31 best things to do in London this weekend: 26 - 28 April 2024
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
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1. Savour a taste of Shanghai
Hakkasan Hanway Place’s latest brunch series, Lost in Shanghai, is a feast for all the senses, inspired by the energy and flavours of the East Asian metropolis. Sip on a welcome martini cocktail before diving into dim sum platters, plump dumplings filled with lobster pearl and king crab served amidst dry ice. Main courses of stir-fried black pepper rib eye with Merlot and spicy almond prawns follow, palates cleansed by glasses of crisp Whispering Angel Rosé. Listen as DJs soundtrack afternoons, and save room for the chef’s selection of desserts.
Address: Hakkasan Hanway Place, 8 Hanway Place, London W1T 1HD
Website: hakkasan.com
Price: £128 per person
Dates: Saturday 27 April; Saturday 25 May
2. Celebrate South London's art scene
There’s still time to catch Hennessy and Cloud X’s South London Renaissance series at The Queen of the South, as a final roster of artists takes to the stage on Friday. This week, it’s the turn of up-and-coming rapper Finn Foxell and R&B and soul singer Santino Le Saint – artists including Etta Bond and Tara Lilly have claimed the spotlight in recent weeks.
Address: Queen of the South, 367 Norwood Road, Tulse Hill, London SE27 9BQ
Website: queenofthesouthpub.co.uk
Dates: Friday 26 April
3. Discover new flavours underground
Soho’s subterranean cocktail lair just got even more tempting as a talented bar team shakes and stirs new seasonal concoctions below non-the-wiser foodies dining at Indian restaurant Kricket. 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. Cosy up in the corners and get sipping, but beware – these tipples pack a punch that warrants return visits.
Address: Soma Soho, 14 Denman Street, London W1D 7HJ
Website: somasoho.com
Dates: Available now
4. Raise a toast to all things sparkling
Fans of all things fizzy, rejoice – Searcys Bubbly Show at Carlton House Terrace in St James’s is the place to be this week. Learn how to pop a bottle of Champagne with a sword, blind-taste English sparkling wines in the ‘Battle of the Bubbles’, and get into the nitty-gritty of the industry with experts including Searcys' head of Champagne Martin Dibben and CEO of Wine GB Nicola Bates. Tickets include light bites and ten tasting glasses; afternoon tea, lunch and supper upgrades add extra indulgence.
Address: 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5AH
Website: searcys.co.uk
Price: From £60 per person
Dates: Friday 26 - Saturday 27 April
5. Explore a new bar with a view
Samba Room is the hottest booking in town right now, as the Sushisamba brand expands within The City’s Heron Tower. Gaze out at the capital’s sparkling skyline from the new bar and lounge on the 39th floor, savouring Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cocktails and snacks among interiors we’re sure to see all over our social media feeds in no time. Looking for somewhere to celebrate? The separate 30-cover private dining room is perfect for sushi-fuelled parties.
Address: Heron Tower, Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Website: sushisamba.com
Dates: Open now
6. Head to a hotel for Earth Day
Extend the Earth Day celebrations at one of London’s swankiest hotels this week. The Distillery at Hilton London Bankside is the place to be for eco-conscious foodies. Chef Ollie’s £10 Earth Day lunch offer includes a zero-waste veggie tortilla with crispy potato skins and a Wasted Fox mocktail – add a shot of Bankside Gin for an extra £3. Meanwhile, 1 Hotel Mayfair launches Photosystem II, a six-piece series of animated videos inspired by the process of photosynthesis, as part of London’s first Digital Art Week.
Address: The Distillery Bar, 2-8 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0UG; 1 Hotel Mayfair, 3 Berkeley Street, London W1J 8DL
Website: thedistillerybankside.co.uk; 1hotels.com; digitalartweek.io
Dates: The Distillery Bankside’s Earth Day Lunch menu is available until Friday 26 April; Digital Art Week, Monday 22 - Sunday 28 April
7. Go green in SW3
Spring has sprung at Chelsea Physic Garden as the team celebrates the arrival of lighter days at their Plant Fair on Saturday. Browse more than 30 stalls filled with a variety of plants, plus trinkets and sustainable buys from stallholders. Expect goods on sale from brands including Sally Wilcox Jewellery, Garden Brocante and Spitalfields Candles, plus tasty dishes from Cheese and Pie Man and Jeraboams.
Address: Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HS
Website: chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
Price: Free
Dates: Saturday 27 April; 10am - 5pm
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8. Catch a Shakespearean comedy
Much Ado About Nothing marks the start of the summer season at Shakespeare's Globe. Protagonists, including Claudio and Hero, navigate the trials and tribulations of young love in post-war Messina, Italy. Mischievous pranks and plots, plus sharp-tongued wit from the likes of Benedick and Beatrice, result in a side-tickling ride of twists and turns.
Address: Shakespeare's Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
Website: shakespearesglobe.com
Price: From £5
Dates: Thursday 25 April - Saturday 24 August
9. Tuck into a Michelin-starred feast
Pavyllon London by Yannick Alléno welcomes a two-day pop-up from Paris’ famed Michelin-starred sushi counter L’Abysse on Friday and Saturday. Alléno is joined by Master sushi chef Yasunari Okazaki for a unique omakase dining experience in the restaurant’s private dining room. Witness culinary precision and theatrics using the freshest produce, enjoying welcome drinks before experiencing dishes such as panko-crusted sea urchin with grapefruit and bites of hand-shaped nigiri.
Address: Pavyllon London, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Hamilton Place, London W1J 7DR
Website: pavyllonlondon.com
Price: £390 per person
Dates: Friday 26 - Saturday 27 April; lunch from 11.45am, supper from 7pm
10. Head for a wholesome riverside supper
Pair literature and lip-smacking flavours at Rick Stein’s Barnes restaurant on Thursday as best-selling author Robert Gold hosts a special one-off supper. Jack Ward’s three-course menu features dishes such as garlic prawns with soft polenta and sea bass with beurre blanc paired with some of Rick’s favourite Spanish red and white wines. Arrive for a book signing and chatter before dinner, and stick around for a Q&A session conducted by Little Brown Book’s editorial director, Rosanna Forte, after service.
Address: Rick Stein, Tideway Yard, 125 Mortlake High Street, London SW14 8SW
Website: rickstein.com
Price: £55 per person
Dates: Thursday 25 April
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.
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12. 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 now 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. In addition to the classics, there are a few new roasts on the scene this winter. The Montagu Kitchen and Lounge, found within the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill in Marylebone, has launched a new offering created by executive chef Carlo Martino, and slow-cooked roast joints sourced from the Ethical Butcher change each week. Elsewhere, Elliot Cunningham recently announced his brand-new Sunday ‘roast’ offering at Lagom, where the menu celebrates open-fire cooking and his Swedish heritage.
- David Cleveland
14. Reach for the rooftops
While open-air drinking venues shut up shop in many seasonal European cities, London’s rooftop bars aren’t just for summer. Many become cosy havens where hours fly past, eyes out on the sparkling skyline. Florattica’s eye-catching interiors and delightfully botanical cocktails make it a favourite of those working in the city, while 12th Knot at Sea Containers remains a year-round favourite.
- DestinationsThe best restaurants in Puglia, Italy
- Eating & DrinkingThe new London restaurants to try in April 2024
- Places to StayThe best hotels on Capri
- Rebecca Dickson
15. Try the capital's latest cocktails
Before dry January comes the indulgence of party season, and there are still many new venues and menus to try this season. Chocolatier Pierre Marcolini oversees the mouth-watering menu at Marylebone Hotel’s 108 Brasserie. Velvety ‘choctails’ include the Marcolini Mocha, a combination of Diplomatico Rum and steamed hot chocolate, and Gingerbread Dream, a non-alcoholic steamed chocolate with swirls of vanilla, gingerbread, and cinnamon syrup. Some of the latest cocktail bars to open their doors in the capital include Lowcountry, a cocktail bar inspired by the American South below Joe Laker’s debut restaurant counter 71 in Shoreditch, and Dover Yard, a sleek, sustainable watering hole inside 1 Hotel Mayfair.
- Nathan James Cox
16. Take to the ice
While many of the ice rinks close down in early January, Canary Wharf ice rink stays put until the last week of February – ideal for February half-term fun. For a year-round space to practice on, check out Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre.
17. Mamma Mia the Party
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 three-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.
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.
- DestinationsThe best restaurants in Puglia, Italy
- Eating & DrinkingThe new London restaurants to try in April 2024
- Places to StayThe best hotels on Capri
19. Dine on a heated terrace
Even when temperatures in the capital plummet below freezing, you'll find Londoners tucking in at the city's prettiest outdoor restaurants – albeit draped in faux fur blankets under heaters. The Maine in Mayfair is an elegant dining spot tucked away beside Hanover Square, ideal as spring edges ever closer. Casa do Frango has heated terraces for fiery chicken feasts, Brat's greenhouse-style dining space is one for the bucket list, and Bentley’s Oyster Bar in Mayfair is one of the most indulgent spots to slurp under the heaters.
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
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21. Pick a park for an adventure
The best way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city is to embark on a wintery 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 piping-hot 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 ponds, pretty views and planetariums in Greenwich Park before warming up over 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 newly 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.
- DestinationsThe best restaurants in Puglia, Italy
- Eating & DrinkingThe new London restaurants to try in April 2024
- Places to StayThe best hotels on Capri
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 Davenport
24. 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 Images
25. Get theatrical
Think of London, and any culture vulture’s mind instantly wanders to the theatrical opportunities across the West End. Celebrate the music of Queen at We Will Rock You, 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 Images
26. 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.
- DestinationsThe best restaurants in Puglia, Italy
- Eating & DrinkingThe new London restaurants to try in April 2024
- Places to StayThe best hotels on Capri
- MARCEL
27. Sweat it out somewhere new
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 new Psycle site in Victoria, complete with a 50-bike ride studio and state-of-the-art barre and yoga space.
- Amit Eshel, Wildlife Photographer of the Year
29. Check out a new exhibition
There’s no shortage of captivating exhibitions in London, and the schedule is particularly strong this winter. Turn It Up: The Power of Music at the Science Museum is an excellent option for an interactive family day out. Learn how music impacts our emotions, psychology and wellbeing, and see if you can tell the difference between songs written by humans and machines. Elsewhere, Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Natural History Museum is a captivating showcase – catch it before the end of June.
- Sarah K Marr
30. Build up the book collection
No, we’re not talking about the bookstores everyone knows and has on their high streets – but no judgement 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.
- Will Pryce
31. 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.