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The Best Things To Do In London This Weekend: 7–8 October 2023
Spend your treasured weekend wisely
By | 50 mins ago
Well, autumn was short. Back to summer, it seems. Whether you’re planning on making the most of the unseasonal sun with one of London’s best walks or you’d rather avoid the heat with an exhibition, there are plenty of fun things to do across London that we’d recommend. What about a picnic in a lovely London park? Or what about chomping on your first roast of the season? We’ve got just the ticket. Here’s how to have the best time in London this weekend.
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Best Things To Do In London This Weekend: 7–8 October 2023
1. Free Udon For National Udon Day
Friday 6 October 2023 at all Marugame Udon restaurants
It’s National Udon Day on Friday, and Marugame Udon is celebrating in the best way: by giving away 10,000 free bowls of udon. Any bowl is available, with the giveaway for udon up to £5.95 in price – but if your pick exceeds this, just pay the difference. Full T&Cs here. First come, first served.
2. Get A Free G&T
Venues across London until 8 October 2023
Beefeater Gin is celebrating its new partnership with lettering artist Rachel Joy by giving out free G&Ts to Londoners – and we have the codeword. Just say ‘Beefeater x Rachel Joy’ to the bartender at any of the following venues for a free G&T for yourself and a friend.
- The Bat, Islington
- Callooh Callay, Shoreditch
- Callooh Callay, Chelsea
- The Pilgrim, Kennington
3. See Art Addressing Rising Tides
Until Sunday 8 October 2023 at The House Mill on Three Mills Island (Three Mill Lane, London E3 3DU). Open Thursday–Sunday, 1–5pm
It’s your final weekend to see The Line’s limited-time site-specific exhibition focussing on rising tides: Tributaries. Following the waterways and the line of the Greenwich Meridian, visitors can see five films, including work by Alberta Whittle and Martha Atienza, that engage with water and its relationship to global histories and geographies of trade, colonialism and the climate crisis. Then, continue down The Line to enjoy more beautiful artwork. the-line.org
4. Brixton Oktoberfest
Every Saturday in October from 1–8pm at Electric Brixton (Town Hall Parade, Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RJ)
Bavarian exuberance rules the (Satur)day at Electric Brixton throughout October, with space for 2,100 merrymakers to enjoy an energetic beer hall complete with wooden tables, bunting, live music from German Jukebox and DJs spinning party anthems. Book your ticket here.
5. Best Spots For Sober October
Plunging into sober October, but still fancy sipping something sweet? These are our favourite drinking spots in London for alcohol free options.
6. See The V&A’s Chanel Exhibition
16 September–25 February 2024 at the V&A (Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL)
Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto at the V&A (c) Victoria and Albert Museum, London
The V&A has opened the doors on its hotly anticipated exhibition, Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto, celebrating the work of one of fashion’s biggest historical figures. Here’s what to expect before you go.
7. First Roast Of The Season
Every Sunday at The Laundry (374 Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8PL)
© Harriet Langford
Following a summer hiatus, Brixton’s all-day neighbourhood bistro and wine shop has brought back its best-selling Sunday roast – the ideal autumn/winter warmer. Served from 1–6pm every Sunday, The Laundry has added two new dishes to its roast offering: the spatchcock chicken for two served with honey-mustard bread sauce and Yorkshire puddings, and the vegan leek and mushroom wellington with bottomless vegan gravy. The classics – roast pork belly and 28-day aged Roast Hereford Sirloin – remain, with new sides available two, including honey-glazed carrots, charred broccoli with garlic and pickled chilli and cauliflower cheese with sage and truffle gratin. Yum. thelaundrybrixton.com
8. Try Paired Cocktails & Bar Snacks
New bar snacks at Le Magritte (The Beaumont, 8 Balderton Street, Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6TF)
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Transatlantic vibes reign supreme at the classically sophisticated Le Magritte bar, tucked away in The Beaumont hotel just off Oxford Street. Sink into your armchair, and indulge in the new selection of bar snacks: think bite-sized French Toast with Bacon Jam and Cheddar, moreish Chickpea Fries with Jalapeño Ketchup, and an indulgent Truffled Pizza Bianca. Elevate it by pairing your choices with a masterful cocktail, from Citrus Punch to a Basil Gimlet to a simple (but always effective) glass of Bollinger. thebeaumont.com
9. Follow An Art Trail In Covent Garden
The Tusk Gorilla Trail running until 12 October 2023 in Covent Garden (London WC2E 9DD)
Scattered across Covent Garden’s piazza and its surrounding streets are 15 life-size gorilla sculptures designed by an array of famous figures, from British musician Jack Savoretti to Rolling Stone guitarist Ronnie Wood. The installation was created by African conservation charity Tusk in collaboration with Westbrook Gallery. coventgarden.london
10. See As You Like It At Shakespeare’s Globe
Showing until 29 October at Shakespeare’s Globe (21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT)
With tickets from £5, Shakespeare’s Globe is always a good idea – especially if you’re not opposed to spending a few hours of your weekend stood up. Journey to the Forest of Arden this weekend and experience Shakespeare’s classic tale of romance and redemption. Book at shakespearesglobe.com
11. All Aboard The Vintage Express
Good London pop-up at London Bridge and London Victoria stations
Good London is right on track, launching two new pre-loved clothing pop-ups in two of London’s busiest train stations: London Bridge (until 29 January 2024) and London Victoria (until 27 February 2024). Browse high quality, pre-loved pieces, and hop aboard the fashion train.
12. Try Competitive Cocktail Making
The Competitive Cocktail Masterclass at The Mayfair Bar (Monopoly Lifesized, 213-215 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7PS)
Whether you’re looking for a fun date idea, a birthday party or just a fun friends activity, grab your pals and get ready to compete against the clock to make the best cocktails – then drink up, too. All set within a mirrored art deco bar in Tottenham Court Road. £39.75 per person; book your tickets here.
13. Watch A Secret Tango Performance
Friday and Saturday nights at Gaucho Covent Garden (8-9 James Street, London WC2E 8BT)
London’s latest Gaucho is a stone’s throw from the Royal Opera House and iconic Piazza, and brimming with Argentinian flavours. Enjoy late night tango performances and Latin DJs every weekend, accompanied by tasty cocktails and mouth watering steaks. gauchorestaurants.com
14. Try Hyper-Fresh Ceviche
Crudo Cevicheria, Seven Dials (36 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 9HA)
A brand-new, fourth Crudo venue opened at the end of May on Monmouth Street, bringing hyper-fresh ceviche to Seven Dials. Having gained a cult following for their customisable ceviche bowls, Crudo has recently elevated its offering for the evening with small plates, wine and pisco sours. Start with a hefty bowl of moreish, zesty guacamole with black corn tortilla chips while sipping a classic marg, before entering fish-ville wholeheartedly. There’s the classic ceviche bowls with the likes of sweet potato, avocado, cherry tomatoes and burnt corn (don’t miss the prawn bowl with mexicana leche de tigre and jalapeños for a fresh kick). But there are also more delicate small plates, crunchy ceviche tostadas, and spicy tiraditos. Perfect for elevating a gathering over sharing plates.
If you don’t make it down mid-week, make sure you visit for daily oyster happy hour: get fresh Rock and Native oysters for £1.50, Dressed oysters for £5, or 3 oysters with a pisco sour for £16, from 3–5pm Monday to Friday. eatcrudo.com
15. Go Ice Skating
If the fresh wintry chill in the air has you craving the return of London’s festive outdoor ice rinks, why not get ahead and brush up on your skills at one of London’s permanent ice rinks? Here’s where to lace up.
16. Go Bowling
OK, OK, a generic weekend suggestion – but London’s bowling alleys are some of the nation’s best. Whether you’re looking to host a big birthday blowout, make plans with friends or you’re in need of new date ideas, you’ll bowl everyone over with these spots.
17. Recycle Your Coffee Cup At Bankside
Ongoing at Bankside
It’s all about recycling in London this weekend. The Better Bankside Business Improvement District (BID) has collaborated with renowned artist Timba Smits to spruce up its coffee cup recycling bins, to encourage more recycling and inspire positive action. The eye-catching new designs – which cast coffee cups as superhero style villains – form part of the BID’s #2millionchallenge campaign, boosting recycling in the district.
18. Visit A Market
Every Sunday, 11am–5pm at Hackney Bridge, Echo Building, Hackney Wick, London E15 2SJ
Image by Charlie Scrimgeour
New market alert: from the team behind Broadway Market, Chatsworth Road, and Ridley Road Markets comes a brand new London market: Hackney Bridge. Overlooking the Hackney Wick canal path and with a focus on sustainability, expect a mix of carefully curated stalls selling vintage clothing, antiques, furniture, art and designs from artisan makers. There will also be a produce market selling fresh bread, jams, cheeses and more. hackneybridge.org
19. Learn To Make Pasta
Ongoing at Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy (62-63 Long Lane, Barbican, London EC1A 9EJ)
Try your hand at the Italian art of pasta making at Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy in Farringdon. Expect to learn all about the best ingredients and techniques, and eat your creation at the end, too. Read our review of the Beginners’ Class here. (These classes are extremely high-demand, so your weekend activity will inevitably be booking ahead for a future weekend.) pastaevangelists.com
20. Party At Peckham Arches
Every weekend at Blenheim Grove, London SE15 4QN
Adding to the bustling social food scene of Peckham, the all new Peckham Arches is the perfect place to go for a fun night in London this weekend. The venue features a covered and heated terrace, an open fire BBQ grill and two large cocktail bars, private events spaces, a gallery with OHSH Projects, and a monthly events calendar of live music, DJ’s and more. peckhamarches.com
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