When the sun comes out to play, so do Londoners, and you’ll find people lapping up the heat across the city. These are the best (indoor and outdoor) things to do in London this weekend (29 – 31 May 2026).
Al fresco dining at rooftop restaurants (or drinking at rooftop bars), open-air cinemas overlooking the city, Eid celebrations in Trafalgar Square, summer-season menus. This is just the start of London’s best entertainment this weekend.
Seeking some shade? Head into the Claridge’s lobby to see its clever collaboration with The Newt in Somerset, or lose yourself in one of the city’s best exhibitions which celebrate everything from Black British music to Elsa Schiaparelli, Queen Elizabeth II’s style and Ancient Egypt.
1. Watch an open-air screening with Rooftop Cinema Club
With two open-air venues (Roof East in Stratford and the iconic Bussey Building in Peckham), Rooftop Cinema Club is back for its 2026 season. Showing the classics and new releases all summer long, this weekend it’s the turn of Grease, 10 Things I Hate About You, Goodfellas and Inception (Stratford) and Mamma Mia!, The Godfather, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind and Interstellar (Peckham). Tickets start at a very reasonable £14 for adults and £8 for children, and it’s worth the money for the views alone – especially in Peckham where you can see The Shard and St. Paul’s Cathedral, among other London landmarks. Arrive early to take it all in over pizza and cocktails, before your chosen film begins.
Various times and prices
Address: Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, London SE15 4ST (Peckham); Floors 7 & 8, Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Way, London, E15 1XE (Stratford).
2. Celebrate Eid Al-Adha in Trafalgar Square
Eid Mubarak! Central London is celebrating Eid Al-Adha, with Eid on the Square taking place at Trafalgar Square on Saturday 30 May. Alongside the opening recitation by Imam Muniri Amour, expect entertainment from the London Arab Orchestra, Al Nour Group, Khaled Siddiq and the Khan Brothers Qawwali Group. Child-friendly activities include face painting, fencing workshops and a guest appearance from popular cartoon characters, Omar and Hana. Food stalls are serving up biryani, grill, hotdogs and karak; retail stores will be showcasing perfume and jewellery, or offering mehndi and sweets.
Saturday 30 May 2026, midday – 6pm. Free entry.
Address: Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DS
3. Flow Into The Weekend At A Yoga Class With A View
Start your weekend as you (perhaps) mean to go on: sunrise yoga on the rooftop is back at both art’otel Battersea and Sky Garden. In Battersea, yoga kicks off at 8.45am on 29 and 30 May, on the hotel’s 16th floor rooftop. This one-hour gentle-flow yoga class is led by @jinisyogi and overlooks the Battersea Power Station chimneys. Included in the price is the class plus breakfast (coffee or juice and a pastry from TOZI). At Sky Garden, classes take place every Saturday and Sunday at 8am. Held in the beautiful City Garden Bar, 36 storeys above London, these classes offer a unique chance to start the weekend surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic skyline views.
Address: art’otel 1 Electric Boulevard, London SW11 8BJ; 1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
4. Make the most of the sunshine at one of London’s outdoor dining spots
When the sun comes out, Londoners seek out the city’s outdoor drinking and dining spots. And this is a city with plenty of them. Some of our favourites include Yasmin’s sixth floor terrace, where Middle Eastern mezze comes with a view; Petersham Nurseries’ Floral Court, with quaint Mediterranean village vibes; and North London’s The Lighterman, where long lunches with friends take place canalside. But this is only the start of London’s best outdoor restaurants and bars – we’ve curated a list of CF’s favourite restaurants here and rooftop bars here.
5. Get a taste of Somerset in Mayfair with the Claridge’s x The Newt collaboration
Hotel lobby installations are often reserved for Christmas, but last week saw the unveiling of a spectacular Claridge’s x The Newt summer-inspired sculpture standing proud in Claridge’s art deco lobby. Labelled ‘A Farm In Mayfair’ This six-metre-tall bleating (yes, really!) willow sculpture uses 60,000 rods of locally grown Somerset willow, and took a team of 10 British artisans 148 days to create. A two-week partnership, menus in both the hotel’s The Foyer and Reading Room will use ingredients from The Newt’s Somerset estate, and Claridge’s Bar will serve The Newt’s Cyder.
Now until 31 May 2026
Address: Claridge’s, Brook St, London W1K 4HR
6. Secure a table at Nikita Pathakji’s brand-new restaurant in Clapham
You may recognise chef Nikita Pathakji from her stints on MasterChef: The Professionals (2022) and Great British Menu (2026) or, perhaps, from attending her always-sold-out supper club, held at her family home in Clapham (if you were one of the lucky ones to secure a place). Tasting Nikita’s dishes just became easier as she, alongside her mum Rima and sister Isha, have opened their very first restaurant, MAAI by Nikita on Abbeville Road in Clapham. Using seasonal British produce to create dishes including chaat tartlets, BBQ paneer with palak purée, and her signature octopus ‘tako yaki’ doughnuts, the family will offer an à la carte menu or tasting menu, with vegetarian options available.
Address: 33-35 Abbeville Road, London, Sw4 9LA
7. Celebrate Alphonso Mango Season at Jamavar
It’s Alphonso mango season and a celebration of it is well underway at Jamavar Mayfair. Culinary director and executive chef Surender Mohan has curated a menu that heroes the much-loved fruit, which he ships in from India, with dishes including pani puri stuffed with potato and sprouts – ready to drizzle in mint, coriander and green mango juice; a char-grilled chicken with garlic, chilli and mango preserve; and the star of the mango-show, a raw mango dish with fenugreek and spiced coconut milk. Drinks like a mango malai cocktail come mixed with Código 1530 Rosa Tequila while dessert includes a handmade chocolate, coconut and mango bar whipped up in collaboration with the restaurant’s Mayfair neighbours Barnaby.
Menu available now until the end of May 2026
Address: 8 Mount Street, London W1K 3NF
Book here
8. Book a table at All Roads, the permanent home of London’s cult supper club
All roads lead to Brixton this weekend: Malika Greene and Paschelle Brown have opened the doors to their first permanent restaurant, located on Atlantic Road. With the same warm energy and thoughtful tastes that made their supper club so popular, at All Roads Brixton dishes like torched mackerel on toast, wings marinated in a sweet black tea, and pork chop with a pimento peppercorn sauce reflect their Caribbean heritage and are designed for sharing – although we’re willing to bet you’ll wish you didn’t have to. Growing up, food was “always about people,” the couple reflected as they opened their restaurant doors, “it was how we connected, celebrated, gifted and marked moments”. Now, they say, they’re ready to “welcome our longstanding supper club guests, new faces and the wider community to All Roads.” And this is reason enough to jump on the Victoria line and (re)pay a visit to Brixton this weekend.
Address: 44 Atlantic Road, Brixton, London, SW9 8JN
9. Check out the home of Bar des Prés
Bar des Prés has reopened in a new location. Taking over 41 South Audley Street (formerly Socca), favourites from chef Cyril Lignac’s Franco-Japanese menu – like the beef gyoza with ginger and soy, the crunchy crab and avocado galette served with a Madras curry dressing, and the California roll with Label Rouge salmon, avocado, jalapeño and sriracha – remain, served in a space designed by Lázaro Rosa Violán Studio. “London has always been a very special place for Bar des Prés, especially as it was the first location we opened outside France,” says Lignac. Speaking to the new opening, he continues that “it feels like a new beginning, which we are excited for”. Us too – especially for the addition of an up-to-30-person private dining room which just made special occasions in Mayfair feel even more noteworthy.
Address: 41 South Audley Street, London, W1K 2PS
10. Wander around one of London’s prettiest neighbourhoods
Notting Hill is one of those places where you can easily spend a sunny day wandering aimlessly. Start by walking all the way down Portobello Road market – picking up antiques, vintage clothing, jewellery and art – before stumbling onto Golborne Road to browse Berber rugs and handcrafted ceramics at Moroccan interior stores like Fez. If you’re staying for dinner, make a reservation at Michelin-starred The Ledbury, or go for Detroit-style pizzas at Ria’s, vegetarian plates at Holy Carrot, Palestinian dishes at Akub, or modern European at Straker’s.
11. Dine at the brand-new MIKO Mei Fair
You’ve probably heard of MiMi Mei Fair – Samyukta Nair’s Chinese restaurant on Curzon Street in Mayfair – but now, London has welcomed MIKO Mei Fair, a Thai dining spot on the ground floor of the same building. With a menu created by Soonthorn Apaipat, former head chef of Koyn Thai, and rooted in fire-cooked dishes, expect sharing-style plates of grilled meats, Thai curries and stir fries. We’ve got our eyes (and tastebuds) firmly set on the 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shank massaman, the tiger prawn pla-ra, and the minced chicken, hot basil, chilli and fried egg kra pow gai.
Address: 54 Curzon Street, London,W1J 8 PG
Book here
12. Visit the V&A East Museum’s first exhibition: The Music Is Black: A British Story
Photo: © David Parry/ V&A
It’s been almost 10 years in the making, but the V&A East Museum has opened, and its first temporary exhibition, The Music Is Black: A British Story, spotlights and celebrates 125 years of Black music and how it’s influenced British culture. Photography by Dennis Morris, Jennie Baptiste and Eddie Otchere is showcased alongside clothing worn by Little Simz, Seal and Dame Shirley Bassey, and objects like Joan Armatrading’s childhood guitar. But that’s not all. There are also two permanent, and free-to-enter galleries that explore global culture through fashion, art, architecture, performance and design. Fuel up at Café Jikoni, brought to life in partnership with Ravinder Bhogal and Nadeem Lalani Nanjuwany, the founders of Jikoni, and informed by the V&A East’s Youth Collective (16–24-year-olds from Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest) to ensure a space that’s affordable and welcoming to all.
Now until 3 January 2027
Address: V&A East Museum, 107 Carpenters Road, London, E20 2AR
Book tickets here.
13. See the Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style exhibition (then go for afternoon tea inspired by it)
What does 10 decades of dressing look like as a monarch? Coinciding with the 100-year anniversary of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s birth, Caroline de Guitaut, Surveyor of the King’s Works of Art, attempts to answer the question. Including more than 200 items from 10 decades of her wardrobe – many never-displayed-before – this is the largest ever showcase of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch’s wardrobe, and an insight into the history, artistry and diplomacy behind royal dressing. Highlights include her christening robe, her silver lamé bridesmaid dress, plus her Norman Hartnell-designed wedding dress and Coronation dress. But don’t miss the smaller details, like design sketches and fabric swatches.
Now until 18 October 2026
Address: The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London, SW1A 1AA
Book tickets here.
14. Grab a Mondo Sandwich from its new Deptford home
Cafe Mondo, Camberwell’s cult sandwich shop, has found a new home in Deptford. Co-founders Jack Macrae and Viggo Blegvad have sparked something of a sando craze in SE London, with queues that rival those at TOAD Bakery right next door (yes, the one with the viral sesame soy sauce cookie). Wedged between Jars Bar and ZÉ-ZÉ Cafe, the Deptford branch slots comfortably enough into a dinky archway space, featuring the brand’s same open-plan kitchen and magnetic menu board above. The menu features all of the classics – the famous Frangos and the cold cut Combos – alongside a few exclusive Deptford specials. A weighty beef special slathered in a punchy Szechuan beef dip sets the tone, stuffed with pickled mustard greens. Plenty of benches outside make up for the lack of inside seating, where you’ll find Deptford’s cool crowd sipping on tequila slushies all summer long. Zana Wilberforce
Address: Arch 5, Deptford Market Yards, SE8 4BX
15. Go Greek at these two new London restaurants
New Greek restaurants Maza Mayfair and Taverna Ermou bring a taste of Athens to central London. Expect old Athenian charm, elevated and time-honoured Greek dishes, and a big dose of filoxenia – aka friendly hospitality – in both. Maza Mayfair is inspired by co-owner Christina Mouratoglou’s heritage, while Taverna Ermou is a direct implant from the streets of Athens (one of its Greek counterparts, Ergon House, sits on Ermou street in the centre of the Greek capital).
Addresses: Maza Mayfair, 21-23 Bruton Place, London W1J 6NB / Taverna Ermou, 38-40 James Street, London W1U 1EU
16. Visit the V&A’s Must-See Schiaparelli exhibition
Elsa Schiaparelli is a superstar in fashion circles, but her name is lesser known outside of it. The V&A is set to change that with the first ever UK exhibition dedicated to the designer. Schiaparelli is famed for her playful, witty and shocking styles that kickstarted fashion’s relationship with the art world. She collaborated with Dalí, Cocteau and May Ray, proving that what we wear doesn’t have to be limited to looking conventionally pretty. Schiaparelli showed women that fashion could also be interesting, funny, demanding and desirable. Find out about her legacy through the 400 objects that the V&A has unearthed, including her iconic lobster dress and upside-down shoe hat. Ella Alexander
Now until 1 November 2026
Address: V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL
Book here
17. Step into Ancient Egypt at Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold exhibition
Gold-plated Wooden Mask from the Coffin of Amenemope – Ramses & The Pharaohs’ Gold Exhibition © NEON_World Heritage Exhibitions
We know you’ve heard about Tutankhamun, but what do you know about Ramses II? Three thousand years ago, this Ancient Egyptian pharaoh ruled for almost 67 years (far longer than ‘The Boy King’s’ 9-10 years). In his time he led the Battle of Kadesh, built temples such as Abu Simbel, and signed the world’s first recorded peace treaty – living until roughly 90 years old and fathering more than 100 children, Ramses II left quite a legacy on the world. That legacy has been brought to life in this thoughtfully curated exhibition that takes you up close and personal to more than 180 ancient artefacts including gold masks; 3,000-year-old statues (some showcased just centimetres away, and without glass casing); amulets, rings and necklaces; silver coffins from the royal tombs of Tanis; and – arguably the star of the show – Ramses II’s carved cedar coffin. Presented in a way that allows visitors the time, space and information to take it all in, this stand-out historical exhibition also utilises modern tech at times, notably in the immersive depiction of the Battle of Kadesh and the VR experience at the end, which takes you back in time to meet his first wife, Queen Nefertari, as she takes you on a tour of Abu Simel.
Currently booking until 12 July 2026
Address: NEON at Battersea Power Station, 2 Circus Road East, London, SW11 8DQ
Book here
18. See Keith Haring’s Subway Drawings at Moco Museum
Just across the road from Marble Arch tube station, a 1980’s New York subway has popped up – and it’s home to 20 of the late Keith Haring’s subway drawings. Created with speed, beside the train tracks underneath the Big Apple, “these subway drawings are where his voice became public, direct, generous, and fearless,” says Kim Prins, founder of Moco Museum, referring to his early-years practice of using white chalk on underground advertising boards before he rose to international acclaim. At the time Haring’s drawings were uncommissioned and, by many, unwanted – often considered public graffiti and quickly removed. Some remained however, and, 36 years after his death, are being showcased at Moco Museum London. Voice of the Street – Keith Haring’s Subway Drawings invites us to view his early works, long before his art reached gallery walls.
Now until 18 June 2026
Address: Moco Museum, 1-4 Marble Arch, London, W2 2UH
Book here.
19. Discover Global Culture and Influences Right on your Doorstep
Travel to Saudi, India or Ethiopia this weekend, all without leaving London. Women in Travel CIC’s intimate, female-led tours take you on a multicultural journey throughout our city, each through the eyes of women. Food is a big part of each tour, but so are personal insights into the traditions of each country, via history, art, architecture, literature, music and more. Brought to life by guides with real-life knowledge, understanding, ties and connections to each culture, these tours go beyond sightseeing and delve deep into the stories and fabric of each society, showcasing how they have influenced the UK capital. You might drink Saudi coffee for breakfast, eat Ethiopian misir alicha and injera for lunch, or eat Indian sweets for dessert, all while tracing the global influences – trade, migration, design and cultural ties – that make London, well, London.
Saturday 30 May, times and prices vary
Find out more and book here
20. Visit Tracey Emin’s largest ever exhibition, A Second Life, at Tate Britain
Life, love, heartbreak, pain, suffering and hope – you’ll feel all of this and much more throughout Tracey Emin’s new (and largest ever) exhibition, open now at Tate Britain. Emin’s work has always been all encompassing of human nature, and in this landmark exhibition we’re invited – no drawn – further into her world, heart and feelings with such real and raw human emotion that it would be futile to try to escape its intensity. Through more than 100 of her mixed-media works – paintings, textiles, sculpture, video, and her globally recognised neon pieces – and spanning 40 years of her career, this is about as moving as an art exhibition can get. Emin is without a doubt one of the most significant artists of our generation, yet her work has come to define us all; the way we love and cry, work and grieve. The way we live. This is one of the must-see exhibitions of 2026.
Now until 31 August 2026
Address: Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
Book tickets here
21. Dine At This Mayfair Hotspot
Brought to you by Serdar Demir, the man behind Turkish fine-dining restaurant The Mantl in Knightsbridge, and spread across three floors, Chargal uses oak-charcoal cooking to serve up delicious plates of mezze (kuru cacık, hummus, muhammara, manti and more) alongside main dishes like pistachio lamb cutlets, lamb fillet with smoked aubergine, and a fish platter comprising scallops, sea bass, octopus and carabinero prawn. Don’t miss the dark chocolate sorbet made with fennel pollen and olive oil for dessert.
Address:11 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8DS
Book here
22. Take a Day Trip
While not technically in London, all of these trips are very easy to reach from London – whether for the day or overnight. Top spots include Bath to warm up in the spa waters; Oxford to spot the university (and Harry Potter) landmarks; Canterbury to see the cathedral; Winchester to pick up a sale bargain on a historic high street; The Cotswolds for winter rambles; Margate to blow the cobwebs away on a beach walk; and Brighton to shop the pretty lanes (and Laines). All are less than two hours from London.
23. Step into the wonderful world of Wes Anderson at The Design Museum
Wes Anderson’s characteristic visual symmetry, funky colour schemes, tongue-in-cheek exaggeration, but often serious plot lines, are known to all – avid fans or not, his films are inescapable. This Design Museum exhibition is a behind-the-scenes snapshot into the incredible productions, as over 700 items from the archives are on display for the first time ever in the UK, marking the first ever retrospective of the filmmaker. The exhibition is arranged largely chronologically, sectioned out by film. In each, marvel over everything from the colourful costumes, clips from the movies, mini set replicas (the entire Darjeeling Express included), on-set BTS stills, soundtrack snippets, and all the props you could think of, from sketches, to books, to typewriters to perfume bottles, and even the iron tasseled keys from The Grand Budapest Hotel near a scaled model of the entire hotel. As co-curator and chief curatorial director of the Design Museum, Lucia Savi explains, Wes Anderson’s “extraordinary archive is testament to his unique cinematic approach,” and this exhibition is a wonderful prompt to revisit your favourites from his work. Ella Mansell
Now until 26 July 2026 at the Design Museum.
Address: 224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG, United Kingdom
Book here
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