London has a well-deserved reputation as a global hub for art and design, and that means there’s loads to enjoy for art lovers in London. So much so that you can easily fill a weekend with inspiring art and design. We’ve got great galleries and museums but it doesn’t stop there - from creative bars and restaurants to artistic activities, there’s lots for arty people to explore in the capital. Check out our guide to an art and design weekend in London.
Guide to an art and design weekend in London
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Arts and culture hotels
Breathtaking independent arts hotel
At The Mandrake you can immerse yourself in art, culture and luxury during your London stay. Rooms and public spaces are opulent, there's a dynamic art collection with work by the likes of Salvador Dali, an artists residency, and regular cultural events. This is a luxury hotel that delivers a unique experience.
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20-21 Newman Street, Fitzrovia
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The Mandrake
020-314 677 70 - Read more on Thatsup
Modern British styling
Ham Yard Hotel is a treat for design fans. The guest rooms and public spaces are furnished by renowned designer Kit Kemp, showcasing her signature eclectic style layering patterns and textures. 91 well-appointed rooms and suites are available that are full of well-considered design. Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, vintage bowling alley, and a rooftop terrace.
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1 Ham Yard, Soho
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Ham Yard Hotel
020-364 220 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Discover local artists
The Hoxton has a few locations around town with handy facilities and stylish interiors. Any of these hotels are a great choice for art fans too, with concept rooms designed by local artists and work from local artists, art students, and galleries. Each hotel has food and drink options on-site as well as a bustling atmosphere.
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65 Shepherd's Bush Green, Hammersmith and Fulham 40 Blackfriars Road, South Bank/Southwark 199-206 High Holborn, Covent Garden 81 Great Eastern Street, ShoreditchThe Hoxton Shepherd's Bush
65 Shepherd's Bush Green, Hammersmith and FulhamThe Hoxton Southwark
40 Blackfriars Road, South Bank/SouthwarkThe Hoxton Holborn
199-206 High Holborn, Covent GardenThe Hoxton Shoreditch
81 Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch -
thehoxton.com/london/shepherds-bushThe Hoxton Southwark
thehoxton.com/london/southwarkThe Hoxton Holborn
thehoxton.com/london/holbornThe Hoxton Shoreditch
thehoxton.com/london/shoreditchThe Hoxton Shepherd's Bush
020-354 031 40The Hoxton Southwark
020-790 330 00The Hoxton Holborn
020-766 130 00The Hoxton Shoreditch
020-755 010 00 -
The Hoxton Shepherd's Bush The Hoxton Southwark The Hoxton Holborn The Hoxton Shoreditch
Pre-dinner drinks
Doodle whilst you drink
Leave your mark at The Doodle Bar, where you’re welcome to draw on the walls. This relaxed bar and restaurant has a huge choice of drinks that’ll satisfy anyone, plus food and a range of artistic events and workshops. Have a little doodle or leave behind a masterpiece while you have a drink here.
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60 Druid Street, Southwark/Bermondsey
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The Doodle Bar
020-740 332 22 - Read more on Thatsup
Quirky cocktail and absinthe destination
Check out The Last Tuesday Society for curious and creative cocktails in a distinctive environment. This gothic bar is decorated with taxidermy and curiosities, and features original cocktails as well as a choice of the classic artist’s drink, absinthe. You can try it here served in a variety of ways.
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11 Mare Street, Hackney/Tower Hamlets
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The Last Tuesday Society
020-853 352 97 - Read more on Thatsup
Cocktails and art events
Creative people can enjoy a drink or a themed event at The London Art Bar. This sociable bar and events space in Holborn serves coffee by day as well as wine and cocktails. A range of arts events go on here like live music performances, exhibitions, and in-demand guided painting sessions.
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300 High Holborn, Holborn
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Creative dinner destinations
Creative menus and events
Sessions Arts Club combines a bar, restaurant, and performance space, making it a perfect stop for art fans. The focus is on creativity and the collective. This stripped-back setting serves seasonal international menus with options like shrimp croquettes, sea bream, and pork with fennel. You can also hire spaces for creative events.
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Old Sessions House, Clerkenwell Green
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Sessions Arts Club
020-279 340 25 - Read more on Thatsup
Immersive Peruvian dining experience
Dining at Coya is a multi-sensory experience with mouthwatering Peruvian menus, immersive music, contemporary art, lush plants, and vibrant colours. Explore dishes like ceviche, tacos, and salads that combine traditions from Peru with Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish cooking methods. Bold signature cocktails are on the menu, plus lots of rum and tequila.
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118 Piccadilly, Mayfair 31-33 Throgmorton Street, The City/City of LondonCoya Mayfair
118 Piccadilly, MayfairCoya City
31-33 Throgmorton Street, The City/City of London -
coyarestaurant.com/restaurants/london-mayfairCoya City
coyarestaurant.com/restaurants/london-cityCoya Mayfair
020-704 271 18Coya City
020-390 700 00 -
Coya Mayfair Coya City
Art on the walls
At Kerridge's Bar & Grill, a restaurant from esteemed chef Tom Kerridge, you can enjoy a meal surrounding by art. The walls are filled with pieces that were specially created and curated for the restaurant. Upscale British dishes are served. Bar snacks and cocktails are also available, with gin and tonic being a speciality.
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10 Northumberland Avenue, Westminster
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Kerridge's Bar & Grill
020-732 132 44 - Read more on Thatsup
Artsy night out
Bohemian cocktail spot
Freud Bar in Shaftesbury Avenue opened in 1986 and has built a major reputation for creative cocktails and art. There's a bohemian vibe here and a huge choice of alcoholic drinks. Choose from classic mixes and more original concoctions, to enjoy in the buzzing atmosphere with monthly art exhibitions and lively music.
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198 Shaftesbury Avenue, Covent Garden
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Freud Bar
020-724 099 33 - Read more on Thatsup
Cocktail bar with character
Named after artist and caricaturist Gerald Scarfe, Scarfes Bar is a bar-cum-art gallery that’s ranked as one of the best cocktail bars worldwide. You’ll find work by Scarfe literally everywhere, and you can buy a piece, or commission your own. This sociable space has a varied and original cocktail menu that enhances the creative vibe.
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Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, Holborn
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Scarfes Bar London
020-374 786 70 - Read more on Thatsup
East London roof terrace
In Whitechapel you'll find PocketSquare, a buzzing sky bar and roof terrace with fantastic city views. This place has modern and highly curated interiors that are a delight for design fans, with mirrored surfaces and copper details complemented by pops of colour. Elaborate signature cocktails are served plus sophisticated bar snacks.
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Black Lion House, 45 Whitechapel Road, Tower Hamlets
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PocketSquare Skyline Bar & Terrace
020-815 912 34 - Read more on Thatsup
Art-themed activities
Discover East London's street art
If you’re into street art, join a walking or bike tour with Alternative London to explore some of East London’s most notable examples. Tours are led by local artists and street art experts who are full of knowledge. If you’re feeling creative, take part in a workshop to make your own masterpiece.
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19 Hessel Street, Tower Hamlets
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Alternative London
075-519 118 22 - Read more on Thatsup
Join a life drawing class
Get creative with a life drawing class at Candid Arts Trust. Classes run regularly and are led by experienced tutors. This place is a charitable organisation that also holds group and solo exhibitions by local artists, has its own tranquil café, and hosts other exciting events like film screenings and poetry evenings.
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3 Torrens Street, Islington
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Candid Arts Trust
020-783 742 37 - Read more on Thatsup
Making and painting ceramics
Book in at Clay Time to try your hand at making or painting ceramics. You can learn to sculpt your own pot or paint a ready-made piece. There are sessions suitable for kids and adults, and parties and groups are welcome, from children's birthday parties to corporate team-building exercises.
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168 Blackstock Road
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Clay Time
020-344 187 87 - Read more on Thatsup
Places to shop
Modern and contemporary art specialist
Shop for rare books on modern and contemporary art at Marcus Campbell Art Books, which is handily located next to Tate Modern. This independent book seller has out-of-print books, periodicals, rare posters, exhibition catalogues, and artists’ books. There are items at every price point so it’s always worth a rummage.
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43 Holland Street, Southwark
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Marcus Campbell Art Books
020-726 101 11 - Read more on Thatsup
Serving artists since 1979
The largest art materials shop in the UK is Atlantis, which was opened by artists in 1979. Based in East London, it sells a vast range of high quality art supplies. Whether you're a professional, a hobbyist, or a complete beginner, you'll find all the materials you need here, plus creative gifts.
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Unit 1 Industrial Centre, Bayford Street, Hackney/Dalston
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Atlantis Art Materials
020-737 788 55 - Read more on Thatsup
Shop for Japanese art
Shop for Japanese artwork and prints at Japanese Gallery. Whatever your budget is, you'll find something to suit you here, including affordable greetings cards. The art ranges from modern manga prints to traditional ukiyo-e woodblock prints. The knowledgeable staff here can help you find the ideal piece for you.
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66E Kensington Church St, Kensington 23 Camden Passage, IslingtonJapanese Gallery Kensington
66E Kensington Church St, KensingtonJapanese Gallery Islington
23 Camden Passage, Islington -
japanesegallery.comJapanese Gallery Islington
japanesegallery.co.ukJapanese Gallery Kensington
020-722 929 34Japanese Gallery Islington
020-722 633 47 -
Japanese Gallery Kensington Japanese Gallery Islington
Brunch for art lovers
Unique café environment
Visit the Fitzrovia branch of Attendant Coffee Roasters for food in a wholly unique setting. This café is based in a converted Victorian public toilet, built around 1890. The original tiles and urinals are in place, making this an intriguing spot for design fans. Breakfast, brunch, and lunch are served every day.
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27A Foley Street, Fitzrovia
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Lively art-filled eatery
The design-led interiors at lively Old Compton Brasserie make it a hit with arty people. It’s a space for creative all-day dining in a vibrant setting with murals and wall art. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are served each day and there’s a weekend bottomless brunch with music and a fun atmosphere.
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36-38 Old Compton Street, Soho
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Old Compton Brasserie
020-743 422 14 - Read more on Thatsup
Vibrant and comfortable dining
For all-day dining in a space that's filled with unique art, Artist Residence Clubhouse is worth visiting. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served, with a brunch menu at weekends. Colourful cocktails are also available. This place is lively but feels comfortable, with outdoor seating, walls laden with art, soft cushions, and candles.
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52 Cambridge Street, Westminster
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Artist Residence Clubhouse
020-301 986 22 - Read more on Thatsup
Visit some galleries
Top spot for classical painting
Discover classical European painting as well as inspiring temporary shows of more recent work at Dulwich Picture Gallery. The permanent collection here includes works by artists like Rembrandt, Gainsborough, and Constable. Explore the unique building that the gallery is housed in and visit the café and shop on-site.
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Gallery Rd
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Dulwich Picture Gallery
020-869 352 54 - Read more on Thatsup
Explore contemporary design
A trip to the Design Museum lets you immerse yourself in contemporary design across many areas. Whether your interests are in fashion, architecture, industrial design, or graphic design, you’ll find inspiring examples and insightful information. There are temporary exhibitions as well as the main collection. Don’t miss visiting the shop here either.
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224 Kensington High St, Kensington
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Design Museum
020-386 259 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Cutting-edge contemporary art
White Cube has two London galleries as well as various other locations globally. These are modern and minimalist spaces where you can discover the latest in contemporary art. Exhibitions change regularly and often feature huge art world names like Gilbert & George, Tracey Emin, and Cerith Wyn Evans.
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144-152 Bermondsey Street, Southwark 25-26 Mason's Yard, WestminsterWhite Cube Bermondsey
144-152 Bermondsey Street, SouthwarkWhite Cube Mason's Yard
25-26 Mason's Yard, Westminster -
whitecube.comWhite Cube Mason's Yard
whitecube.comWhite Cube Bermondsey
020-793 053 73White Cube Mason's Yard
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White Cube Bermondsey White Cube Mason's Yard
Dinners with flair
Food, art, and music
Explore Nikkei cuisine that fuses Peruvian and Japanese cooking at Chotto Matte. The creative setting here, complete with dazzling unique murals, makes it a popular restaurant for artistic people. DJs and performers add to the spirited feel. The menu here is lively fusion food – sushi and sashimi, gyoza, tacos, and tabletop grilling.
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11-13 Frith St, Soho
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Chotto Matte Soho
020-704 271 71 - Read more on Thatsup
Aquatic and indulgent
Don’t let the name Sexy Fish fool you – the menu has meat and vegetarian choices too. Where the name really comes into play is in the exotic aquatic decor. Two of the world’s largest coral reef tanks are here and there’s art by notable names like Damien Hirst and Frank Gehry.
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Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Sq, Mayfair
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Sexy Fish London
020-376 420 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Laid-back lunches
Design-conscious restaurant
A collaboration between an acclaimed designer and a Michelin-starred chef, Coal Office is a style-focused contemporary eatery. In the same building you’ll also find an art gallery and furniture store. It’s a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean menu here with dishes like shashlik skewers and Yemeni pancakes. There’s also a chef’s table experience.
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2 Bagley Walk, King's Cross
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Coal Office
020-384 860 86 - Read more on Thatsup
Dazzling art and decor
Fans of art and design can’t miss a meal in the inspiring surroundings of Brasserie of Light. This Art Deco space is dominated by a 24ft tall glittering pegasus sculpture by renowned artist Damien Hirst. Food is served all day – expect refined international cuisine. Creative cocktails, including The Pegasus, are served too.
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400 Oxford St, Mayfair
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Brasserie of Light
020-394 096 00 - Read more on Thatsup
All about portraits
Located on the fourth floor of the National Portrait Gallery, Richard Corrigan's The Portrait Restaurant offers great views of the city and has walls decorated with pieces from the gallery's collections. In these artsy surrounds you can savour seasonal British recipes as well as some of Corrigan's signature dishes. There's a set menu for lunch and pre-theatre plus à la carte options.
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National Portrait Gallery, Saint Martin's Place
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The Portrait Restaurant
020-387 276 10 - Read more on Thatsup
Relaxed arts activities
Fashionable afternoon tea
Try a fashion-themed afternoon tea at The Berkeley, a luxurious five-star hotel in London. Their Prêt-à-Portea changes every season, translating the hottest styles in the fashion world into indulgent cakes and fancies just made for Instagram. It’s the ideal afternoon tea if you’re looking for a creative twist on a tradition.
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Wilton Place, Belgravia
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The Berkeley
020-723 560 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Constantly-changing design finds
Browsing at The Old Cinema is great for retro design fans. Based in a converted picture house, this antiques department store is full of vintage furniture and collectibles from the 20th century. The stock here changes constantly and there are multiple dealers under one roof, so there’s always something new to discover.
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160 Chiswick High Road, Hounslow
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The Old Cinema
020-899 541 66 - Read more on Thatsup
Famous public art commission
Possibly the UK's most famous public art commission, The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square attracts visitors and locals. Every two years a new piece of thought-provoking British art is installed on the plinth. Past artists to have been commissioned include David Shrigley, Yinka Shonibare, Marc Quinn, and Anthony Gormley.
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Trafalgar Square, Westminster
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