How To Spend This Sunny June Weekend

London is starting to feel very sporty already – tennis season is finally here, and there’s lots of buzz around the release of the new F1 film, starring Brad Pitt, ahead of the actual British Grand Prix. Plus, we’ve got our eyes on new summer cocktails and rooftop bars to hang out at while the sun is out. Here’s our guide for what’s hot this June weekend:
Book ahead for London’s ultimate cocktail festival
London’s greatest cocktail festival is back this summer for two alfresco cocktail-filled weekends. At Cocktails in the City, you can look forward to discovering the best bars in London in one beautiful garden, along with delicious street food, tastings and live music. Plus, the festival has partnered exclusively with The Handbook to give our readers two free cocktails along with their tickets, which includes access to all areas. To access the offer, head to the link below and book your early-bird tickets.
where: Bedford Square Gardens, London, WC1B 3HH.
website: www.cocktailsinthecity.com

Enjoy an Italian summer feast
Fridays in Soho just got a lot better with Bocconcino’s summer sessions, the restaurant’s weekly celebration of Italian flavours. Served every Friday from 2 pm to 5:30 pm in the elegant lounge, counter, and outdoor terrace, look forward to a delicious mixed antipasti board with a selection of premium Italian cured meats and cheeses, arancini balls, tomatoes and pickled zucchini and oysters, freshly shucked and served on ice.
where: 59 Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7JY
website: www.bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk

Book ahead for a VIP experience at the British GP
The British Grand Prix, one of the highlights of the sporting summer, is almost here, and for those desperate to get a ticket, there are some unmissable hospitality options at Silverstone. The Octane Terrace and Fusion Lounge are two premium offerings for those who are serious about their racing and also love luxury and style. (Although these tickets sell out fast and won’t be available for long, so snap them up while you still can). There’s no better location for on-track viewing – both have prime vantage points at crucial stages of the iconic Silverstone track. Also expect free-flowing drinks from the complimentary bar, delicious menus crafted by Michelin-starred Chefs, non-stop entertainment and exclusive after-parties.
Where: Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN
Website: www.silverstone.co.uk
Attend this cooking class
Join Chef Theo Randall at the InterContinental London Park Lane, where he will pass on expert knowledge and culinary secrets from over 20 years of experience in the world’s best kitchens. You can observe Theo create flavourful dishes with a glass of sparkling wine before sitting down to a four-course tasting menu, with sommelier-guided wine pairings. Available to book for £195 per person, the next Theo Randall Cookery Masterclass is on 27th June.
Where: InterContinental London Park Lane, One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7QY
Website: www.theorandall.com

Watch the new F1 film starring Brad Pitt
Love some adrenaline-pumping drama? Brad Pitt‘s long-awaited film, F1, tells the story of a driver returning to his racing career after a decades-long absence, and hits cinemas today. Starring alongside him are Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin), Damson Idris (Black Mirror) and Javier Bardem (Dune: Part Two), in what is set to be one of this year’s most nail-bitingly intense dramas.
where: across London
website: www.odeon.co.uk/films/f1-the-moviE

Treat yourself to a staycation
Pan Pacific London’s exclusive Concert Stay package in the Walbrook Suite is designed for music lovers looking to elevate their experience.
Pan Pacific London has the perfect way to turn your night of music into an unforgettable staycation.
Kick off the night with a welcome glass of champagne, set the mood with a vinyl player and bespoke records, and get concert-ready with a Jo Loves Concert Kit. After the show, unwind with a themed in-room treat and leg recovery boots before a delicious breakfast in Straits Kitchen.
Where: 80 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7AB, United Kingdom
Website: www.panpacific.com

Attend this Parisian-inspired dinner party
Mistress of Mayfair, a gorgeous Parisian-inspired restaurant and late-night entertainment lounge, has introduced Soirée Sundays, the perfect indulgent night out. This dinner party series is the first of its kind for the restaurant, and brings together decadent dining, theatrical cocktails, live DJ sets and a lavish atmosphere in the heart of Mayfair. You can enjoy some decadent new dishes on the menu, including the Mistress Jacket Potato, topped with Oscietra caviar and crème fraîche, the signature golden nuggets with caviar, and a delicate octopus carpaccio.
Where: 48 ST. JAMES’S STREET, MAYFAIR, SW1A 1JT
website: www.mistressofmayfair.com

Explore Battersea’s river walk market
Just in time for summer, the River Walk Market is making its return to Battersea Power Station, with a lineup of mouth-watering food and drink. Set along the Thames with the Power Station as its backdrop, the market will feature an exciting mix of stalls including Cornish Gouda Co, Midnight Pantry, BeeHappier, TOSKA’s Cakes, and more, so you can expect everything from natural wine and artisan cheeses to handmade chocolates, chutneys and baked goods. From design-led boutiques and global food concepts at Arcade Food Hall, to panoramic views from Lift 109, the glass elevator experience inside the building’s north-west chimney, there’s plenty to enjoy.
where: Battersea Power Station, London SW11 8BJ
website: www.batterseapowerstation.co.uK

Visit a stunning terrace bar
This summer, the bar terrace at Le Pont de la Tour has transformed into Pont Plage, a playful riverside escape inspired by the French Riviera. Expect real sand, striped deck chairs, vibrant umbrellas and a sunny soundtrack – this is your slice of Côte d’Azur right on the Thames. Plus, for the daily Pink Hour, you can expect beach vibes with trays of complimentary Mirabeau Spritz every 15 minutes from 5 to 6pm on weekdays and 12 to 1pm on weekends.
A playful riverside escape inspired by the French Riviera.
where: 36D Shad Thames, London SE1 2YE
website: www.lepontdelatour.co.uk

Attend this free art workshop
As part of Wembley Park’s Summer Rocks, a season of free outdoor events that run from June to August, we spotted free art workshops running every Saturday. Led by celebrated artist Laxmi Hussain, these relaxed morning sessions are perfect for all levels, whether you’re picking up a pencil for the first time or brushing up your technique. Held at Elvin Gardens in Wembley Park, each class explores figure and form using blue tones, a signature of Laxmi’s style. All materials are provided and sessions are free, but booking is encouraged.
Where: Elvin Gardens, Wembley Park, Wembley, UK
Website: www.wembleypark.com

Sip on limited-edition cocktails
This is your last chance to get your hands on The Little Violet Door’s limited-edition PRIDE cocktail. The Kinky Boots, a fabulous mix of Absolut Vodka, raspberry, and vanilla, served with a rainbow strip, is a fruity, flamboyant, and totally photo-worthy drink that will be available until the end of June.
Additionally, £1 from every sale will be donated to Stonewall Charity, a UK-based LGBTQ+ rights charity.
Where: 9 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PH
website: www.thelittlevioletdoor.co.uk

