Not sure what’s on in London this weekend? Whatever the weather, we’ve got you covered. From cocktails, to brunches, markets to gigs, there’s something for everyone on our list of things to do in London this weekend!
1. Bag a free meal at a new breakfast bar
Bangers has built a reputation for, well, banging smashed sausage sandwiches, but until now, they’ve been delivery only. As of April 19, they’ll open their first bricks-and-mortar deli in Shoreditch.
What’s more, they’ll be giving away 100 free breakfast sandwiches each morning between Friday and Sunday (April 19–21). They open at 7.30am, so get down early to be in with a chance of nabbing a freebie.
2. Sing your heart out at the glitziest karaoke spot in the city
BAM Karaoke Box opens in London this Friday (April 19), bringing 22 glamorous private karaoke rooms to Victoria.
Inside the townhouse, you’ll find a BAM BAM Bar, live music stage, and outdoor terrace, alongside the effortlessly chic karaoke rooms. From the equestrian-inspired Button Up Room, to the elegant Library Room, there is a karaoke space for all fashionistas and fashionist-sirs.
3. Attend Kings Cross’ first sustainability festival
Ahead of this year’s Earth Day (April 22), the Camden Clean Air Initiative has launched the inaugural Earthfest in Kings Cross. The free event, taking place between April 18–21, will see a lineup of speakers, interactive workshops, live music, a catwalk, and even an immersive exhibition. The festival champions sustainable practises, both in its creation, and the message it wishes to leave the audience with.
4. Visit The Standard x Ixta Belfrage pop-up for lunch or dinner
Award-winning author and chef Ixta Belfrage is currently in residency at The Standard, London’s Isla restaurant for three months. Ixta Belfrage has crafted a concise yet delectable menu showcasing her beloved flavours from Italy, Brazil and Mexico with signature dishes spanning past, present, and future culinary inspirations. Read our full review of The Standard x Ixta Belfrage pop-up here.
5. Treat yourself to a special SUSHISAMBA experience
Yet another opening this week! SUSHISAMBA Heron Tower opens a new bar, lounge, and private dining room at their 39th-floor restaurant. Accessed through a mirrored walkway, and boasting the same unparalleled cityscape views that the rest of the restaurant is famed for, the SAMBA ROOM serves up delicious, Brazilian-inspired cocktails.
6. Cheer on the London Marathon runners
TCS London Marathon returns this Sunday (April 21), with thousands of runners taking on the gruelling 26.2-mile course. Spectators from far and wide are encouraged to cheer on the incredible participants along the route, which starts in Blackheath, and goes past a plethora of key London landmarks, before finishing on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.
If you’re taking part yourself, a huge GOOD LUCK from all of us at Secret London.
7. Feast on brunch dishes with a Taiwanese twist
Sister sites Mr Bao (Peckham) and Daddy Bao (Tooting) offer weekend brunch with a Taiwanese twist, plus bottomless cocktails.
At Mr Bao, you can expect the likes of the Brunch Bao, served with crispy hash browns; and smoked salmon with Cantonese scrambled eggs on a toasted bao. Over at Daddy Bao, you’ll find a sausage Benedict, with gochujang hollandaise; and a crispy chicken bao, with Szechuan maple butter.
8. Check out a free exhibition inspired by female travel
As a keen traveller myself, the free-to-attend AdventurHER exhibition most definitely caught my eye. This Islington exhibit, created by Intrepid Travel, will showcase 11 inspiring stories of female adventure, including those of Kelda Wood, the first adaptive person to row solo across any ocean, and Amira Patel, founder of The Wanderlust Women, an organisation getting more Muslin women into hiking. Head down between 10am and 6pm, April 19–21.
9. Celebrate National Tea Day with an awesome afternoon tea
This Sunday (April 21) is National Tea Day. Forget just popping the kettle on for the momentous occasion (hey, we’re Brits, this is a big deal); why not grab a pal, and a glass of bubbles, and indulge in one of London’s wonderful afternoon teas this weekend?
10. Watch world-class tributes at the reopened O2 Academy Brixton
After the sad events of December 2022, O2 Academy Brixton reopens this Friday (April 19), with a series of tribute acts to some of the world’s biggest bands. On re-opening night itself, Nirvana UK, a Nirvana tribute band, will take to the stage, as well as The Smyths (a tribute to The Smiths).
11. Live through a Martain invasion in the capital
Ever wondered what it would be like to survive a merciless Martian invasion in Victorian England? Haven’t we all? Luckily, Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience is here to help. A multisensory adventure with holograms, virtual reality, special effects, time-warping sets and live theatrics, the eerie experience brings Jeff Wayne’s multi-platinum album to life.
12. Be wowed by a world-famous LEGO® art exhibition in London
Following success in over 100 countries, Art Of The Brick: The Exhibition is now open on Brick Lane (lol); be wowed by the works when taking a visit this weekend.
At this exhibition, you’ll find over 150 works of art, each created out of individual LEGO® bricks. Some pieces reimagine the world’s most famous artworks – Klimt’s The Kiss and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, for example – while there is also a 20-foot dinosaur skeleton, again, made purely out of LEGO® bricks.
13. Check out rare artefacts at a hugely successful Disney exhibition
Disney100: The Exhibition should be top of the list of things to do in London for Disney fans this weekend. Originally billed for a limited run in London, this exhibit then re-opened at London’s ExCeL, thanks to phenomenal demand. Here, you’ll find 10 astounding themed galleries, filled with Disney props and costumes (plus artefacts from newer additions to the Disney family, like Pixar, Star Wars, and MARVEL).
14. Be transported to the streets of Seoul at a multi-media exhibition
If a plane to South Korea is out of the question this weekend (pretty likely, eh), make your way to Borough Yards instead. Here, you’ll find Delight: Media Art Exhibition. The works, all produced by Korean artist Gyoungtae Hong, explore a range of topics, including the artist’s heritage, traditions, and culture. Thanks to floor-to-ceiling projections and the 360-degree installations, you’ll almost feel as though you’re within the artworks themselves.
15. Admire photography shot in the style of Wes Anderson
Are you a fan of Wes Anderson’s distinctive visual style? If so, then it’s high time you take a visit to Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition – if you haven’t already. The exhibition in South Kensington shines a spotlight on over 200 places worldwide that could be straight out of the iconic director and producer’s masterpieces, taken by many photographers.
16. Immerse yourself in a historical live experience
The Gunpowder Plot Experience in Tower Hill Vaults brings the pivotal events of 1605 to life; immersing you in the story of Guy Fawkes and the conspiracy that sparked our annual Bonfire Night. Using a combination of virtual reality, live actors, and themed cocktails, you’ll truly feel you’ve stepped back in time for a couple of hours.
17. Embark on one of the most efficient sightseeing tours of London
Fancy being a tourist in our beloved capital this weekend but short on time? Redditor ‘magulagie’ has created the ultimate London sightseeing map for those in a hurry. Spanning just over five miles long, his route will take you past a ton of London’s most iconic landmarks, and will take you around two hours (if you avoid going inside any of the places you pass, that is).
18. Grab a pint at one of the oldest pubs in London
Bored of your local? Drink in some of the capital’s history alongside your beer this weekend at one of London’s oldest pubs. Better yet, if you’re up to it, you can even make a historic bar crawl out of our handy list (though traipsing from Holborn to Hampsted does seem a little far-fetched…)
19. Save some money and still get outside with some of London’s free things to do
Pinching the pennies this weekend? Considering it feels like 50 quid evaporates from our bank account the minute we step outside, we don’t blame you. We’ve compiled a handy list of 200(!!) of the best free things to do in London, and they’re not all ‘go for a walk in the park’ – promise.
20. Enjoy a feast for the eyes and stomach at one of the capital’s prettiest restaurants
Treat yourself to a meal out in one of London’s prettiest restaurants this weekend – you’ve worked hard all week, you deserve it! From muted pastel tones or wildly OTT décor, we’ve compiled a handy list of the prettiest restaurants in London to save you the research time.
21. Browse one of London’s many other thought-provoking art exhibitions
From its major galleries to its museums, London is bursting at the seams with art exhibitions. Take a leisurely stroll around the likes of the Tate Britain, the V&A or the National Gallery this weekend. We’ve got everything from classic works to cutting-edge modern pieces and even free exhibits.
22. Grab the little ones and enjoy some family-friendly activities
In a city of nine million people, you can guarantee that you’ll find something for everyone to enjoy, no matter how old you are. If you need to entertain the kids this weekend, check out some of the best family-friendly activities in London this weekend.
Also published on Medium.