settle into a deck chair before supper in one of the area’s chic restaurants.
Address: Eccleston Yards, London
Website: belgravialdn.com
Date: Wednesday 28 August - Sunday 8 September
5. Discover José Pizarro’s new dining concept
José Pizarro’s latest venture, Lolo, has officially opened its doors on Bermondsey Street. The neighbour to Pizarro’s first London restaurant, José Tapas, packs in all the flair and character of his previous ventures, focusing on convivial feasting. The menu highlights include sandwiches packed with melted cheese and black truffle, mussels in escabeche served with crisps and chives, and boards of fresh cheese and charcuterie. Fill tables with pretty plates and stick around for craft cocktails and full-bodied wines.
Address: Lolo, 102 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3UB
Website: josepizarro.com
Date: Open now
6. Jive at a jazz night
Head to The Blues Kitchen in Shoreditch on Wednesdays for a night of live jazz music and bargain cocktails. ‘In the Pocket’ nights start at 9pm each week at the vibey East London venue, where multi-instrumentalist Solomon Douglas and the house band start the party. Entry is free, and the bar team concoct punchy tipples, including fig negronis, ginger mojitos and spicy margaritas, for just £6 each.
Address: The Blues Kitchen Shoreditch, 134-146 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3AR
Website: theblueskitchen.com
Date: Wednesdays from 9pm
7. Indulge in a tomato feast
Boca a Boca, Fitzrovia’s chic Spanish restaurant, is celebrating the tradition of La Tomatina – without the mess of tomato throwing. Instead, the team have curated a spread of tomato-inspired dishes and cocktails, available until Saturday 31 August. Skip the food fight and tuck into plates of heritage tomato and tuna salad and bowls of rich gazpacho, washed down with tomatito cocktails; a refreshing tipple that draws inspiration from the classic martini and mojito.
Address: Boca a Boca, 18 Charlotte Street, London W1T 2LZ
Website: bocaaboca.co.uk
Date: Until Saturday 31 August
8. Devour Indian dishes at a new restaurant
Ambassadors Clubhouse is the latest bucket list destination for London’s in-the-know foodies. JKS Restaurants’ latest opening on Soho’s Heddon Street celebrates the food, drink, music and culture from the Indian region of Punjab. The design is inspired by the opulence of the region’s glittery mansions, with detailed stencil and paintwork polarised against bright fabrics and original artwork from Punjabi artists. Start with papads and chaat before morish curries cooked in iron woks and earthen clay pots, biriyanis and tandoor-roasted bread for mopping up rich sauces. Between Thursday and Saturday the restaurant hosts Ambassy, a music programme hosted by resident DJs.
Address: Ambassadors Clubhouse, 25 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BH
Website: ambassadorsclubhouse.com
Date: Open now
9. Discover some of Banksy’s most significant work
Breakout: Banksy’s London Rebellion is the latest opening creating a buzz at Fitzrovia’s Grove Gallery. The exhibition celebrates the profound impact the world-renowned artist has had on the street art scene and across the broader art world. The show features a curated selection of Banksy’s most iconic pieces, providing a rare opportunity for viewers to experience his art up close.
Address: Grove Gallery, 156 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6YW
Website: grovegallery.com
Date: Until Saturday 7 September; email RSVP@grovegallery.com for availability
10. Raise a glass to the Napa wine scene
Treat your palate to a journey through Napa Valley at two exclusive Californian wine tastings and a winemaker supper club between Tuesday and Thursday this week, led by Mandi Nash from Starmont Wines and Merryvale Vineyard. Humble Grape Liverpool Street is the first to kick things off, followed by the Islington site on Thursday. Alternatively, secure a spot on Fleet Street for a supper club celebrating the flavours and flair that make California’s wine scene so epic.
Address: Humble Grape sites; Liverpool Street, Islington and Fleet Street
Website: humblegrape.co.uk
Price: Tastings £60; supper club £100
Date: Events between Tuesday 27 and Thursday 29 August
11. Tuck in at a supper club
There's certainly no shortage of new restaurant openings in the capital right now. However, London's most discerning of foodies often crave something with a little more community feel from time to time. Look no further than the city's supper club scene. Food markets and event spaces fill up every week with hungry Londoners as chefs take residence in kitchens to cook up a storm. Sign up to all the relevant newsletters to stay in the loop – these events sell out at breakneck speed.
Getty Images12. Savour street food favourites
For every Michelin-starred hotspot in London, there are a dozen delicious street food stalls selling their wares. After days of exploring London’s attractions or visiting the latest exciting pop-up, head to Seven Dials Market for slices of pepperoni drizzled in honey from Bad Boy Pizza Society or indulgent burgers from Truffle. Alternatively, explore all Camden Market offers, or pick up picnic treats from Borough Market and lounge by the river. Other honourable street food menus from our team include Juma Kitchen, Duck Frites, and Gyoza Guys.
13. Rate London's roast dinners
The French have haute cuisine; the Japanese embrace Omakase – in London, it’s all about the battle of the Sunday roast. Securing a coveted spot in one of the city’s best restaurants for a hearty plateful is one of our favourite pastimes. Head to The Midland Grand Dining Room in King's Cross for an opulent dining experience, tuck into truffle cauliflower cheese at The Laundry in Brixton or unwind over a glass of red at Hicce Hart Islington. Roasts aren't just for winter, so head to one of London's leafy boroughs, such as Richmond or Hampstead, for a meaty feast al-fresco after a sunny stroll through a local park.
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Rebecca Hope14. Reach for the rooftops
Rejoice – it's rooftop bar season once again. South of the river, eye up the glitzy Battersea Power Station development from all angles at Joia Rooftop Bar, where live entertainment and events are flavoured by Portuguese tipples and smokey flavours. Heading East? Boundary Shoreditch is an oasis far from the hustle and bustle on the streets below, and an ideal hideout for crisp glasses of rosé and tasty sharing plates.
15. Sample London's lastest cocktails
Competition on London's cocktail bar scene is fierce, as beloved speakeasies compete with a constant flurry of new openings. Unique concoctions are a surefire way to keep clientele engaged. Soma, the sleek subterranean bar below Soho's Indian restaurant Kricket, is one spot for a special tipple or two. New takes include ‘Peas’, a sweet and tangy muddle of Santa Teresa 1796 Rum, Disaronno Velvet, garden peas yoghurt and mint, and ‘Shallot’, made with Hapusa Gin and pickled shallot.
Will Pryce16. Have a nose around London’s new hotels
In true Traveller style, one of our favourite hobbies is exploring the hot new hotels opening their doors in the capital. Best of all, there’s no need to stump up the eye-watering fee for a dazzling suite. The Peninsula is home to myriad bars and restaurants, from Cantonese restaurant Canton Blue to Brooklands, the Modern British hideout with fabulous views. The BoTree is now open on Marylebone Lane: step inside for supper at the brasserie or enjoy a mixologist-led evening at the teal-marble bar, which curves across the space, while trying out the bar menu curated by chef Stefano.
17. Go ABBA-crazy
It may be party season up and down the land, but there’s one that is never short on RSVPs – and it’s a kaleidoscopic extravaganza featuring all the ABBA classics. Mamma Mia! The Party sees the sell-out West End tale given a new lease of life, performed in a Greek courtyard complete with a pyrotechnic water fountain and restaurant tables that performers must navigate. While the four-course dinner is truly delicious, the focus is the immersive show, which works its way around the taverna between courses. It’s an unforgettable evening of napkin-waving, feet-stomping and, of course, lots of singing. Elsewhere, ABBA Voyage continues its run thanks to unprecedented popularity; see life-like avatars perform all the greatest hits at what could be one of the best parties in the city.
18. Cook up a storm
Cooking classes are ideal for groups of friends or a date night idea, and there’s always something special sizzling away in London. Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy is best for hungry Italophiles, where passionate chefs instruct clueless cooks on the dos and don’ts of homemade pasta making. Many events have a theme, so check the website and decide whether you want to learn the Roman methods, try a taste of Tuscany, or see how Puglia does it. For something a little more in-depth, head to Sauce by The Langham, where leading chefs such as Michel Roux Jr. lead the way – cocktail masterclasses and kid-friendly courses are also regularly held.
19. Dine al-fresco
Dining in the city's prettiest outdoor restaurants is one of our favourite pastimes come spring and summer. Savour intense Portuguese flavours on one of Casa do Frango's terraces from Picadilly to Victoria or dream of La Dolce Vita over pizza and arancini at Daroco Soho following the launch of their heated terrace. Other honourable mentions for London's prettiest outdoor dining spots include Petersham Nurseries Café in Richmond, Seabird in Southwark, and The Orangery in Kensington, which has just opened following an extensive renovation.
20. Get zen at a sound bath
First, there was yoga, then came acupuncture, reiki, breathwork, cryotherapy and the Headspace app. But now, busy Londoners are seeking respite from city life over sound baths. The different frequencies emitted by gongs, chimes and Tibetan bowls work to soothe the mind and heal the body, stimulating the brainwave frequencies associated with total relaxation and switching on the nervous system's repair mode. Clementina Jackson
Getty Images21. Pick a park for an adventure
The best way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city is to embark on a stroll through one of the many parks, commons, and other green spaces London has to offer. Head for the southwest and amble through Wimbledon Common, picking up iced coffees and sweet treats at the Windmill Cafe; extend the walk into Richmond Park and the leafy suburbs of Richmond-upon-Thames if time permits. North of the river, head for Hampstead Heath and the swimming ponds, or scout out pretty views and planetariums in Greenwich Park before an al fresco lunch in one of the historic pubs nearby.
22. Let loose in a live music venue
London’s live music scene is one of the most eclectic in Europe, and there’s always a superstar act or up-and-coming performer to be found. Soho’s notorious music venues, such as Ronnie Scott's and 100 Wardour Street, host musicians and singers that span endless genres, while Camden’s pubs hosted artists, including Adele and Amy Winehouse, before their names became known worldwide. Check out the recently renovated Koko Camden for evenings of live music and late nights of dancing, or discover something new at a Sofar Sounds gig – where rising stars take to the stage in unique venues announced just before the event.
23. Treat yourself to something sweet
We Londoners like a sweet treat, so it’s a good thing there are so many bakeries in the capital to choose from. There’s nothing better than picking up freshly-baked almond croissants from Pophams on a Sunday or popping into Fabrique for brunch-ready sourdough. Bakery-mania is evolving, though, and the most exquisite bites can be found in patisseries such as The Connaught Patisserie by Nicolas Rouzaud and Maison Bertaux. Lastly, a moment for doughnuts – cast your eyes on the designer desserts at Donutelier and consider yourself a convert.
Richard Davenport24. Try and escape
If being locked in a room with a ticking clock and dozens of clues is your idea of fun, you’re in luck in London. The escape room craze continues, and there are many places to chase an adrenaline fix. See gory scenarios from the SAW movies played out by live actors under flickering lights and the gaze of Jigsaw at Saw: Escape Experience – make it out alive and sip themed cocktails in the cosy cocktail bar. Control Room B in Battersea Power Station is another fun adventure: solve mind-bending puzzles, decipher cryptic clues and unveil the mysteries that lie in wait.
Getty Images25. Get theatrical
Think of London, and any culture vulture’s mind instantly wanders to the theatrical opportunities across the West End. Bop to ABBA classics at Mamma Mia!, or get all the family involved at Matilda: The Musical. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it in one of the historic theatres – and sometimes for less than you’d expect. Fully-grown thespians, check out TodayTix for discounted last-minute tickets to the classics and fringe shows.
Getty Images26. Buff up on your London history
London’s history dates back more than 2,000 years, and there are London attractions detailing everything the capital’s ancient riverbanks have witnessed. Uncover gruesome details of how prisoners were treated in the Clink Prison close to London Bridge, or take a tour of the Tower of London, guided by a beefeater, as they surprise and delight with fascinating nuggets of the royal residence’s history. Go even further back in time at the London Mithraeum – the ancient Roman temple dedicated to the god Mithras, found under the Bloomberg headquarters.
MARCEL27. Sweat it out
Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, there’s always a unique way to get sweaty in the capital. Start the day by stretching towards the sunrise at Sky Garden, where yoga and pilates sessions occur throughout the summer. Joining the likes of Boom Cycle and SoulCycle recently is the Psycle site in Victoria, complete with a 50-bike ride studio and state-of-the-art barre and yoga space.
Sarah K Marr28. Build up the book collection
No, we’re not talking about the bookstores everyone knows and has on their high streets – but no judgment for picking up those holiday reads on the go. London is full of charming independent bookstores worth exploring on those drizzly summer afternoons. Gay's The Word on Marchmont Street is the UK's oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop, set up in January 1979 by gay socialists as a community space that funnelled all profits back into the business. Alternatively, hodophiles feel most at home in Stanfords, the world’s largest map and travel book retailer in Covent Garden.
Alvaro Castano and Yuuki Obata29. Check out an exhibition
There's no shortage of captivating exhibitions in London right now. Whether you're into fine art, contemporary design or history, the capital's galleries have something for everyone. Hello Brain! at The Francis Crick Institute explains the mind-bending complexity of the brain, and runs until December, while Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence is a fascinating showcase at the V&A South Kensington. For something more under-the-radar, gallery hop around arty East London neighbourhoods, stopping off for a street food fill along the way.
30. Unwind at a spa
While we're a fan of spa weekends, nothing beats a visit to one of the capital's most sumptuous spas. Restore your glow with a facial at Claridge's Spa, do some lengths in one of the city's best pools (Bulgari Hotel London to Dorchester Collection's 45 Park Lane among them) or ease aching muscles at one of the more affordable spots across the city.
Alamy31. Escape (for a few hours)
One of the best things about living in London is how easy it is to explore nearby cities and coastal towns. Hop on a train from one of London's largest rail hubs such as Paddington or King's Cross St Pancras and you'll be picnicking on a sandy stretch or licking ice creams in a nature reserve in no time. Our favourite spring and summer hideouts include the historic city of Canterbury, the lush plains of the New Forest, and the seaside revelry along Brighton and Hove's coast. For more inspiration, see our guide to the best day trips from London.