How To spend This Warm July Weekend

There’s something special about the middle of July – summer holidays are on everyone’s mind, we know there are still plenty of sunny days ahead of us, and there’s an energy about London that feels infectious. It’s the perfect time to unwind at a wine festival, listen to some music or have a long, lazy lunch at one of London’s gorgeous summer terraces. If you’re on the lookout for fun things to do this weekend, we’ve got you covered:

Head to this free wine festival

A full-blown fiesta is heading to Hackney Bridge this weekend to celebrate 100 years of Rioja, the producers of some of Spain’s finest wines. Set to be London’s biggest free wine event this summer, you can look forward to 2 days of great wine, food and live music with 50 wines to sample, masterclasses with Olly Smith and top Rioja winemakers, and Pintxos, street food, live music & Spanish fiesta vibes.

Where: Hackney Bridge, East Bay Lane, London E15 2SJ
WHEN: 19TH & 20TH JULY
website: www.eventbrite.co.uK

Watch the Women’s Euros live at Fulham Pier

Fulham Pier is one of London’s hottest new openings this year, and the South London destination has plenty on for the whole family. If you’re looking for a spot to head to watch the Women’s Euros, this is a great place to visit. Matches will be screened live at the Riverside Market, and you can watch Spain versus Switzerland at 8pm on Friday, 18th July, and France vs. Germany at 8pm on Saturday, 19th July. Plus, take your pick of delicious street food while you’re here.

where: Stevenage Rd, Fulham, London SW6 6HH
website: www.fulhampier.com

Shop for second-hand fashion at this pop-up

This summer, the Charity Super. Mkt is bringing a curated edit of second-hand fashion from the UK’s most-loved charity retailers, all under one roof in Greenwich Peninsula. From a vibrant selection of pre-loved clothing to the best of band tees, one-of-a-kind pieces, cool denims and everything in between – this is conscious shopping at its best. This is a great spot to shop for summer fashion that looks great on you (and the planet).

where: NOW Gallery, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0SQ
website: www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk

Visit this new wine bar

If you’re looking for a nice spot to visit this weekend, we’d recommend trying out the new Wine Bar at Mayfair Farm Shop in Mount Street. Mirroring the wine bar aesthetic, walls are lined with a selection of global wines available to both drink in and take away. The space is great for a leisurely drink, and you can also enjoy Farm Shop’s sandwiches, pastries, seasonal bites, coffee and more. From 5pm the space will transform into the wine bar extension, offering more choices of seating.

where: mount street, london
website: www.mountstreetneighbourhood.com

Book this sky-high summer party

Dance into the summer season with a party like no other at the very top of London’s most iconic skyscraper, where you can celebrate over free-flowing Veuve Clicquot while you watch the sun set over the bustling city. You can look forward to an upbeat playlist with a live DJ bringing the best summer beats to you, and you can also enjoy canapés and bowl food as the summer sun sets.

where: The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8BF
website: www.sevenrooms.com

Visit the new Gianni Versace exhibition

The UK’s largest ever exhibition of vintage Gianni Versace has opened its doors, and it’s nothing short of iconic. Featuring over 450 original pieces, including replicas of legendary looks worn by Princess Diana, Naomi Campbell, Elton John, and more, many never been seen in the UK before. From opulent baroque prints to daring bondage designs, Gianni Versace’s visionary collections revolutionised fashion, and you can see it for yourself at this stunning exhibition.

The UK’s largest ever exhibition of vintage Gianni Versace has opened its doors.

where: 8 Bermondsey St, London SE1 2ER
website: www.archeslondonbridge.co.uk

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Take your kids to this pasta workshop

This summer, Theo Randall is inviting families to don their aprons and enjoy a hands-on culinary workshop designed especially for little chefs. The pasta workshops are a playful introduction to Italian cooking, followed by a relaxed lunch at the renowned Theo Randall Cucina Italiana. Following the pasta-making session, children will layer their own chocolate tiramisu to create a delicious dessert to take home.

Plus, while the children are busy learning, adults can look forward to an exclusive Negroni masterclass. After the workshop, families will gather to enjoy a leisurely two-course lunch together. The next workshop takes place on 19th July, so book your spot now.

where: InterContinental London Park Lane, One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7QY
website: www.designmynight.com

Explore this art-inspired culinary experience

Christie’s London‘s highly anticipated exhibition “Marwan: A Soul in Exile” has just opened in the city, featuring over 150 works from Marwan Kassab-Bachi’s oeuvre, providing a rare and moving exploration into Marwan’s artistic journey, renowned for his deeply expressive portraiture and profound reflections on exile, identity, and the human condition. And as the event partner for the exhibition, Jumeirah Carlton Tower is offering guests and visitors a unique experience that honours the life and legacy of the Syrian artist. One to explore is the hotel’s culinary experience inspired by the artist’s cultural heritage. At the specially designed coffee pop-up bar you can try 2 limited cakes that look incredible.

where: Knightsbridge, London SW1X 9PY, UK
website: www.jumeirah.com

Enjoy this decadent Italian brunch

Every Saturday, Bocconcino Mayfair hosts a fabulous brunch where Italian decadence meets Mayfair glamour. At Bocconcino’s Brunch Esclusivo, oysters and chilled Prosecco set the tone, followed by a curated menu that sings of summer indulgence. Start with crisp fried zucchini and oysters, then move to antipasti like Antipasto Misto Italia – a celebration of burrata, cured meats, and truffle arancini – or opt for the elegant Carpaccio di manzo.

Website: www.bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk

Explore the UK’s best cultural attractions with an art pass

The UK is home to some incredible cultural venues which regularly host exhibitions, talks, festivals, installations and more. In collaboration with Art Fund, The Handbook is offering the chance to win two National Art Passes, each with a plus guest membership. (More details here). Winners will enjoy 12 months of curated cultural access, with free or reduced-price entry to hundreds of museums, galleries, exhibitions and historic houses across the UK. Each membership allows you to bring a guest on every visit, who will receive the same visiting benefits. The pass also includes exclusive savings in museum cafés and shops, designed to enhance every experience. As part of the membership, you’ll also receive an Art Map, which is a comprehensive guidebook on using your pass across the UK and a subscription to Art Quarterly magazine with exclusive features.

website: www.artfund.org

Visit this new activity bar in King’s Cross

Electric Shuffle has reimagined shuffleboard, making it a game that can be played by up to 16 people at one table. At the newly opened Electric Shuffle King’s Cross, you can book an incredible bottomless brunch. Forget avo toast and eggs. At this two-hour brunch session, “bottomless” refers to the endless sourdough pizza that is brought to your table from start to finish. On top of endless pizza, you get a bottle of prosecco each and 60 minutes of competitive fun at a shuffleboard table.

where: 1, Lewis Cubitt Park, London N1C 4EJ
website: www.electricshuffle.com

Attend this indie gig

Peter Cat Recording Co., an alternative rock band originating from Delhi, India, has to be one of the most successful Indian independent acts to tour the world. With a local fan base around the world, they’ve toured their critically acclaimed albums, Portrait of a Time and Bismillah, at sold-out tours in North America, the UK, Europe, Australia and India. In 2024, they released their latest album BETA—what they refer to as “a painting of the living and the lived” —further cementing their status as one of the most innovative bands of their generation. You don’t want to miss this gig at one of London’s most iconic venues.

where: Chalk Farm, London NW1 8EH
website: www.roundhouse.org.uk

Book this glorious Mamma Mia-inspired afternoon tea

If you like your sweet treats with a touch of theatre and a splash of fizz, the MAMMA MIA! Afternoon Tea at Strand Palace is one to have on your radar. Just a short walk from the Novello Theatre, this playful and theatrical afternoon tea brings the magic of the West End hit to life, complete with the option to add champagne, prosecco or cocktails to the mix.