30 Things To Do In London This Weekend

It’s finally the weekend! How will you be spending it? Whether you’re in the mood for secret bars or exclusive pizzas, immersive exhibitions or pop-up experiences, there’s plenty going on in London to accommodate your desires. From new exhibitions to new activities (pasta making anyone?), here’s what to do in London this weekend.

Love to be first in the know?

Sign up to our weekly What’s On newsletter

What To Do In London This Weekend: 10–11 May 2025

Allianz Stadium’s Big Summer Kick-Off

Top-tier rugby, world-class entertainment and family friendly activities: what could be better? Visitors can expect all of this and more at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium this weekend, when the Harlequins Men will take on Gallagher Premiership rivals Gloucester Rugby in their penultimate regular-season fixture. Beyond the match, enjoy fairground rides, inflatables, face painting and a range of food and drink pop-ups.

Details: Saturday 10 May 2025 at Allianz Stadium. Find out more and book at allianzstadiumtwickenham.com

Cocktails On The South Bank

Where better to enjoy a weekend sunny spell than the riverside? London’s South Bank is a buzzy haven activity come summer, and this year’s activations are popping up one by one. This weekend, Black Lines’ new pop-up at the National Theatre is on our hit list. Think ice-cold, on-tap spritzes, margaritas, palomas and more. Throughout summer, a line-up of DJs and live acts will also soundtrack the 500-capacity terrace.

Details: The Black Lines pop-up is open until September at River Bar (National Theatre, Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX).

Tate Modern 25th Birthday Weekender

Further along the bank, the Tate Modern is celebrating its 25th birthday with a whole host of DJ sets, talks and tours this weekend. Find out more in our comprehensive guide.

Get A Free Tattoo

Feeling spontaneous? Cult coffee brand Blank Street is teaming up with The London Social tattoo studio (notorious for its months-long waiting list) for a first of its kind pop-up, offering fine line tattoos from a bespoke spring flash sheet, temporary transfer tattoos and signature matcha. Simply pop down, grab a scratch card and scratch away to find out whether you’ve bagged a free tattoo. If you miss out, temporary tattoos of the same designs will be available – perfect for trialing some future ink. Meanwhile, Blank Street will be serving up Iced White Chocolate Matcha and the Iced Daydream Latte free of charge.

Details: Friday 9 to Saturday 10 May 2025 from 11 to 7pm at Battle Bridge Place, King’s Cross.

See Sketch In Bloom

London restaurant sketch has long been admired for its eye-catching interiors – from the famous pod loos to the pastel-hued Gallery. But it’s looking even more Instagrammable this May thanks to a special makeover marking Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, created for the 11th edition of sketch in Bloom ahead of Chelsea Flower Show and Chelsea in Bloom. Find out all about it, plus how to visit, here.

Details: Until 1 June 2025 at sketch (9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG). sketch.london

Visit The National Gallery

Though it has been closed since February 2023, The National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing is paramount to the world-class museum, which houses more than 2,300 paintings from the British collection. Two years later, visitors are finally being invited back to see the refurbished entrance hall – and the doors are open from this weekend. Here’s what you need to know.

Pay A Visit To Liberty

If you find yourself in the city centre this weekend, make sure to swing by Liberty – which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. The store is home to a treasure trove of luxury brands, as well as numerous pop-ups and installations. The latest comes courtesy of personal care brand To My Ships, which has just opened an installation in the store to mark the launch of its second range, Stand Up Bravely. Bracketed by giant marble columns, shoppers can explore the line of roll-on and spray-on deodorants, hand and body wash, and fragrance – all of which have been scented with a sweet marjoram and a combination of botanicals.

Details: 14 April–25 May 2025 at Liberty (Beauty Hall, ground floor). libertylondon.com | tomyships.com

See The V&A’s Cartier Exhibition

The V&A’s latest exhibition for fashion lovers has landed: Cartier features more than 250 objects, tracing the evolution of the maison’s art, design and craftsmanship since the three grandsons of founder Louis-Francois set to create the first globally recognisable jewellery house at the turn of the 20th century. Plus, it features this impressive tiara. To celebrate the archival jewels on show, The K Bar at The Kensington has launched a Hidden Gems cocktail menu; try the four bejewelled cocktails before heading to the V&A around the corner.

Details: Cartier runs 12 April to 16 November 2025 at the V&A South Kensington (Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL). Tickets start from £27 and can be booked at vam.ac.uk. Book a table at The K Bar at doylecollection.com

Head To A Rooftop Bar

The sun is out, and London’s unparalleled rooftop bar scene is emerging from hibernation. Heralding the start of the season, JOIA reopened its rooftop on 4 April, welcoming Londoners to enjoy cocktails, Iberian small plates and panoramic views. As summer commences, expect slushies and flame-grilled skewers, plus rooftop tunes from Soho Radio.

Details: JOIA Rooftop is open for the summer on art’otel Battersea’s 15th Floor, 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ. joiabattersea.co.uk

Visit A Dreamy Art Installation

Brookfield Properties and The Association of Women in the Arts have teamed up to present a free-to-view installation in the heart of the city. Glassed in Dreams transforms the light-filled atrium of skyscraper 100 Bishopsgate with the dreamlike glass sculptures by conceptual artist Gabriele Beveridge, curated by Vassiliki Tzanakou. Blurring the boundaries between inside and out, the work explores perception, presence and collective experience.

Details: Glassed in Dreams is on display at 100 Bishopsgate until February 2026.

Immersive Tutankhamun

A groundbreaking Tutankhamun exhibition has landed in London after debuting on the continent, perfect for entertaining budding young archeologists and Egypt-obsessed adults. Think 8-metre high projections, holograms, interactive rooms and 360-degree virtual reality, all combining to illustrate the life, myths and mysteries surrounding history’s famed pharaoh like never before. Find out more here.

Details: Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition is running at Immerse LDN (Excel Waterfront, ExCel, London E16 1XL) until 29 June. Tickets start from £15.50 for children, £20 for adults. Book at  tutankhamunexperience.com/london

Sky-High Roast

Caribbean chef Kerth Gumbs is giving the humble British roast a decadent Caribbean twist at his Walkie Talkie home come the weekend. Peering across the London skyline, Fenchurch Restaurant’s vibrant menu transports you to sun-soaked shores whatever the weather, and this roast is no different. Think curried lamb pita, sweet potato milk bread with curried haddock, torched yellowtail and more. The main event is, of course, the roast; choose between smoky jerk chicken, 45-day aged strip loin, a whole grilled sea bream, Old Spot pork belly or a stuffed sweet potato with butternut and lentil curry.

Details: The Caribbean Sunday Roast is available every weekend, priced at £75pp. Book here.

Visit The National Portrait Gallery’s Munch Exhibition

Where better than London’s National Portrait Gallery to present the UK’s very first exhibition celebrating Edvard Munch as a portrait artist? Best known for his 1893 work The Scream, this Norwegian painter is famed for his evocative and fluid swoops of colour, making Edvard Munch Portraits the perfect exhibition for anyone who loved sister venue The National Gallery’s spectacular Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers exhibition last autumn. Here’s exactly what to expect.

Details: Edvard Munch Portraits runs at the National Portrait Gallery (St. Martin’s Pl, London WC2H 0HE) from 13 March until 15 June 2025. Find out more and book at npg.org.uk

Visit London’s New Musical Theatre Bar

What is threatreland missing? A Broadway-worthy musical theatre bar – and our prayers have finally been answered. The Room Where It Happens blends old-world elegance in a transformed townhouse on Greek Street with the reckless, late night abandon of show tune lovers. Guests will sing and dance the night away from Thursday to Saturday, with professional actors as singing servers and a resident pianist igniting a singalong from 9pm.

Details: The Room Where It Happens is open Thursday to Saturday from 5pm to 2am at 5 Greek St, London W1D 4DD. Bottomless Brunch is served on Saturdays from midday. Book your table at theroomwhereithappens.co.uk

Attend A Royal Gemmology Workshop

Fan of the Royals? This is the workshop for you. Hosted by the opulent Peninsula London, which opened just last year, the Crown Jewels Tour and Gemmology experience commences with a private guided tour of the magnificent crown jewels at their home, the Tower of London, where they have been guarded since 1661. Then return to the hotel and immerse yourself in the wonders of Garrard, the Royal family’s first Crown Jeweller. The Peninsula is home to a glimmering Garrard boutique brimming with beautiful gems, and guests can learn all about them in a masterclass led by the in-house gemmologist. After a chance to don replica Royal tiaras for yourself, end the experience with a delicious signature Peninsula Afternoon Tea to feel like royalty yourself.

Details: The Crown Jewels Tour and Gemmology experience is available for a maximum of three guests at a time, priced at £605 for groups of one to three. Book at peninsula.com

Slow Sundays At Oren

Nothing says ‘winter’ like a warming stew. Head to Dalston’s beloved Oren this weekend to enjoy the three-course ‘Slow Sundays’ menu inspired by the slow-cooked stews and bakes of the Middle East, North Africa and Mediterranean. Start with a mezze of the restaurant’s classic small plates family-style, followed by warming mains and a pudding of spiced quince crumble.

Details: Available on Sundays at Oren (89 Shacklewell Lane, Dalston, London, E8 2EB), and priced at £32pp. Book your table at orenlondon.com

Build A Terrarium

Bring some brightness to your living space with your very own beautiful (and low maintenance) terrarium. If you fancy making your own, join Katie and Lucas in Tottenham for guidance and all the materials you need to craft your very own oasis.

Details: Sessions take place on Saturdays in Tottenham, priced at £70 per person. See all of the details at wecandoo.uk

Waterside Champagne Brunch

Another weekend, another brunch – and this one is brand spanking new. Head over to Marceline in Canary Wharf this weekend to enjoy its delicious Champagne Cellar Brunch. Tuck into tasty treats (think croque monsieur, steak tartare, French toast and more) served alongside cellar price sparkling wines. Many bottles are reduced to less than half their usual list price, spanning a £35 Channing Daughters Bianco Pet Nat to £148 Dom Perignon and everything in between.

Details: Every Saturday and Sunday at Marceline (10 Water St, London, E14 5GX). Book at marceline.london

Off Peak Brunch

Always forgetting to book until the last minute and then struggling to snag a table? Why not enjoy your poached eggs in the afternoon, instead? London’s premiere brunch spot has launched a brand new off-peak menu – and it’s mouthwateringly delicious. Priced at only £18pp, the menu begins with a juicy mimosa, then choose two dishes from the 13 small plates on offer, spanning everything from spicy Shakshuka to Scrambled Eggs & Smoked Salmon (with a moreish potato bhaji), classic Eggs Benedict to three choices of slider (perfect for an afternoon treat), to the light, refreshing and seriously beautiful Breakfast Bruschetta. End with a small dessert – a berry pancake, caramelised banana waffle or vegan pumpkin pancake – for an extra £4.50 and you’ll be satisfied all day long.

Details: The Table’s Off Peak Brunch is available from Friday to Sunday, 2pm to 4pm, and you need to book ahead to try it. Available at both venues: Battersea Rise (35-37 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HG) and Southwark (83 Southwark St, London SE1 0HX). Book at thetablecafe.com

Arty Afternoon Tea

Laze away a weekend afternoon with an arty afternoon tea at Rosewood London’s stunning Mirror Room. Carefully designed by chef Mark Perkins, the skill of renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai is emulated across striking Art Cakes and dishes inspired by his landscapes and portraiture.

Details: Available every afternoon from midday–5.45pm at Mirror Room (Rosewood, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN). rosewoodhotels.com

Visit The Lush Perfume Library

A trip to Lush is always a sensory experience. Even before stepping across the threshold, the heady scent of bath bombs, jellies and creams trickles out onto the pavement – drawing in shoppers by the nose. But the British label is expanding its fragrance empire with the arrival of the Lush Perfume Library, which has now officially opened its doors in Soho. Read more about the new concept store here.

Details: Lush is open 11am–6pm from Monday to Saturday, and 12pm–6pm on Sundays (67-71 Beak St, Soho, London W1F 9SW). lush.com

Play D&D

Whether you’re a total newbie, a Stranger Things fan, or a veteran player, RPG Taverns is the place to be for Dungeons and Dragons fans. Book ahead or just turn up with all materials provided, from Gamemasters to dice, minis, electronic maps, and an immersive living world, with sessions lasting anywhere from two and a half to three hours.

Details: RPG Taverns is open Tuesday–Sunday at COLAB Tavern, 16 Harper Rd, London SE1 6A. Tickets are £15. rpgtaverns.com

Doggy Brunch

How better to celebrate the weekend with your bestie than heading to doggy brunch? Head down to Marylebone with your four legged bestie to try The Cavendish’s brand new weekend brunch, pawfect for pooches. Furry friends can tuck into the likes of white fish, chicken and peanut butter, while their owners enjoy classics like a full English and eggs royale.

Details: 1–3pm every Saturday at The Cavendish (35 New Cavendish St, Marylebone, London W1G 9TR). Book your table here.

Nobu Sushi Masterclass

Learn the art of sushi making from the masters this weekend in an intimate class (10 guests max) at Nobu Old Park Lane. Begin with a chilled glass of Champagne and watch the experts at work, before you roll out your own mat and craft one cut roll, one hand roll and three pieces of nigiri. Afterwards, settle down and tuck into your creations, plus some bonus iconic Nobu dishes, before heading home with a goodybag to remember the experience and continue honing your skills at home.

Details: Last Saturday of every month at Nobu Old Park Lane (19 Old Park Ln, London W1K 1LB). Slots are £250 pp plus service charge. Book at noburestaurants.com

Natural Face Lift In Richmond

A natural face lift may sound too good to be true, but this is how HarSPA Richmond’s HIIT Facial and Stretch Treatment is best described. A truly rejuvenating experience, enter the spa at Harbour Hotel Richmond’s den of tranquillity, and emerge renewed. Created with UK-based sustainable skin and body care brand, Proverb, this facial is less about layers of serums and more about energising the skin and facial muscles for natural brightness and lift – all elevated with Proverb’s  gender-neutral, clean and natural skincare. Launched by former pro rugby player Luke Sheriff and his partner Kirstie, Proverb draws on athletic performance, and this facial really is a workout. Thanks to proven facial techniques to lift, contour and tone the skin, your circulation will be boosted bringing nutrients to the surface, and you will also benefit from lymphatic drainage, removing any toxic and waste. (Gua sha fans, this is your dream come true.) Afterwards, wind down from your workout (yes) in HarSPA’s idyllic facilities: luscious relaxation rooms, bubbly Scandi hot tubs in the garden, and a wellbeing juice bar to fuel your skin with lots of nutrients. For more fuel, Harbour Hotel’s laid back restaurant, The Gate, is the perfect pitstop – and the carrot salad is perfect (and very delicious) for any health-conscious visitors.

Details: The Proverb HIIT Facial and Stretch Treatment is available at HarSPA (Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6RP). The treatment is £68, with an exclusive gift when you book your first treatment. The Gate is located in Harbour Hotel (152–158 Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6RP). harbourhotels.co.uk

INKO NITO DJ Nights

Fancy starting the weekend with a bang? Every Friday, tucked away on Soho’s Broadwick Street, INKO NITO hosts vibrant and bustling DJ nights offering a mix of funk, soul, hip hop and deep house music alongside the unconventional Japanese robatayaki and sushi dishes that the restaurant is known for. Special dishes bespoke for DJ Nights will also be available, including Portobello mushrooms with smoked butter, sea bream with salsa rosa, Salmon teriyaki, and Kimchi rice.

Details: Every Friday at INKO NITO (55 Broadwick St, Carnaby, London W1F 9QS). inkonitorestaurant.com

Tuck Into West London’s Best Roast

Big words, but the Sunday roast at Chelsea’s No. 50 Cheyne is (rightly) the stuff of legend. Tucked away on Cheyne Walk – a stone’s throw from the River Thames and Albert Bridge with the King’s Road to the north – this light-filled brasserie is brimming with pretty flowers, bright interiors, and a buzzy atmosphere. Begin with a glass of fizz or treat yourself to a cocktail, before tucking into the legendary roast, choosing between 40 Day Aged Beef Sirloin, Roasted Cauliflower Heritage, Cumbrian Chicken or the restaurant’s prized 100 Day-Aged Belted Galloway Beef Rib Roast, with a limited quantity available. With Executive Chef Iain Smith inspired by a desire to first find and then cook London’s best roast, you’ll find all accompanied with perfectly roasted classic sides: roast potatoes (super crispy yet buttery soft in the middle, just as they should be), Yorkshire pudding (with a surprise stuffing ball nestled inside), huge glazed carrots and hispi cabbage, with a generous serving of gravy to boot. Divine. Best of all, this well-priced, in-demand roast is available on Saturdays as well as Sundays – but you’ll still need to be quick to cinch your table.

Details: Roasts are available every Saturday and Sunday at No. Fifty Cheyne (50 Cheyne Walk, London SW3 5LR), with prices starting at £25 on Saturdays and £28.30 on Sundays. Book your table at fiftycheyne.com

MORE: London’s Very Best Roasts

Eat Viral Pancakes

Apple Butter is a buzzy all-day dining spot and home to some viral pancakes that are worth going out of your way for. There’s the original branch in Seven Dials, or head to the newly opened venue on Langham Place – a stone’s throw away from Oxford Circus – for all the goodness in a slightly more tranquil spot. There’s a full menu of delicious, middle eastern inspired plates, plus an extensive menu of hot and cold coffees and speciality lattes; the cinnamon roll latte is a real treat. But the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the pancakes. There’s a daily special flavour of uber fluffy pancakes, spanning the likes of strawberry cheesecake, lotus and white chocolate, hazelnut praline and, if you’re lucky, sticky toffee pudding – a rich, gooey marvel with dates and a sprinkling of sesame seeds. Divine.

Details: Find Apple Butter in Seven Dials (32-34 Monmouth St, London WC2H 9HA) and Langham Place (4-5 Langham Pl, London W1B 3DG). Tables are walk-in only. Good luck! applebuttercafe.com

Islington Square Saturday Market

Every Saturday, Islington Square is overtaken by a carefully curated weekly market in partnership with Urban Food Fest. Visit for mouth watering street food, unforgettable desserts and artisanal products alongside creative crafts for all the family.

Details: Every Saturday from 11am–5pm at Islington Square (116 Upper St, London N1 1AB).

Learn To Make Gelato

Say hello to warmer days with a gelato making session. Join Elisa and Fabiano in Wandsworth to learn all about the art of gelato and sorbet making, before tucking into your creation – 500g of it, no less.

Details: Sessions take place on Wednesdays and Sundays in Wandsworth, priced at £65 per person. See all of the details at wecandoo.uk

Skin Refresh For The Weekend

Skincare lover wondering what to do in London this weekend? Cult skin clinic Skin Laundry is pioneering the non-invasive laser facial, and we’d highly recommend it. With a limited number of services available, expect high quality, clinically proven treatments delivered by warm clinicians, many with no down time at all and some with instant glowy results. Unsure what to go for? Book a consultation and step into the calming studio ready for a candid conversation with one of the friendly clinicians regarding your skincare goals. They’ll guide you through the whole process, explaining why the lasers work, and what results you can expect. And even though ‘laser’ might sound daunting, don’t worry: it doesn’t hurt in the slightest. Already sold? Join the Skin Laundry club for multiple monthly facials and exclusive discounts on all services and products.

Details: Skin Laundry is open everyday in Chelsea (69A King’s Rd, London SW3 4NX), Soho (9 Newburgh St, Carnaby, London W1F 7RL) and Hampstead (68 Heath St, London NW3 1DN), 10am–8pm with reduced hours on Sundays. Book your appointment at skinlaundry.uk

The Leo Green Experience

Live music and jazz fans should flock to QT this weekend, where The Leo Green Experience celebrates the best sax solos centre stage, putting a high-energy sax twist on the biggest hits of the last 30 years. Featuring table service delivering an array of small plates and cocktails, there’s an old school vibe with an easy breezy air: think drinking, dancing and eating while Leo and his band raise the roof.

Details: Every Friday and Saturday evening from 7.30–9.15pm and 9.45pm–1am at QT (Middle Eight Hotel, 66 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5BX). Tickets are £25 for general admission, or £35 for seated table service. Book at middleeight.com

Sip Cocktails In A Secret Bar

Sotto is London’s latest speakeasy bar opening, hidden beneath Soho’s buzzy Bocconcino. It’s all about classic Italian elegance, expressed through chic interiors, soft lighting, and a cool menu of unique savoury cocktails. Everything has an Italian twist: think an Old Fashioned infused with wild mushrooms, or the Avocado Amore blending the favourite fruit with Italian lemons, Calabrian chilli and basil foam, or the Velvet Corvina mixing corvina wine with peach purée, wine cordial, crème de cassis and blood orange. Enjoy alongside a selection of small plates for the perfect intimate date night spot. Cheers!

Details: Sotto is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm–2am at Bocconcino Soho (59 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7JY). Book at bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk

Sound Healing At The Mandrake

Seeking some serenity? Experience the transformative combination of Reiki and Sound Healing every Saturday at The Mandrake Hotel, guided by skilled sound healer Maria Lodetoft. Expect Reiki healing amid the soothing soundscape of alchemy crystal singing bowls, producing tones and frequencies thought to align the chakras, calm the mind, and open the heart.

Details: Every Saturday at 11am at The Mandrake Hotel (20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG). Places cost £40 per person and can be booked at themandrake.com

Live Music Bars

There’s only one thing better than live music: live music with a glass of something in your hand. London’s live music bar scene is thriving – it always has been – and from jazz clubs to hi-fi DJ venues, there are plenty to choose from. Our favourite this winter is Brilliant Corners, a vibrant yet moody spot tucked away in Dalston, serving natural wine, zingy cocktails and a delicious seasonal five-course set menu inspired by the izakaya of Japan.

Details: Brilliant Corners is open 5pm–1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays and 4pm–midnight on Sundays at 470 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AE. Book your table at brilliantcornerslondon.co.uk

Columbia Road Flower Market

Brighten the gloomy winter days with a trip to London’s premiere flower market this weekend: Columbia Road. Taking place every Sunday between Bethnal Green and Hoxton, it attracts people from far and wide in droves and for good reason, offering a glorious slice of unchanging London life, with reasonable prices across flowers and bulbs, succulents and houseplants. With a rainbow of vibrant colours, it’s hard to resist succumbing to the classic Instagram shots. Afterwards, head into Shoreditch, or grab a bagel on the ever-popular Brick Lane.

Details: Sundays, 8am–2pm at Columbia Road, Bethnal Green E2 7RG. columbiaroad.info

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.

Learn To Make Pasta

Wondering what to do in London next weekend? 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.

Details: Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy (62-63 Long Lane, Barbican, London EC1A 9EJ). These classes are extremely high-demand, so your weekend activity will inevitably be booking ahead for a future weekend. pastaevangelists.com

Still wondering what to do in London this weekend? Sign up to the C&TH What’s On newsletter for the hottest ideas delivered directly to your inbox