One of London's best summer events, Wimbledon, is in full swing and there are plenty of places to watch the action, including a Pimm's pop-up. Can it get any more British? And if you need a cooling down from the heatwave, take to the river for a thrilling ride on a speedboat. Read on for more things to do in London this week...
Watch Wimbledon with a Pimm's afternoon tea
A jug of Pimm's, an outdoor screening of tennis and a strawberry-filled afternoon tea - it must be Wimbledon! The Refinery bar in Southwark has opened a Pimm's pop-up in their outdoor space, serving guests a very delectable afternoon tea. The scones are paired with Pimm's-infused jam and clotted cream, the strawberries on the waffles are soaked in Pimm's, while the Eton Mess has a Pimm's twist. What more could you want? Pick a deckchair and sit back and relax. The screen, and photo-ready flower wall, will be up for the duration of The Championships.
drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-refinery-bankside
Dinner at the newly opened Laurent at Café Royal
Hotel Café Royal in Picadilly have opened their brand new grill and sushi bar, Laurent, which is a must-visit for any sushi or steak lover. The menu is centred around the parilla grill, a traditional iron grill barbecue, where the chefs turn some of the most mouthwatering cuts of meat including fillet, ribeye and sirloin from US and Aberdeen farms. From the sushi bar, diners will find a choice of traditional and innovative platters, such as the crispy lobster sushi roll and the spicy and crispy shrimp sushi. Prepare to dine in style at the chic central London restaurant, and make sure you start your visit with one of their signature cocktails.
hotelcaferoyal.com/laurent-at-cafe-royal
Take a thrilling ride on the Thames
Adrenaline junkies are sure to love Thames Rockets. This exhilarating speedboat experience - which is number one in the UK - will zip you down the Thames in 15 minutes flat. When you're done taking in sights like Tower Bridge, you'll dock at one of London's most popular dim sum restaurants, Ping Pong, for a spot of lunch. A great way to start your weekend? You bet.
designmynight.com/london/whats-on/daytime/thames-rockets-ping-pong-taster?t=5b3b49f98d025953e946fa84
Take part in the happiest 5k at the Color Run
Head down to Wembley this Sunday for The Color Run. Said to be 'The Happiest 5K On The Planet' you can run, walk or dance your way around the course. After being covered head to toe in the colourful powder and resembling a rainbow more than a runner, the fun continues. A massive after-party aptly named the Finish Festival follows with DJs and music for everyone to enjoy. Open to all ages and fitness levels, this really is the run for everyone, don't miss out!
thecolorrun.co.uk
Sip cocktails at La Terrasse St-Germain
St-Germain, the famous French elderflower liqueur, has created a beautiful pop-up in the East Piazza of Covent Garden. It features a classic Citroen van adorned with a stunning floral arrangement, and is serving a range of St-Germain cocktails, aiming to bring to life the brand story of 1,000 hand-picked elderflower blossoms used in each bottle. So enjoy a drink (or two) on their perfectly French inspired tables and chairs - it's perfect if you want to escape on a road trip to France but don't have time in one weekend... The installation ends on Sunday 8th July, so if you don't want to miss getting your perfect Instagram snap, then it's definitely worth a visit pronto - just think about how pretty your feed will look.
Try the new summer menu at Heliot Steak House
Heliot Steak House on Leicester Square have just launched their new summer menu. While the restaurant is famed for its 28-day aged USDA prime steaks, which come with extravagant toppings including lobster tail and king prawns, those wanting something lighter can opt for healthier dishes. Pan-fried salmon with white asparagus and champagne sauce is one option, as is grilled halloumi with endive, orange and pecan nuts. Heliot will also be running School of Meatology masterclasses for ten people per class – which last for an hour and 45mins and run once a month. The £65 ticket includes a full steak meal with wine pairings and a glass of champagne on arrival. Bookings for the masterclasses into 2019 are available by emailing events@hippodromecasino.com.
hippodromecasino.com/restaurant-bars-lounges
Superhero Academy at ZSL London Zoo
KAPOW! School's not out for summer this year, as ZSL London Zoo is inviting everyone to enrol in superhero training this July, at ZSL's Superhero Academy - a new adventure for the whole family to enjoy. As part of ZSL's 2018 Superhero Takeover, from Saturday 21 July to Sunday 2 September, kids will be able to dust off their capes and train in animal strength, night vision, agility and speed at ZSL's special centre for superheroes.
Once junior superheroes have finished saving the day they can spend their downtime exploring the Zoo, discovering even more about the 19,000 super-animals who call it home. Superhero Academy is part of ZSL's 2018 Superhero Takeover, a year-long celebration of incredible wildlife and the ZSL superheroes working to protect animals around the world.
A great value day out, this super experience is included in Zoo entry price... BOOM! Don't miss out on this fantastic event - book online now at www.zsl.org/superheroes
