Not sure what’s on in London this weekend? Whatever the weather, we’ve got you covered. From cocktails, to brunches, markets to gigs, there’s something for everyone on our list of things to do in London this weekend!
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Where to eat this weekend
From bottomless brunches to dining at the best restaurants in London, here are the food-focused events you should check out in London this weekend.
1. Make the most of a salivating offer at Heliot Steak House
Picture this; your stomach rumbles while exploring the glittering labyrinth of Leicester Square so you duck into Hippodrome Casino, wander past buzzing groups trying their luck at gaming tables and follow the aromas of freshly cooked food to Heliot Steak House. You slide into a black leather booth, peruse the menu and find yourself faced with the impossible decision of steak or lobster just to be told you can get both – plus French fries sprinkled with oregano salt (and no, there’s no Salt Bae faff here) and a glass of champagne – all for just £39 per person. Yes, sometimes foodie dreams do come true.
Currently, guests can snap up (lobster pun half intended) the irresistible offer and enjoy Hereford Fillet Steak and a Grilled Half Scottish Lobster from a Steak House that has been voted the best in London. You might want to leave the kids at home, especially those who have perfected their poker face, as it is over 18s only.
2. Enjoy staple Palestinian breakfast dishes at Akub
Ever had a Palestinian brunch before? Well, thanks to Akub in Notting Hill, you now can. Their new brunch menu features a medley of sweet and savoury classics that will transport you to the Middle East with a simple bite. This isn’t your standard stale muffins and dry poached eggs kind of brunch, as chef Fadi Kattan has created mouthwatering dishes that draw from Palestine’s produce and injected his own modern twist.
You’ll be able to treat your tastebuds to the likes of Zahra Cauliflower Fritters (served on top of a bed of coriander tahinia and marinated sumac onions), Beyd (fried eggs, sumac, akub bread) and, for the sweet tooth among you, Arabic Coffee French Toast (buttermilk-soaked fluffy brioche, served with sweet whipped laban, crushed pistachios, bitter cocoa and a drizzle of thick Arabic coffee and cardamom syrup.) If you’re looking to make it a little bit boozy you can even pair it all with a few Qamardeen Mimosas – aka Prosecco and apricot syrup.
Bars, pubs and nightlife to check out this weekend
Whether you’re looking to let loose at a day party or dance all night, here are the best drinking and party spots to try this weekend.
3. Sip cocktails and dance the night away at Peckham’s stylish neighbourhood bar
If you’re on the hunt for a new haunt to drink cocktails, tear into sourdough pizza and show off your best moves then Skylarking at Peckham Arches could be just the ticket. A laidback, plant-filled hangout founded by Bird House London, it is the perfect place to round up your friends, grab a drink (or five) and lose track of time, as the buzz of conversation blends into the buzz of infectious music from DJs and you suddenly find yourself doing a poor attempt of a worm in front of 200 people – or, you know, just shimmying casually among the dancing crowd, each to their own. There’s happy hour, with 2 cocktails for £12 between Monday – Friday from 4pm – 7pm, and a range of lite bites, homemade wood-fired pizzas and sides to soak it all up.
4. Savour a refreshing tipple in the sun at JOIA Rooftop
With the sun finally deigning to show its golden face – at least for a couple of hours here and there – it’s only natural you would be on the lookout for a rooftop terrace to soak up some rays and sweeping skyline views of London. Luckily, JOIA Rooftop has recently opened its doors on the 16th floor of art’otel London Battersea Power Station.
An al fresco companion to Iberian restaurant JOIA, this open-air bar takes a leaf from Lisbon’s vibrant rooftop culture, serving up tempting summer plates from the mind of acclaimed Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. These can be paired with seasonal cocktails such as the gin-based Aventurina, with mint, cucumber and lime, the Iberian Spritz; a concoction of black tea cordial, Amontillado Sherry and Quinta das Bágeiras Bruto Natural, and, if you like your sundowners with a spicy kick, the Pimenta, made with tequila, agave and chilli.
5. Keep the Cinco De Mayo celebrations going all month at these vibrant time-warped bars
Self-confessed tequila fiend? You’ll be happy to learn that 1920s-themed speakeasy Barts and 1980s-inspired nightclub Maggie’s have decided to extend their tequila-infused menus to the end of May, so you still have time to raise a salt-rimmed glass to one of Mexico’s best-loved exports. Sloane Avenue-based Barts have teamed up with Patron Tequila to serve up limited-edition libations like the fruity and aromatic The Fifth of May (tequila, pineapple-infused vermouth, ginger liqueur, lime, pineapple & star anise bitters).
Over on Chelsea’s Fulham Road, Maggie’s (ironically named after the former Prime Minister who was in power during the decade) has joined forces with Volcan Tequila to offer traditional cocktails such as the Volcan Margarita and the La Valoma (tequila, agave syrup, fresh lime juice, topped with Franklin & Sons pink grapefruit soda.) Trust me, once you fall down this 80s-drenched rabbit hole – think Game Boy doors, a Blockbuster wall and Ferris Bueller lockers – and lock eyes with the pop art-style mural of a grinning Margaret Thatcher you’ll be ready for a drink or two to make sure you aren’t trapped in some pixelated fever dream.
The hottest new openings in London
We’ve rounded up London’s newest bars, restaurants, food markets, and more for you to check out.
6. Check out the culinary delights of new restaurant Wild
New restaurant Wild will soon be sprouting up on the first floor of the acclaimed London nightclub The Cross. The Mediterranean eatery opened its doors last week, with a produce-led menu that is set to change with the seasons. With spring currently breathing new, green life into our natural surroundings, you expect equally fresh dishes such as Grilled King Prawns, Roast Wild Sea Bass, Spring Suffolk Lamb Cutlets and Bay Scallops. Pick your poison from tempting tipples such as Coconut Margaritas and organic wine, which will get you in the mood before heading down for a night on The Cross’ basement club dancefloor.
7. Swing by London Bridge for a bite at newly opened atis
atis opened their new London Bridge branch in the bustling Borough Yards last week, welcoming customers into their healthy haven with a nourishing Spring menu and their renowned build-your-own bowl offering. Whether you’re taking your first tentative steps into the world of Veganism, have been hunting for a flavour-packed lunch or are doing your tourist duties – taking in the gothic architecture of Southwark Cathedral or gazing out at the city from the sky-high heights of The Shard – and fancy a salad to fuel your day, atis is the place to go. Dig into plant-powered bowls such as The Crunchy Raw Thai; a long-standing favourite with customers, featuring baby spinach, shredded kale and cabbage, crispy shallots and more with a cashew satay dressing.
Weekend getaways or staycations
Looking for inspiration for your next day trip, weekend staycation or city tour? You’ll find it here.
8. Escape to the golden sands of a tranquil hidden beach
With summer on our doorstep, our sights have turned to the coast, dreaming of days spent languishing in the heat on sandy beaches with the salty breeze from the sea keeping us firmly in the blissful daze of holiday mode. The only drawback? You’re not the only one. As is common in the all-too-fleeting months of British summertime, people descend on beaches in their droves and you end up dodging parasols and spending half the day looking for a parking spot. There are, however, a few serene sanctums left to enjoy near London (though maybe not for long now the cat’s out of the bag – we’ll see), in an easy drive you could find yourself on unspoilt beaches in Norfolk, Sussex, Dorset and Kent. This handy guide will help you plan the perfect day trip to a hidden beach.
Secret London Picks
The Secret London team’s top picks for more fun things you can do in London this weekend.
9. Embark on your own adrenaline-fuelled adventure into the world of Jumanji
Ever watched Jumanji and wondered how you would fare if you were inexplicably sucked into the wilderness of the game? Well, you might get a taster at the first-of-its-kind World Of Jumanji, a theme park experience that has now opened at Chessington World Of Adventures. It’s all the exhilarating thrill you may get from fleeing mandrills and looking into the gaping jaws of a hippopotamus, without the threat of a gnarly animal attack – or death by exploding cake. You can expect winding pathways that resemble the board game, a Mandrill Mayhem rollercoaster which flips you upside down and rides such as the Ostrich Stampede – where you’ll dodge through the dunes on the back of a (fake, of course) ostrich – and the Mamba Strike.
10. Head to a South London festival
This weekend, South London will be home to a few festivals: GALA, Wide Awake, Cross The Tracks, and on bank holiday Monday, City Splash. The genres will span jazz, soul, dancehall, reggae, disco, techno, electronica, and many more, so no matter what you’re into, you’re sure to find your niche. Check out our comprehensive list of London’s festivals for more information.
Some features in this article have been paid for by Secret London’s friendly brand partners.
