Top 7: Unmissable Events in London This Bank Holiday WeekendBy Angelica Malin
Shock: there’s other things to do in London this weekend than attend Notting Hill Carnival. Rather than paying over the odds for a can of warm lager, we’ve handpicked the best events happening in the capital, and we promise it doesn’t involve you pushing through the crowds. Happy exploring, kids:
What: To celebrate the last long weekend of the summer, POP Brixton has lined up a variety of cultural events over the Bank Holiday weekend to keep London entertained.
Why: Head to POP Brixton straight from work on Friday (26th) for the AUX International Showcase, bringing together the best hip hop and grime talent from the UK and Canada as part of a bigger musical exchange between the two countries. To cure weary limbs and achy heads the following morning, POP Brixton will host a Bottomless Brexit Brunch from noon on Saturday with portable party team Pig & Rig. Finally, on Sunday (28th), POP will host its Tuckshop Summer Shakedown – a tropical- themed party from 2pm until 11pm. Ideal for ‘staycationers’ and those feeling the holiday blues, expect lush palm trees, Hawaiian grass skirts, ice cream and Pina Coladas.
Price: Free entry. Some events may be ticketed.
Where: Pop Brixton, 49 Brixton Station Rd, London SW9 8PQ
2. For Brunch and Bubbles: Oslo
What: Situated in Hackney Central is restaurant, bar and live menu venue, Oslo. Kicking off on Sunday (28th), Oslo’s ‘Hus Av Blues’ event will take place every Sunday, offering everyone a side helping of music with their hearty Sunday roast, wine and carefully crafted cocktails.
Why: The live blues sessions will feature raw and authentic acoustic performers as well as Rock n Roll & Motown DJs. Opening with soulful Joe Corbin on the Bank Holiday Sunday, you’ll be entertained free of charge from 6pm to midnight. Set against a Nordic, atmospheric aesthetic, Oslo’s ground floor restaurant and bar is cosy and relaxed – a cool environment to eat, meet and drink. The recently rejuvenated brunch, lunch and dinner menus boast vibrant salads, sharing plates, fresh seafood and specialty burgers. We’re all about the rump of beef served with roast potatoes cooked in goose fat, parsnips, Yorkshire pudding, kale, carrots and gravy. Nom.
Price: Free entry
Where: 1A Amhurst Road, Hackney, London, E8 1LL
3. For a Special Event: LASSCO
What: The Seasons at LASSCO is a four-part series of workshops and dinners curated and produced by LASSCO Ropewalk in collaboration with Lucy Franks that seek to explore and celebrate each British season by collecting together different craft makers, musicians, florists and chefs within the unique Maltby Street setting.
Price: Workshop £60 and dinner £90. Tickets here
Where: 41 Maltby St, London, Southwark SE1 3PA
4. For Friday Drinks: Just Ditch x Rumpus Room
What: Just Ditch is a little afternoon party, that’s not strictly outside of office hours. For those who decide to ‘Just Ditch’ the office, head to the Rumpus Room at the Mondrian London for drinks, dancing and nibbles set against the backdrop of the London skyline.
Why: Set atop Mondrian London is Rumpus Room, the hotel’s seductive rooftop bar inspired by the original party set of the 1920s, the ‘Bright Young Things’, where City slickers meet South Bank creatives in plush surroundings with enviable views of the River Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral and the City’s skyline. Nibble on bar bites including native lobster rolls, truffle hot dogs, and Bourbon glazed pork belly. Drinks wise there are punch bowls including the summery Da Vinci with Bombay Sapphire Gin, Aperol, orange oleo, black tea, citrus and a selection of Champagne cocktails including the Kiki Royale with Framboise Eau de Vie and Perrier-Jouët Brut.
Price: Free entry
Where: 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD
5. For a Mexican Extravaganza: Wahaca Kentish Sundays
What: This Sunday (28th) sees the Wahaca Kentish Town host their last summer bash. If you haven’t ventured North of the river, this Mexican fiesta will have you topping up your oyster card immediately.
Why: At the final in the series this Sunday, ticket holders will be treated to a host of live music and free street food tasters from the summer street food menu as well as samples of Wahaca’s famous Mexican cocktails. Local Latin band Dandaluz will be helping to while away the afternoon, and for those with children there will be a dedicated kids table with activities throughout the day to keep them entertained.
Price: Tables can be booked for the event online here
Where: Wahaca Kentish Town, 276 Kentish Town Road, London, NW5 2AA
What: Bloomon is an East London based startup – they cut out the middlemen, delivering modern, straight-to–vase arrangements fresh from the field to your home – meaning your flowers last longer. They create novel bouquets in which each and every bloom shines.
Why: On Saturday (27th), the flower mavericks at Bloomon are hosting a special flower workshop where you can learn all the tips and trick on how to make the perfect bouquet. Don’t worry about leaving empty handed, as you’ll be able to take home your new creations. Spaces are limited with only 18 people per class.
Price: £25. Tickets here
Where: White Room Studio – 45 Morrish Road, London, SW2 4EE
7. For Jazz and Cocktails: The Gallery
What: The Gallery in West Hampstead makes the most of Bank Holiday Sunday by welcoming highly acclaimed London-based guitarist and singer, Marcus Bonfanti for an evening of blues.
Why: From 8pm, diners and drinkers will be able to enjoy Bonfanti’s powerfully soulful vocals filling the basement. The night will unfold with summery whisky cocktails including the ‘How d’ya like them apples’ a subtly fruity combination of Jack Daniels, pink lady apples and a twist of lemon.
Price: Free entry
Where: 190 Broadhurst Gardens, London NW6 3AY
