We're spoilt for choice when it comes to finding ways to entertain ourselves at the weekend in London. Whether you're up for some healthy competition with friends or you want to try something a little different, the capital really does have it all. From ice skating to S Club music to enjoying music at Classical Vauxhall, we've rounded up some of the best things to do in London this weekend.
Enjoy a classical music concert
If you love classical music then Classical Vauxhall will be right up your street. Over three nights, music performances will aim to make you think differently about classical music. As well as hearing performances from the likes of Adam Walker, who received the Outstanding Young Artist Award at MIDEM Classique in Cannes, you can also enjoy seeing three of Vauxhall’s quirkiest venues - Brunswick House, Garden Museum and St Peter’s Church.
WHEN: 6-8 February 2020
WHERE: Three locations including Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7LB
For more information visit beinvauxhall.com
Opt for something hearty
If you are looking ahead to Valentine's Day, then pencil in an early date at Zizzi. The popular food chain is launching a brand new set menu for just £21.95, complete with 6 delicious limited-edition dishes including their exclusive Dessert Sharing Board with red velvet brownie hearts. What's not to love?
WHEN: 13-16 February 2020
WHERE: Zizzi Nationwide
For more information visit zizzi.co.uk
Keep the kids entertained at The Lion King
If you're struggling to find ways to keep the children entertained over half-term and the upcoming Easter holidays, why not book tickets for West End favourite, The Lion King? The musical classic, which is loved by both adults and kids alike, features hit tracks from the heartwarming Can You Feel the Love Tonight to the more haunting Shadowland. If you don't manage to catch the show in the capital, Nick Afoa, who is currently starring in the role of Simba in London, will be going on tour around the UK from 30 April. He'll be hitting the stage in Cardiff, Southampton and Bradford so there are plenty of opportunities to see the popular Kiwi performer.
WHEN: Now
WHERE: Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7RQ
To book tickets visit thelionking.co.uk
Challenge your friends at the Big London Bake
Do you find yourself gripped to your TV when the Great British Bake Off hits our screens? If the answer is yes, then it's time to try out your own cooking skills at the Big London Bake. Challenge your friends or family to a 90-minute baking competition to see who is the ultimate star baker. Ten teams of two will be given all the instructions, tools and tips needed to create their delicious masterpiece before the winning team is crowned. It's time to get your competitive baking hat on!
WHEN: Multiple times
WHERE: 38 Tooting High St, London SW17 0RG
For more information visit thebiglondonbake.com
Sing along to Kinky Boots The Musical
Fan favourite Kinky Boots The Musical is being screened across the UK and Ireland in select cinemas this Sunday. Starring the original West End leads, Matt Henry and Killian Donnelly, this one-off special event is not to be missed. Put on your dancing shoes and sing along to the feel-good soundtrack with songs from Grammy and Tony award-winning pop icon, Cyndi Lauper.
WHEN: Sunday 9 February 2020
WHERE:
For more information visit www.kinkybootscinema.com
Enjoy this massage with a difference
The Khera Griggs Cleanse Clinic has exclusively launched a pioneering, full-body holistic experience - called the Khera Griggs Wellness Power Half Hour. You get to enjoy a mindful escape that can help with insomnia and stress. Situated within Urban Retreat, this is the perfect lunch-time destination for those wanting some escapism.
WHEN: Open now
WHERE: 2 Hans Cres, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 0LH
Find out more here, urbanretreat.co.uk
Make your own lipstick
If you're after the perfect lipstick shade but can't quite seem to find what you're looking for in the shops, then Token studio has the answer to your prayers. Take part in a lipstick making workshop that uses edible, natural ingredients to create your own perfect shade. Whether you're a fan of metallic, matte or glitter, a professional designer will be on hand to help you find the perfect hue that compliments your skin. And it's just in time for Valentine's Day!
WHEN: From 5 February, 3-4:30 pm
WHERE: Token Studio, Unit 1, St Saviours Wharf, 23-25 Mill Street, London SE1 2BE
For more information visit designmynight.com
MORE: Valentine's Day giveaway: win a romantic hotel break for two in Windsor
Skate to Beyonce and S Club
90s and 00s ballads are some of the best ways to get you on the dancefloor, but what if that moved to the ice? Club de Fromage will take to the ice at Alexandra Palace Ice Rink for their throwback pop party, blasting out classic tunes from the likes of Britney, Beyonce, S Club, Busted, Avril Lavigne, Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys. So get your skates on (and maybe even some fancy dress) and prepare to make some memories with friends.
WHEN: 8 February 2020, 8:30pm
WHERE: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
For more information visit alexandrapalace.com
Kew Gardens Orchid Festival
Dreaming of warmer spring days? Then get stuck into the spring spirit by strolling through fields of orchids at the Princess of Wales Conservatory. The orchid festival at Kew Gardens celebrates the biodiversity of Indonesia, which has over 5,000 species of orchids. If that's not enough, take part in the Orchid Nursery tour, discover orchids in botanical art or enjoy Indonesian music and cuisine.
WHEN: 8 February – 8 March 2020
WHERE: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW9 3AE
For more information visit kew.org
Take Part in a Cocktail Masterclass
Celebrity favourite Bloomsbury Street Kitchen is officially launching a cocktail-making masterclass inspired by the flavours and colours of the Mediterranean and Japan. Upon arrival, guests can enjoy a selection of canapés before learning the tricks of the trade from talented mixologists. For just £50 per person, each guest can revel in 3 cocktails, a cocktail-making certificate, a voucher for the guest who wins the 'guess the ingredient' competition and tips and techniques from the experts to take home! Sounds good to us!
WHEN: Saturday 8 February 2020, 3 - 4.30pm
WHERE: 9-13 Bloomsbury St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3QD
For more information visit thekitchensrestaurants.co.uk
Treasure hunt on the London Underground
The London Underground isn't just a convenient mode of transport around the capital, it's also a fabulous location to hunt for the Holy Grail! Gather a team of between two and seven people that count strategy, time management and logistics among their strengths to be in with a chance of winning London Underground merchandise. The Master Of The Hunt will provide your team with a 'Treasure Hunter' pack outside Green Park tube station before you spend the following two hours solving clues and challenges around Zone 1. But be warned, there are Secret Agents that aim to throw you off the scent!
WHEN: 8 February 2020, 2:30pm
WHERE: Outside Green Park tube station
For more information visit designmynight.com
Celebrate a fondue festival at 28-50 Wine Bar & Kitchen
Every Tuesday, the fantastic Covent Garden-based restaurant 28-50 Wine Bar & Kitchen has introduced a Fondue Sovyarde experience – meaning that you can whisk yourself away to the French Alps for an evening of handpicked cheeses, dishes and wines. Mmm. The three-course dining experience includes a walnut salad to start, a gorgeous cheese fondue complete with a charcuterie platter and bread – and a tarte tatin for pudding – and is only a mere £34.95 pp. If you'd rather pay a visit to the restaurant another day, their menu is top notch, with everything from gorgeous fillet steak to seared tuna on offer. We would especially recommend ordering a few of their fresh oysters – you won't regret it!
WHEN: Ongoing
WHERE: 10 Upper St Martin's Ln, London WC2H 9FB
For more information visit 2850coventgarden.co.uk
Take time out for a mindful flower arranging workshop
Indulge in an afternoon of mindfulness and meditative flower-arranging at Funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk Ikebana workshop. Hosted in partnership with renowned Ikebana professor Tomoko Sempo Yanagi, ten lucky consumers will have the perfect opportunity to find a creative outlook on the New Year and decade and an all-important chance to reconnect with the beauty of nature while escaping the stress that everyday life can bring. Specialised Ikebana florists will be on hand to support guests with their practice and offer advice on how to balance the shapes and length of each arrangement to achieve true Ikebana style - and of course, you’ll get to take home your creation.
WHERE: Japan House London, 101-111 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 5SA
Book via eventbrite.co.uk
Sign up to ASK Perks and enjoy money off your favourite dishes
Love Italian food? ASK Italian have just launched their ‘ASK Perks’ scheme, allowing members to be rewarded throughout the week (and year!). Enjoy 25% off food from Sunday to Friday, an exclusive birthday treat, a monthly prize draw to win a meal for two, AND 2-4-1 on everything (yep, even drinks!) on ‘Amore Mondays’. Also, throughout 2020 there will be a series of specially-curated events celebrating all things Italian, with the first tickets being released in February. Experiences will include menu preview events, offering the chance to try out the latest seasonal dishes before anyone else.
WHEN: Scheme opened this month
WHERE: All ASK Italians
To find out more and sign up to ASK Perks, visit askitalian.co.uk/askperks
Feel like you’re Alice In Wonderland at Taj51’s latest Afternoon Tea
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences has just launched brand new ‘Alice Queen of Hearts’ themed Afternoon Tea, featuring beautifully designed pastries and scrumptious savoury treats inspired by the foul-tempered monarch herself from the Children’s classic story. Expect treats such as ‘Running Late’ (a macaron decorated like a clock face), ‘Checkmate’ (a Battenberg replicating a checker board), and ‘Tea Party at 6’ (a wicked chocolate hat) alongside sandwiches designed like playing cards. Plus, the all-important Queen of Hearts playing card will be spotted on every table, and it is all served on fine china plates from the V&A celebrating 150 years of Alice.
WHEN: Opened this week
WHERE: Kona, Taj51 Buckingham Gate, 51 Buckingham Gate, Westminster, London SW1E 6AF
Tea costs £35 and can be booked at taj51buckinghamgate.co.uk/Fine-dining/Afternoon-tea/
READ: Ronnie Wood's twins Alice and Gracie are adorable in new family holiday photos
