New musicals, summer menus, rooftop parties and a floating picnic; here’s our round-up of what’s on this bank holiday weekend in London
Words Helen Brown
Annie the Musical
The world’s best-loved musical returns in time-honoured form just in time for the bank holiday weekend in London. Starring the nation’s favourite comedienne – Miranda Hart – this production of Annie is a brand new incarnation of the original. Annie’s iconic music score of course remains the same. Sing along to unforgettable numbers including “It’s the Hard Knock Life” and the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.” Piccadilly Theatre, tickets available hereanniethemusical.com
Dalloway Terrace in Full Bloom
Escape the bustle of London’s busy streets to the tranquil surrounding of Dalloway Terrace. New this month, the venue re-opened with a blossom filled, al fresco area and fresh summer menu. This much-awaited seasonal transformation perfectly encapsulates the spirit of British summertime. The venue has teamed up with Hendrick’s Gin to create a menu of refreshing cocktails, ideal for the warmer weather this bank holiday. Dalloway Film Club is also back, along with the ever popular Lululemon yoga classes. dallowayterrace.com
Floating Boat Picnic
Soak up the sunshine this bank holiday weekend in London with a floating picnic. New for the warmer months, Go Boat London lets you captain your own boat and chart your course across the city’s canals. The boats are based at Merchant Square, where London’s first Floating Pocket Park is set to open at the end of May. In your eco-friendly craft, you can travel past London Zoo, through Regent’s Park and see Camden Lock. All that’s left is to pick your crew and pack your picnic. goboat.co.uk
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
The world’s most prestigious flower show is back and is the ideal way to while away this sunny bank holiday. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show brings together designers, experts and florists to showcase the very best of the gardening world. Over 500 exhibitors are taking part this year, with an exceptional offering of cutting-edge garden design. The perfect setting for Pimm’s sipping. Tickets available here
Last Days of Shoreditch Riviera
Last Days of Shoreditch Riviera arrives in East London this week with a sensational summer programme of beats, bars and beach life. Kick back to the sounds of XOYO DJs who will take the Saturday daytime residency each week. Expect cocktails and craft beer bars, alongside mouthwatering street food and pop-up restaurants. There will additionally be an Escape Room experience, karaoke room and hireable private spaces. With beach decking and swaying palms it’s the ideal setting for summer hedonism. Seriously, who needs a holiday? lastdaysofshoreditch.co.uk
Surface Tensions at Pump House Gallery
In the first major UK exhibition from sisters Pavla and Lucia Sceranková, discover a clever selection of their works, both old and new. Pavla’s sculptural installations and video performances express minimalism, subtle humour and sensitivity to surroundings. They invite the viewer to explore the relationships between perception and the perceived world. Lucia’s photographic installations play with illusion, reality and fiction.pumphousegallery.org.uk
Pergola Paddington Rooftop Terrace
Paddington is the new home of Pergola Paddington Central, the sister site to White City’s much-loved Pergola on the Roof. It’s West London’s largest alfresco drinking and dining destination with a seating area fitting 850 guests. Set over two floors, the venue fuses contemporary urban design with lush green landscaping. Head down this weekend for DJs and live music against a backdrop of the capital’s skyline. Food comes courtesy of Patty & Bun, Mamalan, DF/Mexico and more.pergolaontheroof.com
The Greenwich Book Festival
This young London festival reflects the best of the city with a wide-ranging programme for this bank holiday weekend. Here you have the unique opportunity to hear from your favourite authors and discover emerging voices in the literary world. The line-up includes writers, theatre productions, talks, origami workshops and more. greenwichbookfest.com
Learn Professional Patisserie Skills at Leiths
Essential Professional Patisserie Skills is a new, exciting course at Leiths School of Food and Wine. This intensive course covers the skills essential to developing an interest in patisserie and baking. You will learn how to make a wide range of pastries, cakes and other important elements of patisserie from Leiths’ experts. The course covers the theory of patisserie, as well as the practical techniques to upgrade your skills. A great weekend treat for anyone looking to dip their toe in the waters of professional patisserie.
8th June – 14th July 2017. This 6 week course runs every Thursday and Friday from 10am until 4pm. Click here to secure your place.
Green Man at King’s Cross
Our favourite Welsh music festival comes to London for a weekend of beer, boozing and music. Courtyard by Green Man will showcase more than 140 of the best Welsh beers and ciders from independent breweries. Green Man festivals are renowned for their music line-ups, and Courtyard is no different. Pinegrove, Kane Strange and Radio 1’s Huw Stephens are amongst the many bringing tunes. There will also be street food to tuck into between pints. kingscross.co.uk
NT’s May Bank Holiday Terrace
NT’s bar is nestled away by London Fields and set on a roof terrace area just waiting for London’s sun-worshippers this weekend. The venue has recently undergone a refurb and to celebrate its relaunch has free entry all weekend. Expect good vibes, great times, quality cocktails and a great music line-up. ntbar.co.uk
Bank Holiday Brunch at 100 Wardour St
Soho’s most popular bottomless brunch is going big for the bank holiday with Brunch 100. From midday, there’s a packed line-up of live music and DJ’s providing the perfect soundtrack for a day of boozing brunching. Choose two or three courses, including crushed avocado and feta toast and pancakes with grilled pancetta and maple syrup.
