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!
Food
From bottomless brunches to food festivals, here are the best food-focused events in London this weekend.
1. Indulge in exquisite Chinese food at Tattu
Looking for indulgent things to do this weekend in London? Dining on Tattu‘s divinely modern Chinese food is a good choice. Their attention to detail in the dishes, interiors, service, and even glassware is second to none.
The restaurant arrived in the capital last year (on the rooftop of Tottenham Court Road‘s Outernet, to be precise), bringing with it sensational sharing plates and set menus, themed cocktails, and desserts that are quite literally works of art. I took a visit a couple of weeks ago, and wow – read the full review here.
2. Warm your heart and fill your stomach with a roast dinner at The Cadogan Arms
Treat yourself to a Sunday afternoon away from the oven, and head to The Cadogan Arms for your roast dinner instead. Their decadent menu of meat includes longhorn rump, served with bone marrow sauce and horseradish cream; half herb-fed chicken, served with brioche and truffle stuffing; and the seasonal roast Herdwick leg of lamb, served with wild garlic and boulangère potatoes, specifically for larger groups. If that all sounds delicious, perhaps a Sunday roast sharing board, with all that meat, and of course, the trimmings, is more your speed.
Alongside this hearty menu, a selection of wine and cocktails are available. The Cadogan Arms has recently introduced a Bloody Mary menu, featuring twists on the classic cocktail.
Bars & Nightlife
Whether you’re looking to let loose at a day party or dance all night, here are the best drinking and party spots to try this weekend.
3. Party all night long at an internationally acclaimed club night
Millions of partygoers around the world have attended Bresh‘s unforgettable club night, and you can too this weekend. Originating in Argentina with all-night-long parties of reggaeton, Bresh has since taken over venues in over 90 cities with a vast mix of upbeat genres; this Saturday (April 1), they’ll be hosting their fourth London event at Electric Brixton. It’ll be their last one in the capital until October we hear, so you don’t want to miss it.
As well as lively tunes, Bresh brings a whole lot of props and stage presence too – it’s an Instagrammer’s paradise. On the night, expect bursts of balloons and smoke cannons, flowers galore, and even a glitter station and photo booth.
4. Channel Ibiza vibes with a boat party on the Thames
Okay, the current weather forecast may look nothing reminiscent of an Ibiza night out, but the tunes and club night on water? Skyline Boat Parties have that sorted. This Saturday night (April 1), hop aboard a double-decker boat at Westminster Pier and party on the Thames to Ibiza club classics, house, and party anthems. As you make your way down the river, you can even take a break from dancing and step out to admire our gorgeous city, twinkling by night.
The boat party wraps up at midnight, but if you want to keep going, your ticket secures you entry to an after party at a secret location too…
5. Unwind at the late night bar of a Soho Sri Lankan restaurant
Starting this week, Sri Lankan restaurant Paradise launch their new concept. As food service winds down on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, the Soho spot will transform into an intimate bar instead. Paradise: After Dark will serve Sri Lankan-inspired cocktails and snacks from 10pm, allowing patrons to unwind and enjoy their night.
Arts & Culture
Here are all of the best art exhibitions, pop-up installations and culturally stimulating things to do in London this weekend.
6. Check out a free, thoughtful exhibition for World Autism Acceptance Week
For five days only, charity Ambitious about Autism and cleaning product Vanish will be hosting a temporary exhibition entitled ‘Me, My Autism & I’ at the Oxo Tower Wharf. The exhibition primarily aims to raise awareness about how clothing familiarity and consistency impacts the daily lives of autistic girls, and women, and those who are non-binary (these groups are three times less likely to be diagnosed with autism than their male counterparts, according to the charity’s research).
This exhibition will showcase 12 stories of real life people who have been diagnosed with autism, alongside their must-have clothing items that make the world more comfortable for them. ‘Me, My Autism & I’ is free to visit at gallery@oxo between Wednesday and Sunday (March 29–April 2), so why not take a stroll this weekend?
7. Take a closer look at some Soho locals and visitors at a free photography exhibition
‘Soho Faces’ is a photography exhibition created by London photographer Andrew Leo, inspired by the people he’d pass on his lockdown bike rides. Fast forward to 2023, and those who enter 98 Berwick Street until April 7 will come face to face with images of unique individuals from all walks of life who wandered the vibrant streets of Soho during this time. Leo seeks to celebrate the diverse local community in the area.
Another of the free events this weekend in London, the exhibition is open 10am–6pm, Monday–Saturday, and 11am–5pm on Sunday.
8. Admire the wonders of the world at a breathtaking Earth exhibition
Is there anything more soothing than Sir David Attenborough’s voice? Nope, didn’t think so. Step right into one of his documentaries at the brand-new BBC Earth Experience in Earl’s Court, narrated by the man himself. The immersive exhibition will let you explore all the corners of the Earth from the sky to the sea, and enable you to examine our planet and its creatures in greater detail than ever before.
BBC Earth Experience will open this Friday (March 27).
New Openings
We’ve rounded up London’s newest bars, restaurants, food markets, and more for you to check out.
9. Have a clucking great meal at a new restaurant, led by a two Michelin-starred chef
This Saturday (April 1), a new restaurant will open its doors in Covent Garden’s Neal’s Yard. Tucked away from the area’s hustle and bustle, you can step into Story Cellar, a Parisian-inspired, rotisserie style restaurant. The intimate spot is led by two Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers, and specifically focuses on rotisserie chicken, and classic sides (though other options are available).
Although the restaurant comprises primarily of upstairs seating, you’ll find a few seats downstairs amidst the walk-in wine cellars. Story Cellar prides itself on its rare wines, curated by a world-class sommelier team. As with this style of counter dining, reservations are recommended – please book via the Story Cellar website.
10. Cheers to the weekend at Turtle Bay’s newest outpost in Hammersmith
Turtle Bay‘s 48th UK branch opens in Hammersmith this Friday (March 31), ready to welcome groups of friends for Caribbean-inspired dishes and cocktails aplenty. With a hearty menu of brown stew chicken, curry goat, jerk salmon, and much more, you’ll be leaving with your belly full. The cocktail list is extensive, making great use of a wide selection of rum – plus a few other spirits.
Travel
Looking for inspiration for your next day trip, weekend staycation or city tour? You’ll find it here.
11. Find inner peace at a Japanese-inspired garden
Kyoto Garden is an unexpected slice of zen, just moments from High Street Kensington; slip away to the urban oasis in Holland Park, and you may feel like you’ve transported thousands of miles away to Japan. The free-to-visit garden was originally built to celebrate the 1992 Japan Festival in London, and continues to showcase tumbling falls, beautiful trees, and even a roaming muster of peacocks (yes, that is the collective noun for a group of peacocks) over 30 years later.
Secret London Picks
The Secret London team’s top picks for more fun things you can do in London this weekend.
12. Brush shoulders with notorious gangsters at Peaky Blinders: The Rise
By order of the Peaky Blinders, take a visit to the Shelby family’s Camden warehouse this weekend. Peaky Blinders: The Rise is a totally immersive live show, where you can stroll from room to room, watching – or perhaps partaking – in some of the high-stakes drama, inspired by the hit TV show. The experience promises live music, actor-audience interaction, and even tasks to complete as you step into a storyline of your own…
13. Channel your inner diva at a lively karaoke night
No matter what’s on in London this weekend, you can’t beat a good, sing-your-heart-out karaoke session. Mama Shelter London Shoreditch has kitted out their East London hotel with karaoke rooms, alongside their restaurant, bar, and you know, rooms for sleeping. Book in for a disco, superhero or carnival-themed singing session, and the karaoke room will come complete with all the necessary props and playlists. Drinks and food are available, which you can pre-book, or order on the night. Book in this weekend for a fun night.
14. Treat yourself to fine dining at a newly awarded Michelin star restaurant
Earlier this week, Michelin announced their official list of Michelin-starred restaurants for 2023, so if you’re looking for a real post-payday treat, you can’t go wrong with one of their lauded spots. New to the list this year are the likes of Luca in Farringdon, St Barts in Barbican, and Taku in Mayfair, but of course, there are many stalwarts on the list you can check out too.
Also published on Medium.