Articles about London

Every Thursday evening, Old Spitalfields Market hosts Chess n Chill, a free community event that welcomes players of all levels to enjoy casual chess in a relaxed setting.Set in one of London's most historic markets, the pop-up blends culture, community, and friendly competition. It's run in partner...

When Tobias and two of his mates discovered the concept of cat cafés back in 2019, they were instantly hooked. After a quick Google, they realised Sweden didn't have a single one, so they opened the country's first, becoming a national sensation overnight. Fast forward a few years (and a couple of l...

This summer, University of the Arts London (UAL) invites the public to discover the next wave of creative talent through its renowned graduate shows, including Central Saint Martins' undergraduate exhibition from 19–22 June and its Postgraduate Art Show from 2–6 July. Held at the iconic Granary Buil...

Get into the spirit of summer with a lively Latin-inspired fiesta in a sun-drenched garden setting this Saturday. The Summer Fiesta by Latin Soul combines energetic music, delicious food, and joyful dancing for a day full of cultural flair and community, while special guest Pasha Kovalev from "Stric...

The third Saturday of June is upon us and everyone knows what that means – it's World Martini Day! To mark the occasion, The K Bar at The Kensington Hotel is launching an elegant Martini Station experience.The mobile station brings tableside cocktail theatre to guests, with expert bartenders craftin...

This summer, independent food and drink platform Delli is shaking up the picnic scene with its “Ban Boring Picnics” pop-up series in Brockwell Park on 22 June and Victoria Park on 28 June. The aim is to challenge bland, supermarket-driven picnic culture by showcasing bold and independent food makers...

If you like your gigs with a hefty dose of glitter, rock-fuelled and completely unhinged, don't miss Otto & Astrid: The Stages Tour, landing in Jacksons Lane as part of The Clown Festival on Wednesday 2 July, fresh from hitting up the stages at Glastonbury.This outrageously dysfunctional brother-sis...

Gibson, the iconic guitar brand with over 130 years of music history behind it, is cranking up the volume on its London flagship store with a fresh series of free live gigs: the Gibson Garage London Acoustic Sessions.Every month, the Gibson Garage (found just off Oxford Street on Eastcastle Street)...

With its quaint charms and wide open green spaces, Richmond might seem like a natural fit for fresh, veggie-friendly dining, but there aren't actually that many vegetarian restaurants in the area. It pays to know where to go if you're looking for a nice place to eat vegetarian food, with plenty of v...

If you're looking for the perfect kids' party venue in London, then you're in the right place. Our expert guide rounds up the best places in the city for your little ones' next big bash, from bouncy trampoline parks and active play zones to treetop adventures around the capital. No matter what kind...

Chinatown is known for its abundance of restaurants, but not many of them are halal-friendly. Combined with the generally hectic atmosphere and language barriers, it can be daunting to find a restaurant that serves halal food in Chinatown. That's where our guide to the best halal restaurants in Chin...

Dinosaurs are landing in London, and not just any dinosaurs. This summer, Lightroom in King's Cross is being transformed into an incredible 360-degree prehistoric adventure with Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs.Launching on July 9, the show is a collaboration between Lightroom and Apple TV+...

London's Napoli on the Road sliced through the competition at the Top 50 Pizza Europe awards for the second year in a row.Run by acclaimed pizzaiolo Michele Pascarella, Napoli on the Road has two branches in London, in Chiswick and Richmond, and serves authentic pizzas with toppings ranging from cla...

Michelin-starred dining might have a reputation for being pricey – and let's face it, it usually is. But that doesn't mean there aren't an excellent selection of slightly more affordable options out there. Just because it's typically associated with fine dining and high-end chefs, enjoying a Micheli...

Richmond might not be a halal hotspot, but this leafy sliver of southwest London has more going for it than riverside strolls and fancy pubs. Look a little closer and you'll uncover a handful of spots serving everything from smoky Persian kebabs to wholesome Indian comfort food, with halal options o...

With high-powered business people fuelled by steak dinners making up a big part of its clientele, the City of London isn't the most vegan-friendly of London areas. That said, plant-based diners can still find an array of culinary options here, ranging from quick and healthy takeaway salad joints to...

“Brixton Calling,” a thrilling new stage production with live music, premieres at Southwark Playhouse this summer. Inspired by Simon Parkes' memoir “Live at the Brixton Academy”, the play tells the incredible true story of how a 23-year-old bought a derelict cinema for £1 and transformed it into an...

Halal dining in London is anything but boring, especially in the City, where you'll find everything from Indian curry houses to classic street food favourites and casual brunch joints. We've searched the Square Mile and beyond to round up the best halal spots worth your time. Whether you're craving...

Mr Bao's Peckham Weekender returns from 4–6 July 2025, bringing together 16 of SE15's favourite eateries for a three-day celebration of local food and community spirit. Each restaurant will offer a £10 special, with £1 from every dish donated to Peckham Pantry, a local food club supporting low-incom...

On Sunday 8 June, the UK's only dedicated football vintage fair is coming to Walthamstow.Hosted by Retro Football Shirts, a leading retailer of football shirts and kits from teams around the world, the fair attracts hundreds of fans to browse its vast collection of hard-to-find football gear. Collec...

The Great Exhibition Road Festival returns to South Kensington on Saturday and Sunday, offering a free weekend of science and arts events for all ages. Visitors can explore hands-on workshops, engaging talks, performances, and installations from top institutions like Imperial College London, the Nat...

This Sunday, the Canary Wharf branch of Emilia's Crafted Pasta is transforming into a lively summer street-food festival celebrating all things pasta, with free entry for everyone. Guests can enjoy freshly made pasta, drinks, and Italian gelato at outdoor 'pasta picnic' areas set up with deckchairs,...

Unleash your inner artist at Paint a Pic, a guided sip and paint event in London.Participants are led through the creative process by resident artists who provide step-by-step instructions to help transform blank canvases into personal masterpieces. This event offers a relaxed environment where crea...

No one has ever accused London of being short on organised events or nightlife, but sometimes you want to take matters into your own hands. If you're looking to throw a birthday party, special celebration, or some other private event, there are loads of London venues you can hire – after all, most p...

Summer at The Wharf is a vibrant two-day event taking place on 6 and 7 June at Diespeker Wharf, located in the heart of London's creative district. This unique gathering, organised by Made by Many & Friends, coincides with the arrival of SXSW in London and promises a blend of insightful talks and li...

Explore the fascinating world of wine with the London Wine Tasting Experience - Vine to Wine. Participants will have the opportunity to taste 15 different wines, including a variety of whites, reds, rosés, sparkling wines, and ports. This event offers an engaging day of discovery, delving into the d...

On 16 June, The Chalk Freehouse will open its doors just off the King's Road in Chelsea. Expect a gastropub that combines British comfort food with the finesse honed over a decade working at The Hand and Flowers in Marlow.You'll find chef Tom De Keyser at the helm, a long-time right-hand man to Tom...

Long-time Japanese fast-food favourite Wasabi is elevating lunch with the launch of its new omakase-style summer menu, now available across UK branches. Inspired by the Japanese dining tradition of "leave it to the chef," this tasting-style box offers a more luxurious experience over the standard ta...

Ever wondered what music feels like without sound? Or what a car park rave curated by your emotions might look like? The Barbican's latest adventure is here to show you. From the rattling screech of the tube to the hum of outside traffic, sound is all around us at all times. Now, the Barbican is pro...

From 28 May to 8 June 2025, an iconic 93-foot ship will be moored at St Katharine Docks, right by Tower Bridge – and no, it's not part of a film set. It's the Nao Santa María, a full-scale replica of the ship that carried Christopher Columbus across the Atlantic in 1492.Built in 2018 by a team of sh...

Pub in the Park is back for another year, but after five years at Chiswick House & Gardens, the London leg has moved to Gunnersbury Park. Running from 30 May to 1 June, the UK's touring food and music festival is curated by Michelin-starred chef and 'Great British Menu' judge Tom Kerridge, bringing...

Chiave, the music-led cocktail bar tucked away on Shoreditch's Redchurch Street, is trading beats for blooms for one night only. On Thursday 12 June, the Shoreditch hangout is teaming up with luxury florist Hayley Scott and Don Julio 1942 for a one-off floral masterclass on its top floor.The two-hou...

The Islington Festival of Music and Art returns this July for a vibrant 10-day celebration of live music in venues across the borough, themed around “Simple Gifts” from Copland's “Appalachian Spring” and dedicated to musical tributes and dedications. The festival opens with Gershwin's iconic “Rhapso...

Graziella, known for her exceptional music curation, is hosting a live music session at Mama to celebrate Pride.The event will feature performances by notable artists from the community, including Anthony Hughes, who previously launched his single at Mama, as well as Maya Law and RoXXXan. Attendees...

Richmond might be better known for its royal park and riverside strolls than its vegan scene, but this leafy, laid-back neighbourhood, perched on a particularly picturesque stretch of the Thames, is one to have on your map if you're into plant-based dining. This pocket of south-west London is dishin...

Carnaby Street's about to get even sweeter. On Friday, 6 June, Donutelier – the luxe doughnut spot known for its Insta-worthy treats – is hosting a full-on day party for National Doughnut Day. Doors open at 11:30am, with free doughnuts for the first 100 through the door. From 1pm, you'll even be abl...

This month, the cult-favourite Dumbo is opening its fifth location – and its first outside of France – right in the heart of Shoreditch. Paris-born burger phenomenon Dumbo is the brand that helped kickstart the smashburger craze in Europe, and now it's ready to take on the streets of East London.Dum...

The City of London might be all suits and skyscrapers, but it's also home to some seriously good veggie restaurants. Whether you're after a swish spot serving 100% plant-based plates or a casual café dishing up hearty meat-free comfort food, there are plenty of great places in and around the City. C...

This June, in celebration of Martini Month and World Martini Day on 21 June, No.3 London Dry Gin is launching a brand new pop-up, The Martini Boutique, running from June 16 to 21. You'll find it located at Electric Space, where you can dive headfirst into the world of Martini-making. The Martini Fit...

From the team behind Bistro Freddie and Crispin comes Canal, a brand-new, laid-back all-day bistro opening June 30 in Westbourne Park. It's set inside the revamped Taxi House, the former HQ of the London Taxi Drivers' Association, where it features a sun-soaked waterside terrace and communal dining...

Nothing quite beats dining alfresco on a sunny summer's day in the heart of the capital. The busy city streets thrum with people sipping and feasting outside, filling the air with that warm, fuzzy, nostalgic feeling you only really get at this time of year. Luckily, whether you work in the City of L...

With its wide open parks, charming streets, and easy-going atmosphere, Richmond is perfect for families, whether you live locally or come here just for the day. Of course, no machine can run on empty, so if you want to avoid any untimely tantrums, you'll want to keep the whole family well-fed. Our g...

Bottled cocktail brand Black Lines are taking over Lower Stable Street Market at Coal Drops Yard this Bank Holiday weekend from 24–26 May.For three days only, they'll be pouring their signature cocktails on tap and selling full-sized bottles to go. Voices Radio DJs will provide the soundtrack on Sat...

A major new exhibition, “Ancient India: living traditions,” will open at the British Museum from 22 May to 19 October 2025, exploring the sacred art and enduring practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.Sandstone figure of Ganesha, Uttar Pradesh, India, about 750 © The Trustees of the British Mu...

Europe's biggest Taco Festival is back at its beloved home, Signature Brew Blackhorse Road, for its largest edition yet, featuring only taco slingers who have won awards previously.This year's Tacover highlight is the National Taco Awards, where 15 of the UK's top taco vendors — all previous award-w...

From 19 to 25 May, Brompton in Bloom will transform Brompton Cross with floral displays and nature-inspired events, running in parallel with Chelsea in Bloom. In Still BloomThe celebration kicks off on 19 May with free flowers handed out on Draycott Avenue, uniting locals and visitors in a joyful we...

Ah, Mayfair: London's fanciest district. Brimming with high-end boutiques, designer empires, streets lined with Rolls-Royces, and five-star hotels. But it's not just where the rich and the famous hang out; it's also home to an excellent dining scene covering everything from Michelin-starred icons to...

Farringdon's brilliant Origin City – a family-run, nose-to-tail, pasture-to-plate restaurant – has just launched something seriously special for seafood lovers: a weekly oyster tasting menu. And trust us, it's shuckin' good.Thanks to their close ties with Loch Fyne and the aquafarms of Argyll in Sco...

The International Downtown Association Foundation (IDAF), a US-based charitable non-profit, is offering the Backing International Small Restaurants grant for the fourth year in a row. The initiative aims to support independent restaurants by funding upgrades, whether that's renovating premises, stre...

Enjoy an evening of top-notch wine at Humble Grape Fleet Street, as they team up with Bourgogne Wines for a one-night-only after-work tasting on Wednesday, 28 May.For just £20, you'll get to try 25 wines from France's legendary Bourgogne region – think zesty Chardonnays, sophisticated Pinot Noirs, a...