Hurray for the bank holiday weekend! Temperatures are rising in London and we can't wait for the heatwave. With that extra day in the calendar, we're planning to spend a lot of time outdoors this weekend. Read on for inspiration for fun things to do in London...
Afternoon tea at Selfridges
If you're still on a high post-royal wedding, like us, head to Selfridges which has created an afternoon tea to celebrate Prince Harry and Meghan's union. Dubbed the 'royal-tea', this elegant offering includes a delicious array of classic afternoon tea favourites each with an American twist. On the menu are truffle mac and cheese croquettes, cornbread-topped shredded salt beef, barbecue mayonnaise, scones with blueberry jam and chocolate peanut butter and jelly patisserie. The royal tea costs £35 for one person or £62 for two. Customers can chose to add a glass of rose champagne - £45 for one or £80 for two. The tea runs until the end of May and reservations can my made by calling 0207 318 3898.
selfridges.com
Raise a glass at the Laurent-Perrier Champagne Pop-Up
Toast the bank holiday at the newly opened Laurent-Perrier pop-up, which has come to London for the summer and is encouraging you to pop bottles, just because. With views of Leicester Square, you'll get to sit in a life-sized bird cage and sip a trio of 'summer garden'-inspired cocktails, alongside a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne, with some Joe and Seph's gourmet popcorn to nibble on.
designmynight.com/london/bars/leicester-square/the-icon-bar-terrace/laurent-perrier-champagne-pop-up?t=5afea04bdaf8031ad911fb12
Take the kids to Windsor Castle
© Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2018
During the royal wedding weekend, Windsor's population tripled in size, and this May Bank Holiday, thousands are expected to descend on the quaint English town again. On Saturday 26 May, families are invited to Harry and Meghan's venue, Windsor Castle, to enjoy arts and crafts activities and create all the accessories they need for their own royal wedding, from dazzling tiaras to ceremonial swords. And on Monday 28 May, the royal wedding fun continues in the Castle's Moat Garden, where visitors can enjoy picnics beneath the spectacular Round Tower. Children can take part in wedding-themed storytelling sessions and listen to live musical performances.
royalcollection.org.uk
Soak up the sun at a Sipsmith gin picnic
London's famous gin brand, Sipsmith, have organised a picnic at a secret sun-trapped terrace in the heart of London, and it's way better than your typical sit-down-in-a-park do. You'll get three expertly made gin cocktails and a basket packed to the rafters with tasty treats. We're talking mini award-winning pies, Scotch eggs, British farmed cheese, and wild strawberry Eton mess. The event runs on Saturday 26 May.
designmynight.com/london/pubs/west-end/the-windmill/sipsmith-pub-picnic-1?t=5afea0717722fd578f3c15a1
Bat Out of Hell
Based on the music of Meat Loaf, Bat Out of Hell is a rock musical that has been described as a "jaw-dropping, boundary pushing spectacle". It has reached critical acclaim since it came to the Dominion Theatre at the West End earlier this year. The story follows Strat, the leader of a gang who falls in love with the daughter of the rule of the apocalyptic world, Obsidian.
batoutofhellmusical.com
Sing along to live music at Piano Works
Brace yourself. The Piano Works in Farringdon are bringing back their all-day, all-night party on Bank Holiday Sunday, with revellers invited to request non-stop live music. Glitter and temporary tattoo artists will be on hand to get you party-ready, while the venue will also serve a special bottomless brunch menu for those who want to rest their dancing feet. 'Any Given Bank Holiday Sunday' will run from 1pm to 4am on 27 May.
pianoworks.bar
Get involved with Cancer Research UK Race for Life
It's not too late to sign up to this weekend's Race for Life events at Regent's Park. On Saturday 26 May, runners and walkers can take part in a 5k or 10k race around one of London's most stunning green spaces. If you can't make this weekend but still want to get involved, fear not - there are over 400 events happening around the UK this summer, including a half-marathon, hikes and Pretty Muddy. Fundraising money helps Cancer Research UK work to beat cancer.
cancerresearchuk.org
100 Wardour Street
Head back to the past with a new selection of legendary cocktails at the place-to-be bar and club, 100 Wardour Street. The menu starts from the golden age of cocktails, moving onto prohibition staples and exotic tiki tipples, and goes all the way through to modern day favourites. Sounds good to us!
100wardourst.com
Support the Big Brew Up campaign
The Big Brew Up campaign is back this year and taking place from 28 May to 1 July. Show your support for SSAFA, the UK's oldest Armed Forces charity, by hosting a tea party of your own at home - all whilst raising funds to support members of the military community in need. Order your event pack online which is equipped with everything you'll need for a smashing 'par-tea', from posters, event invites, collection tins, balloons and stickers. Tea and cake, what more could you want?
ssafa.org.uk/bigbrewup
Toast newlywed Prince Harry at Scarfes Bar
The Rosewood's decadent Scarfes Bar has paid tribute to newlywed Prince Harry with the release of a brand-new cocktail, aptly named Off the Market. The tipple, which is made of Royal Salute, saffron, Algarve figs and ginger effect, is the perfect way to toast the groom in style. The menu features other mischievous characters of cultural history in the UK, including David Bowie, Boris Johnson, David Attenborough and also the Queen. One of the youngest members of the royal family, Prince George, even has a cocktail named after him.
rosewoodhotels.com/en/london/dining/scarfes-bar
Have a drink at the Clean Air Bar
Celebrate the Bank Holiday in a bar with a difference - the Ketel One Urban Garden Collective, located at No 29 Power Station West restaurant in Battersea. Open until 15 June, guests are invited to relax in the Clean Air Bar, which has been decked with plants that NASA found to be the most effective at removing common toxins from the air. Drinks include Ketel One Vodka with home-made cucumber and basil lime cordial, Ketel One Citroen with apple and cinnamon, and Ketel One Oranje with basil and strawberry, all topped with soda.
London Cabaret Club's Queen of Roses
Hosted in the iconic Bloomsbury Ballroom, the new show aims to take guests on a sensational tour of British heritage, celebrating Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, with dazzling cabaret performances and decadent gastronomy, inspired by key moments from each of their reigns. Why not treat your loved one or some of your friends to night they will remember!
thelondoncabaretclub.com
Matilda the Musical
Be transported from page to stage with a trip to see the on-stage adaptation of Matilda The Musical! Perfect for the whole family, Roald Dahl's much-loved story has hit the West End, bringing you all of your favourite characters including Miss Honey and Miss Trunchbull, with plenty of catchy tunes and laugh out loud moments throughout. For the complete package, add return rail travel to your break.
PRICE: £120 per person based on one nights' accommodation at the Royal National Hotel plus stall tickets to Matilda The Musical. Valid for arrival on 20 June 2018.
Feria De Londres returns this Bank Holiday to bring the vitality of a traditional Andalusian Feria to the heart of London. From Friday 25 May until Sunday 27 the Southbank will play host to a vibrant celebration of Spanish culture and cuisine. Inspired by Southern Spain's annual Spring fairs, the festival will feature Flamenco dancing shows, interactive workshops and live Spanish music to create an authentic party atmosphere. There will also be an array of family-friendly activities including face painting, hair styling, arts and crafts.
The Southbank will be lined with colourfully decorated 'casetas' serving up delicious Spanish tapas, regional wines and cocktails. Guests will be able to enjoy Croquetas, Iberico Ham, Tortillas, Pimientos de Padron and for those with a sweeter tooth, delectable churros. Spanish food experts and producers will be offering special tastings from Tio Pepe, Spain's favourite fino producer, who will be hosting a series of sherry masterclasses at the festival. Feria De Londres is a unique and free event that celebrates the best of Spanish culture and is the perfect place for families and groups of all ages.
Quaglino's summer cocktails
This fabulous bar and restaurant is gearing up for the summer with a new selection of spritz cocktails, as well as a Aperitivo Counter at the bar, which will be available every Thursday from 5-8pm for guests to enjoy refreshing Venice-inspired cocktails. The idea was inspired by Quaglino's Italian born founder Giovanni Quaglino, and will feature a charcuterie platter, arancini and feta stuffed petters. Even better, it is complimentary when guests order an Aperitivo cocktail!
quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk