1. Feast on a bottomless brunch with free-flowing rosé in Covent Garden

Weekend = bottomless brunch, amiright? And, it is said that we eat with our eyes, so a pretty brunch is even more of a good shout. Make a beeline for Lilly’s Cafe in the Covent Garden piazza to enjoy delicious brunch dishes, homemade cake, and bottomless rosé in a rather pretty conservatory.

The cafe‘s ‘Ultimate Brunch’, available on both Saturday and Sunday, offers two brunch dishes, a slice of cake, and bottomless rosé. Sounds like the ideal place in London to spend a few hours with the gals this weekend.

2. Sample seasonal favourites every Sunday at The Laundry

One of my favourite bistros in the capital, The Laundry, hosts ‘Seasonal Sunday Lunching’ on a weekly basis. Offering a lighter alternative to their (bloody delicious) Sunday roast, this Brixton spot has a weekly changing menu of more summery favourites that focus specifically on seasonal and British-grown produce.

Enjoy the likes of a spicy prawn cocktail, Plaice Meuniere, or watermelon, feta and black olive salad; your meal can be devoured indoors or alfresco between 10am and 5pm. We highly recommend pairing the lunch with one of The Laundry‘s signature cocktails: Cucumber Margarita, Mango Sour or Rosé Sangria.

3. Escape to Spain with a taste of this Galician brunch menu

Fairly new to the London scene, Spanish restaurant La Gamba sits on the Southbank, offering tapas, sangria, and a weekend brunch for just £24pp. This brunch menu features a selection of Spanish classics and is designed for sharing. In addition, you can add a litre of white or red sangria to your meal for an additional £15pp. We’ve heard their churros are something special too…

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. Enjoy tequila cocktails at a tropical paradise in the West End

London’s original competitive socialising venue, Swingers West End, will launch their Casamigos Summer Terrace later this week (July 20) – you heard it here first! The collaboration with premium tequila and mezcal brand, Casamigos, will see Londoners enjoy daytime drinks, sunset sessions, and a whole lot of fun every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

As you step through the agave archway, you’ll be transported from the busy London streets to a rooftop paradise, decked out in beautiful foliage. Of course, there’ll be tequila and mezcal cocktails aplenty, priced at £11 each (and 2-4-1 on Fridays, 5pm-7pm), plus plenty photo ops, and music from top DJs. Whether you’re there to settle your nerves pre-mini golf game, or just to relax with a cocktail or two, it’ll be the place to be this summer.

5. Celebrate two distinctive pop acts at The Clapham Grand’s dedicated club nights

Calling all of Nicki’s Barbies and Harry’s Stylers: both iconic pop acts will be celebrated at The Clapham Grand this weekend. Pound The Alarm, because on Friday, July 21, it’s Nicki Minaj night! You know all the Super Freaky Girl(s and guys) will be out in full force to honour this icon’s music from the last decade – and at the helm will be Drag Race’s Vanity Milan and QX Cabaret Star of the Year Rhys’s Pieces.

The following night, Saturday, July 22, The Clapham Grand will mark 13 years of One Direction – and ironically on the closing night of Harry Styles’ Europe tour. The music will span the band’s successful career, as well as their solo jaunts, so they’re sure to play your Best Song Ever. In true Grand fashion, there’ll be confetti cannons, balloons, and videos on the big screen.

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.

6. Check out the UK’s biggest Japanese food and culture festival

HYPER JAPAN, the UK’s biggest Japanese food and culture festival, is back for its 13th year this weekend (July 21–23). Bringing a taste of Tokyo all the way to central London, visitors will be able to fully immerse themselves in Japanese culture at the Olympia London. There are over 300 exhibitors, enabling you to experience everything from authentic Japanese cuisine to popular Japanese music.

Highlights on the agenda include sipping sensational sake at the Sake Experience (new for 2023) – there will be a whopping 21 types of sake from eight different breweries – and a performance from FEMM (who will be sharing their final ever performance on Saturday).

The hottest new openings in London

We’ve rounded up London’s newest bars, restaurants, food markets, and more for you to check out.

7. Admire the gorgeous interiors at this new West End bar and nightclub

A newly opened bar on Denmark Street is seeking to re-awaken the area’s musical legacy – enter: Thirteen. Firstly, just look at those interiors. It is pure, unadulterated, gothic opulence. In terms of the food and drink, Thirteen is an all-day hangout that flows from day to night. Signature cocktails, classic drinks, and a selection of small plates await (think: edamame, gyoza, sushi, and sashimi).

And the grandoise doesn’t stop there, as below Thirteen, you’ll find an intimate basement club billed solely “for those in the know”. Dial8, with its secret separate entrance, is the ultimate place for private events and exclusive gatherings.

8. Visit the UK’s smallest town

If you’re after a little break away from London this weekend, why not take trip to the UK’s smallest town? It’s just two hours from the capital, after all. Fordwich is a picturesque ancient port town set on the River Great Stour, just two miles downstream from the City of Canterbury in Kent. There’ll be no fighting for space on public transport, or jostling at the pub for a pint, as there’s just 381 people who reside here. Discover the town’s history and spend an afternoon wandering around.

Hi, Barbie! Hi, Ken! If you’re heading to Vue Westfield (Stratford or White City) to watch the new Barbie movie this weekend (July 21 or 22), be sure to dress to impress. Those who head to the either of these Vue locations in their brightest and boldest pink garms may bag a free ticket to selected screenings – there’s over 200 free tickets up for grabs. Trusted judges will be on hand at these two cinemas, looking out for the pinkest of pink on Friday and Saturday; tickets will be given on site.