What To Do This Weekend 25.05.23
What To Do This Weekend 25.05.23

What To Do This Weekend 25.05.23

Looking for things to do this weekend? Look no further – from new openings and exhibitions to film screenings at the Royal Albert Hall, our weekend guide has plenty of options for everyone.
Photography: GABBY LAURENT

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS:

The Wander Project at Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens has created a series of trails across its 320-acre site. Open to visitors from Saturday 27th May, The Wander Project includes guided walks led by several inspiring leaders including poet Ben Okri, broadcaster Clara Amfo, singer Ellie Goulding, presenter Fearne Cotton and environmental activist Judy Ling Wong. Kew scientists, horticulturists and curators will also provide their own insights into the Unesco site. Celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, Kew’s Palm House will take centre stage in the ‘Dreamers’ trail, designed to feed the imagination and celebrate the awe-inspiring power of the natural world. There’s also a ‘Time Travellers’ trail to highlight Kew’s trees, some of which can live for as long as 3,000 years but are currently classified as endangered. Entry costs £19.

Kew Gardens, Richmond, TW9 3AB; until 3rd September 

Visit Kew.org

REPAIR, RESTORE & RECYCLE:

The Stock Market at The Corner Shop, Selfridges

As part of its sustainability push, Selfridges has launched The Stock Market at The Corner Shop, where customers can repair, restore and recycle their belongings. Take clothes, shoes and bags to be valued by its expert partners and exchanged for Selfridges credit. Until Saturday 10th June, you can also bring your items to the ‘trading desk’ to value them, and book alterations or upcycling sessions which cost £10 for a two-hour slot – all profits will be donated to Oxfam. You’ll also find a curated edit of second-hand clothing and accessories from Vintage Threads and The Handbag Clinic. 

400 Oxford Street, West End, W1A 1AB

Visit Selfridges.com

CATCH A FILM:

Adventure Cinema

The UK’s largest touring outdoor cinema returns this week for its summer series. Look out for 270 outdoor screenings across 74 venues, including locations in London, Cardiff, Bristol, Peterborough, Coventry, Margate, Carmarthen, Portsmouth, Cardiff, Bournemouth and Lincoln. Films being screened include Top Gun: Maverick, Elvis, Back to the Future, Dirty Dancing, Grease, The Greatest Showman, Mamma Mia! and Pretty Woman, as well as family friendly offerings like Matilda the Musical, Encanto and the Harry Potter series. Tickets start from £9.50.

Various locations

Visit AdventureCinema.co.uk

MEET THE GIRLS:

El Ta’koy

Hawaiian-inspired restaurant El Ta’koy at Covent Garden’s 3 Henrietta Street has launched unlimited taco and margarita evenings. Every Sunday to Thursday from 5pm to 7pm, guests can tuck into pork, lamb or vegetarian tacos with margaritas for just £28pp. A great excuse to meet the girls after work – and you can also add on small sharing dishes like aubergine empanadas, seabass ceviche, avocado and edamame hummus or Hawaiian fried chicken popcorn. Finish the meal with banana lumpia – sweet spring rolls filled with banana, hazelnut and chocolate.

3 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8LU

Visit El-Takoy.com

STEVEN JOYCE

SEE SOME BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS:

Belgravia in Bloom

Belgravia’s annual floral festival takes place this week. This year the neighbourhood has teamed up with conservation charity London Wildlife Trust for an ‘Into the Wild’ theme. Visitors can take part in experiences and events, and take advantage of special offers at local businesses. Look out for beautiful floral displays across the neighbourhood before stopping at Peggy Porschen for ‘Corals & Florals’ themed cakes, or The Lanesborough hotel to try a limited-edition cocktail. There will also be a Whispering Angel floral pop-up at Motcombs restaurant, floral-inspired biscuits at Bayley & Sage, and 20% OFF at Belgravia Books when you present a Belgravia in Bloom map. Today, SL favourite With Nothing Underneath is offering complimentary floral embroidery on the cuff of any shirt bought in store. 

Various locations; until Monday 29th May

Visit Belgravialdn.com

BOOK AHEAD:

English Producers Dinner at Spring, Somerset House

On Thursday 1st June, Spring is hosting an English producers’ dinner. The event will showcase a range of biodynamic growers including Jane Scotter from Fern Verrow, a farm in Herefordshire, and Hugo Stewart of Domaine Hugo, a winery in Wiltshire. Diners can hear them talk about biodynamic wines before Skye Gyngell discusses cooking with biodynamic produce. The four-course menu will be paired with different bottles – details are under wraps but we’re expecting good things. Ticket cost £120pp.

Lancaster Place, Covent Garden, WC2R 1LA

Visit SpringRestaurant.co.uk

YOUN JUNG KIM

FIND YOUR NEXT DRESS:

MATCHESFASHION Occasion Event

From 10am to 6pm on Thursday 25th and Friday 26 May, MATCHESFASHION is hosting an occasionwear event to help shoppers find new outfits for the upcoming event season. Whether you’re after a wedding guest dress or summer suit, there will be a range of brands to choose from. After you’ve browsed the rails, enjoy a manicure from a Ruuby beautician to complete the look.

5 Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1K 3AP

Visit MATCHESFASHION.com

TAKE THE KIDS:

Films in Concert at Royal Albert Hall

Films in Concert is back at Royal Albert Hall, offering you a chance to enjoy iconic films accompanied by a live orchestra performing the score. Over the next few months, blockbusters like Jurassic Park, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Wonder Woman, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows have all been lined up. On Saturday 27th May, there are afternoon and evening showings of Black Panther, featuring a guest appearance from drummer Massamba Diop. Tickets start from £34.

Kensington Gore, South Kensington, SW7 2AP

Visit RoyalAlbertHall.com

END THE WEEKEND ON A HIGH:

Sunday Sessions at Seabird at The Hoxton, Southwark

The Hoxton, Southwark has launched ‘Sunday Sessions’ at its seafood restaurant Seabird – one of the best rooftop spots in the capital. Try dishes from the new menu and raw bar, order cocktails, and sit back while DJs, Latin musicians and percussionists set the vibe on the open-air terrace. Options include salmon and caviar sandwiches with creme fraiche, red prawn crudo with crispy lardo and chilli, and ‘Roe Your Boat’ – smoked roe and salmon caviar. Impress a date with oysters shucked for you tableside. If you fancy making a night of it, the ‘Night Cap’ cocktail is £150 and includes a room for the night. 

14th Floor, 40 Blackfriars Road, South Bank, SE1 8NY

Visit TheHoxton.com

GET YOUR CULTURE FIX:

The Polar Silk Road at The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum opens an exhibition tomorrow on the Polar Silk Road, a new channel created by melting Arctic sea ice. Conflicts are already beginning to arise over ownership as the channel could create opportunities for trade and access to oil and gas extraction. This exhibition features 67 images of manmade structures across four countries in the Arctic circle, captured by artist and photographer Gregor Sailer. From isolated research centres to Icelandic geothermal power stations, he has documented the changes taking place across the Arctic as people increasingly build on, exploit and research it.

Cromwell Road, South Kensington, SW7 5BD

Visit NHM.ac.uk

PLAN A FAMILY DAY OUT:

Ally Pally’s 150 Birthday Party

To celebrate 150 years since it opened back in 1873, Alexandra Palace will host a free family-friendly party on Saturday 27th May from midday until 9pm, when visitors can explore all corners of the palace and its 196-acre park. Adults and little ones can look forward to live music, DJs, cinema screenings, silent discos, a family rave, tours of the palace’s theatre and former BBC studios, a farmer’s market and ice-skating sessions. There will also be a selection of workshops and entertainment hosted by the palace’s Creative Learning team, as well as street food, a rum bar and a beer garden for parents. 

Alexandra Palace Way, Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY

Visit AlexandraPalace.com

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