We’ve put together a guide of the best things to do this weekend, whether you want to celebrate the Coronation or avoid it altogether.
From royal-themed afternoon teas and giant screenings to West African foodie pop-ups and adventure-packed cinemas, read on to inspire your bank holiday plans…
13 Things To Do This Weekend, From Adventure Cinema To Garden Parties
Grab a seat at Battersea Power Station’s giant coronation screen
Battersea Power Station will be going to town for the upcoming royal weekend. There’ll be giant screens streaming the official service and procession so you can commemorate and feel part of the historic event.
Alongside the screen, there’ll be live music and performances – think Elton John and Spice Girls tribute acts – and street food vendors on hand to make it a weekend to remember.
WHEN: 06.05.2023 – 07.05.2023
WHERE: ACROSS BATTERSEA POWER STATION
WEBSITE: WWW.BATTERSEAPOWERSTATION.CO.UK
Catch a premiere at this film festival
The UK’s Asian Film Festival, Tongues On Fire, returns this month, bringing with it an epic line-up of films, directors and talent from the Asian community.
Taking place across venues around the UK, the festival will be screening independent films over the two weeks. Highlights include Siya, a powerful story of a girl fighting for justice after being sexually assaulted by a Member of the Legislative Assembly; Kamli, a female-fronted narrative tackling the challenges between loyalty and desires; and the UK premiere of Trans Kashmir, the documentary charting the struggles of transgender women of Kashmir.
When: Until 14.05.2023
Where: Across the UK
Website: www.tonguesonfire.com
Raise a toast to the King
Fancy a free glass of fizz? Head over to Thames-side wine bar Hithe + Seek this Saturday and receive a complimentary glass of Taittinger Rosé Champagne when you say the secret password: ‘fit for a king’*.
With unrivalled views across the Thames and live broadcasts of the coronation, this is the ultimate spot to spend the long weekend at.
Fancy making the occasion extra special? Book in for the hotel’s coronation Fit for a King package and you’ll be treated like royalty.
*Password can only be used on Saturday 6th May 2023 and redeemed once per person. The password must be quoted upon arrival when redeeming the complimentary drink.
when: 06.05.2023 – 07.05.2023
Where: 60 Upper Thames St., EC4V 3AD
Website:www.marriott.com
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Celebrate Cinco De Mayo
Can’t make it to Mexico? Head over to Notting Hill’s Los Mochis for the next best thing. The Mexican restaurant will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo in style, complete with traditional decorations, specialty dishes and cocktails.
On Friday 5th, the restaurant will take the festivities up a notch and there will be a traditional Mariachi band performing into the night.
When: Until 08.05.2023
Where: 2-4 Farmer Street, Notting Hill, W8 7SN
Website: www.losmochis.co.uk
Relax at our favourite sun-trap
If you find yourself in Covent Garden this weekend, head over to St Martins Lane London to soak up the festivities and relax in the sun.
They’ve teamed up with TRIP to launch the ultimate summer oasis, complete with refreshing cocktails, fresh seasonal dishes and cosy corners to while away the day on. Their cocktails are inspired by TRIP’s popular drinks flavours, from zingy peach and ginger CBD to refreshing elderflower and mint CBD.
Where: 45 St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden, WC2N 4HX
Website: www.ennismore.com
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Experience London’s biggest Coronation garden party
For the ultimate garden party this bank holiday, head on over to Mayfair’s Grosvenor Square. The free coronation party will be taking place across the weekend and there’s plenty of entertainment to get involved with.
Pitch up and grab a deckchair to watch the King’s Coronation on a big screen, refuel with ice cream from the Connaught Patisserie and make the most of the floral installations taking over the neighbourhood.
WHEN: 06.05.2023 – 07.05.2023
WHERE: ACROSS MAYFAIR
WEBSITE: WWW.MAYFAIRLDN.COM
Tuck into a Coronation menu
You can always count on London’s top restaurants to go all out on special occasions and the upcoming coronation is no exception. Expect the city’s hospitality scene to become awash with royal installations, crown-themed afternoon teas, desserts and cocktails even King Charles III will approve of. Here are a few of our favourites worth sampling…
Check out this West African foodie pop-up
Ahead of opening the highly anticipated Chishuru later this summer, West African chef Adejoké Bakare will be pitching up at Globe Tavern for two months.
Cooking alongside her chef pals Anna Higham and Sirichai Kulabwong, the Joké pop-up will feature a set menu inspired by her childhood and Nigerian traditions.
Standout dishes include Sinasir (rice and coconut pancakes with a summer squash puree; Abacha Mmri (cassava, young coconut and Scottish hand-dived scallops with a coconut dressing; and Celeriac Cake served with pumpkin seed sauce, endive and rice.
WHEN: 09.05.2023 – 01.07.2023
WHERE: 8 BEDALE STREET, SE1 9AL
WEBSITE: WWW.CHISHURU.COM
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Head to a boozy beer fest
Taking over Printworks this weekend will be the return of BrewLDN, the annual boozy festival celebrating all things beer and cider. Taking place this Friday and Saturday, this is the festival’s biggest line-up to date.
Expect huge brewing names including Brew York, Attic Brew Co., Blue Money Brewing, Camden Town Brewing, Fierce Beer, Jawbone Brewing, Laine Brew Co and Wine52 to be pitching up.
There’ll be plenty of foodie stands to soak up the alcohol too, from Chick and Sours to Meat and Bun by Gaucho, Freewheelin’ Pizza to The Duck Shed Curry on Naanstop.
When: 05.05.2023 – 06.05.2023
Where: Printworks, Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7PJ
Website: www.brewldn.com
Soak up the Coronation festivities
This could well be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of us so if you’re wanting to make the most of it, book in for one of the capital’s top events. From Coronation bus tours around the city to The Ritz London’s Coronation ball, there’s so much to see and do. Here’s our bumper guide on how to spend it.
3 Events Worth Travelling For
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Watch a film at this alfresco cinema
Outdoor cinema has returned! At the top of our list this summer is a visit to one of Adventure Cinema’s leading venues. The popular movie brand will be popping up across the country, bringing giant screens to some of the UK’s prettiest historic houses and gardens.
Adventure Cinema will be screening cult classics and new favourites, including Elvis, Grease, Top Gun: Maverick, Mamma Mia!, Pretty woman and more.
When: Various dates across the summer
Where: Various UK locations
Website: www.adventurecinema.co.uk
Don’t miss this retelling of Dickens’ classic
Who doesn’t love a Dickens’ retelling? Catch the latest adaptation of his ever-popular classic Oliver Twist.
The Lowry will be presenting a special retelling from Michael Rosen, combining Rosen’s Story and Dickens’ classic that inspired it. The perfect family-friendly performance, follow young Shona as she struggles to stay out of trouble at school and strange things begin happening around her.
When: until 07.05.2023
Where: The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3Az
Website: www.thelowry.com
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Catch a show at Brighton Festival
May is always our favourite month in Brighton. Get stuck into all of the cultural activities by visiting this week’s opening weekend of Brighton Festival.
The annual festival returns for a month-long line-up of theatre, music, comedy, dance, visual arts and circus performances.
When: 06.05.2023 – 28.05.2023
Where: Various venues across London
Website: www.brightonfestival.org
