31 best things to do in London this weekend: 13 - 15 June
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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. This weekend, sipping and swirling wines from around the world at Battersea Power Station's brand-new festival before ascending Lift 109 for views of the capital, checking out the latest heartwarming exhibition at The Museum of the Home, and making the most of the weather with sunset jazz sessions on the rooftops.
31 best things to do in London this weekend
1. Join two celebrated chefs for supper
Chef Chet Sharma welcomes Rafael Cagali, from two Michelin-starred Da Terra, to BiBi for an evening of collaborative cooking this week. Savour each chef’s celebration of their respective heritages, with Chet’s signature Indian flavours served alongside Rafael’s dishes, which lean into his Brazilian and Italian roots.
Address: BiBi, 42 North Audley Street, London W1K 6ZP
Website: bibirestaurants.com
Price: £195 per person
Dates: Tuesday 10 June
2. Settle into London’s coolest new wine bar
Hackney’s favourite neighbourhood restaurant, Lardo, has branched out with Bastardo, a chic wine bar specialising in low-intervention, unpretentious wines and lip-smacking snacks. Right beside the original, known for its Italian dishes and buzzy brunches, the new opening sees oenophiles sit among wood-lacquered walls of wine sourced from across the continent. Sample a sparkling wine or nurse a full-bodied tipple as picky bits, such as stracciatella with anchovies on toast, pizza fritti, and charcuterie treats, roll out the pass.
Address: Bastardo, Unit 3, London E8 3NJ
Website: bastardo.wine
Dates: Open now
3. Explore Mount Street’s Summer Festival
There are plenty of treats to discover along Mount Street this weekend as the neighbourhood’s brands pull out all the stops for an extended summer soiree. Highlights include a pop-up from Alfie Nickerson of Burnt Fen Flowers, who presents vivid blooms sourced from his Norfolk flower farm, indulgent soft serves from Ladurée, an afternoon tea trail, and a Mount Street Gardens party on Thursday supporting St George’s School in Mayfair.
Address: Mount Street, London
Website: mountstreetneighbourhood.com
Dates: Thursday 12 - Saturday 14 June
4. Sip wine at a dedicated festival
Richard Bigg and the Bar Rioja team hold their very first Rioja Wine Festival this weekend, and everyone’s invited for sipping and swirling at the King’s Cross hideout. Sample 15 bodegas and 18 wines from across the region, accompanied by food and live music, as the team celebrates the 100th anniversary of the official creation of the Rioja denomination of origin, the oldest D.O. in Spain.
Tickets include a branded glass and a holder for sampling, pinchos, paella and Ibérico Jamón.
Address: Bar Rioja, 3 Varnishers Yard, Regent Quarter, London N1 9FD
Website: barrioja.co.uk; sevenrooms.com
Price: £49.50 per person
Dates: Saturday 14 June
5. Enjoy a wellness festival in Wimbledon
Need a breather? Look no further than Wellnergy Festival, which arrives in Wimbledon Park for two days of holistic, healthy action this weekend. Expect more than 100 experiences ranging from fitness classes to sound baths and breathwork sessions. Listen to wellness experts, doctors and healthcare specialists during fascinating talks before live DJs get everyone moving.
Address: Wimbledon Park, London SW19
Website: wellnergy.com
Price: Day tickets from £64.25 per person
Dates: Friday 13 - Saturday 14 June
6. Feel zen at a sound bath
Head to The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane to celebrate Global Wellness Day as the team hosts a Skyline Sound Bath Healing session this Saturday. The 50-minute group class promotes a lasting inner stillness, reflecting this year’s theme #ReconnectMagenta, within the tranquil 10th-floor space. Feel the calming harmonics of crystal singing bowls, crystal pyramids, gongs, and chimes penetrate each cell, followed by a post-session wellness drink and a goodie bag.
Address: The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London W1J 7DR
Website: fourseasons.com; Call +44 (0)20 7319 5480 to book
Price: £30 per person
Dates: Saturday 14 June
7. Watch critics take to the kitchen
The latest Too Many Critics event sees charitable diners settle in for a sumptuous four-course supper at Canary Wharf’s Roe in aid of Action Against Hunger. Food critics, including Tom Parker Bowles, Leonie Cooper, Hannah Twiggs and Adam Hyman, leave their desks for one night only to cook up a storm for a room full of ravenous Londoners, as chefs, including Ashley Palmer-Watts and Shaun Searley, deliver their verdict on the spread. There’s also plenty up for grabs in the silent auction, from luxury stays to wine tours and suppers at some of the UK’s most prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants.
Address: Roe, 5 Park Drive, Wood Wharf, London E14 9GG
Website: roerestaurant.co.uk
Price: £250 per person
Dates: Monday 16 June
8. Catch a thrilling cabaret show
Join a host of viral sensations as Clapham Cabaret Club arrives at The Table for an eclectic evening of entertainment this Thursday. Charlie Lee debuts their new single and unreleased tracks, Ella Wills trials her latest signature stand-up, and Jack Darlin delivers punchline after punchline. Enjoy thrilling warm-up acts and feast on some of the heartiest fare in the capital as cocktails are shaken and stirred.
Address: The Table Battersea Rise, 35-37 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HG
Website: outsavvy.com; thetablecafe.com
Price: £15 per person
Dates: Thursday 12 June
9. Unwind on a French-inspired terrace
It’s officially summer terrace season once again, and Rosewood London’s La Terrasse by Grey Goose is undoubtedly one of the swankiest places in the city for a tipple. The eye-catching pop-up in the hotel’s Belle Époque-style courtyard offers a taste of the French summer, a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Holborn yet seemingly far, far away. Sip on zingy concoctions designed to capture the spirit of summer, from a peachy Spritz à la Pêche to a fruity L’instant Glacé cocktail served over shaved ice. There’s more to the al fresco space than the tipples, thanks to executive chef Fernando Corona’s menu – highlights include moules marinières finished with Chablis, crunchy Niçoise salads, and praline and caramel Paris-Brest for diners with a sweeter tooth.
Address: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
Website: rosewoodhotels.com
Price: Cocktails from £15
Dates: Open Monday - Sunday throughout summer
10. Explore Fulham Pier’s new arty offering
It’s all happening at Fulham Pier, one of London’s most exciting redevelopment projects. The riverside market is open for business, with juicy patties from Fat Pickle Burgers, wholesome salad bowls from Local Greens, rich curries from Goila Butter Chicken and lots more. The latest draw comes courtesy of British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori, who has unveiled his new installation 100 Found Objects. The artwork explores Fulham’s cultural landscape through found objects and hidden treasures, inspired by the tradition of mudlarking.
Address: Fulham Pier, London SW6 6HH
Website: fulhampier.com
Dates: Open now
11. Check out an immersive 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. Some of the most exciting and immersive out there include Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, a touring exhibition that has welcomed more than five million visitors around the world since 2017. Watch in amazement as some of the artist's most iconic paintings come to life as part of a two-storey light and sound spectacular. Alternatively, boggle your mind at the recently opened Paradox Museum London. Interact with more than 50 brain-jumbling exhibits, from a sofa set-up that'll have you scratching your head to a zero-gravity tunnel where you can take your picture as an astronaut floating through a rocket.
12. 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 for all the relevant newsletters to stay in the loop – these events sell out at breakneck speed.
Getty Images13. 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. Our team's honourable street food menus include Juma Kitchen, Duck Frites, and Gyoza Guys. The arrival of Boxpark Camden has cemented Camden's place as London's street food hotspot – swing by for a Yorkshire burrito, generously loaded fries from Popata or crispy treats from Love Churros.
Milo Brown14. 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. Among the classics are some pretty fancy options, including the new roast offered at Dinner By Heston Blumenthal. Alongside roast chicken and stuffing, beef or cauliflower, add some extra indulgence with truffle mash, caviar-topped potatoes or truffle shavings. Are you mainly in it for those crisp spuds? Sunday roasts at 108 Brasserie at The Marylebone, Dalloway Terrace at The Bloomsbury and Town House at The Kensington all include bottomless roast potatoes. Alternatively, head to Duvale's for unlimited Yorkshire puddings.
15. Reach for the rooftops
Rooftop bar season has returned – and we couldn't be happier. Broadwick Soho's Flute is one of the fanciest new spots on the scene, while (early) sundowners are still a delight on AMANO Covent Garden's rooftop as the evening light beams down on the city. One of the newest rooftops on the scene is Kitty Hawk at Page8 – a haven above the city offering fabulous views and reasonable prices.
16. 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. Other hotspots include Swift Borough, where the latest autumn cocktail menu features 14 tipples that pay tribute to the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of the city south of the Thames, with nods to landmarks like Crystal Palace and the Greenwich Meridian.
Will Pryce17. 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. All eyes are on Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, which recently launched a rooftop bar, while we're also excited to see what's in store at Six Senses London – stay tuned.
18. 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.
19. 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.
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 city's hustle and bustle is to stroll through one of the many parks, commons, and other green spaces London has to offer. Wrap up warm (wellies recommended) 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. Head for Hampstead Heath and the swimming ponds (wet suits definitely recommended) north of the river, or scout out pretty views, planetariums, and tumbling leaves 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. One of the newest openings is Soul Mama, the bar and live music venue by musician and broadcaster YolanDa Brown, where Mica Paris and Gareth Malone are among the acts entertaining crowds this season.
23. Treat yourself to something sweet
We Londoners like sweet treats, 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, or check out the UK's most inclusive treats from Borough 22, which are gluten-free, plant-based, dairy-free, halal and kosher – not that you can tell the difference.
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. Control Room B in Battersea Power Station is one such fun adventure: solve mind-bending puzzles, decipher cryptic clues and unveil the mysteries that lie in wait. Can you reconnect the power in time?
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. Some of the hottest tickets for autumn 2024 include the West End versions of The Devil Wears Prada and Mean Girls.
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 Psycle's Bank site, with its 48-bike ride studio and first-ever infrared workout space. Among the coolest new fitness crazes is getting fit in the boxing ring. Do as the Hollywood stars have done and check out one of boxing champion George Veness' JAB Boxing Club sites.
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.
29. 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.
30. Check out London's hottest new restaurants
Each week, a host of new restaurants open their doors, hoping that Londoners will fall in love with their culinary offerings and turn from ‘let’s check it out' bookers to returning guests. Some of the hottest tables in town right now include The Grill at The Hero in Maida Vale, a sharing-style restaurant from the team behind the Bull in Charlbury, and Agora, a Greek-style small plates concept in Borough.
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.