15 Chic Ways To Spend The Final Spring Weekend

Soak up the riverside views at this terrace

If you are looking to elevate your al fresco dining plans, head straight to Sam’s Riverside in Hammersmith, which has reopened its beautiful summer terrace in partnership with luxury Champagne brand Pommery.

Guests can sip on sparkling pours while capturing the afternoon sunshine and soaking up unmatched views of Hammersmith Bridge. The brasserie’s full menu is available to enjoy outside, featuring hyper-locally sourced, exceptional seasonal dishes ranging from classic oysters to Dorset crab toast.

Where: 1 Crisp Rd, London W6 9DN
Website: www.samsriverside.com

Enjoy a taste of Provence high above the city

This summer, Coq d’Argent is bringing the taste of Provence high above the City of London with its new ‘Endless Lunch in the Garden’ experience, running every Friday and Saturday afternoon.

Set within the venue’s iconic rooftop gardens, guests can settle in for a slow, sun-soaked afternoon complete with a four-course seasonal menu and free-flowing Mirabeau rosé. The theatrical focal point is live fire cooking on Big Green Eggs, where chefs grill fresh seafood, meats, and summer vegetables over charcoal against the backdrop of the stunning London skyline.

Where: 1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ
Website: www.coqdargent.com

Escape to this floral summer terrace

34 Mayfair has just unveiled its gorgeous ‘Sparkling Mayfair Summer’ terrace on South Audley Street, bringing a world in full bloom to the heart of London.

In partnership with English sparkling wine house Nyetimber, the takeover celebrates the launch of their limited-edition ‘English Summer’ Rosé Multi-Vintage bottle. Diners can soak up the atmosphere while pairing these crisp, elegant bubbles with raw dishes like tuna crudo or indulge in the restaurant’s iconic lobster mac and cheese alongside a specially crafted strawberry mousse and Nyetimber sorbet.

Where: 34 Grosvenor Sq, S Audley St, London W1K 2HD
Website: www.34mayfair.com

The Ivy kids meals

This weekend marks your last chance to enjoy The Ivy’s ‘Kids Dine On Us’ initiative.

In a bid to make family time even easier, this May half-term, children aged 12 and under can eat completely free when dining with an adult ordering a main course. Young diners can tuck into a complimentary lunch or dinner set menu, or test out the new permanent breakfast options, which feature kid-friendly favourites like fluffy buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs on sourdough, and mini full breakfasts.

Where: venues across London
Website: www.theivy.com

Eat ice cream and sip wine here

If the warmer weather calls for one thing, it is copious amounts of ice cream. The Dreamery more than understands this assignment, serving up a curated selection of flavours alongside fresh glasses of natural wine.

If the warmer weather calls for one thing, it is for copious amounts of ice cream to be consumed and The Dreamery more than understands the assignment.

Step past the mysterious doorway, and you’ll find a tiny, mirror-lined space crowned by a kaleidoscopic, hand-painted ceiling mural that sets a dreamlike backdrop for your evening. The rotating menu features six small-batch, seasonal gelato scoops at a time. Think inventive combinations like salted ricotta & blueberry or pear & coffee, which can be expertly paired with a funky orange wine or a chilled Pet Nat.

Where: 20a Halliford St, London N1 3HD
Website: www.thedreamery.com

Catch this exhibition before it closes

This weekend marks your last opportunity to catch this landmark exhibition at The National Portrait Gallery. Catherine Opie: To Be Seen showcases photographic portraits by American artist Catherine Opie.

This work questions representations of home, intimacy and family, politics, identity and power structures. This exhibition spans early pieces like Being and Having (1991), through to Baroque-like portraits of fellow artists. The exhibition officially ends on May 31st, so make sure to head down to the National Portrait Gallery this weekend if you haven’t already.

Where: St. Martin’s Pl, London WC2H 0HE
Website: www.nationalportraitgallery.com

Dive into this grand afternoon tea

Set inside the spectacular, historic Grand Banking Hall of The Ned, Millie’s Lounge offers a truly glamorous backdrop for a classic British afternoon tea.

Guests can relax in plush, velvety booths while indulging in a beautifully curated tiered selection of delicate finger sandwiches, warm homemade scones, and intricately crafted seasonal cakes. Perfect for a weekday treat or an elegant Saturday catch-up, the experience can be elevated with a glass of champagne while taking in the live music and bustling atmosphere of the City’s most striking venue.

Where: 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
Website: www.thened.com

Kickstart the weekend early at Perola

Pérola Bar, the glamorous 15th-floor cocktail destination at Art’otel Battersea Power Station, is hosting an exclusive Ronnie Scott’s live music session this Thursday, and it isn’t one to miss.

Guests can enjoy an evening of soulful music as the band Sarabanda fills the sky-high space with a vibrant mix of classic and modern Cuban songs, complete with an impressive vocal duo and live brass. It’s the ultimate excuse to scale the heights of Battersea, take in sweeping panoramic views of the iconic power station, and sip on sophisticated, Iberian-inspired signature cocktails.

Where: 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ
Website: www.perola.com

Check out this Julep pop-up

Covent Garden cocktail bar Cato, affectionately known as The House of Julep, is bringing a taste of Kentucky to the heart of London this Saturday with its exclusive Julep Party.

Named after Cato Alexander, the legendary bartender for whom the mint julep was the drink of choice, the bar is the ultimate spot to honour this iconic bourbon-based Southern cocktail.

Drop by from 3pm to enjoy £10 Mint Juleps alongside freshly shucked oysters, with no bookings required for this lively, walk-in-only celebration.

Where: 17 Mercer St, London WC2H 9QJ
Website: www.cato.com

Go for a swim in one of London’s outdoor pools

With the sun officially out in London, outdoor swimming season is officially upon us. From wild dips in the Hampstead ponds to doing lengths in Tooting lido, there are plenty of places to go for a quick swim this weekend.

However, if you are looking to elevate the experience, perhaps with a skyline city view or with a post-swim trip to the spa, check out our guide to London’s most luxurious pools.

Explore this exhibition

For this weekend’s cultural billing, head to Somerset House to explore its newly opened Holy Pop! exhibition.

The fascinating showcase looks at how we idolise pop stars, cult figures, and fictional characters as a form of contemporary devotion. It explores the unique ways fans express their loyalty through contemporary shrines and personal memorabilia, ranging from tributes to Princess Diana and Prince to Harry Potter’s Dobby the Elf.

The captivating journey through pop culture history even highlights an extraordinary artefact of artistic obsession: a piece of Nina Simone’s actual chewing gum, famously saved by musician Warren Ellis.

Holy Pop really shines a spotlight (no pun intended) on the obsession around celebrities in popular culture. It really is an eye opening exhibition.

Kitty, Social Media Director

Where: Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Website: www.somersethouse.com

Book your seat at London’s most exclusive table

For those of you looking for an alternative night out, L’oscar’s new immersive dining experience needs to be added to your radar. Seating just 25 people per night, this is one of London’s most exclusive events, and is complete with cabaret performances, curated wine pairings and, of course, a refined multi-course menu.

This new event series doesn’t kick off until next Friday, but tickets will go fast, so this is your reminder to secure your spot now.

To find out more about London’s most exclusive new night out, click here.

Where: 2-6 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AA
Book here: www.loscar.com

Try this elevated afternoon tea experience

Elevate your leisurely weekend afternoon with the launch of the gorgeous new St-Germain Afternoon Tea at TĪNG, located on Level 35 of Shangri-La The Shard.

This seasonal collaboration pairs stunning panoramic views of the London skyline with a floral-inspired menu of delicate pâtisserie and refined savouries. Bright citrus, ripe berries, and soft herbal accents are woven beautifully throughout the dishes, which can be enjoyed alongside vibrant, refreshing elderflower cocktails for the ultimate high-altitude indulgence.

Where: Level 35, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU
Website: www.tingshangrila.com

Escape to the Somerset hills

Osip, the Michelin restaurant-with-rooms from chef Merlin Labron-Johnson, has become the ultimate rural destination after relocating to a gorgeous, design-led 17th-century coaching inn just outside Bruton.

This summer, the retreat is giving food lovers an even greater reason to travel with the launch of Plot 26, an international guest chef series celebrating the connection between kitchen and land. The exclusive lineup features an array of global culinary heavyweights who are collaborating with Osip to craft one-off tasting menus. If you are looking to escape the city for the weekend, this needs to be added to your radar.

Where: 25 Kingsettle Hill, Hardway, Bruton BA10 0LN
Website: www.osip.com

Pay a visit to this food festival

Foodies Festival, affectionately known as ‘Gastro-Glastonbury’, is returning to St Albans this weekend for a massive, three-day gastronomic extravaganza.

Visitors can catch live cooking demonstrations from MasterChef champions and Great British Menu stars in the Chefs Theatre, learn the secrets to sweet showstoppers at the Cake & Bake stage, and challenge their taste buds with the legendary daily chilli-eating competitions. Once you’ve filled up on global street food from the bustling Feasting Tent, head over to the live music stage to enjoy headline afternoon performances from the likes of Boyzlife and Scouting for Girls.

Where: Oaklands College, East Drive, St Albans, AL4 0HS
Website: www.foodiesfestival.com