11 Fun Things To Do This Weekend
The first weekend of June is here, and with that, there’s plenty to look forward to in London’s buzzing social calendar. Whether you’d like to watch a new film, go out for brunch or enjoy some art, there’s plenty to pick from.
Luckily, you don’t have to do the research, because we’ve done it for you. From summer terraces in full bloom to immersive experiences, music festivals and art exhibitions, here are our picks of what to do this weekend.
Visit Sea Containers Beach House Terrace
Enjoy a (hopefully) sun-drenched afternoon with a view of the Thames at Sea Containers Restaurant and enjoy seasonal dishes including sea bass ceviche tacos, four-cheese croquettes or crispy cod goujons with malt vinegar fries and freshly shucked English coastal oysters. The restaurant has teamed up with French champagne house, Laurent-Perrier this season for an exquisite summer terrace special that promises al fresco dining at its finest. Just hope for some sun!
Where: Sea Containers Restaurant
Website: www.seacontainerslondon.com
Celebrate Ardbeg Day with an immersive experience
Don your finest dark circus attire and delve into the world of Ardbeg at this immersive whisky experience that celebrates the brand’s limited-edition release of their new offering, Ardbeg Spectacular. Inspired by the whisky’s peculiar extravaganza of flavours, there will be theatrical performances, circus-themed games, DJs, a costume competition and of course, whisky tasting.
When: 1st June
Where: Cafe 1001, 91 Brick Lane
Website: www.eventbrite.co.uk
Head to Summer By The River
Theatre, music, food, shopping, pop-ups – it’s all coming back to the riverside with the return of Summer By the River, London’s annual summer festival by the Thames. Kicking off this weekend, it’s the perfect way to welcome the season with friends and family. This weekend, London musician Kaidi Akinnibi will be taking to the stage and performing some tunes. The river festival will be on all summer with regular screenings too, so you can watch Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, the Olympics and Test Cricket over strawberries and Pimm’s by the river.
Where: Tower bridge
Website: londonbridgecity.co.uk
Explore London’s art galleries
A free to attend event that brings together over 130 of London’s leading contemporary galleries, the London Gallery Weekend takes place from the 31st to the 2nd. A great opportunity to discover London’s world-class art scene, even if you have no prior knowledge of it, the programme includes exhibitions, performances, kid-friendly events and curated gallery routes by eminent British personalities in the art, fashion and design space including Edward Enninful and Laura Weir.
When: 31st to 2nd June
WHERE: ACROSS LONDON
Website: londongalleryweekend.art
Say hello to Paddington
This new multi-room, immersive experience is designed to take you into the world of London’s favourite bear, Paddington. Explore recognisable locations from the Paddington stories, step inside the Brown’s famous tree adorned hallway, hop aboard a full-sized train carriage and even try Paddington’s favourite marmalade sandwich. This one’s great to take the kids along to for a family day out.
When: from 31st may
Where: London County Hall
Website: paddingtonbearexperience.com
Attend the Mighty Hoopla Festival
A pop-festival designed to champion diverse talent and create a safe, inclusive safe to celebrate, Mighty Hoopla is back this weekend with a stellar line-up including performances by Drag Race UK winner, Ginger Johnson, Nelly Furtado, Jessie Ware and En Vogue. There will also be Taylor Swift and Disney themed sing-a-longs, Bingo and lots more to keep you singing, dancing and smiling through the weekend.
When: 1st and 2nd June
Where: Brockwell
Website: mightyhoopla.com
Take a picture with Timothée Chalamet (sort of…)
Madame Tussaud’s has a brand new figure in its room of celebrities, and that is none other than Timothée Chalamet. The wax figure of the Dune actor dons the Alexander McQueen suit that he wore for the Dune: Part 1 London premier, and was donated by the fashion house. He also wears statement boots donated by Chalamet himself. With this latest addition, Chalamet joins fellow Hollywood superstars Zendaya, John Boyega Leonardo DiCaprio, Dwayne Johnson and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who also have their own wax figures here.
Where: madame Tussaud’s
Website: www.madametussauds.com
Shop swimwear at this pop-up
If you’re looking to elevate your swimwear this season, head to Hunza G’s summer pop-up to shop exclusive products and get to know more about their unique crinkle-cut swimwear that now has quite the cult following. With stores in London and LA, Hunza G often has a long queue of eager customers, so get there early in the day to make the most of it. A great place to shop for your summer holiday essentials, Hunza G’s iconic colours and shapes make the perfect additions to your summer staples.
Where: 35-37 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden
Website: www.hunzag.com
Try a new bottomless brunch menu
Chotto Matte, a restaurant inspired by the rich heritage of Japan and Peruvian culinary traditions, is launching a new ‘Rhythm of the Andes’ bottomless brunch that kickstarts on 1st June and runs for five weeks.
Available every Saturday, the brunch experience will include entertainment including performers and DJ’s, and an eclectic menu paired with Pommery Brut Royal champagne. Highlights include Inca sushi – crispy spicy tuna sushi topped with gold leaf, Peruvian inspired arroz chaufa and corn ribs. If you’re looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday afternoon, this sounds like just the place.
Where: Soho
Website: chotto-matte.com
Book ahead: Rhythm & Ruse
Enjoy an immersive experience with magic, live jazz and some incredible cocktails at Rhythm & Ruse. With world-class magicians who are bound to leave you spellbound to some of London’s finest cabaret acts, plus an open bar serving prosecco, wine and cocktails, this is one experience you’re not going to want to miss. Tickets go on sale on 1st June – so book ahead now to get your spot.
when: 29th August onwards (tickets go on sale on 1st june)
where: The Vaults, waterloo
Website: rhythmandruse.com
One to travel for:
Attend a music + food festival
The UK’s biggest touring celeb food and music festival is heading to St Alban’s this weekend, with headlining act Blue all set to perform your favourite nostalgia-dripping tracks. A festival that celebrates food as much as music, you can expect MasterChef champions, Michelin-starred and top local chefs cooking their signature summer recipes, street food stalls, artisan markets and lots more. Plus, a highly entertaining chilli eating competition that’s likely to bring some drama to the festival.
When: 31st may to 2nd june
where: oaklands college, st. alban’s
Website: foodiesfestival.com