11 Fun Things To Do This Weekend In London

Ally Pally's Camera Obscura

Celebrate 200 years of photography with a visit to Alexandra Palace's brand-new camera obscura "Upside Down London" created by Pinhole London. This giant optical installation transforms the palace into a working camera, projecting an upside-down panoramic view of London's skyline onto the wall. 

Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY; 1st-9th August

Visit ALEXANDRAPALACE.COM

Heathe Pop-Up

London-based fashion brand Heathe is bringing its distinctive designs to London + Environs for a three-day pop-up. Visitors can browse the label’s signature Nigerian-heritage prints, contemporary tailoring and curated womenswear and menswear collections in person.

London + Environs, 157 Regent’s Park Road, NW1 8BB; 7th-9th August

Follow @OFFICIALHEATHE

Kismet

One of London's hottest restaurant trends continues with the arrival of Kismet, a new Turkish meyhane above The Globe Tavern near Borough Market. Designed for leisurely evenings of sharing plates and good conversation, the menu is full of traditional meze, charcoal-grilled kebabs and Turkish classics, from creamy atom with chilli butter to lamb şiş and pistachio ice cream. Wash it all down with Turkish wines, raki or the house lager, before settling in for weekly live music.

Upstairs at The Globe Tavern, 8 Bedale Street, SE1 9AL

Visit KISMET.LONDON

Soleil By Claude

Make the most of summer evenings at Soleil by Claude, The Peninsula London’s rooftop terrace. Until September, the eighth-floor space at two-Michelin-starred Brooklands is transformed into a Mediterranean-inspired escape, with chef director Claude Bosi serving a menu of southern European flavours alongside sweeping views towards Hyde Park. Expect fresh salads, raw dishes, handmade pastas and seafood specials – all designed for long lunches and sunset dinners.

The Peninsula London, 1 Grosvenor Place, SW1X 7HJ; until 2nd September

Visit PENINSULA.COM

The Choux Box’s New Notting Hill Shop

The Choux Box Patisserie is celebrating the opening of its new Notting Hill store with free treats for early visitors. The first 50 customers each day will receive a complimentary choux, alongside the chance to try new monthly drink specials, Choux ice-cream sandwiches, ‘Morning Choux’ and even ice cream for dogs.

The Choux Box Patisserie, 1 Ladbroke Road, W11 3PA;  8th-9th August, 9am-6pm

Visit THECHOUXBOXPATISSERIE.COM

Scott’s Mayfair’s Provençal Terrace

Scott’s Mayfair has transformed its terrace into a sun-soaked corner of Provence in celebration of Whispering Angel’s 20th anniversary. Running throughout summer, the exclusive partnership brings the spirit of the south of France to Mayfair, with lavender, vineyard planting and sculptural cypress trees creating the perfect setting for long lunches and golden-hour drinks. Guests can sample Whispering Angel’s limited-edition 20th anniversary vintage alongside Château d’Esclans rosés, including the prestigious Garrus, while enjoying Scott’s seafood-led menu of sashimi, ceviche and fresh summer dishes.

Scott’s Mayfair, 20 Mount Street, Mayfair, W1K 2HE; until 31st August

Visit SCOTTS-MAYFAIR.COM

Play Cham’Pong At The Goring

The Goring has given the classic garden game a glamorous upgrade with Cham’Pong, a champagne-fuelled ping pong pop-up in its private Belgravia garden. Created in partnership with Bollinger, the experience swaps beer pong for champagne coupes, alongside custom ping pong cocktails, Pimm’s, a summer BBQ and classic garden games. Expect competitive table tennis tournaments in one of London’s most elegant outdoor settings – with plenty of opportunities to enjoy a glass of bubbly along the way.

The Goring, 15 Beeston Place, Belgravia, SW1W 0JW

Visit THEGORING.COM

Freesoul Festival

Holland & Barrett Marble Arch is hosting a full day of wellness experiences as part of the Freesoul Festival. The programme includes a community 5K run with Jazz Saunders, a 1Rebel Reshape takeover, nutrition consultations, wellness talks, recovery experiences and free samples. Visitors can also pick up a complimentary ice cream from The Real Fruit Ice Cream Co.

Holland & Barrett Marble Arch, W1C 1LW; 7th August

Visit HOLLANDANDBARRETT.COM & follow @FREESOUL

The Island Studios

The Island Studios is bringing a refined approach to reformer Pilates across London, with boutique spaces designed around strength, precision and mindful movement. Each studio offers small-group classes led by expert instructors, combining intelligent programming with a contemporary take on Pilates. With three signature class styles, The Island welcomes all levels – from beginners looking to build confidence to experienced clients wanting to progress their practice.

Visit THEISLANDSTUDIO.CO.UK

The 001 London Acu-Studs Bar

Looking for a different kind of wellness fix? Facialist and acupuncturist Ada Ooi, founder of 001 London, is taking over Morena in Marylebone for a two-day Acu-Studs Bar. Drop in for a complimentary ear mapping session with a Traditional Chinese Medicine specialist, who'll apply acupressure ear studs tailored to your needs. While you're there, don't miss the limited-edition Sour Plum Matcha, created exclusively in collaboration with Morena for the weekend.

15 St Christopher's Place, W1U 1NJ; 8th-9th August, 10am-5pm

Visit 001LONDON.CO.UK

Milani Cosmetics x FILTRD

FILTRD has teamed up with Milani Cosmetics for a limited-edition matcha collaboration inspired by the brand’s juiciest lip oil shades. From 6th-13th August, customers who purchase one of the exclusive matcha drinks will receive a complimentary Fruit Fetish Lip Oil while stocks last.

FILTRD Cafe, 51-53 Shelton Street, WC2H 9JU; 6th-13th August

Follow @MILANICOSMETICSUK