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!
Table Of Contents
Where to eat this weekend
From bottomless brunches to dining at the best restaurants in London, here are the food-focused events you should check out in London this weekend.
1. Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at one of London’s Chinese restaurants
The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important festivals in the Chinese calendar; it’s an occasion to give thanks to the moon, and pray for luck, fortune, and fertility. This year, it falls on Friday, September 29, and many London restaurants are honouring the occasion – two are listed below.
Hutong, the Chinese restaurant in the Shard, will offer a special Mid-Autumn Festival menu, and they have partnered with the iconic Chinatown Bakery to offer delicious mooncakes (the traditional dessert pastry of the festival) too. Alternatively, Daddy Bao in Tooting will host a one-off, seven-course feasting menu to mark the occasion on Sunday, October 1.
2. Honour Italian restaurant, Norma’s, fourth birthday
Italian restaurant Norma is celebrating its fourth birthday; the Sicilian-inspired spot welcomes four guest chefs over four nights this week. The final meal falls on Friday (September 29) – what better way to kickstart your weekend than with an indulgent Italian meal? Chef Olivia Cavalli will whip up a menu of dishes, inspired by the change of season and her 2022 cookbook. Find out more about these birthday guest chef dinners on Norma’s website.
3. Feast on timeless dishes at a much-loved London spot
Another London eatery celebrating its birthday this week is French restaurant Coq d’Argent. Between September 25–30, they’re bringing back a curated selection of timeless dishes from the restaurant’s inaugural menu 25 years ago – and with the prices to match.
Enjoy the likes of coq au vin, and tarte tatin, alongside views of the city from the restaurant’s rooftop location.
Bars, pubs and nightlife to check out this weekend
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.
4. Kickstart your Oktoberfest celebrations in Camden
It’s that time of year again! Raise a stein at Camden Oktoberfest this Saturday (September 30), as the Electric Ballroom is transformed into a fully decked out Bavarian beer hall, complete with Oktoberfest bunting, authentic bratwurst, and of course, plenty of German beer. The soundtrack to your shenanigans will be provided by the No Limit Street Band. Prost!
5. Party with the fishes in Sexy Fish’s aquarium room
Partying with the fishes is far less ominous than ‘sleeping with the fishes’ – we promise. High-end, Asian eatery, Sexy Fish, has relaunched their late-night series of Friday night parties. From 10pm until late this Friday (September 29) and next Friday (October 6), you can savour cocktails in the seriously impressive aquarium room, with real tropical fish, as you listen to house, electro, disco, and funk music.
If you’re feeling peckish, tables booked from 11.30pm onwards can dine on dishes from the late-night menu.
6. Enjoy a free house and disco event in King’s Cross
One of the free events in London this weekend is the launch of MERCY, a monthly house music and disco series from Beavertown Brewery. Taking place at Lafayette in King’s Cross, you can expect a night of revelry as a number of live DJs spin tune after tune.
This Friday (September 29), northern duo Mas Que Nada Brothers will kick off with disco and soulful beats; DJs Danny Vito and Little Lion Meg will be spinning classic speakeasy vibes; and Chicago-born Secondcity will headline with contemporary house and disco. Entry to MERCY is free, but you’ve got to register in advance. Find out more on Beavertown Brewery’s website.
Top cultural attractions to visit this weekend
Here are all of the best art exhibitions, pop-up installations and culturally stimulating things to do in London this weekend.
7. Discover rare and premium trainers at Sneakerness London
Sneakerness London takes place at Truman Brewery this Saturday and Sunday (September 30 and October 1), bringing the best trainers from all over Europe to London – plus so much more.
Browse, and purchase, international brands from private sellers and collectors; learn from industry experts at panel talks; and even step foot in the ‘metaverse’ at the interactive gaming space. DJs playing hip hop and drill will provide the soundtrack to your shopping session.
8. Shop ’til you drop in Marylebone Village
Shopping district Marylebone Village will host an afternoon of activations this Saturday, September 30. Between 12pm and 6pm, ‘Meet Me In Marylebone Village’ will see the pedestrianised streets teaming with alfresco dining, in-store promotions, pop ups, workshops, and even free outdoor exercise classes, courtesy of Third Space (walk ins accepted on a first come, first served basis).
9. Catch the epic Star Wars exhibition on its final weekend
It’s the end(or) of the line for The Fans Strike Back exhibition this weekend – get your final visit in before this Star Wars fan exhibition leaves London on Sunday, October 1.
Made for the fans by the fans, this exhibition has thrilled visitors all summer long with costumes, posters, photos, figurines, one-of-a-kind sculptures, immersive sets, and even a VR experience. You’ll feel like you’re in a galaxy far, far away, not run-of-the-mill South Kensington, that’s for sure…
The hottest new openings in London
We’ve rounded up London’s newest bars, restaurants, food markets, and more for you to check out.
10. Taste the Mediterranean at a brand-new restaurant
Despite its rather British surrounds – a Grade II-listed building in Holborn – 42 Holborn welcomes guests with a distinctive menu of Mediterranean delights. This new restaurant is led by food and beverage director, Adnan Özkara, who has worked in building brands such as Hakkasan, Park Chinois, and Jeru Mayfair; quite the track record. 42 Holborn promises great taste and beautiful presentation for all dishes, from the padron peppers to the Galician octopus, lamb cutlets to lentil stew.
Weekend getaways or staycations
Looking for inspiration for your next day trip, weekend staycation or city tour? You’ll find it here.
11. Embrace the new season with an Autumn day trip
The weather is looking pretty mild this weekend, so why not take advantage, head out of London, and into the great outdoors? From the South Downs to the New Forest, there are plenty of great day trips easily accessible via London. If your preference is exploring another city instead, there’s the likes of Bath and Canterbury; check out Secret London’s recommended Autumn day trips.
Be mindful of Saturday’s train strike by opting for a Friday or Sunday trip, or simply hopping in the car.
Secret London Picks
The Secret London team’s top picks for more fun things you can do in London this weekend.
12. Channel good vibes at a moon manifestation session, high above the city
Practice calming breathing techniques, meditation, and self-development exercises 109 metres above the city at Lift 109 Lates: Full Moon Manifestations. Taking place under the full moon this Friday, September 29, the session will be led by an expert spiritual practitioner Roxy Marrone, with uninterrupted views of the city (and the moon, depending on the clouds!) Be quick to book through, as the sessions are popular.
13. Take your shot at a free basketball workshop with the London Lions team
Join one of the UK’s biggest basketball clubs for a free workshop this Friday (September 29) or Saturday (September 30), as the London Lions coach at Canary Wharf. With youth, womens, and mens sessions available, all abilities are encouraged to sign up; the sessions will each cover technique and a friendly competition.
The 90-minute workshops will take place on Yinka Ilori’s ‘Be The Best You Can Be’ basketball court at Bank Street Park, and will be hosted by professional London Lions coaches. Also on Saturday (September 30), participants will be able to join a Q&A with the professionals, and get the chance to win a limited-edition basketball.
14. Head to the tallest free viewing platform in Europe
Horizon 22 has finally opened in Bishopsgate, blessing London will the tallest free viewing platform in all of Europe. Standing tall at 58 storeys, it is the second-highest building in the city after the Shard; but it’s free to visit – something it has over its rival.
Although pre-booking is recommended due to this new spot’s popularity, a small number of walk-in spots will be made available each day.
For more brilliant weekend ideas, check out the awesome things to do this October.
Also published on Medium.