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 book here 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.
25 best things to do in London this weekend
KolaeBen Broomfield
1. Tuck in at Borough Market
Borough Market is the place to be right now, as foodies flock here searching for the latest openings. This week, it’s the turn of Kolae, a new venture from Mark Dobbie and Andy Oliver, the duo behind Spitalfields’ Som Saa. The restaurant celebrates southern Thailand’s cuisine, so expect ingredients bathed in a curry-like coconut marinade and grilled over open flames. Highlights include turmeric and garlic-fried prawn heads, calamansi mussel skewers, and Mu Hong middlewhite pork belly and ribs. Alongside large plates, dish out servings of punchy salads, tangy water pickles, and sticky rice – plus a cocktail or two, if you choose.
Address: Kolae, 6 Park Street, London SE1 9AB
Website: kolae.com
Dates: Open now
Diptyque
2. Deck the halls in Diptyque
Diptyque’s Marylebone pop-up celebrates the new holiday collection just in time for the festive season. The 2023 collection is inspired by the ‘magic of the flame’ and concludes the brand’s 60th anniversary. A trio of festive scents takes centre stage – Sapin (Pine Tree), Délice (Delight) and Coton (Cotton) – while dinner candles, diffusers and larger centrepiece candles fill the gold-hued pop-up.
Address: 35C Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4PY
Website: diptyqueparis.com
Dates: Open now
The Connaught GrillJustin De Souza
3. Indulge in a bargain lunch
Set lunches are a great way to experience some ofLondon’s best restaurants– and a relief on the wallet ahead of the festive season. The latest eye-catching offering comes courtesy of The Connaught Grill, and a sumptuous three-course lunch costs just £45; £55 including a glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut. Choose from homely dishes such as cottage pie, hot smoked mackerel and cauliflower steak with romesco, pickles and herbs. Make sure to save room fordessert– the sticky toffee pudding served with butterscotch sauce and malt ice cream shouldn’t be missed.
Address: The Connaught Grill, The Connaught, 16 Carlos Place, London W1K 2AL
Website: the-connaught.co.uk
Price: Two-courses £35; three-courses £45
Dates: Available now
Aged pork collar with butter bean puree and tamarind sauce at Portobello 177
4. Try Notting Hill's hot new opening
There’s a brand-new excuse to roam the leafy suburbs of Notting Hill this weekend, as neighbourhood restaurant Portobello 177 opens its doors. Joining the team behind Trailer Happiness is head chef Shay Ola, who cooks up plates of whole red mullet, braised oxtail and curried lamb. An extensive wine list features bio-natural wines from small-scale suppliers, and the cocktail menu spotlights small-batch distillers from the UK and beyond. Pop in for punchy Caribbean and Japanese dishes; bags piled high with Portobello Market goodies.
Address: Portobello 177, Ground floor, 177 Portobello Road, London W11 2DY
Website: portobello177.com
Dates: Open now
5. See a new take on The Nutcracker
You know it’s almost Christmas when a reimagining of a festive classic arrives in Town.The Nutcrackertakes over The Southbank Centre’s Tuff Nutt Jazz Club and is sure to be a real cultural highlight in the lead-up to the holidays. Olivier Award-winning choreographer and director Drew McOnie is behind the new production, while Mercury Prize-nominated Cassie Kinoshi has deconstructed Tchaikovsky’s original score for a fresh take. There’s a live jazz band on stage, while the party continues with live music sessions after the show Thursday through Sunday.
Address: Tuff Nutt Jazz Club, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
Website: southbankcentre.co.uk
Price: From £20
Dates: Until Saturday 6 January 2024
6. Catch a Miller classic on stage
Following successful runs at Octagon Theatre Bolton and Chichester Festival Theatre, Arthur Miller’sA View from the Bridgearrives in Kingston on Halloween. Jonathan Slinger and Nancy Crane play the lead roles, supported by talent including Kirsty Bushell, Rachelle Diedericks and Luke Newberry. The performance transports theatre-goers to an Italian-American neighbourhood in 1950s America. Eddie, the tragic protagonist, has an unhealthy obsession with Catherine, his wife’s orphaned niece, which pulls all those involved into the murky, corrupt world of mid-20th-century Brooklyn.
Address: Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1HL
Website: rosetheatre.org
Price: General tickets from £15; Under-30s tickets from £5
Dates: Tuesday 31 October - Saturday 11 November
7. Visit Shark's pop-up pamper parlour
Shark Beauty’s Hair-itage Salon and Hair-stories Exhibition opens in London for one day only this week. Book a free styling session with a Shark Beauty stylist and watch them work miracles using the latest hair tools. There’s a menu of styles to choose from, inspired by the latest hair trends worldwide, curated by brand ambassador and hairstylist to the stars Chris Appleton. Check out the pop-up exhibition before leaving and learn about the history of hair and how historic styles have shaped how we present ourselves today.
Address: 19 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DT
Website: eventbrite.co.uk
Price: Free
Dates: Thursday 2 November; time slots available, book in advance
8. Eataly's wine and truffle festival
Celebrate truffle season at Eataly’s Wine and Truffle festival this weekend. The three-day festival honours the fancy fungi and how well they pair with the humble grape. Stand among the largest collection of Italian wines in Europe outside Italy and sample 50 carefully selected bottles alongside suppliers visiting from famous Italian regions. Dishes include porchetta buns with truffle cheese cream, boards of truffle mortadella and truffle pecorino cheese, and an indulgent Pizza Romana salsiccia, ricotta e tartufo (Roman-style squared pizza with truffle sausage and truffle ricotta).
Address: Eataly London, 135 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3YD
Website: eataly.co.uk
Price: From £30
Dates: Thursday 2 - Saturday 4 November
9. Continue the Halloween celebrations
It’s Halloween week, and some frighteningly good events are happening across the capital. The Natural History Museum is opening its doors for a late-night extravaganza. The evening offers curious Londoners the chance to get up close and personal with exhibits away from the usual crowds – join the ‘spooky tour’ and learn about the museum’s strangest specimens. Alternatively, mark the occasion by picking up themed sweet treats from Hummingbird Bakery or Donutelier By Roladin.
Address: Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Website: nhm.ac.uk
Price: £39 per adult
Dates: Tuesday 31 October
10. Explore Carnaby under the lights
Carnaby Street is among the first to switch on the Christmas lights this Thursday. To mark the occasion, around 100 brands and restaurants are putting on promotions and pop-ups. There’s 20 per cent off rail items in stores, including Rixo, Levi’s, Ray-Ban and The North Face, and special offers elsewhere, from welcome drinks whilst you shop at A.P.C to complimentary samples with all purchases at Kloris and free gift wrapping for gifts bought at Mühle. Once you’re all shopped, head to the Rum Kitchen for two-for-one cocktails or supper in Kingly Court, where restaurants have tasty deals.
Address: Carnaby Street, London W1
Website: carnaby.co.uk
Dates: Thursday 2 November
11. Enjoy a summer of sport
This summer, we’re feeling particularly sporty – or at least captivated by the athletic happenings on our TV screens. The Lionesses are scoring goals left, right and centre in Australia and New Zealand for the Women’s World Cup, cricket fans are snapping up tickets to see all the action unfolding in lords, and tickets are on sale for some exciting Rugby World Cup events before it takes place in France this September. Head to a pub garden or host an evening (or morning) of cheering.
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 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 the team right now include Juma Kitchen, Duck Frites, and Gyoza Guys.
13. Dance at a festival
London’s parks come alive with live music and superstar DJs during the warmer months. All Points East headliners for 2023 include Jungle, Stormzy, Raye, Haim, and The Strokes, while artists such as Aphex Twin, Bonobo, and Kelala take to the Victoria Park stage for Field Day. Pub in the Park events continue into September at Chiswick, pairing up well-known music artists and culinary personalities like Andi Oliver, Si King and Tom Kerridge.
14. Reach for the rooftops
The best place to spend a long summer’s evening in the capital is atop an iconic building in a rooftop bar, looking out at the skyline. Frank's Cafe is among our many Southeast go-tos for its chilled-out atmosphere, as is Forza Wine for views, sparkling wine and picky bits. For a more indulgent evening, sample Japanese flavours at 8 at The Londoner in Leicester Square or capture grid-perfect snaps at Seabird, The Hoxton’s seafood-focused hideout. Alternatively, head to Florattica Rooftop – a newer addition to London’s outdoor drinking scene that boasts spectacular views and interiors.
15. Try the capital's latest cocktails
Summer means one thing for London’s many cocktail bars – curious new menus that need investigating. Among those that have caught our attention are City Social’s new tipples created using innovative ingredients and low-waste techniques and a series of 10 new concoctions at The Sun Tavern in Bethnal Green – because who says classic boozers shouldn’t be able to show off? Across London, unique cocktail bars continue to pop up. Some of the latest additions 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.
16. Take to the water
There are lots of interesting ways to enjoy the great outdoors in London. Not only is GoBoat one of our favourite sustainable things to do in London, it’s simply great fun for all involved. Pack your picnic kit and pop bottles along the suburban waterways; London locations are Kingston, Paddington, Canary Wharf, and Thames Ditton. Prefer to stand on the water? Paddleboarding London puts on the ultimate urban adventure every day of the week – glide through the waters of Regent’s Canal in Camden or spot yachts in St Katharine Docks. If this all sounds too intense, pick up a pedalo and enjoy park views from the water in Hyde Park and Battersea Park.
17. Embark on a Belmond journey
Experience the golden era of rail travel from the heart of London on an immersive Moving Murder Mystery Adventure aboard the Belmond British Pullman. Settle in at Victoria, Champagne fizzing in ornate crystal glasses, and watch the London skyline fade into the distance as swathes of fields and Kent’s golden coastline appear. Slurp asparagus soup, savour line-caught wild English seabass with haricot beans and chorizo, and eagerly wait as cheeseboards do the rounds. Throughout the meal, expect some twists and turns. One of the prospective passengers met an untimely end – and everyone on board is a suspect. Colourful and theatrical characters, played by actors from Private Drama Events, occasionally bid for your attention during service as they cross paths, shifting the suspicion onto one of their supposed ‘comrades’. Make notes, and treat everyone as the enemy; see if you can solve the murder before the train pulls back into London.
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 on a pretty terrace
Disclaimer: it’s not every evening we Londoners can live out our continental fantasies of long, people-watching suppers in the balmy evening air. However, visiting outdoor restaurants is our favourite foodie pastime when the temperature allows it. Sessions Art Club’s terrace has some of the hottest seats in town right now, where Florence Knight serves delicious small plates, and the bar shakes up craft cocktails. The Standard is an al-fresco foodie’s dream elsewhere; revel in the new Heinz and Morley’s partnership and tuck into crispy fried chicken sandwiches on the wrap-around summer terrace at The Double Standard. Alternatively, opt for swanky suppers on the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park’s terrace, where British botanicals inspire the menu, produce is sourced from around the Isles, and the drinks list celebrates English sparkling wines.
20. Embrace pop-up season
Each summer, London’s rooftops and terraces are taken over by a host of brands to give old spaces new selling points. Crisp Maison Mirabeau rosé is the tipple of choice at many of our favourite outdoor spots this year, including Orrery in Marylebone and Coq d’Argent in The City. Elsewhere, Provence winery Château Miraval has teamed up with Mediterranean restaurant Cavo for an exclusive takeover throughout August, while Laurent Perrier has launched a secret garden space at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences.
21. Pick a park for an adventure
The best way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city is to explore some 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 at the Windmill Cafe and extending the walk into Richmond Park and the leafy suburbs of Richmond-upon-Thames if time permits. Aim for Hampstead Heath and the swimming ponds north of the river, or scout out ponds, pretty views and planetariums in Greenwich Park.
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 that are 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 by Roladin and consider yourself a convert.
24. Fun in Fleet Street Quarter
2023 marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s first folio – the complete collection of The Bard’s known plays, now one of the most valuable books in the literary world. As the place where the book was first published, Fleet Street Quarter in the City of London is celebrating the milestone by hosting a series of free lunchtime performances commemorating Shakespeare’s most captivating work. Expect music, laughter, lovers and rivalry to sing through the streets that the man himself once walked.
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; meanwhile, London Official Theatre’s Kid’s Week (until 31 August) lets children 17 and under go free when accompanied by an adult paying full price to select performances. Highlights on the cultural calendar include the National Theatre’s The Crucible (until 2 September) and Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club (ongoing).
