From New Exhibitions To Food Festivals: 10 Things To Do This Weekend

Cool down with an ice cream

When the weather is sweltering and the city streets are crowded, there’s only one thing that will cool you down and it’s a big ol’ scoop of ice cream. With the summer finally here, the arrival of Anita Gelato couldn’t be better timed. 

Open since last month, Anita Gelato is a world-famous boutique ice cream shop that houses stores all over the globe, from Tel Aviv to New York. Its first UK branch has finally opened its doors, bringing with it its 150 famous flavours of gelato, frozen yoghurt, sorbets and sugar-free, vegan-based gelato.

Made fresh in store every day, their ice creams are made with quality ingredients from the Anita Gelato Factory. Expect a wide range of delicious flavours, including chocolate blondi with almonds; peanut butter and chocolate; salted bagel; mascarpone ricotta; pavlova; crumble cheesecake with mixed berries; and tiramisu and hazelnut mousse.

Visit this new exhibition, ‘The Still Point’ by Nancy Cadogan

This week saw the launch of Nancy Cadogan’s solo show ‘The Still Point’, an intimate collection that spans traditional domestic scenes rooted in literature, time and stillness. 

Taking over the Gillian Jason Gallery until 2nd July, the work champions the best of simplicity, celebrating the ordinary through paintings depicting scenes reminiscent of ‘taking a moment’, while looking at this from the perspective of the female gaze. Expect to explore paintings with women as the subject, reading, sipping wine and enjoying a slower pace of life.

Explore London’s biggest food festival

London’s biggest food festival is back, bringing with it another five-day bumper event stacked with some of the capital’s hottest restaurants, world’s best chefs, exclusive culinary experiences and Champagne-fuelled entertainment.

Taking place Wednesday 15th – Sunday 19th June, the festival is celebrating its 18th birthday with a bang. The line-up is the biggest and best yet – expect big restaurant names to be making an appearance, the Fire Pit with Food Network’s epic return and crazy golf for a spot of friendly competition with your friends. 

London’s most loved restaurant will be on hand to serve up delicious dishes, from Bibo’s Spanish flavours by Michelin-starred Dani Garcia to neighbourhood Italian favourite Cin Cin, Dalston’s Angelina who’s renowned for their Japanese-Italian fusion and Juici Jerk who’ll be bringing a slice of the Caribbean to the festival.

Start your Saturday night out at The Malt Floor

Founded by Jake Burger and entrepreneur Ged Feltham in 2016, The Distillery launched as the world’s first ‘gin hotel’ and is a four floor mecca for discerning drinkers with experiences, two bars, bottle shop and on-site distillery. Their designated cocktail floor is one not to be missed- think Espresso Martini, with a twist.

If you’re after a tasty dinner before heading out on Portobello Road, look no further than their delicious selection of BBQ plates, sharing boards and desserts- including a ‘pornstar martini’ mousse.

Celebrate Father’s Day at one of these restaurants

Father’s Day is this Sunday – you’d forgotten, hadn’t you? If you had, you’re in luck as we’re whittled London’s restaurant scene down to the 18 best restaurants to take Pa to, from steakhouses to pubs serving up a classic roast.

Whether you’re after a restaurant serving up a traditional roast or want to treat Dad to an afternoon tea experience with a twist, here’s where you can still get a table.

Escape the city and head to the beach

The warm weather calls for a trip to the beach and although London might not be home to any of its own, it’s handily located to some lovely spots nearby.

From oysters at Whitstable to pier antics in Brighton, these are our favourite beaches near London.

Get your locks summer ready with Live True London

Holiday planning often includes the usual manicure, wax or other beauty bits, but why should hair be last on the list? If you’re jetting off to the sun, it’s so important to treat your hair to ensure it stays healthy and happy in the heat.

Live True London offers plenty of treatments to give your hair a boost, and we love their Intensive Revitalising Treatment & Blow Dry. Collagen boosted conditioner strengthens brittle hair and promotes growth & elasticity, while a moisturising hyaluronic acid hair treatment combats frizz and protects from environmental pollution.

Celebrate women filmmakers at this film festival

This week sees Cinecitta, the Istituto Italiano di cultura (London) and Cine Lumiere join forces to bring Londoners a film festival that celebrates women filmmakers from Italy. 

Taking place until Sunday 19th, the festival will screen films such as Elvira Notari’s ‘A Santonotte, Alice Rohrwacher’s Corpo Celeste (Heavenly Body), Maura Delpero’s Hogar (Maternal), Adele Tulli’s Normal, and Laura Bispuri’s Vergine Giurata (Sworn Virgin).

Make the most of the sun at Marylebone’s Summer Festival

From outdoor film screenings to live music and entertainment, food vendors to alfresco dining, there’s so much to do and see at Marylebone this weekend thanks to the return of their Summer Festival. 

Taking over Marylebone Village this weekend will be the return of their summer festivities. Grab some popcorn and pull up a deckchair to watch Bohemian Rhapsody, wander around the 100+ on-street stalls featuring fashion, food and wellness, tennis screenings of the Queens Club Cinch Championships final or join in at the street party on Sunday. Think funfair rides, face painting and stilt walkers. 

Soak up the sun at a rooftop

If this week is anything to go by, summer is feeling like it’s officially here! Cue Londoners searching for somewhere to sip cocktails in the sun. If your heatwave plans sound similar, we’ve put together a list of London’s best rooftops to help you out. 

From endless cocktails to party vibes at every rooftop, these are the ones you’ll want to be seen at this summer.