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The Best Things To Do In London This Weekend: 8–9 July 2023
Spend your treasured weekend wisely
By | 17 hours ago
It’s all about sports this weekend in London, with Wimbledon, the Ashes and Silverstone taking over screens and sports bars across the city. If you’re not so fussed about the action, you might looking for some things to do in London this weekend. Well, look no further. The restaurant terraces are firmly open, London’s lovely outdoor swim spots are packed with people, and there’s a constant thickness to the air. It can only mean one thing: London summer has well and truly landed, and here’s how to make the most of your limited time. Enjoy!
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The Best Things To Do In London This Weekend: 8–9 July 2023
1. Celebrate Trans+ Pride
Saturday 8 July 2023 in Trafalgar Square
London Pride may have occurred last weekend, but the celebrations – and protests – aren’t over. This weekend, it’s Trans+ Pride’s turn, a grassroots protest now in its fifth year calling for trans freedom and equality. Learn all about it – plus, how and where to join the march – in our guide.
2. Big Penny Social X BEYOND RETRO
4–9 July 2023 at Big Penny Social (1 Priestley Way, London E17 6AL)
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Find leading vintage retailer BEYOND RETRO in Walthamstow this weekend, with a line-up of unique events alongside a pop-up shop. There’s a Hawaiian Party on Friday night (7 July), featuring a buzzy DJ set from My Mate Kate, frozen slushy cocktails and glitter face paint from Glitterati Parties. On Saturday (8 July) the DJ baton is passed to Indie Amnesty, while on Sunday afternoon (9 July), visitors can hear outdoor music sets from emerging artists.
3. Watch Wimbledon
Matches everyday until Sunday 16 July
London has been taken over by tennis for another year, all thanks to our world-famous tennis tournament, Wimbledon. To celebrate, big screens have popped up across the capital, perfect for watching with a glass of something cold or snacking on a picnic this weekend. Our favourite? Eccleston Yards in Belgravia, a little suntrap with wine from Amie Wine Studio. Socialise on picnic benches, pull up comfy beanbags, or lounge on a MATCHES marble deck chair – plus, find MATCHES’ designated marble branded kiosk to grab a complimentary fan and get 20% off purchases £300 and over, online or in store. Find more fab screens here.
4. Watch The British Grand Prix
Sunday 9 July 2023
Sports galore this weekend. Lights out and away we go to Silverstone! The British Grand Prix is back for another year. Missed out on tickets? Here’s how to tune into the action.
5. Live Music On Regent Street
Heddon Street summer terrace (London W1B 4BL)
Fully pedestrianised Heddon Street has unveiled its new summer terrace, for the ultimate in al fresco drinking and dining. Soak up live music this weekend from Jesús Cutiño on Saturday evening (from 5.30pm) and Sunday afternoon (from 12.30pm), while tucking into Casa do Frango’s delicious Portuguese chicken. If you work in the area, pop over for mid-week performances to elevate your after work drinks. Find the full schedule at regentstreetonline.com
6. Morph’s Epic Art Adventure
Until 20 August 2023
© Andy Newbold
London’s first step-free art trail has arrived, with 56 six-foot Morph sculptures accompanying 56 London landmarks. Wheelchair charity Whizz-Kidz has teamed up with Morph creator Aardman and celebrities and artists including Tom Fletcher, Ade Adepitan, Georgia Toffolo and Martin Dougan to bring a touch of colourful, family-friendly magic to the city. Download the map here, and get going.
7. Try Hyper-Fresh Ceviche
New Opening: Crudo Cevicheria, Seven Dials (36 Monmouth Street, London WC2H 9HA)
A brand-new, fourth Crudo venue opened at the end of May on Monmouth Street, bringing hyper-fresh ceviche to Seven Dials. Having gained a cult following for their customisable ceviche bowls, Crudo has recently elevated its offering for the evening with small plates, wine and pisco sours. Start with a hefty bowl of moreish, zesty guacamole with black corn tortilla chips while sipping a classic marg, before entering fish-ville wholeheartedly. There’s the classic ceviche bowls with the likes of sweet potato, avocado, cherry tomatoes and burnt corn (don’t miss the prawn bowl with mexicana leche de tigre and jalapeños for a fresh kick). But there are also more delicate small plates, crunchy ceviche tostadas, and spicy tiraditos. Perfect for elevating a gathering over sharing plates.
If you don’t make it down mid-week, make sure you visit for daily oyster happy hour: get fresh Rock and Native oysters for £1.50, Dressed oysters for £5, or 3 oysters with a pisco sour for £16, from 3–5pm Monday to Friday. eatcrudo.com
8. Club Pétanque
7 June–31 August in King’s Cross
While you’re in the area, swap pints at the pub for pétanque. This summer, Club Pétanque is popping up in Lewis Cubitt Square following the success of Club Golf and Club Curling, with four courts – each hosting up to six players. It’s totally free, too. kingscross.co.uk
9. Seafood & Sangria Brunch
Cavo at Tottenham Court Road (The Now Building, Outernet, Denmark Street, London WC2H 0LA)
Love a rooftop terrace? Sangria? Seafood? Head to Mediterranean restaurant Cavo to enjoy its new Seafood and Sangria brunch from its suntrap terrace; only the sweeping views of London will remind you you’re not in the Med. With a set menu at £65 per person – including a jug of bubbly white sangria each – expect to tuck into spicy mussels in choux pastry, moreish beetroot hummus and refreshing mackerel carpaccio ahead of the main event: a warm seafood platter of langoustine, lobster tail, oysters, razor clams, Mazara prawns and mussels. A summery delight. cavorestaurant.com
10. Kensington + Chelsea Art Trail
All summer across the borough
© Paul Neiman
See art for free across the Kensington and Chelsea borough all summer, extending from Kensington + Chelsea Art Week, with a public art trail featuring world-class sculpture, installations and exhibits. kcaw.co.uk
11. The Wizard Of Oz Afternoon Tea
Until 3 September 2023 at The Soho Hotel
There’s a brand new production of The Wizard of Oz gracing The London Palladium’s stage. Make the most of the magic by sitting down for themed afternoon tea at The Soho Hotel; expect the likes of a strawberry and custard ruby slipper and an over the rainbow lemon swiss roll. It’s £40 per person – or snag some theatre tickets with your tea for £79.50 per person. Book at firmdalehotels.com
12. Dine At A Brand New Restaurant
Now open: mallow Canary Wharf
Borough Market’s 100 percent plant-based restaurant, mallow, has opened a brand new venue in Wood Wharf, in the heart of Canary Wharf. Expect to dine on iconic mallow dishes, plus brand new additions exclusive to Wood Wharf. mallowlondon.com
13. Or Drink At A New Pub
Open from Friday 30 June: Earl of Derby (87 Dennett’s Road, London SE14 5LW)
© Paul Winch-Furness
A brand new independent pub, the Earl of Derby, opened its doors for the first time last Friday (30 June). Located at the foot of Telegraph Hill, the pub has been restored to its former glory by Parched – a independent group run by four friends, who have previously opened the likes of The White Horse in Peckham, The Roebuck in Borough and Grove House Tavern in Camberwell. Expect local brews and organic wines, plus quality food from Gengelly’s. earlofderby.uk
14. Cool Off With Frozen Margaritas
The Cadogan Arms (298 King’s Road, London SW3 5UG)
Chelsea’s much-loved The Cadogan Arms has teamed up with Casamigos Tequila to develop a brand spanking new summer cocktail menu including, you guessed it, frozen margaritas. Accompany your icy sip with Jersey Rock Oysters and fresh Grilled Tiger Prawns for the perfect summery afternoon. thecadoganarms.london
15. Sip With A View
Now Open: Bloom (Wild At Heart X Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square Summer Terrace)
Sip a floral cocktail with London’s best view of Tower Bridge this weekend at Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square’s brand new rooftop terrace. The Crown Residence has been transformed for the the summer and adorned with beautiful flowers courtesy of Wild at Heart. The Honey Bee (gin, lavender, honey) is the perfect summery sip. fourseasons.com
16. A Taste Of Saint-Tropez
Now open: Pantechnicon x Minuty Rosé Courtyard (19 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8LB)
Summer means two things: open-air terraces and free-flowing rosé. Pantechnicon is collaborating with Château Minuty this summer to bring a taste of the south of France to their sun-soaked courtyard in Belgravia. Sit back, relax and clink glasses against a Provence-inspired backdrop. pantechnicon.com
17. Go Swimming
Mondrian Shoreditch
Need to cool off? There are plenty of lovely open air swimming spots in London, from lakes to lidos to private rooftop pools. Find the best here.
18. Or Visit The Beach
Tankerton, Whitstable (c) Getty
Waves lapping against the shore more your speed? Here are the best beaches near London to visit this weekend.
19. Recycle Your Coffee Cup At Bankside
Ongoing at Bankside
The Better Bankside Business Improvement District (BID) has collaborated with renowned artist Timba Smits to spruce up its coffee cup recycling bins, to encourage more recycling and inspire positive action. The eye-catching new designs – which cast coffee cups as superhero style villains – form part of the BID’s #2millionchallenge campaign, boosting recycling in the district.
20. BBQ Cookout In Shoreditch
Every Sunday for the rest of summer at TT Liquor (17B Kingsland Road, London E2 8AA)
Shoreditch hotspot TT Liquor is home to Greek dining residency esti, which is launching a series of rooftop BBQ cookouts this weekend. Visit on Sunday for delicious Greek-inspired roasts – think pork and lamb cooked whole on the spit and chicken thighs slow-cooked over coals, alongside plenty of veggies – alongside some of Shoreditch’s best cocktails on a sunny rooftop. esti.restaurant
21. Visit A Market
Every Sunday, 11am–5pm at Hackney Bridge, Echo Building, Hackney Wick, London E15 2SJ
Image by Charlie Scrimgeour
New market alert: from the team behind Broadway Market, Chatsworth Road, and Ridley Road Markets comes a brand new London market: Hackney Bridge. Overlooking the Hackney Wick canal path and with a focus on sustainability, expect a mix of carefully curated stalls selling vintage clothing, antiques, furniture, art and designs from artisan makers. There will also be a produce market selling fresh bread, jams, cheeses and more. hackneybridge.org
22. Learn To Make Pasta
Ongoing
Try your hand at the Italian art of pasta making at Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy in Farrington. Expect to learn all about the best ingredients and techniques, and eat your creation at the end, too. Read our review of the Beginners’ Class here. (These classes are extremely high-demand, so your weekend activity will inevitably be booking ahead for a future weekend.) pastaevangelists.com
23. Party At Peckham Arches
Every weekend, Blenheim Grove, London SE15 4QN
Adding to the bustling social food scene of Peckham, the all new Peckham Arches is the perfect place to go for a fun night this weekend in London. The venue features a covered and heated terrace, an open fire BBQ grill and two large cocktail bars, private events spaces, a gallery with OHSH Projects, and a monthly events calendar of live music, DJ’s and more. peckhamarches.com
24. Visit An Outdoor Cinema
Ongoing
Summer must really be here: Rooftop Film Club reopens for the season this weekend at their Stratford location. The 2023 programme includes a mix of new releases such as The Menu and Everything Everywhere All At Once, alongside old classics such as Clueless and Notting Hill. rooftopfilmclub.com
