Not sure what’s on in London this weekend? Whatever the weather, we’ve got you covered. From cocktails, to brunches, markets to gigs, there’s something for everyone on our list of things to do in London this weekend!
Where to eat this weekend
From bottomless brunches to dining at the best restaurants in London, here are the food-focused events you should check out in London this weekend.
1. Have a festive feast at Market Halls’ transformed rooftop terrace
This week (November 9), Market Halls, located opposite Victoria train station, will unveil its winter garden rooftop terrace. Transformed for the festive period, this rooftop area will now boast twinkly lights, state-of-the-art heaters, and cosy blankets, alongside its panoramic views of the local area. Many of the street food traders will also add some Christmassy dishes to their menus, for example, Butchies has created ‘Sweet Baby Cheesus’ – a fried buttermilk chicken burger, with deep-fried brie – and Eggslut will serve a ‘Cranberry Turkey Sausage’ special.
Market Halls’ bar will be serving mulled wine and seasonal cocktails, and if you’re sorting a Christmas do for work or a large group of pals, you can get a £50 tab to spend at the bar. This offer is only available to those who book a group of 15–40 people between November 9 and 23, FYI.
2. Take a trip to a chicken shop with a ‘beak to feet’ ethos
If chicken and chips are on your weekend menu, be sure to take a visit to FOWL. The laid-back chicken shop offers something a little different to your normal takeaway: they’re committed to utilising as much of the chicken as possible. This ‘beak-to-foot’ ethos results in some unique offerings, including triple crisp hot wings, with sriracha mayo; cornbread, with chicken and herb butter; and chicken fat crème caramel.
FOWL is from the team behind Fallow, who aims to minimise kitchen waste by using new and creative techniques. Head to the St James’s area to check out FOWL.
3. Taste an outrageous new burger collab
You may have seen this one doing the rounds on social media: burger joint Burger and Lobster, and doughnut powerhouse Crosstown Doughnuts, have come together to create something new. The Crosstown Doughnut Burger takes the savoury-sweet combo to the next level, with three (!!!!!) prime-cut smashed beef patties, fried red onion, crispy smoked bacon, and blue cheese, sandwiched between Crosstown’s Tongan Vanilla Bean Glaze doughnut and signature fluffy sourdough base.
The doughnut burger is a limited edition, so head to one of London’s nine Burger & Lobster locations to try it out this weekend.
Bars, pubs and nightlife to check out this weekend
Whether you’re looking to let loose at a day party or dance all night, here are the best drinking and party spots to try this weekend.
4. Dance all night long at a lavish salsa club
Decimo, the 10-floor bar at The Standard, London, will launch their monthly Salsa Club series this Friday (November 10), so get ready to put your best foot forward. From 10.30pm, get lost in the Latin beat with live music, DJ sets, and the spirit of salsa; first-timers and seasoned salsa dancers are welcome.
5. Roll into a 50 Cent afterparty at Flipper’s first-anniversary event
Fancy partying with celebrities this weekend? Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace turns one this month, and to celebrate, they’re hosting not one, but two major events. On Friday (November 10), the roller disco near Shepherds Bush will welcome the epic DJ Joe Kay and the legendary Moodymann, to perform post-skate.
Then on Saturday, November 11, the brilliant Busta Rhymes, and the one and only 50 Cent, will party with revellers following 50 Cent’s O2 show, as the skate rink becomes a dancefloor until 3am. This is not one to be missed – the last few tickets are still on sale, so nab yours quickly.
6. Check out the winter events at Between the Bridges
Head down to the Southbank for a weekend of entertainment at Between The Bridges. Their Electric Winter schedule offers food, drinks, themed markets, and raucous events all winter long.
Friday’s Barrioke (featuring the iconic Barry from EastEnders) has now sold out, but fear not. Tickets are still available for Saturday’s Drag Show Brunch, with live RuPaul’s Drag Race UK performances; and Sunday’s The Hakka Show, with DJs, games, and more live performances (November 11 and 12). Beneath The Bridges is an indoor-outdoor venue, and it is both heated and roofed.
Top cultural attractions to visit this weekend
Here are all of the best art exhibitions, pop-up installations and culturally stimulating things to do in London this weekend.
7. Try your hand at screenprinting for free at a Laura Ashley anniversary pop-up
To mark 70 years, one of the world’s best-loved fashion and home furnishings brands, Laura Ashley, invites the public to try screenprinting in the heart of Soho (Noho Studios, W1W 7QA). This weekend (November 11 and 12) only, you’ll be able to create a personal Laura Ashley tote bag, using a classic Laura Ashley floral print and strapline. Eco-friendly as ever, the tote bags will be made from deadstock fabric upcycled from previous projects, including this year’s Chelsea Flower Show stand. Head down between 10am–5pm to take part.
As well as the tote bags, the brand will also curate 70 unique artworks to commemorate its 70 years, which will be sold at a later date, with all proceeds going to charity.
8. Admire impressive works at a new multi-media exhibition
Delight Media Art Exhibition opened to much praise last month, so is one to check out this weekend, if you’ve not yet been. The Borough Yards installation spans 12 immersive zones, produced by Korean artist Gyoungtae Hong, and incorporates lighting, video mapping, augmented reality, and sound.
Challenge your perceptions with floor-to-ceiling projections and the 360-degree installations; you’ll feel almost as if you’re within the artworks themselves.
9. Discover the behind-the-scenes secrets of your favourite Disney film at a dedicated exhibition
Staunch Disney fans, this is one for you. Head to London’s ExCel this weekend to check out Disney100: The Exhibition. The 20,000-square-foot exhibit boasts over 250 incredible artefacts from 100 years of Disney storytelling. You can see the props and costumes from live-action films, early sketches of characters, and find out exactly what Walt Disney and his team did to create some of our screen favourites.
Being up close and personal to all the artefacts will make you feel like you’re a part of the Disney universe: to learn the set secrets displayed to visitors is something so far removed from what a regular filmgoer would experience. Read my review of Disney100: The Exhibition here.
10. Celebrate the Festival of Light
Diwali – the Festival of Light – falls this Sunday, November 12, and traditionally, celebrations take place across five days. While Diwali is primarily honoured by those who follow Hindu, Jain, and Sikh faiths, all Londoners are welcome to join in this joyous time of year. For many, the celebrations honour the story from Hindu mythology, which symbolises good over evil, and light over darkness. Hindus also honour the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, and the god of good fortune and wisdom, Ganesh.
We’ve compiled a list of the best and brightest Diwali celebrations in the capital this weekend, from boat parties to slap-up meals; check it out for some inspo.
Weekend getaways or staycations
Looking for inspiration for your next-day trip, weekend staycation or city tour? You’ll find it here.
11. Rock out at a music-inspired hotel
If you’re treating yourself to a staycation in the capital this weekend, I implore you to check out The Cumberland. The music-themed hotel, located just around the corner from Marble Arch tube station and Oxford Street, offers a lively stay, teeming with personality. Here, you can try your hand at cocktail-making classes, kick back with nightly live music, work out at the gym, or cheer on your favourite team at the in-house sports bar – and that’s before you even lay eyes (or your head) in your room.
Like the hotel lobby, the rooms honour London’s rich music culture, plus former guests of the hotel (including Diana Ross, Jimi Hendrix, Madonna, and Justin Bieber). There is a guitar room service for those who want to flex their skills, and a rent-a-vinyl service for those who simply want to listen. Check out my review of The Cumberland here.
Secret London Picks
The Secret London team’s top picks for more fun things you can do in London this weekend.
12. Fill up your glass with mulled wine in Covent Garden
This week (November 7) marks the start of a Covent Garden festival, dedicated to festive drinks – including the much-loved mulled wine. Coinciding with Covent Garden’s ‘switch on’ of over 140,000 lights, the Winter Warmer Festival will see bars, restaurants and cafés in the area serving everything from traditional mulled wine and hot chocolates, to mulled rosé and spiced sake. Grab it to go, and admire the lights, or sit in and enjoy.
The Winter Warmer Festival only takes place for a fortnight, so be sure to indulge this weekend.
13. Spend time at London’s happiest museum
You know we love Dopamine Land, so if you’re at a loose end this weekend, follow our lead, and check it out. In case you’re unfamiliar with the experience, Dopamine Land is a multi-sensory museum, dedicated to the happy hormone, dopamine. The creative team behind the experience has designed a set of rooms that aim to indulge your five senses, and trigger your individual happiness hormone. Might the nostalgic ball pit room make you the happiest? Or perhaps the earthy forest room?
Dopamine Land is suitable for groups of friends, families, and dates alike; head to South Kensington to check it out.
Also published on Medium.
