The start of summer signals festival fever and there are a couple to tick off this weekend in London; along with the usual brunches, lunches, cocktails and culture…
Words Helen Brown
LONDON BRIDGE FREE SUMMER FESTIVAL
This annual summer festival is back with a jam-packed programme of events. Head to the big screen for free showings of The Lego Movie, Finding Nemo, Johnny English and more, alongside Wimbledon coverage and the summer’s big sporting events. There’s also live music, karaoke and free fitness classes to get stuck into.
SEXY FISH BRUNCH
Sexy Fish have launched a new brunch menu exclusively to Sunday’s. To celebrate the launch, the group have put together an eight-week series of brunch parties hosted by celebrity DJ’s. So far Suki Waterhouse, Fat Tony, Whinnie Williams, Zara Martin and Nick Grimshaw have all taken to the stage. Head over this weekend for an Asian-inspired brunch menu, sultry cocktails and a stellar music line-up.
RUN REGENT’S PARK
This weekend, join hundreds of Macmillan supporters for a run around London’s landmark Regent’s Park. There is a 5k or 10k to sign-up for with all proceeds going towards Macmillan Cancer charity. You don’t need to be a regular runner to take part, all you need is energy and enthusiasm. There is even have a kids’ mini run for younger supporters.
Online registration is now closed but you can register on the day by heading to the information desk in the event village, situated under the Hub. More information here.
THE IVY CITY GARDEN
This week sees the opening of The Ivy group’s first inner-city venture. Located in the very heart of the capital, The Ivy City Garden features a hidden garden, private dining room and an all day dining menu. In keeping with The Ivy’s quintessentially British branding, a bespoke cocktail menu has been created, along with a truffle beef Wellington sharing platter.
HIPCHIPS GORDON’S GIN TAKEOVER
Gordon’s Gin has partnered with Soho’s new crisps and dips café, Hipchips to launch a bespoke crisp-n-dip snacking box, perfect for World Gin Day. Hipchips will be offering a free Gordan’s premix G&T when you order the exclusive snacking box. Give your picnic the perk it needs this weekend with a crisp, a dip and a slosh of gin.
HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVAL
Hampton Court’s annual festival returns with a series of open-air summer concerts in the spectacular and iconic Tudor courtyard. Now in its 25th year, the event invites world-class acts to the stage, including Jools Holland and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The weekend welcomes Amy Macdonald to the stage.
hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com
TERENCE SPENCER: A LASTING IMPRESSION
This latest exhibition from Terence Spencer delivers a playful retrospective on the youth and vivacity of the Swinging Sixties. A Lasting Impression is a unique exhibition featuring the many faces, fashions and sounds of this most defining decade. Prints showcase icon stars in their prime, alongside the beauty of ordinary life and everyday style.
POETRY & LYRICS FESTIVALS
The annual festival from Poet in the City returns in an exciting celebration of music, poetry and lyrics. The event offers a blend of voices; from poets and spoken-word artists to proponents of folk, roots and experimental music. Headliners include PJ Harvey and Don Paterson.
