What To Do This Weekend: 22nd – 24th April
This weekend is a patriotic one for sure; today is of course the Queen’s birthday, Saturday is St George’s Day and Shakespeare’s 400th birthday and Sunday sees one of London’s top sporting events take place – we are of course talking about the London marathon – good luck to anyone out there running! So this weekend we have a street party in Trafalgar Square, free theatre performances, a sneak preview of a Parisian cocktail bar and a whole lot of G&Ts.
The Feast of St George
Trafalgar Square Street Party
With so many cultural events in our calendars at the moment (and this weekend in particular) it’s only fitting that Boris is getting involved and has organised a big public street party, all day on Saturday. The Feast of St George has a Shakespearean theme as well as cookery demos, street food stalls, family games and a banqueting area. BoJo sure knows how to throw a good party.
Where: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2N 5DN
Website: https://www.london.gov.uk/events/2016-04-23/feast-st-george-2016
The Whiskey Affair
Whiskey weekend
We wrote about The Whiskey Affair when it launched in November and it is back this Saturday night for Spring with a whole host of events, tastings and entertainment for whiskey lovers old and new. Guest speakers and tastings of countless different brands will take place alongside live music, photobooths and fellow whiskey lovers. For those who remain hesitant, cocktails will be available as a gentler alternative having it on the rocks.
Where: The Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, Holborn, WC1R 4RL
Website: http://thewhiskeyaffair.co.uk/twa/
Rosewood London
14,000 G&Ts
This week saw the launch of Gin Bar at Rosewood London. 400 bottles of gin now line the walls of the Holborn Dining Room making it the largest collection in London and we all know just how much London loves its gin. Add in 27 different tonic waters and one signature water made using a secret recipe and you have more than 14,000 different combinations – or so we’ve been told. So that’s this weekend’s drinks sorted then (and probably the rest of your life).
Where: Rosewood London, High Holborn, London, United Kingdom
Website: www.rosewoodhotels.com
Warhol Icons
Iconic Work From Andy Warhol
You don’t have to be an art connoisseur to know or recognise Andy Warhol’s work. Which is why if you want a dose of art this weekend then you need to head to the Halcyon Gallery, which this week saw the launch of Warhol Icons. Over 100 pieces spanning his entire career are on display including graphics, portfolios, original works and portraits of iconic figures such as Muhammad Ali. You’ll be able to see pieces such as the rarely-seen Anatom (Rado Watches) and the Campbell’s Soup 1 portfolio.
Where: Halcyon Gallery, 144-146 New Bond Street, W1S 1SN
Website: http://www.halcyongallery.com/
Little Red Door at Jubjub Bar
Parisian Bar in East London
If you know your bars then chances are you’ve heard of Paris’ Little Red Door (it’s always gracing Best Bar articles). Before you say you can’t afford a trip to Paris, listen up – rather than going to the Little Red Door, the Little Red Door is coming to us and they preview their new Evocative Menu at Callooh Callay’s JubJub Bar. 11 works of art created by international painters, creatives and sculptors will be represented by 11 distinctive cocktails. You have until Sunday to try them.
Where: Jubjub Bar, 65 Rivington Street, EC2A 3AY
Website: http://www.calloohcallaybar.com/jub-jub-bar/
Shakespeare: 400 Years On
Free Shakespeare Performances
It’s been 400 years since Shakespeare’s death, so to celebrate the greatest playwright of all time (and his birthday) the London Contemporary Theatre are putting on a series of free afternoon performances of Much A Do About Nothing and A Midsummer’s Night Dream in Broadgate Circle this Saturday. We say head to one of the restaurants in the circle, eat al fresco and watch the performance.
Where: Broadgate Circle, Broadgate, EC2M
Website: http://www.broadgate.co.uk/Shakespeare400YearsOn
Free Pizza for Marathon Runners
You've Earnt It
If there was ever going to be a time when you can justify gorging yourself on pizza it’s after running 26.2 miles. All you need to do is book a table in advance at Rocket in Holborn and present your medal post-race to get your hands on any pizza for free. We’re talking classics such as pastrami and pepperoni and new toppings including smoked black pudding and bbq pulled pork shoulder. Get running!
Where: Rocket, 36-38 Kingsway, Holborn, WC2B 6EY
Website: http://www.rocketrestaurants.co.uk/venues/holborn/
Harrods Coffee Connoisseur’s Breakfast Masterclass
Free Coffee Masterclass at Harrods
If you missed London Coffee Festival, or even if you went to it and want more caffeine-related activity on the weekend, Harrods are holding a breakfast masterclass for coffee connoisseurs on Sunday from 9.45-11.30am. Hosted by the Harrods Coffee Roaster with tips from experts, guests will learn about the processes of coffee and Harrods’ history with the drink as well as the chance to blend their own. To book, email foodhallsmasterclass@harrods.com and quote The Handbook.
Where: Tea & Coffee Room, Harrods Foods Halls, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL
Website: http://www.harrods.com
Also on this weekend: St George’s Day at Borough Market, Shakespeare in Shoreditch Festival at BL-NK, The Complete Walk: free, interactive celebration of Shakespeare’s plays with 37 outdoor screens showing 10 minute films
