What To Do This Weekend 31.07.25

Head to the Science Museum to discover the ways in which science is reshaping how we grow, eat and think about food. Future Of Food is a free exhibition featuring everything from 3,500-year-old bread to lab-grown steaks. You’ll also see the first Quorn burger, cell-grown salmon and meat made at home. Alongside the tech, there are stories from around the world – including seed-sharing in the Amazon and vertical farming in Tokyo.

Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD; ADD DATES

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From Dom Fernando – the chef behind Soho’s Sri Lankan hotspot Paradise – comes this new taco pop-up. Miris y Maíz fuses Mexican flavours with Sri Lankan spice, serving up short, fiery dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Expect smoky, spicy, totally original plates – with cocktails to match.

Paradise, 61 Rupert Street, W1D 7PW; until 1st September

Visit PARADISESOHO.COM

Japan House London presents Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs, an eclectic dive into the power of symbols. Starting with archaic rock art and tracing a visual journey through 1964 Tokyo Olympic signage to today’s emojis, this exhibition celebrates Japan’s enduring influence on global iconography. With hands-on creative zones to design your own pictograms and the chance to step inside 3D models, it’s immersive and playful. Plus, you’ll spot adorable pictograms submitted by London schoolkids imagining their own city.

Japan House London, 101-111 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA; 30th July- 9th November

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Hackney’s Forno – known for its bakery, deli, rave events and pizza – has quietly opened a second outpost in Leytonstone. The pastel-filled site on Church Lane dishes out its celebrated cornetti, maritozzi buns, sfogliatelle and focaccia, as well as the same premium pastas, sauces and Roman-style pizzas found at the OG venue. With tempted early birds already lining up, it’s a morning must-visit. 

Forno, 47 Church Lane, Bushwood, Leytonstone E11 1HE

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Launched earlier this month by the team behind Legare, Luna blends subtle luxury with intimate charm. There’s space for around 34 diners – including a mezzanine – and the menu blends Spanish-leaning small plates like oysters with galia melon and tomatillo, turbot in saffron bisque, steak tartare with anchoïade, and a nostalgic coffee-and-tonka éclair. There’s also a biodynamic-focused wine list worth browsing.

Luna, Unit 6, 36 Shad Thames, Butlers Wharf Building, SE1 2YE

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Bringing beach vibes to the capital, Union Square in Canary Wharf has been transformed into sandy volleyball courts (a full-size court and accessible sitting court), open until 10th August in support of the Action for Kids charity. Mixed-ability groups can play (£15 per person, minimum of four), while the VIP Beach Volleyball Championships land on the court on Thursday 31st July for a high-energy showdown. Expect music, crowd energy and plenty of summer fun.

Union Square, Canary Wharf, E14

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Bermondsey's Hacha – a hot Tequila and Mezcal bar – has just kicked off a breezy Aperitivo de Agave menu, available Wednesday to Sunday from 6pm. Sip on refreshing £6 cocktails (Palomas are the crowd-pleaser) and tuck into £3 tacos in their vibrant terrace space. With top-tier tequila in every drink, it's a summer ritual in the making – laidback, affordable and fun.

Hacha Bermondsey, 157 Tower Bridge Road, SE1 3LW

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Summer in the city just got cooler. Royal Victoria Dock is now home to a pop-up lido and beach, complete with golden sand, deckchairs and a shallow splash zone for little ones. It’s totally free to use, and perfect for a sunny afternoon of low-key lounging.

Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1ZE; until 17th August

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 Festival season isn’t over just yet – and this Saturday, all roads lead to Boston Manor Park for Jamie Jones’s Paradise In The City. The DJ’s inaugural day festival includes four open-air stages and a heavyweight line-up of house and techno names. Expect sets from East End Dubs, Richy Ahmed, Seth Troxler, Jamback and Jamie himself, plus plenty of food and drink stalls. Tickets are moving fast – get one while you can.

Boston Manor Park, Boston Manor Road, Brentford TW8 9JU; 2nd August 

Visit PARADISEINTHECITY.CO.UK

The team behind Camden’s iconic Jazz Cafe are heading south for a brand-new one-dayer in Burgess Park. Expect easy and relaxed sets from genre heavyweights like Masego, Nooriyah and Elmiene, plus street food, bars and proper summer vibes. One for fans of funk, soul, disco and chilled-out jazz. Tickets start from £35.

Burgess Park, Albany Road, SE5 0AL; 3rd August

Visit JAZZCAFEFESTIVAL.COM

Skate rink by day. Dancefloor by night. That’s SubSkate in a nutshell – though in practice, it’s a massive 1,000-capacity warehouse in Copeland Park with daytime roller disco vibes and after-dark DJ sets to keep the party rolling. From the team behind Jumbi, this six-week pop-up is one of the coolest ways to spend a summer Saturday.

Copeland Park, 133 Copeland Road, SE15 3SN; until 18th August

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East London’s Oranj – now settled into a larger Truman Brewery space – is celebrating with a summer residency courtesy of Hokkaido-born chef Yuto Fujimoto. Open from Wednesday toSunday until 17th August, he's crafting inventive sharing plates: hay-aged duck shumai, spicy chilled chicken, koji risotto, plus tempura prawns with passionfruit mayo. Served on the sun-trap terrace or in cosy rooms, there are bright natural wines and views of the brewery to go with. Expect a new head chef and signature menu later in the year. 

Oranj, 2 Dray Walk, Truman Brewery, London E1 6NJ

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Head to the 16th floor of the Treehouse Hotel for a Saturday morning Pilates session hosted by Nike trainer Samantha Charles. Designed to energise body and mind, the hour-long class will be followed by coffee, croissants and a chance to meet like-minded movers on one of the city’s best rooftops. Mats are provided – just bring yourself and your best stretch. Tickets start from £35.

The Nest, Treehouse Hotel, 14-15 Langham Place, W1B 2QS; 2nd August

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Amélie’s rooftop terrace sets the scene for a Provençal-inspired long lunch in partnership with Château Miraval. Guests will gather around a single sharing table for three leisurely courses paired with generous pours of Miraval’s finest rosés. On the menu? Burrata with tomato and basil, signature steak frites with house sauce, and a chocolate mousse drizzled with Miraval olive oil. Expect laidback elegance and surprises from the Miraval team throughout. Tickets are £120pp.

Amélie Terrace, Pantechnicon, 19 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8LB; 3rd August

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Ronnie Scott’s is taking the party outside for one day only. Its free street festival returns to Frith Street for a day of open-air music, cold drinks and good vibes. Expect live sets from jazz, ska and reggae acts including Jazz Jamaica, Theon Cross and Kinetika Bloco, alongside food stalls and bars. It’s a thank-you bash from the legendary club to its fans – and there are no tickets needed.

Frith Street, Soho, W1D; 2nd August

Visit RONNIESCOTTS.CO.UK