The Best Things To Do In London This Weekend: 14–15 October 2023
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7 months ago
Spend your treasured weekend wisely
No weekend plans to your name? We know the feeling. Sometimes it can be nice to curl up on the sofa all weekend and watch a brand new TV show – but that’s not always the vibe we’re looking for. If you’re looking to get out and about to enjoy one of London’s incredible events and pop-ups, you’ve come to the right place. There are plenty of fun things to do across London that we’d highly recommend including chomping down on a delicious roast and attending a world-class art exhibition, plus free things like lovely walks. Here’s how to have the best time in London this weekend.
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Best Things To Do In London This Weekend: 14–15 October 2023
1. Frieze London
11–15 October 2023 at The Regent’s Park
Photo by Linda Nylind
London’s premiere contemporary art fair is in full swing at Regent’s Park – and you can make the most of it this weekend. Expect talks, incredible art, and Frieze Masters’ showcase of art created before 2000. If you missed out on tickets, never fear: Frieze Sculpture is open to all. Here’s exactly what to expect before you go. frieze.com
2. Brixton Oktoberfest
Every Saturday in October from 1–8pm at Electric Brixton (Town Hall Parade, Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RJ)
Bavarian exuberance rules the (Satur)day at Electric Brixton throughout October, with space for 2,100 merrymakers to enjoy an energetic beer hall complete with wooden tables, bunting, live music from German Jukebox and DJs spinning party anthems. Book your ticket here.
3. Pink Oktoberfest
Saturday 14 October & Saturday 21 October 2023 at Between The Bridges (The Queen’s Walk, London SE1)
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Returning for its third year this weekend is Pink Oktoberfest, the LGBTQ+ answer to the popular German festivities. Attendees can expect an exhilarating lineup featuring London’s elite drag acts – including current Drag Race UK Competitor Ginger Johnson – alongside dazzling cabaret performances, dynamic dancers, and the unmistakable rhythms of the OmmPah Pay Band. So don your pink Ledehosen and head down to the South Bank for an evening of joy, acceptance and unabashed self-expression soundtracked by Bavarian melodies. pinkoktoberfest.com
4. Queer Nature At Kew
30 September–29 October 2023 at Kew Gardens
A month-long celebration of the connections between queer people and nature at the Temperate House at Kew Gardens has commenced. Featuring four brand new commissions of art and storytelling to immerse into. Better still, entry to the House and Gardens is included in your ticket. Read all about it here. kew.org
5. Cheers! It’s London Cocktail Week
12–22 October 2023 across London
Spey Bar at Craigellachie Hotel
The world’s biggest cocktail festival has returned to London, with a new spotlight on the city as the global capital of cocktail culture. Check out our full guide to the action.
6. Bon Appetit! It’s Also The London Restaurant Festival
30 September–31 October 2023 across London
What a time to be a London foodie! Food enthusiasts are invited to celebrate the diversity of London’s culinary scene this month. Here’s our full guide to the action.
7. See The V&A’s Chanel Exhibition
16 September–25 February 2024 at the V&A (Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL)
Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto at the V&A (c) Victoria and Albert Museum, London
The V&A has opened the doors on its hotly anticipated exhibition, Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto, celebrating the work of one of fashion’s biggest historical figures. Here’s what to expect before you go.
8. First Roast Of The Season
Every Sunday at The Laundry (374 Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8PL)
© Harriet Langford
Following a summer hiatus, Brixton’s all-day neighbourhood bistro and wine shop has brought back its best-selling Sunday roast – the ideal autumn/winter warmer. Served from 1–6pm every Sunday, The Laundry has added two new dishes to its roast offering: the spatchcock chicken for two served with honey-mustard bread sauce and Yorkshire puddings, and the vegan leek and mushroom wellington with bottomless vegan gravy. The classics – roast pork belly and 28-day aged Roast Hereford Sirloin – remain, with new sides available two, including honey-glazed carrots, charred broccoli with garlic and pickled chilli and cauliflower cheese with sage and truffle gratin. Yum. thelaundrybrixton.com
9. Try Paired Cocktails & Bar Snacks
New bar snacks at Le Magritte (The Beaumont, 8 Balderton Street, Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6TF)
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Transatlantic vibes reign supreme at the classically sophisticated Le Magritte bar, tucked away in The Beaumont hotel just off Oxford Street. Sink into your armchair, and indulge in the new selection of bar snacks: think bite-sized French Toast with Bacon Jam and Cheddar, moreish Chickpea Fries with Jalapeño Ketchup, and an indulgent Truffled Pizza Bianca. Elevate it by pairing your choices with a masterful cocktail, from Citrus Punch to a Basil Gimlet to a simple (but always effective) glass of Bollinger. thebeaumont.com
10. See As You Like It At Shakespeare’s Globe
Showing until 29 October at Shakespeare’s Globe (21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT)
With tickets from £5, Shakespeare’s Globe is always a good idea – especially if you’re not opposed to spending a few hours of your weekend stood up. Journey to the Forest of Arden this weekend and experience Shakespeare’s classic tale of romance and redemption. Book at shakespearesglobe.com
11. All Aboard The Vintage Express
Good London pop-up at London Bridge and London Victoria stations
Good London is right on track, launching two new pre-loved clothing pop-ups in two of London’s busiest train stations: London Bridge (until 29 January 2024) and London Victoria (until 27 February 2024). Browse high quality, pre-loved pieces, and hop aboard the fashion train.
12. Try Competitive Cocktail Making
The Competitive Cocktail Masterclass at The Mayfair Bar (Monopoly Lifesized, 213-215 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7PS)
Whether you’re looking for a fun date idea, a birthday party or just a fun friends activity, grab your pals and get ready to compete against the clock to make the best cocktails – then drink up, too. All set within a mirrored art deco bar in Tottenham Court Road. £39.75 per person; book your tickets here.
13. Watch A Secret Tango Performance
Friday and Saturday nights at Gaucho Covent Garden (8-9 James Street, London WC2E 8BT)
London’s latest Gaucho is a stone’s throw from the Royal Opera House and iconic Piazza, and brimming with Argentinian flavours. Enjoy late night tango performances and Latin DJs every weekend, accompanied by tasty cocktails and mouth watering steaks. gauchorestaurants.com
14. Try Hyper-Fresh Ceviche
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
15. Go Ice Skating
If the fresh wintry chill in the air has you craving the return of London’s festive outdoor ice rinks, why not get ahead and brush up on your skills at one of London’s permanent ice rinks? Here’s where to lace up.
16. Go Bowling
OK, OK, a generic weekend suggestion – but London’s bowling alleys are some of the nation’s best. Whether you’re looking to host a big birthday blowout, make plans with friends or you’re in need of new date ideas, you’ll bowl everyone over with these spots.
17. Recycle Your Coffee Cup At Bankside
Ongoing at Bankside
It’s all about recycling in London this weekend. 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.
18. 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
19. Learn To Make Pasta
Ongoing at Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy (62-63 Long Lane, Barbican, London EC1A 9EJ)
Try your hand at the Italian art of pasta making at Pasta Evangelists’ Pasta Academy in Farringdon. 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
20. Party At Peckham Arches
Every weekend at 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 in London this weekend. 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
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