Whether you want to spend a cosy weekend at home or plan to explore London, there are plenty of online and physical events to choose from. Can't decide where to start? If you're stumped for ideas this weekend, then take a scroll through our top picks, from walking tours to movie nights and workout classes…
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Things to do in London this weekend:
Soak up art on a walking tour
© Photo: iStockEven if you've lived in London your entire life, there's a high chance you've walked past numerous pieces of incredible artwork and never understood the story behind them. Now's your chance to change that with a two-hour walking tour in Shoreditch, where guests can learn about authorised and unauthorised street art and murals by artists including Banksy, Invader and D*face.
WHEN: 18-20 September, 4:30-6:30 pm
WHERE: Meet at Old Street Underground Station
For more information visit airbnb.co.uk
Get your fashion fix
Fashion lovers rejoice! Over five days, London Fashion Week will see all your favourite designer labels show off their latest collections – all from the comfort of your own home. Sit back and watch Victoria Beckham, Temperley London, Emilia Wickstead and more hit the catwalk.
WHEN: 17-22 September 2020
WHERE: Online
For more information visit londonfashionweek.co.uk
Online beer party
© Photo: iStockBeer-lovers listen up! Airbnb is offering a 90-minute online tasting party where you can join others who share your passion for beer from the comfort of your own home. Beard and Bald will walk guests through British beer rituals and tell stories about famous legendary drinkers – all while sipping on a cold pint.
WHEN: Book a time
WHERE: At home
For more information visit airbnb.co.uk
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Sip cocktails at German Gymnasium
Enjoy those last few moments of summer while sipping Monkey 47 gin-based beverages at German Gymnasium - with a side of schnitzel to go with it! The unique dining experience celebrates the best of German cuisine alongside a fabulous list of cocktails ranging from a Black Forest Spritz to a Mountain Martini.
WHEN: Ongoing
WHERE: King's Blvd, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BU
For more information visit germangymnasium.com
Unwind with yoga
What better way to cap off the weekend than with a guided yoga session? Lululemon Walnut Creek will be walking guests through a 60-minute yoga and meditation practice. And don't worry if you're new to the mat, as all levels of fitness are encouraged to join.
WHEN: Sunday 20 September, 5:30 pm
WHERE: Online
For more information visit eventbrite.ca
Doctor Who walking tour
© Photo: BBCWant to see London from a different perspective? The Doctor Who Walking Tour will take guests to over 15 locations from the show, including sites used in The Invasion and Remembrance of the Daleks and The Bells of Saint John. So pack your comfortable shoes and your camera for a fun day out.
WHEN: Book tickets
WHERE: Meet outside London Bridge Station
For more information virginexperiencedays.co.uk
Enjoy a film...on the Thames
Running during September, this quirky venture between Openaire and GoBoat sponsored by Häagen-Dazs will see a fleet of sixteen eco-boats hold a cinematic experience on Regent’s Canal. Upon arrival, guests will captain their self-drive vessel around Little Venice before mooring at Merchant Square to watch a feature film on a giant LED video screen facing the water. High-quality audio will be supplied via sanitised wireless headphones to ensure an uninterrupted experience and popcorn and snacks will be available for punters to order via a dedicated app and delivered straight to their boat or deckchair. Perfectly accompanied by Häagen-Dazs minicups, of course!
WHEN: September dates
WHERE: Paddington Basin
Tickets and film listing is at openaire.co.uk/.
Cream tea at Kew Gardens
Who doesn't love a cream tea? Enjoy the traditional English treat during a visit to Kew Gardens, where you can see the Royal Kitchens, Palm House, The Princess of Wales Conservatory and the immersive experience inspired by bees, The Hive. After exploring the 326 acre UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can enjoy a break and tasty afternoon tea.
WHEN: Book a date
WHERE: Kew Gardens
For more information visit virginexperiencedays.co.uk
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Book tickets to see Strictly stars
Can't wait for Strictly Come Dancing to return? While it's still a few weeks until the 2020 show will hit our screens, you can book tickets for Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice's new show Him & Me, which will take place in June and July 2021. Everyone needs something to look forward to…
WHEN: 17 June - 14 July 2021
WHERE: Multiple locations
For more information visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Try a barre workout
For a fun alternative to the gym, try a ballet-based virtual workout taught and developed by Beatriz BB and co-hosted by House of YES. All you need for the Barre Bump class is one hour of your time, a space to work out and an at-home barre. We can almost feel our legs getting toned just thinking about it…
WHEN: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6 pm.
WHERE: At home
For more information visit eventbrite.com
Totally Thames festival
September is packed full of events thanks to Totally Thames, a month-long festival offering everything from art events, boat trips and more. Try Brunel's London, a boat trip under three Brunel Bridges, or River, the online photographic journey through the 150 miles of Thames Path by Agne Rita Kucinskaite.
WHEN: Events run until 30 September
WHERE: Depends on the event
For more information visit thamesfestivaltrust.org
Check out 'Presence in Absence' at the JD Malat
'Presence in Absence' features Cumberland's hyperrealistic portraits exploring themes of mass media culture, surveillance and the notion of the human ‘self’. His works have intricately detailed interiors that extend into the physical gallery space, bringing together painting and installation and engaging the viewer in the story and scene.
WHEN: Until 5th October
WHERE: JD Malat Gallery, 30 Davies Street, Mayfair W1K 4NB
For more information visit jdmalat.com
Try these new sweet treats
The Hummingbird Bakery, London's home of authentic American baking, has teamed up with Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the gang to create a limited edition range of treats to mark the 70th Anniversary of Peanuts. The Hummingbird Bakery x Peanuts collection is available to order online from 1st September at hummingbirdbakery.com.
WHEN: 1-30 September
WHERE: The Hummingbird Bakery across six locations in London
For more information visit, hummingbirdbakery.com
Dine out in style!
Celebrate this year's London Restaurant Festival at the award-winning Heliot Steak House with a Beef Wellington perfectly designed to share between two. This classic crowd-pleaser stars a USDA prime fillet of beef and will be served with a side of French fries and a glass of Henri Benoit NV Champagne for just £30 per person.
WHEN: Open now
WHERE: Hippodrome Casino, Cranbourn St, Leicester Square, West End, WC2H 7JH
For more information, visit hippodromecasino.com
Dine in a flower garden
Skylon has transformed its bar into a beautiful 'English Country Garden' in partnership with Laurent-Perrier Rosé. The restaurant, which boasts picturesque, panoramic views of the South Bank and River Thames, has been turned into a floral wonderland. Guests can sample three refreshing spritz cocktails made with Laurent-Perrier and dishes from Skylon’s signature seasonal British menu.
WHEN: Until the end of September
WHERE: The South Bank
For more information visit skylon-restaurant.co.uk
Enjoy socially-distanced crazy golf
Swingers London are re-opening their doors with brand new crazy golf holes. The latest holes, inspired by the fairground, will feature clocktowers, waterwheels, carousels and ferris wheels!
Guests will be able to sit back and enjoy mouth-watering street food from the likes of Patty&Bun, Pizza Pilgrims and Breddos Tacos while sipping on amazing cocktails.
WHEN: From Thursday 24 September
WHERE: Swingers City and West End
Toast the end of the summer the Amalfi way
This September, MALFY are giving Londoners the chance to celebrate the end of Summer the Amalfi way by teaming up with Harry’s Bar. Running until the 1st October, visitors will be able to enjoy a slice of Italian summer with a vibrant citrus inspired floral display based on Italian lemon trees – a true symbol of the Amalfi coast. On the menu will be a selection of refreshing, limited-edition cocktails, including a twist on the classic Negroni, combining MALFY Arancia (Blood Orange), Campari and Lillet Rouge with a dash of orange bitters and an orange twist, and a Rosa Grapefruit Sour. And, of course, it's a great Instagram setup...
WHEN: Runs until 1st October
WHERE: Harry's Bar, Marylebone
Finish a stroll on the river with prosecco and platters
Heading to the river to enjoy the sunshine? Deli Cat & Sons has presented Brunch & Sons, the new brunch set to inject some casual California soul into the heart of The City. If you always struggle to pick things on a menu, this is perfect for you - the brunch is a set menu of delicious sharing boards including English cured coppa with roasted grapes, pickled walnuts, and ricotta or texture of parsnip with truffle puree and crispy watercress. 3 courses and a bottle of prosecco comes to £47 - cheers to that!
WHEN: Opened now
WHERE: Deli Cat & Sons, 2 Locke at Broken Wharf Hotel, 2 Broken Wharf, Queenhithe, London, EC4V 3DT
Tickets eventbrite.co.uk/
Try as many new dishes as possible at Hankies
If you're looking to treat yourself to an Indian feast, look no further than Hankies. The name comes from their special of a classic Indian roti, hand-spun till it’s thin enough to read through, cooked on a burning hot roomali tawa and folded into 'hankies' - but that's not the only thing they need to be proud of! The dishes are full of rich flavour (and perfectly accompanied by a truffle naan - you'd be mad not to order) and our favourites include the crispy okra, chilli lamb chops, and kadai prawn. Of course, you need to wash it down with a drink or two, and we love the red wine martini (cocktails are also a superb price for the area, too!). Book ASAP as they're offering 25% off food for the month of September, and we promise you'll want to go again...
WHEN: Discount runs throughout the month of September
WHERE: Hankies Marble Arch
For more information montcalm.co.uk/
Get arty in East London
In celebration of Recycle Week, Bombay Sapphire invites gin enthusiasts and art lovers alike to join artist and marbling extraordinaire Zeena Shah at The Hoxton to master the art of marbling on the iconic Bombay Sapphire bottle – why throw your bottle away when you can renew its vigour and give it a new lease of life?
WHEN: The two sessions take place on Weds 23rd and Thurs 24th at 6pm.
WHERE: The Hoxton
For more information, visit eventbrite.co.uk
Grab your tickets for a cocktail and cook along with Mark Hix
Plymouth Gin is partnering with another iconic Devon native, seafood extraordinaire Mark Hix, to host a virtual cook-along using fresh fish ingredients from Call4Fish. You will receive two bespoke kits ahead of the experience containing quality fresh fish as well as everything needed to whip up two perfect gin cocktails. Plymouth Gin distillery bartender Luke Vardy and Mark Hix will guide you through this one-time one hour experience, fully immersing you in the flavours of the Great British coastline. The event is held on 1st October, but tickets are selling fast - so make sure you grab before you miss out!
WHEN: 1st October
WHERE: Your kitchen
For more information and tickets: feverup.com/
Try the latest Mayfair reopening
Head to IT London in Mayfair for a mix of gourmet Mediterranean cuisine with an eclectic drinks menu. New dishes from the à la carte menu include; the ultimate King Crab with avocado salad, green apple, ginger and seafood mayonnaise, and the Mediterranean Sea bass en Papillote with scapece aubergine, tomato and citrus sauce. IT London also offers a thirst-quenching cocktail list, with the signature Improved Twinkle, made of Absolut Elyx, Italicus, St. Germain and Top Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut - all served alongside live music.
WHEN: Just opened
WHERE: IT Mayfair
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