We were a little on the sour side when the last bank holiday ended but guess what? It’s time to do it all over again! OK, so we don’t have four days to fill but swerving the Monday blues with a raving rooftop or a dose of Cinco de Mayo will do just fine. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite bank hols activities below which, granted, may lead to a tired Tuesday but a whole lot of fun all the same. Have a good’un…
Night Tales Summer Terrace Launch
East London’s largest sun terrace opens with a bank holiday weekend celebration, creating the ultimate haunt for afternoon hands, early evening drinks and late-night ravers to kickback and party all night long. Night Tales will be hosting three days of lively music, guilty-pleasure food vendors and a never-ending selection of drinks to fuel you for the entire weekend. If it’s the music you’re headed for, Grainger & Friends, Theo Kottis and Soul Clap will be pulling out all the stops to get the summer vibes flowing, alongside street vendors Nanny Bills, Mama Jerk and Sons of Slice – powering you with everyone favourite guilty pleasures.
Running 2nd-4th of May
Where: 14 Bohemia Place, Mare Street, E8 1DU
Website: www.nighttales.com
The Fox Club
Private members’ clubs you can gain access to sans membership are few and far between, which is why we’re super excited about The Fox Club’s offering which we highly recommend you jump on this weekend! The club, which comes with a rich and intriguing history, is a dab-hand at offering exquisite food, cosy stays and romantic interiors and they’re offering up the chance to become a temp member and stay in one of their eight luxuriously decadent rooms. For a good bit of bijou and a sleep in dreamy luxury, it’s The Fox Club!
Find more information about the offer right here
Where: 46 Clarges Street, London, W1J 7ER, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Green Park (0.1 miles)
Website: www.foxclublondon.com
Dabber's Next Top Bingo Caller
On the hunt for a new career? The capitals biggest and best new bingo hall, Dabbers Social Bingo is seeking a fresh face to hail at its ‘New Top Bingo Caller’ Of course, no previous required would be needed but if you’ve dabbled in bingo slang, have impeccable comedy timing and have what it takes to light up a room, they want you. Applications are closed but the competition of a lifetime begins this weekend, with competitors given the chance to illuminate the stage alongside an established bingo MC and you can view all those exposed in the centre stage beckoning their hearts out in the first round.
Running on Sundays, from May until June.
Where: 18-22 Houndsditch, EC3A 7DB
Website: www.dabbers.bingo
River Walk Market
Residing just at the foot of Battersea Power Station is River Walk Market, a foodie hub that will launch officially this Saturday. Independent food and drink is at the helm of the location, created by the founders of Real Food Festivals, the names behind some of the most coveted and scrumptious food events London has to offer. Every Saturday, River Walk Market will be host to independent food and drink producers, artists, designers, street food and live musicians.
Where: Circus West Village, Sopwith Way, Battersea, SW8 4NS
Website: Find Them Here
The Perception at W London
For a cocktail menu that rivals the rest you’ve simply got to get yourselves down to The Perception at W London this weekend. Cocktails boast names like ‘Get Wasted’ – a box we’re sure most of you will be ticking – alongside an avocado and chili infused Margarita, popping pink candy floss wonder and more quirky, Baz Luhrrman-esque concoctions!
Available now
Where: 10 Wardour Street, Leicester Square, London, W1D 6QF, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus (0.2 miles)
Website: www.theperceptionbar.com
Exhibition Challenging Human Behaviour: Sisyphus In Retrograde
‘Sisyphus in Retrograde’ showcases five artists whose work references ancient knowledge and features sculpture through performance, movement and sound. Curated by Aindrea Emelife of Aindrea Contemporary and Gabriella Sonabend of London Curotorial, the exhibition explores themes surrounding technology and the environment – posing the important questions challenging human behaviour.
Running until the Saturday 4th May
Where: Regent's Place
Website: www.regentsplace.com
5 New London – Inspired Afternoon Teas That You Can’t Miss
If you’re British, you’ve likely indulged in an afternoon tea at some point or other and squabbled over whether or not it’s jam first or cream. To continue that debate, we’ve rounded up a handful of new London inspired afternoon teas that we believe will appeal to your sweet tooth!
Website: Find Them All Here
Cinco Your Teeth Into These Cinco De Mayo Events
Cinco de Mayo means two things; firstly that the French were up to no good in the nineteenth century but secondly that it’s time for lots, and lots of tequila. To commemorate the 5th of May’s Cinco de Mayo celebration of Mexican culture, a ton of restaurants have clubbed together to provide you with the following…
Website: Find Them Here
The Rubens at the Palace
For an afternoon tea fit for a royal get Rubens on the radar. Their Royal Afternoon Tea offering is ablast with thoughtful inclusions such as pastries that were heavily influenced by Royal events and dining trends, inspired by Her Majesty the Queen’s, the House of Stuart, Prince William and Prince Harry. Coupled with the sweet stuff are marvellous teas and bubbles to wash down macarons, scones and more. For a slice of quintessential Britishness this bank hols, it’s got to be The Rubens at the Palace.
Where: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria, SW1W 0PS
Nearest station: London Victoria (0.2 miles)
Website: www.rubenshotel.com
Searcys at The Gherkin
Ok, so we’re cheating because this event isn’t exactly this weekend but we’re willing you to book your tickets now so you don’t miss out next Friday! Yep, you’ll be chiming TGIF if you grab a slot at this three-course dinner that comes equipped not only with charming food, but charming views! Alas, Searcys at The Gherkin is offering up a quintessentially British evening where Nyetimber English sparkling wine will be flowing. At the helm, you’ll reach new wine heights with the help of the marvellous Karim LeCloarec, who is no less than the GM and Head Sommelier of Searcys. You’ll whet your whistle with the wine, before journeying through different forms as you enjoy four delicious courses. So, for a room with a (serious) view – and a whole lotta wine – book now!
Event takes place on Friday 10th of May, but buy your tickets now!
Where: 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin), Saint Mary Axe, London, United Kingdom
Nearest station: London Fenchurch Street (0.2 miles)
Website: www.searcysatthegherkin.co.uk
Free Bottomless Drinks At The Piano Works
If you’ve managed to recover enough since their last bank holiday extravaganza over Easter, then prepare to be blown away with The Piano Works biggest and loudest party to date. On May 5th and May 26th, free bottomless drinks, including prosecco, Aperol Spritz, and for those feeling a little fragile, bloody marys plus soft drinks, will all be on offer during their brunch helping to make this holiday one to remember.
Sunday 5th May and Friday 26th May
Where: Various Locations
Website: www.pianoworks.com
Don Julio Cinco De Mayo Brunch
It’s not just our bank holiday we should be celebrating this weekend, it’s also, of course, Mexico’s national holiday, Cinco de Mayo – a celebration of colour and a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage. Mexican restaurant Ella Canta has teamed up with luxury tequila brand Don Julio to transport you to Mexican while you enjoy their Mexican inspired feast this bank holiday weekend. The free course brunch will include fried eggs over soft corn tortillas, quesadilla with corn and Oaxaca cheese and everyone’s favourite devilish treat – Mexican churros, all paired with DonJulio cocktails.
Saturday 4th May and Sunday 5th May
Where: Ella Canta, One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7QY
Website: www.ellacanta.com
Dinner At 26 Grains In Neil’s Yard
The aesthetically pleasing 26 Grains in Neil’s Yard has started to open in the evenings, just in time for the warm summer nights ahead. Opening Wednesday through until Saturday, the next dinner menu focuses on the simplicity of seasonal cooking with top-quality ingredients – with a weekly changing set menu on offer too. From 6pm onwards, the lights will be dimmed and the kitchen will rustle up the perfect dish for a date night or a treat with the friends.
Open Now
Where: 1 Neal's Yard, WC2H 9DP
Website: www.26grains.com
TOAST Creative Residency
Hoping to encourage women to try something new and see where is could lead, lifestyle brand TOAST will be hosting its first ever Creative Residency inspired by their Spring Summer collection ‘The Unknown Path’. The weekend will be filled with a series of talks and workshops designed to unravel a new creative potential you never thought you had. Along with Molly Martin who will be available for teachings in repairs, helping to give your garments a new lease of life.
Saturday 4th May until Monday 6th May
Where: Paper Mill Studio, Islington
Website: www.toast.co.uk
Pop Brixton Fiest For Cinco De Mayo
Party like you’re across the world celebrating Cinco De Mayo in person at Pop Brixton. A mix of international live music, female-fronted mariachis, DJs, traditional dance, spiced delicacies and wild colourful décor, of course, with an authentic Mexican twist. Vibe out to Candeleros with their psychedelic Cumbria and afro-Latin rhythms alongside the female mariachis duo, Las Guadalupes and Jari Castillo.
Sunday 5th May
Where: 49 Brixton Station Rd, Brixton, SW9 8PQ
Website: www.popbrixton.com
The Secret Gin Garden
Explore a hidden oasis in the heart of the city and discover a carefully hand-picked selection of premium gins from old favourites to distinct new artisan offerings. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or a newbie to the scene, the evening’s entertainment will be filled with masterclasses from gin experts, mixologists, food pairings which match the aromatic flavours perfectly and of course like all the best parties, live music. It’ll be an intimate evening to remember, with only 150 guests.
Tuesday 8th May
Where: Location TBC
Website: www.thesecretgingarden.com
Gift Card Discounts At STK London on The Strand
The weather in the city is always questionable, so even if the sun doesn’t shine through the clouds this weekend, STK London on The Strand has a deal which will make you feel like it did. Anyone who uses an STK gift card across the weekend will get an additional 25% off the gifts card’s value towards the total bill. If you’ve had one too many the night before, there’s also the famous weekend roast on offer, with the option to upgrade to bottomless champagne on Saturday’s and Sunday’s.
From Friday 3rd May until Monday 6th May
Where: 336-337 The Strand, WC2R 1HA
Website: www.stksteakhouse.com
Free Yoga Classes
For lovers of yoga without the expense, evveervital have launched weekly free yoga classes at their first new store in Canary Wharf. The fitness brand aims to revolutionise your active life with multi-hybrid activewear created with only the best quality material and tasteful designs, hoping to empower the modern woman to be naturally strong to succeed all of her dreams, and the yoga sessions will be a celebration of this.
Running every Wednesday, 8:15-9am and Sundays, 11am-12pm.
Where: Lower Mall-2, Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf, E14 5NY
Website: www.evveervital.com
Belsazar Vermouth’s Summer Spirit
A celebrate the long-awaited start of summer, No. 29 Power Station West, an independent neighbourhood bar and restaurant, invites to you to join them with the arrival of their Belsazar Vermouth’s Summer Spritz. It’s the season to relish in a refreshing beverage when the suns in full swing, which is why this Rosé with tonic is the perfect solution, alongside the beautiful floral displays showcased at the bar for the Chelsea Flower Show.
Running throughout the summer season
Where: No. 29 Power Station West - Battersea Power Station, 29 Circus West, SW11 8NN
Website: www.no29powerstationwest.co.uk
Canalway Cavalcade Gin Pairing Cruise
Sail around the Thames in style this bank holiday with Fishers Gin and London Shell Co for a one-off event, Canalway Cavalcade illuminated boat procession. Enjoy a three-course seafood menu paired with four drinks from Fishers Gin, an authentic coastal spirit distilled in the beautiful seaside town of Aldeburgh in Suffolk, whilst travelling through Notting Hill at twilight, where you’ll join the illuminated boat procession near Labroke Grove.
Sunday 5th May
Where: London Shell Co, The Prince Regent, Sheldon Square, W26EP
Website: www.londonshellco.com
70’s Night at Mews of Mayfair
Whack out your best dancing shoes this Saturday with best grooving tunes from the 70s with the Bee Gees, Abba and many more. No need to feel nervous about whacking out your flares or stilettos as at this disco night fancy dress is fully encouraged allowing you test out your moves and channel the inner disco diva waiting to be unleashed.
Sunday 5th May – UPDATE: tickets now sold out.
Where: 10 Lancashire Court, New Bond Street, W1S 1EY
Website: www.mayfairmewstickets.com
Whiskey & Wings Banquet
Fancy a visit to the home of guilt-free chicken? Wings of the World Banquet at Clutch Chicken is a Kentucky-fried dream, providing guests with finger lickin’ chicken from internationally inspired wings to a selection of ultimate Bulleit Whiskey Sours including, a Spicy Mango Sour, a fresh Basil and zingy Pineapple Sour and the Hero Sour. If you love chicken then this one’s for you!
Where: Clutch, 4 Ravenscroft S, E2 7QG
Website: Get Your Tickets Here
The Soak
The Soak is Victoria’s latest exciting foodie offering that showcases a temptations menu based on soaking, fermenting, steeping and brining techniques. To celebrate its anticipated April opening SOAK is offering 20% off food until the 31st of July – eek! Simply quote SOAKFOOD.
Where: 101 Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria, SW1W 0SJ
Website: Find More Here
Bad Bra Amnesty
LFW supplier and renowned underwear brand, sloggi, is continuing to banish uncomfortable underwear by launching a ‘Bad bra amnesty’ – with free bras for those who are desperate to ditch their the wire bras. Taking place on May 3rd, customers need to bring their old bras into their store at Boxpark Shoreditch and sloggi will trade it for a brand new Zero Feel bra from their new SS19 range.
Friday 3rd May
Where: 2-10 Bethnal Green Rd, Hackney, E1 6GY
Website: www.sloggi.com
The Queen's Yard Summer Party
Where: 94 Wallis Road, Hackney E9 5LN
Website: www.percolatemusic.co.uk