Somehow we’re already approaching the third month of 2023, which will put us at the quarter mark of the year! Is time actually passing faster as of late, or does it just seem that way? Regardless, there’s plenty to look forward to in March, from new restaurants and pubs, to art exhibitions and plenty of special occasions to celebrate. So, without further ado, here are 51 of the most marvellous ways to spend your days in March.
1. Go Back In Time and behind the scenes
We can’t promise any time travel, but we can promise some incredible behind the scenes action at this Back To The Future exhibition. Check out original artefacts from the Back to the Future movies at Europe’s largest collection of memorabilia from the hit films. You can even ride a hoverboard, or grab a pic in the iconic DeLorean Time Machine itself. Grab your tickets to the Back In Time exhibition here!
2. Head to the sky for World Book Day (March 2)
The lastminute.com London Eye is hosting the highest-ever reading party, over 130 ft in the sky, for World Book Day. From March 2-5, kids who turn up in book-themed costumes will get a FREE RIDE in the London Eye. That’s not all, visiting children will also “be gifted £1 book tokens to exchange for a free book to support the charity World Book Day®’s mission to encourage more children to read for pleasure”. Who can turn down free stuff??
3. Or head to one of London’s many charming bookshops
What better way to celebrate World Book Day, after all, than surrounding yourself with books?! Whether you’re planning on filling your bag with new delights to read, just want to browse, or plan on grabbing a comfy chair to check out a new book without leaving the store, London is full of incredible bookshops. And of course, you daunt want to miss out on the most legendary of them all: the ever-iconic Daunt Books.
4. Chow down at a this cult Thai restaurant’s chicken shop makeover
Smoking Goat might just be one of the best restaurants in all of London, renowned for their super spicy food, ice-cold beer, bumping tunes, and all around incredible vibes. It’s certainly a top favourite of the Secret London team! And for the month of March they’re throwing all the rules out the window and turning their cult Thai barbecue eatery into a central Thai style fried chicken spot from March 3 onwards, for four weeks. It makes sense given how legendary their Fish Sauce Chicken Wings already are. Taking inspiration from their recent journey through Bangkok, they’re cooking up a special new menu of fried chicken, sides, and cocktails to celebrate crispety, crunchety, juicy fried chicken – Thai style. It’ll be spicy, acidic, herbal, bright, complex, and downright damn delicious.
Smoking Goat Chicken Shop launches on Friday 3rd, March and will run until Sunday, 2nd April.
5. Listen closely at an Audio Inclusive Acoustic Gig
To commemorate World Hearing Day (March 3), Mumbli – an organisation working to make socializing and nightlife more inclusive through audio accessible spaces – is hosting a series of audio inclusive Sofar Acoustic gigs around London. Mumbli has partnered with intimate gig community Sofar Sounds, to host a series of inclusive gigs in various intimate London venues that “will enable every guest to connect to the artists through their music on another level”. Find out more here.
6. Grab a bite from the #BakeForUkraine charity bake sale (March 4)
Head to Toklas Restaurant (WC2R 2ND) on March 4, where some of London’s best-loved bakeries and patisseries will once again #BakeForUkraine. The event will mark the return of one of the UK’s biggest charity bake sales in support of the Legacy of War Foundation. Hosted by Clerkenwell Boy, Olia Hercules, and Alissa Timoshkina, 17 bakeries will provide one-off and signature bakes. Among the bakeries confirmed to be selling wares on the day are Ottolenghi, St. JOHN, BAO, Gail’s, and even Mriya Neo Bistro.
The #BakeForUkraine bake sale will run on March 4, from 10am – 1pm (or until they sell out).
7. Wander around London chewing the cheddar
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout March you could spend a day in Havarti heaven strolling the streets of London, filling your belly with fromage, and getting your cheese expertise put to the test in the cheesiest quiz ever. The London Cheese Crawl takes participants from Mayfair to Covent Garden, with plenty of dairy delights to enjoy along the way! Grab your tickets to the London Cheese Crawl here.
8. Add some axe-citement to your bottomless brunch
Surprising though it may be, there’s actually a boisterous axe-throwing experience nestled in the centre of London. Mere minutes away from Oxford Circus station is Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing, the largest axe throwing venue in Europe. And they’ve just launched, of all things, a bottomless brunch offering. Axes and free-flowing booze – what could go wrong?
The bottomless brunch and axe-throwing experience is priced at £45pp, netting guests a sourdough pizza each, a 70-minute guided axe-throwing session, and an hour of free-flowing booze afterwards. Makes sense that it’s after the axe-throwing – I wouldn’t want to be in the same lane as someone throwing axes after throwing back seven Proseccos! Grab your ticket at their website.
9. Explore a multi-sensory dopamine-boosting experience
This interactive museum is more than just an Instagrammable hotspot, it’s designed to genuinely give you a dopamine boost. A visit to Dopamine Land makes you happier – it’s science! Either take the whole family for a fun day out, or catch the adult-friendly late night sessions. You’ll find your imagination turned into reality. Secure your tickets to Dopamine Land here!
10. Catch a musical showcase from a new Queer Music Agency (March 2)
The first, and only, music agency in the world to solely represent queer artists, Queer Music Agency is keen to share their roster with London at their first-ever showcase event. Taking place on March 2, at the legendary LGBT venue, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, the night will be a joyful, music-filled night celebrating the group’s efforts to create more diversity in the music industry. Head down and be among the first to see some of the acts, and brag to your friends that you saw them before they blew up. Find out more and grab your tickets here.
11. Jump on-board a Bollywood Boat Party (March 4)
Sail down the Thames and take in the sights as you dance to the best of Bollywood, Bhangra, and more. Match it all with drinks (at pub prices – which are different to boat prices don’t ya know!) and a fun and lively atmosphere and you’re set for an incredible night! Grab your tickets here.
12. Head to a one-night only sustainable supper club (March 6)
Fitzrovia’s Carousel is all about spreading the word of the best chefs around the world in the form of their constantly rotating guest chefs. Alongside residencies, they also do one-off supper clubs, such as their current Rémy Martin Sustainable Supper Club series. One we’re particularly excited for? Wilsons founder and head chef Jan Ostle giving us a taste of their Bristol bistro’s nature-driven cooking. Their focus on sustainability earned them a Michelin Green Star in 2022. You won’t want to miss this very special tasting menu experience. Find out more and book your spot here.
13. Commemorate International Women’s Day (March 8)
For International Woman’s Day make an effort to seek out women-owned businesses, or those that champion women producers and makers. Here are a few ideas of how you can support and celebrate women this International Women’s Day
🔥 For International Women’s Day, female-owned, open-fire restaurant and natural wine bar Firebird, will host their inaugural Firebird & Friends. The night will see the Firebird team collaborating with Caia’s Head Chef Jessica Donovan, Where The Pancakes Are Founder Patricia Trijbits, Updown Farmhouse’s Sommelier Ruth Leigh, and Chef Pippa MacDonald, previously of Levan and Angela Hartnett’s Merchants Tavern, for an evening of small plates and wine. Head to their socials to find out how to grab tickets.
🎨 Art on a Postcard’s fourth International Women’s Day auction will see seven female curators each curating a show of 20/25 female artists. These shows will run as seven concurrent auctions, and the money raised will go to support The Hepatitis C Trust’s work with women affected by the criminal justice system both in prison and local communities. See the pieces, and make your bids, here.
🎶 For a night of empowered women empowering women, head to 100 Wardour Street for their exclusive Night of Beyoncé. An all-female line-up including DJ Annie Grace, Izzy Chase, and Formation band, will be playing the best ‘girl power’ hits, from Beyoncé to Taylor Swift, Miley, Madonna, and the Spice Girls. Grab your tickets here.
🍺 Sip at an IWD-commemorating beer, brewed by women member’s of the brewing and hospitality community across the UK, at Manchester-based brewery, Cloudwater’s London home, 73 Enid Street. Past brews have included a juicy pale ale, a super-hoppy triple IPA, and a coffee oatmeal porter – so you’re sure to be in for a treat!
🐟 TOZI Grand Cafe is partnering up with their Battersea neighbours, Wright Brothers to host a special event highlighting ‘Women in Hospitality & Winemaking’ as part of their popular monthly ‘Seafood Socials’. Expect an evening of incredible food and wine while learning about the women’s experiences, passions, and of course their professional journey.
🛍️ The Prince’s Trust is holding an International Women’s Day Marketplace in the newly restored Battersea Power Station on March 3 and 4. The marketplace will showcase inspirational young women, as all of the stallholders are young women-owned businesses that have been founded with support from The Prince’s Trust. Expect candles, jewellery, ceramics, stationery, and food and drinks!
🍷 Check out a ‘Women In Wine’ tasting event from Gaucho Restaurant‘s Sour Grapes series of events. Gather, drink, eat, and honour the pioneering female winemakers smashing grapes (and the patriarchy) in a male-dominated industry. Guests will also be treated to a bespoke 5-minute reading from an expert tarot-reader throughout the evening.
🖼️ To commemorate International Women’s Day, Outernet London, the immersive art space, is handing over its 23,000 sq ft, 16k screens to female creators for the entirety of March. The months kicks off with Paula Zuccotti’s Everything We Touch, which celebrates individual stories by displaying every single item a person touches in a day.
👩🍳 Borough Market is running a series of online masterclasses through the day, showcasing the diverse range of talented women involved with Borough Market. Topics range from food writing, to starting your own business, fighting gender bias, and beyond. Find the list of events, and more information, here.
💼 Allbright are hosting the first Step Forward Summit at The Design Museum to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 10. Key speakers include Katie Piper OBE, Munroe Bergdorf, Anna Mather, Kanya King CBE, Viv Groskop, and Malin Andersson. Attendees will get the chance to “delve into the actions required to create a world of unlimited possibilities for women in the workplace”.
🎧 East London rooftop bar Florattica, will host DJ Workshops with female-led collective Hub 16 from March 9-10. Samantha Nelson, Founder of Hub 16, will run the three hour long beginner-friendly workshops, which will encompass core mixing techniques, such as the basics of beatmatching. Grab your ticket here.
14. Bust a gut at a HUGE-ly funny improvised comedy show (March 4)
Shoot From The Hip are a bit of a sleeper hit in London’s comedy circuit. Those who know, know – and those who don’t, are missing out. The troupe blend “one-liners and hilarious character comedy with off-the-cuff storytelling” in completely unscripted shows. And they’ve got a huge new show coming to Stratford East – called, well, HUGE. As they say, “it’ll be fast, it’ll be chaotic, it’ll be HUGE.” Grab a ticket at the link.
15. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)
Who doesn’t love a good St Patrick’s Day celebration? It’s always a jovial good time, with Guinness a-plenty and whiskey galore. Check out some of these ways to celebrate St Patrick’s Day:
🍩 Crosstown is bringing back one of their most popular flavours, their Guinness & Baileys doughnut. Pre-orders start from February 23, for the decadent mash-up of chocolate Guinness cake doughnuts with Baileys Irish cream filling and Baileys chocolate glaze. Find it in shops from March 1.
😋 Irish-owned restaurant, Rotunda, is serving up a special three-course meal on the day, with a menu featuring the likes of Guinness braised beef, Irish apple cake, and plenty more. Plus, entertainment will come courtesy of live music from Irish favourites The Craicheads. Grab your ticket for an evening of Irish festivities here.
🍀 Head to Camden pub The Farrier, where they’re giving their specials an Irish twist for the weekend. Plus, they’re showing the England vs. Ireland match – so it’ll be an unmissable atmosphere!
🍔 Skylight Peckham are throwing a rooftop party complete with a full piece Irish band playing modern hits with an Irish twist; Jameson cocktails, and a special St Patrick’s Day menu. The star of the menu is the burger with Jameson spiked BBQ sauce and all the fixings.
🥃 Similar, but different, Skylight Tobacco Dock are hosting their own festivities spanning multiple floors of the iconic grade I listed building. They’ll have the Jameson cocktails and special burger too, but they’re also hosting an exclusive Jameson Black Barrel Masterclass at a secret speakeasy location.
🍻 The George pub in Fitzrovia is spreading their St Patrick’s Day celebrations across the weekend, with a live Irish band playing from 7pm – 10pm on March 17, and Jameson Irish Whiskey cocktails, London’s best Irish Coffee, Irish Oysters, pints of Guinness, and coveted packets of Tayto crisps, especially imported from The Emerald isle, available from March 17-19.
🍹 Bethnal Green’s favourite neighbourhood bar, The Sun Tavern, is treating guests to a Irish Christmas with an exclusive one-day only Jameson Black Barrel cocktail menu. Four special cocktails, priced between £7-9, live music, and free oysters courtesy of East-London’s resident shucker Oyster Boy, plus a special DJ set from Dublin’s finest Post-Punk quintet, The Murder Capital – we know where we’ll be on March 17!
🥃 The Single Malt Shop will host an exclusive, first-class Irish whiskey tasting experience, taking over the Irish owned, oyster bar Darby’s, from 6pm-8:30pm ahead of St Patrick’s Day, on March 9. Grab your ticket and head down to try out whiskeys worth as much as £385!
😋 Dinner Ladies – the female-run team known for their creative supper clubs – will be hosting a one-off St Patrick’s Day feast, With Love From Ireland, at the London Irish Centre on March 15, celebrating Irish producers and female Irish chefs. The menu will take diners on a trip down memory lane as the two chefs guide diners through dishes inspired by their childhood memories of growing up in Ireland.
16. Try something new for International Absinthe Day (March 5)
The UK’s first dedicated absinthe distillery, Devil’s Botany, is partnering with a who’s-who list of London cocktail and spirits institutions to spread the good word about ‘the green fairy’. They’re doing a series of tastings and talks at East London institutions The Last Tuesday Society (March6) and Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes (March 5). But they’re also popping up in the form of special menus at Coupette (every Wednesday in March) and TT Liquor (March 4-11). Even if you’ve never had it, or are very familiar with it, all of the events will reveal something new hidden in the devilish liquor.
17. Fling some paint at the Festival of Colours (March 8)
The Hindu celebration, Holi, will find London’s streets treated to a technicolour makeover as paint is flung every which way around the capital. Here are a few of the events taking place to commemorate the occasion!
🎨 Fling some paint at Cinnamon Kitchen‘s renowned powder-paint pelting #HouseofHoli pop-up. The experience will let guests celebrate the festival of colour, love and positivity with 30 minutes of sheer unadulterated fun. The House of Holi will run from March 7-12.
🍽️ Cinnamon Kitchen is also serving up a special Holi Supper Club on March 7, as well as a Holi Cooking Masterclass with Vivek Singh on March 11. Throughout March all four Cinnamon Collection venues will be serving unique and dedicated set menus featuring traditional Holi dishes to celebrate the festival.
🪩 Head to Babur, the award-winning South East London restaurant, for their first ever Holi party on March 8. A special three course menu (which will be available until March 31) will be complemented by a welcoming Holi Heh tipple– a combination of three cocktail shooters, and live performances from Absolute Bollywood. Secure your ticket here.
18. Immerse yourself in a colossal new exhibition that explores the boundaries of light and sound
An incredible new exhibition will hit a warehouse space in East London, kicking off on March 17. The show will immerse viewers in light and sound, playing with intensity and calmness through a number of jaw-dropping installations. This is NOT to be missed! Find out more here.
19. Try out a fully ‘treegan’ menu
In a world first, a London restaurant, partnering with the tree-planting platform Treedom, has created a fully treegan menu. That’s food made exclusively from trees! The menu highlights the importance of trees and the flowers, fruits, and seeds that grow on them. The menu can be sampled for one night only at Dalston’s Untitled Bar. Find out more and grab your ticket here.
20. Get cultured at Ciné Lumière’s film festivals
The Ciné Lumière at the Institut français du Royaume-Uni offers up a heaving programme of film festivals, many of which run begin or end in March.
🎥 Women Shaping The World (ends March 24) – film screenings, events, and discussions on “the issues and perspectives on women’s rights.”
🎞️ Jean-Luc Godard: Perspectives (end March 21) – following Goddard’s passing in 2022, the Ciné Lumière has been running a deep dive festival into the man’s huge body of work, exploring his many eras of film-making.
📽️ Glasgow Film Festival On Tour (March 2-6) – “Ciné Lumière teams up with the Glasgow Film Festival to bring a selection of their celebrated programme to South Kensington.”
🎬 Cinema Made In Italy (March 9-13) – the 13th edition of a festival celebrating the best of “Cinema Made In Italy.”
📼 Kinoteka Polish Film Festival (March 19 – April 27) – Ciné Lumière is one of the London cinemas offering screenings during the 21st Kinoteka.
21. Eat what you see at a special movie screening
Taste Film is responsible for some of London’s most exciting culinary and film experiences. At special screenings of much beloved films, Taste Film serves up dishes to match what’s happening on the big screen. This March, at The Refinery City Point, they’ll be treating viewers/diners to a number of special Pulp Fiction viewing experiences. Fancy a Big Kahuna burger while you watch the hitmen talk about ordering “le Big Mac”? Grab your ticket here.
22. Or take in a flick at one of London’s best cinemas
London is full of incredible places to go to the movies. From independent cinemas in East London with a diverse and wacky programme of events and screening (we’re looking at you Rio, we love you Rio) to bougie, luxurious cinemas where you can watch films in style. Check out our guide to the best cinemas in London for some inspiration on taking your movie-watching experience to the next level.
23. Grab some spring flowers to brighten up your home
Spring in London is a delight as the sight of blooms and new plant-life slowly take over the capital. Take those flower-y vistas and replace those dying plants scattered around your house by hitting up one of London’s many flower markets for some gorgeous seasonal plants. Remember: you can never have too many plants!
If you’d rather go for a stroll amongst the flowers, however, we’ve got a guide for that too! Our guide to the flowers in London, and when and where they’re likely to bloom, will fill your days with a rainbow of florals and plants!
24. Cheer on your team at the last of the Six Nations fixtures
The Six Nations may have kicked off back in early February, but there’s still plenty of action to catch throughout March. And, sure, the absolute best place to watch is definitely at the games themselves – but sometimes you just want to grab some drinks with some mates and watch the action on a big screen. In that case, we’ve got you sorted, with our guide to the best places in London to watch the Six Nations.
25. Enjoy a raucous bottomless Boss Brunch (March 11, 25)
There’s only three things you need to know about Boss Brunch: Bottomless Drag Extravaganza: there’s bottomless prosecco. There’s bottomless pizza. And there’s a star-studded drag show to keep you entertained throughout. Let’s be real, all bottomless brunches would probably be made better by the addition of a drag performer or three! Grab your tickets to Boss Brunch: Bottomless Drag Extravaganza here.
26. Go global at this internationally-sourced Steak and Wine Club (March 14)
It’s no secret that steak and wine are the perfect match – and steak and wine pairings are a dime a dozen in a city like London, which is full of fantastic restaurants. But Heliot Steak House is going above and beyond the typical offering, with a menu of globally sourced cuts of meat, expertly paired with wine from around the world. Their inaugural Steak and Wine Club event will take place on March 14, where diners will experience a New Zealand inspired three-course meal with paired wine. Future editions of the event will range around the world from Argentina to Britain, America, and beyond.
27. Intoxicate and caffeinate at the same time on an Espresso Martini Trail
Is it London’s favourite cocktail? We won’t go so far as to make any truly declarative statements just yet – but it’s sure up there! And for Espresso Martini Day (March 15) seven of London’s best restaurants are serving up their own take on the boozy-coffee-y drink. Make a day of it, and see how many you can try out in one trek around the capital!
28. Check out some of London’s newest places to eat
🔥 God’s Garden x Cue Point – the Marylebone venue has partnered up with acclaimed British Afghan smokehouse, Cue Point, for British classics given a smoky revamp with Afghan flavours. Don’t miss their ‘naco’ – a naan taco!
🥙 OREN Delicatessen – A deli from the acclaimed East London Mediterranean-inspired charcoal grill restaurant? Count us in! Their freshly baked pita is absolutely INCREDIBLE!
🐟 CAVO is a new Mediterranean dining concept hitting one of London’s most exciting new art and installation spaces, Outernet, after successful openings in Greece and Spain.
🍝 Larch is an all-new Italian restaurant popping up right by Sky Garden to bring a taste of al-fresco Italy to Central London.
🥧 Holborn Dining Room reopens their much-loved ‘Pie Hole‘ in celebration of British Pie Week (March 6-12) – pie, and over 300 gins, what a combination, eh?
🍜 Marugame Udon opens a new kitchen at The Strand this March, marking the brand’s tenth London location for slurp-y noodle-y goodness.
🍣 Sushi on Jones is a New York-hailing omakase restaurant that offers up affordable express omakase. You’ll be in, fed, and out, in 45 minutes – at just £48 per person, for a 12-course tasting menu.
29. And the latest pubs and bars to hit the capital
🍸 Viajante87 is a super stylish zero-waste cocktail bar serving up a menu of drinks that promises to take you on a journey from Japan to Mexico beneath the streets of Notting Hill.
🍹 Lucy Wong is a 1950’s HK-Inspired Bar adding a dash of late-night luxury and intrigue to Fitzrovia.
🍻 Bethnal Green’s all new Three Colts Tavern comes with plenty of prestige, they’re an all-new pub being run by Exale Brewery themselves. A pub run by a craft beer brewery – surely a sign of a great, beer-y night out! You can also expect delicious pizza from Dough Hands as well as cocktails and natural wines for the less beer inclined.
🥳 Lío London brings Ibiza to London with a Mediterranean restaurant that transforms into a 715-capacity late-night club for a night out that takes you from dinner to the club without having to move (Opens March 17)
🍺 Lucky Saint opens their own dedicated pub, The Lucky Saint in March, taking over the sadly abandoned site of a once-loved boozer.
🍸 Mama Funki is one of the capital’s latest cocktail openings, from the people behind Peckahm institution, Funkidory. Expect incredible cocktails in a laid-back subterranean bar in Camberwell.
30. Go on an adventure with Peter Rabbit in Covent Garden (Opens March 24)
Just in time for Easter is this immersive experience that the kids are going to love. Enter the world of Beatrix Potter as you help save Jemima Puddle-Duck from Mr McGregor’s clutches. Along the way you’ll get to meet Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin, cousin Benjamin Bunny, and more. Grab your tickets to the Peter Rabbit Easter Adventure here!
31. Be among the first in all of Europe to try a new American whiskey
One of the States’ oldest and most prestigious distilleries will be marking the European launch of their latest selection of spirits with an exclusive tasting and masterclass. That’s right, you could be among the first in the entirety of Europe to try this magical liquid – how’s that for bragging rights? Head down to Block Soho on March 23, from 6pm-11pm, for a one-time only event hosted by Ross & Squibb Distillery’s Master Distiller, Ian Stirsman. There you’ll get to try out their all-new Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey, and its accompanying Barrel Proof variant.
Oh, and did we mention it’s completely free? That’s a tasting and masterclass with free canapés and live music – completely free! Head to Block Soho’s socials to find out more and secure your place at the event!
32. Share the love with the maternal figures in your life (March 19)
Whether you’re celebrating your own mother, or someone who’s like a mother to you, take a day to let them know what they mean to you on Mother’s Day. Need some inspiration? Here are a few ideas:
🥩 Take your mother to a special Mother’s Day Sunday Roast at Camden-favourite pub, The Farrier. They’ll be serving up a free glass of bubbles for all mothers booked in to celebrate the day with them.
🍹 Net your mum a free G&T by heading to Home, Marylebone and simply asking for one… No, seriously. Home, Marylebone are partnering up with Agnes Arber Gin to offer all visiting mothers a free Agnes Arber Gin and Tonic on the day – and all you have to do is ask for it!
🍽️ Kitchen at Holmes is serving up a special Mediterranean inspired Mother’s Day Menu by the Land, Sea and Dairy, with dishes such as artichoke tempura with seawood mayo, and lamb kofta.
🥟 Dumpling legends Din Tai Fung are launching an exclusive Mother’s Day set menu and a one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day Xiao Long Bao masterclass, hosted on March 19, with three sessions available throughout the day. Keep an eye on their website to snag tickets.
🥢 Can’t make it down, or missed your chance to book? Din Tai Fung are also releasing a limited-edition celebration hamper, with Din Tai Fung’s signature Chilli Oil, Vinegar, and Soy Sauce, which are available to purchase in the UK for the first time, as well as two pairs of Din Tai Fung chopsticks.
🫖 Treat your maternal figure to a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where a special menu comes courtesy of cult London-based baker, Lily Vanilli. The limited edition afternoon tea will be available from March 16-21, and can be booked at their website.
🥂 The St. Ermin’s will be hosting a throwback Mother’s Day Vintage Afternoon Tea Dance complete with nostalgia, dancing, and unlimited French sparkling wine, on March 18 and 19.
33. Don’t miss the last few days of the VAULT Festival
– Unleash The Llama
Waterloo’s VAULT festival will take its final bow on March 19, giving you plenty of time to catch some of the most unique live performance, theatre, and writing in London. Here are some of our picks for some of the shows you don’t want to miss at the VAULT Festival:
🎭 Unleash The Llama’s Five Years With The White Man is “the true story of the greatest Black Briton you’ve never heard of”, told through Edwardian-era stand-up, puppetry, and effects in a one-performer show.
📚 Gaynor O’Flynn’s Time traces O’Flynn’s storied career in the arts contrasted by the treatment she received as a ‘middle-aged female cliché’ in recent forays into academia.
✍️ Amanda Grace’s Love In is an immersive site specific piece that finds audience members leaving with a love letter written by the performer, based on what they have shared.
🤣 Marty Gleeson, Su Mi, and Frances Keyton’s Wham Bam Thank You Mam is a work in progress promising a night of mayhem as three of London’s most exciting new female comedy voices bring an hour of tubo-charged stand-up and character comedy.
❤️ Akimbo’s Just Be Normal tells the story of two sisters navigating a world that ostracizes and refuses to understand those with Autism.
🌐 Bradán’s My Lover Was A Salmon In The Climate Apocalypse grappes with humanity’s effect on the ecosystem as “Fin’s climate anxiety culminates in him thinking he’s a salmon, onstage, whilst his girlfriend and bandmate look on in fishy horror.” It’s a weird one…
🛤️ Not Another One Collective’s Not Another One is a a one woman, queer, working class show about mental health that finds the protagonist sat with the audience on a train station platform, “singing West Ham songs, eating Lidl crisps, waiting for the last train”.
🎪 Trajectory Theatre’s new immersive performance of Circus in a Bottle uses Augmented Reality (AR) and digital technology for a show that recreate Circus acts from bygone years before the audience’s very eyes.
34. Or catch a show at one of London’s iconic theatres.
With World Theatre Day taking place this month, on March 27, you pretty much have to see at least one show in March! Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with plenty of options.
NEW OPENINGS
🚗 Brilliant Jerks (March 1 – 25): Southwark Playhouse Borough – based on the story of the idea that led to the creation of a certain ride-sharing app.
💰 Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical (Opens March 4): Garrick Theatre – we all know the story, now add songs to it!
🏝️ Further than the Furthest Thing (Opens March 9): Young Vic – a remote, isolated, island community is interrupted by the presence of an outsider.
🪩 The Way Old Friends Do Tickets (Opens March 15): Park Theatre – the lives of two friends after they come out to each other, one as gay, and the other as an ABBA fan.
🎸 Teatro Vivo’s Dangerous Games (March 20-25) – wander the streets of Deptford as part of this immersive theatre show that culminates in a gig from the punk band at the centre of the story.
🎭 For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy (Opens March 25): Apollo Theatre – six young Black men meet for group therapy, where their imagination runs wild and the line between reality and fantasy blurs.
🌆 A Little Life (Opens March 25): Harold Pinter Theatre – the English language premiere of Hanya Yanigahara’s play, which follows four college friends in New York City.
🎸 Sugar Coat (Opens March 29): Southwark Playhouse – feminist pop punk story of love, loss, and lubrication, confronting sex and sexuality with original live music inspired by Riot Grrrl bands, such as Bikini Kill, Le Tigre, Veruca Salt and Letters to Cleo.
🪖 Operation Mincemeat (Opens March 29): Fortune Theatre – a musical comedy set during World War II, telling the unbelievable true story of the secret mission that led to the end of World War II.
🎤 Ain’t Too Proud (Opens March 31): Prince Edward Theatre – tells the story of the rise of famed Motown group, the Temptations, with plenty of musical numbers along the way.
CLOSING SOON
👻 The Woman In Black (Closes March 4): Fortune Theatre – the quintessential ghost story taking place on stage, and around you!
🌊 The Beach House (Closes March 11): Park Theatre – A play exploring the fragility of female relationships through a scope of motherhood and sisterhood.
🤑 Windfall (Closes March 11): Southwark Playhouse Borough – money changes everything when five office workers risk it all on a five-hundred-million-dollar lottery ticket.
🙊 Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons (Closes March 18): Harold Pinter Theatre – a love story in a dystopian world where your daily words are limited, starring Jenna Coleman and Aidan Turner.
🎶 & Juliet (Closes March 25): Shaftesbury Theatre – a jukebox musical using the works of producer Max Martin, the mind behind some of the world’s biggest pop songs, as Juliet considers life after Romeo.
Here’s our guide to 23 London Theatre Shows To Catch During 2023.
35. Walk for water awareness (March 22)
While great coffee brewing makes use of clean water, the communities growing those coffee beans face a water crisis. The Big Water Walk, which takes place on World Water Day, aims to raise awareness for the communities that have to walk for hours every day to collect their water – carrying the heavy load along the way. Participants in London can join the walk, with 5k, 10k, and 15k routes available, and are encouraged to carry as much weight as possible. The ultimate goal is increased awareness and the raising of funds to help change lives in coffee communities. Find out more and sign up to take part here.
36. Head outside to some of London’s stunning green spaces
With the sun setting later and later through the month, as late as 9:30 near the end of the month (once the clocks go forward on March 26), you’ve got no excuse not to get out and explore London’s gorgeous parks and gardens. Plus, with the weather warming up, all you need is a sweater or a light jacket – no need to bundle up anymore!
37. Cosy up with a book and a drink at one of London’s library bars
Nothing will make you feel classier or more literary than heading to one of London’s book-filled, booze-fuelled bars. Join the literati and get stuck into one of the books lining the walls, or just relax into the contractually obligated sofas and couches. With a drink in hand and (hopefully) a fire roaring, you’re set for the cosiest night out possible.
38. Check out the Colours Carnival’s band launch (March 19)
Get a sneak peek of what you’re in for at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival by heading to the Colours Carnival Notting Hill Carnival 2023 Band Launch at Clapham Grand. Escape the outside world and immerse yourself into Caribbean culture for a few hours. Plus, guests will get an exclusive look at the Carnival Monday costumes that’ll be in their section of the parade.
39. Catch a magical show at the wonder-filled Wonderville (March 23 & 24)
Prepare to be dazzled and amazed at the show put on by the world-renowned magician duo The Conjurors. Fresh off a sold-out tour of America, Matthew Pomeroy and Natasha Lamb will be weaving magic, mindreading, and story-telling together into a night to remember! Grab your tickets to The Conjurors Live at Wonderville here.
40. Take your four-legged friends out on the town for National Puppy Day (March 23)
Take your dogs out for a day of pampering and royal treatment at these wonderful dog-friendly venues. Extra points if you send us photos of your puppy pals!
🍻 The Hunter’s Moon in South Kensington offers up country pub vibes for people and pooches alike.
☕ Notting Hill’s Pawsitive Café offers up dog-friendly brunches, positivity, and plenty of goodies for the puppies to enjoy while you have a delicious meal. Perfect for a catch-up with friends – human and canine alike!
🍹 Drake & Morgan‘s many gorgeous cocktail bars and restaurants spread around the capital offer up dog treats, stylish dog bowls, and even Pawsecco!
Need more inspiration for where you can enjoy a meal with your furry friends? Check out our guide to London’s Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants and The Best Dog Walks In London.
41. Or enjoy a pawsome Doggy Sunday meal (March 5)
Hampstead’s Gaucho restaurant is already a welcoming venue for well-behaved dogs (and humans!), but the first Sunday of every month finds them going above and beyond with their doggy offerings. It’s the “ulti-mutt expereince”. As you treat yourself to the Gaucho Sunday Roast, the à la carte menu, or the Never-Ending Bottomless Roast, your dog will get their own complimentary three course menu. We’re talking Barkino’s pizza, and even a peony cupcake to finish it off! Find out more and book here.
42. Get to head-banging at a thrilling London gig
Look, we say it time and time again – but it’s only because it’s true: London is truly one of the greatest places in the world for live music. In our humble opinion at least. To prove that statement, here are some of the concerts you can check out in the month of March!
Big gigs
🎹 Father John Misty (March 8): Eventim Apollo – biting humour meets a crooner’s voice and aching, painful love songs.
🎤 Dizzee Rascal (March 8): The O2 – celebrating 20 years since the release of the seminal “Boy In Da Corner” record.
🎶 SELF ESTEEM (March 11, 17, 25): Eventim Apollo – the I Tour This All The Time tour, promoting her Prioritise Pleasure record, hits the Eventim for three sold out dates.
📻 Lizzo (March 15-16): The O2 – if you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, It’s About Damn Time you do!
🎧 Loyle Carner (March 16): OVO Arena Wembley – following a night at the Eventim Apollo, Carner takes his ground-breaking experimental hip hop to the OVO Arena.
🪕 Damien Rice (March 16): Eventim Apollo – if you got tickets to this, I am incredibly jealous of you; be prepared to cry.
🦵 Wet Leg (March 22): Royal Albert Hall – stop pretending you don’t like them, it doesn’t make you interesting or edgy; Wet Leg are amazing.
🎚️ FKJ (March 20): Eventim Apollo – French electronica music that makes use of live looping and FKJ’s multi-instrumental skills.
😭 Death Cab for Cutie (March 28 & 29): The Roundhouse & Royal Albert Hall – one of the OG indie/emo bands for soft-spoken sad people; emo will never die!
🎛️ SG Lewis (March 31): Eventim Apollo – one of pop’s most interesting producers (having worked with Tove Lo and Dua Lipa) bringing a night of sheer unbridled joy.
Smaller venues
🥁 Black Midi (March 5-8): Village Underground – expect an absolutely explosive performance from one of the most exciting live bands.
🎙️ Maya Hawke (March 6): Lafayette – yes, that Maya Hawke, of Stranger Things fame; expect folk-tinged tracks from her two records.
⚡ Ross From Friends (March 10): fabric – not Ross, from Friends, but ‘Ross From Friends’, the electronic producer and DJ.
🎸 Black Honey (March 17): Rough Trade East – the fire of old school rock ‘n’ roll with a much needed updating.
🎼 Devonte Hynes (March 18-19): Barbican Centre – the man behind Blood Orange’s infectious pop serves up performances of contemporary classical music accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra.
🎸 Pixies (March 20-21): Roundhouse – the definitive sound of alt-rock, name a band and Pixies influenced them.
🎶 King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard (March 23): Troxy – the night after headlining Alexandra Palace is the night to check these prolific musicians out, at the relatively intimate 2,600 capacity venue.
Read our handy monthly gig guide here.
43. Switch off for Earth Hour (March 25)
Every year everyone around the world is encouraged to switch off for Earth, with the initiative usually resulting in an hour-long voluntary blackout as houses join in the effort. This year the World Wildlife Fund is encouraging everyone, between 8:30-9:30PM on March 25, to simply “spend 60 minutes doing something positive for our planet”. You could pick up trash at your local park, plant a tree, get together with friends for an Earth Hour event – whatever it is, “anyone, anywhere can join the #BiggestHourForEarth.”
44. Try out a Tokyo-tinged tasting menu
Six by Nico is infamous for a simple premise that has taken the UK by storm. Every six weeks, they offer up a new affordable six-course tasting menu with an all-new theme. Through the month of March they’ll be offering up their Tokyo menu. Dishes were inspired by a recent trip to Japan’s capital, ranging from chicken karaage, to their take on ramen. Find your nearest location, and book your place here.
45. Welcome the glorious arrival of British Summer Time (March 26)
The nights are getting shorter, the days are getting longer, and it’s no longer pitch black when you get home from work! Summer isn’t quite here yet, but it’s sure on the way and we can’t wait for it. We’re already scoping out the best pub beer gardens and rooftop bars to spend the long, lazy evenings.
46. Watch some people row up and down the Thames really fast during The Boat Race (March 26)
In a long-standing tradition, Cambridge University will take on Oxford as they race along the Championship Course, a 4.25 mile route along the Thames in West London between Putney and Mortlake. 185 years of rivalry between the two academic institutions makes this one of the world’s oldest amateur sporting events, as well as one of the most famous. 2023’s races will mark the 77th Women’s Boat Race, and the 168th Men’s Boat Race. Find out more about the history, and how you can watch it all play out, at their website.
47. Laugh along at Comedy Club 4 Kids (March 26)
Comedy Club 4 Kids has a storied history of family-friendly shows from some of the absolute best comedians and performers. From stand-up, to sketch, to cabaret, shows run the gamut of comedy possibility. And at the March Comedy Club 4 Kids show promises to have parents and adults laughing along just as much, if not more, than the kids themselves! They don’t pander to the kids either, in fact it’s “almost like a normal comedy club… just without the rude bits.” Get your tickets to Comedy Club 4 Kids here – with group booking discounts available.
48. Decorate your walls with some art
Sure, you may love that Pulp Fiction poster you’ve had since college, but wouldn’t you rather have some exciting artwork up on those walls? Just think of the opportunities to show off – “oh, you haven’t heard of this artist? I would have thought you’d be more tuned in to the art scene…” Fortunately, in March there are a number of art fairs making it much easier for you to get your first, or fiftieth, piece.
🖼️ The Saatchi Gallery’s The Other Art Fair will return to the Truman Brewery from March 9-12, offering the chance to buy artwork from over 150 emerging talents in the art world. In celebration of March’s International Women’s Day, The Other Art Fair is presenting a 61% female line-up.
👩🎨 The Affordable Art Fair will return to Battersea Park at the same time, from March 9-12, also celebrating the work of women artists with “a landmark display celebrating inspiring women and female identifying artists.” Artwork will start at just £50, so you’re sure to find something for your walls, on any budget.
Also on show at the Affordable Art Fair will be works from Artbox, a charity that works with “wonderful artists who have learning disabilities and autism” to challenge pre-conceived notions about what they can achieve. Don’t miss out on your ticket!
49. Or see how the experts do it and check out an art exhibition
EXHIBITIONS OPENING IN MARCH
🤎 As Fragile As A Bomb (March 3 – 12): Lewisham Arthouse – a group exhibition of sculptural installations, poetry, photographs, textiles, and ceramics that invites you to interrogate your understanding of contemporary human society.
💙 Samson Bakare: Let This Be A Sign (March 9 – April 8): Dorothy Circus – Bakare’s work depicts “an African society that might have existed had history taken a different turn”.
🧡 JULIA RAMBAUD: On The Other Side… Of London (March 11-17): Boo’s Closet Gallery – sensual and mystical black and white photography designed to provoke your own story-telling
💛 Rites of Passage (Opens March 16): Gagosian Britannia Street – a group exhibition featuring work by eighteen contemporary artists who share a history of migration, exploring the idea of ‘liminal space’.
❤️ The Ugly Duchess: Beauty and Satire in the Renaissance (March 16 – June 11): The National Gallery – casting a new light one of the most famous, and misunderstood, paintings in the National Gallery, An Old Woman by Quinten Massys.
💜 Jock McFadyen: Red Yellow and Blue: Four pictures (Opens March 18): Grey Gallery at Jock McFadyen Studio – opening up a gallery within his studio, McFadyen will exhibit works that depict the ever-changing landscape and inhabitants of East London, where he has lived and worked for 45 years.
🤎 Future Conditional: Art Show #1 (March 23-26): Gallery behind the Library, Stoke Newington – works from 10 contemporary artists, among them a furry foot maze, are complemented by collage- and badge-making workshops.
💙 After Impressionism: Inventing Modern Art (March 25 – August 13): The National Gallery – over a hundred paintings and sculptures will trace the revolutionary artistic developments across Paris and other European cities at the turn of the century.
💚 Portraits of Dogs: From Gainsborough to Hockney (March 29 – October 15): The Wallace Collection – it’s dog, dogs, dogs, and more dogs, in a wide variety of mediums.
💛Berthe Morisot (March 31 – September 10): Dulwich Picture Gallery – the first major UK exhibition of the renowned Impressionist painter since 1950.
EXHIBITIONS CLOSING IN MARCH
❤️ Who holds the sword? (Closes March 10): Hypha Studios @ East Village Stratford – a multi-medium skewering of gender norms through a medieval lens (in a disused Sainsbury’s store).
💙 Eve De Haan & Sara Pope: Addicted to Love (Closes March 11): Quantus Gallery – catch Pope’s seductive puckered and parted lip works and De Haan’s neon poetic sentiments in one show (pictured above).
💜 The Chaotic Forms Of An Organised Mind (Closes March 11): Haricot Gallery – inaugural display at this new gallery, featuring the silkscreen and mono prints by Constance Read.
💚 The EY Exhibition: Cézanne (Closes March 12): Tate Modern – “A career-spanning survey of a pivotal figure in modern art”.
💙M.K. ČIURLIONIS: Between Worlds (Closes March 12): Dulwich Picture Gallery – over 100 paintings and drawings from Lithuania’s best loved artist.
❤️ The Sad Zither (Closes March 18): Gagosian – the first solo exhibition in Europe by Hao Liang, using a reinvention of traditional Chinese ink wash painting.
💛 Not Black Or White (Closes March 17): SoShiro Gallery – a contemporary art, craft and design exhibition of storytelling by creatives from Africa and the UK.
💚 Where Is My Mind? (Closes March 26): BEERS Gallery – Deborah Segun’s second solo exhibition wants to help us find solace in our world.
50. Slurp on a flaming hot ramen collaboration
The noodle-legends at Bone Daddies have partnered up with the fried chicken stars at Coqfighter for a three-month long special menu item: the ‘BUFFALO RAMEN’. They’ve thrown Buffalo chicken and neon-yellow American cheese into a bowl of ramen for a jolt of craziness that still, somehow, works! Head on down to your local Bone Daddies location to try out the special, but hurry as the special ends on April 30.
51. Keep exploring this fantastic city
It’s impossible to cover every single thing that this city has to offer over the space of an entire month (though we do try our darndest), but we can ensure you there’s plenty going on, so here’s a few more that we think are worth shouting about before we leave you!
🗺️ This Is (Possibly) The Most Efficient Sightseeing Tour Of London
🖼️ The UK’s First Ever National LGBTQ+ Museum
🧪 This Breaking Bad Inspired Cocktail Making Experience Is Back And Better Than Ever
🧇 Covent Garden’s French Dessert Spot Serves Some Seriously Naughty Waffles
🍷 A Tiny Wine Bar Offering Up Deli Products By Day And Huge Flavours At Night
☕ The Lovely Central London Café Dedicated To Helping Young People With Learning Disabilities
🍽️ This Delightful Neighbourhood Restaurant Comes From London Bakery Royalty
☀️ This Hidden Southwark Spot Will Whisk You Away To Sunnier Climes
🏙️ The Panoramic Rooftop Bar Is The Star Of The Show At This Decadent West End Hotel
🍣 This Vibey Covent Garden Restaurant Is A Great Spot For Post-Work Drinks And Sushi
🍔 Honest Burgers Have Brought Back Their Filthily Delicious Guinness Fondue Burger
🌯 London’s Best Breakfast Burritos Come From A Hidden Hackney Coffee Shop
🍕 This Holborn Wine Bar Serves Up Detroit Style Pizza And Natural Wine
🎂 A Great British Bake Off Musical Has Landed On The West End
🏎️ Unleash Your Competitive Side At London’s Epic, Hi-Tech House Of Games
😍 The Incredibly Ornate Temple That You Won’t Believe Is In London
📚 The Famed London Bookshop At The Heart Of The LGBT+ Rights Movement
🏳️🌈 Take A Journey Through Tate Britain’s Queer History On These LGBTQIA+ Tours
More things to do inspiration…
😁 200 fab and FREE things to do in London
🚶♀️ The 100 best things to do in London
🍽️ 50 of the best restaurants in London to wine and dine at
Also published on Medium.