What To Do This Weekend 22.08.24

Battersea Park In Concert is back for another long summer weekend of picnics and live music. Over the bank holiday, concertgoers will have the opportunity to experience classical, West End and jazz performances, including a host of special guests like Myleene Klass and Olivier award-winning West End star Cassidy Janson. For families, there will be a giant kid-friendly tipi full of interactive games and activities.

Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ; 24th-26th August

Visit BATTERSEAPARKINCONCERT.COM

Earlier this month, Eroshan and Aushi Meewella, the minds behind Kolamba, launched their second restaurant, building on the success of their popular Soho location. The new place is a 92-seat site with two private dining rooms. Showcasing the comforting and rich flavours of Sri Lanka, the menu includes mas paan buns stuffed with tender black pork curry, king prawn string hopper biryani, and sea bream in a coconut sauce.

12 Blossom Street, Shoreditch, E1 6PL

Visit KOLAMBA.CO.UK

If you are planning on making the most of the long weekend with a cycle through the city, Blank Street is powering up London’s cyclists with a matcha on the move. On Clapham Common, this cycle-thru pop-up will be serving free matchas, without the need to hop off your bike (you can stop by on foot too). To encourage people to get a workout in on two-wheels, Forest bikes will be giving out thousands of free passes over the weekend – just turn up to redeem your free 30-minute code and complimentary Blank Street cup holder.

Clapham Common, SW4 9DE; 24th-25th August

Visit BLANKSTREET.COM

On top of South Bank’s Sea Containers, 12th Knot is one of London’s best rooftop party destinations when summer is in full swing. This bank holiday, it’s gearing up to welcome revellers to the fourth instalment of its summer series – another all-day party starting at 2pm. Party crew turned radio show and record label Feelings will be spinning hip hop, disco, dance and house, while you can soak up sun on the terrace, enjoy skyline city views and explore a drinks list from Grey Goose. Entry is free but it’s best to book a table to secure your spot. 

20 Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PD; 24th August

Visit SEACONTAINERSLONDON.COM

After its Primrose Hill site opened last year – resulting in queues around the block – It's Bagels! has opened a second location in Notting Hill. Just like the original spot, the new venue will stay true to its New York roots with classic diner-style interiors and a range of staple bagel combinations. Firm favourites include The Works (cream cheese, lox, onion, capers, lemon, tomato) and BEC (bacon, egg and cheese), while new additions feature fresh-sliced deli meats and cheeses such as The Grinder (mortadella, salami, turkey provolone, spicy iceberg slaw) and Salt Beef (pulled salt beef, French’s mustard, house pickles, shaved red onion, Kewpie mayo, melted Swiss cheese).

120 Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, W11 2PW

Visit ITSBAGELS.COM

Heartcore – which has seven Pilates studios across London – has created a new workout. Its infrared heated mat classes blend the most effective elements of yoga, Pilates and strength training, while penetrating heat deep into your body to increase blood circulation and encourage faster muscle recovery. It’s also an ideal way to support your other training – including running and cycling – as it’s designed to improve your range of motion and reduce injury risk.

Various locations

Visit WEAREHEARTCORE.COM

Known for its occasion-worthy dresses and organic cotton denim, Nobody’s Child is a sustainable go-to among the SL team. In time for AW24, the brand has opened the doors to its flagship store in Covent Garden. Shoppers can now peruse this coming season’s collection, as well as snag a few bargains in the end of summer sale.

3 Neal Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9PU

Visit NOBODYSCHILD.COM

Looking for a fun way to keep the kids entertained this bank holiday? Head to Old Spitalfields Market to embark on a creative adventure with doodle artist Frankie from Curtis Creationz. From 11am to 3pm every weekday, drop in and let your little ones – and yourself – get arty on a collaborative masterpiece. The best part, besides fostering young talent and keeping your kids entertained for a few hours, is that the event is free.

103 Commercial Street, Old Spitalfields Market, Spitalfields, E1 6BG; until 23rd August 

Visit OLDSPITALFIELDSMARKET.COM

On the roof of neo-baroque mansion-turned-members-club 1 Warwick, you’ll find a rooftop bar and restaurant primed for bank holiday sundowners. To reach it, take the lifts to the sixth floor where you’ll be met by stylish interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows and a wraparound terrace overlooking Soho’s busy streets. The menu, created by Duck & Waffle alum Tom Cenci, is Middle Eastern inspired, with plenty of sharing plates ideal for group get-togethers. If you fancy just coming for a terrace-side drink to soak up the last bit of summer, there’s a selection of crowd-pleasing cocktails and snacks ideal for grazing.

1 Warwick Street, Soho, W1B 5LR

Visit 1WARWICK.COM

To celebrate its launch in Liberty London, Swedish haircare brand Maria Nila is hosting a cool pop-up in the department store. In Liberty’s prestigious beauty hall, the counter is styled like a Scandi-style pastel factory. As well as stocking the brand’s hair-inclusive and ethical products, every Sunday until 8th September, shoppers can make their own shampoo from 2pm to 4pm. 

Regent Street, Carnaby, W1B 5AH

Visit MARIANILA.CO.UK

Tom Stoppard is one of the UK’s most prolific and revered playwrights. He is known for his socially and politically driven works, but The Real Thing is more granular, exploring the intricacies of romantic relationships and infidelity. Part drama, part comedy, the story centres on actress Annie and playwright Henry, whose relationship began with an affair and may end with one, too. James McArdle (Mary Queen of Scots, Macbeth), Bel Powley (The Diary of Teenage Girl, A Small Light) star alongside Oliver Johnstone and Susan Wokoma. Directing is Max Webster (Life of Pi).

103 The Cut, Waterloo, SE1 8NB; until 26th October

Visit OLDVICTHEATRE.COM

Hair stylist Charlotte Mensah will be hosting a braid bar in celebration of Notting Hill Carnival. From jumbo to rope twists, Charlotte will be offering a range of services across the weekend – from 12pm-6pm. Prices are £35 for adults and £20 for children.

Hair Lounge, 347 Portobello Road, W10 5SA; 25th-26th August

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Since its summer 2021 debut, Sessions Arts Club has been the place to seen – thanks to its cool former courthouse setting and constantly-revolving menu. This weekend, the spotlight shifts to the restaurant's rooftop terrace, where newly appointed head chef Abi Hill will team up with Reuben Johnson and Sam Browett of Broche Rotisserie for a one-off event. From lunch through to dinner, Reuben and Sam will serve up their elevated French market favourites, including rotisserie chicken and small plates like grilled octopus and saffron-stuffed mussels. To complement the feast, Sessions Arts Club’s head of wine, Sophie Liverman, has curated a selection of pours evoking the French Riviera. Additionally, there will be exclusive t-shirts on offer. Tickets are £75 per person, with wine included.

The Old Sessions House,24 Clerkenwell Green, Farringdon, EC1R 0NA; 24th August

Visit SESSIONSARTSCLUB.COM

This summer, Dream Fairies – Adventure Through Bubble Land returns to Kew Gardens. Created by the Australian Shakespeare Company’s Glenn Elston, with music by Paul Norton, this enchanting production is designed especially for younger audiences. It combines song, dance, and interactive fairytale adventures. Children are encouraged to dress as fairies, elves, pirates or their favourite superheroes to fully immerse themselves in the magic of Bubble Land. Make a day of it and wander around Kew Gardens during the afternoon. Tickets start from £13.90.

Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE; until 1st September

Visit KEW.ORG