It’s been tough, but London is now closer to normality than it has been in months.
Social distancing is still in place and venues are staying Covid-secure, but pubs, cinemas and restaurants are now open to the public with the Government taking bigger steps to ease lockdown.
Thousands of people have been heading out to spend time in their favourite haunts and see loved ones for catch-ups. There'll be more of the same this week.
Still, after months indoors, it can be a touch overwhelming to work out when, where and what to get up to. Here's our pick of what to get up to this week.
Head to the Andy Warhol retrospective at Tate Modern
Tate Modern is back, welcoming guests for the first time in months this week. The pieces in the permanent collection are some of the most impressive anywhere in the city, and there’s an Andy Warhol exhibition to entice visitors back too. The retrospective will see guests head on a socially distanced, one-way route, taking in his famous reproductions of Marilyn Monroe, Coca-Cola can and Campbell’s soup cans, as well as other work never seen in the UK. Art lovers can also visit Tate Britain, which is open this week.
Bankside, SE1 9TG, tate.org.uk
Book a spot at the European rum and cocktail online festival
Some of the biggest names in the world of rum are joining forces for a boozy online event, which is taking bookings this week. The European Rum and Cocktail Online Festival will see rum producers from all over the globe take part in cocktail-making masterclasses, with bartenders from Amsterdam, Colorado and, of course, Havana teaching fans at home how to mix the perfect drink. The event itself takes place over Zoom on August 8 from midday to 8pm, but tickets have to be bought by midday on August 1 to ensure delivery of the festival pack. The experience costs £60 and includes 25 tots of rum.
Grab a spot at the Brixton Courtyard
Horse Meat Disco are taking over the decks at the Brixton Courtyard this Wednesday, spinning tracks for a socially-distanced set. It’s one of the first events at the new space, which is a venture from Brixton Jamm. The space is packed with booths and picnic benches, which is ideal for responsible, socially-distanced meet-ups. It’s a chance to chill out with a drink or two, listen to great music and visit friends – the kind of thing we’ve been dreaming about all through lockdown. Tickets cost £10 per head.
261 Brixton Rd, Myatts Field South, SW9 6LH, thebrixtoncourtyard.co.uk
Claim a free drink at Boxpark
Boxpark is back in action after a long time away, and the Shoreditch, Croydon and Wembley sites are welcoming guests with a free drink. All punters have to do is register with the new Boxpark Black Card and they can pick up a free pint. You’d better hurry – the drinks are available from Monday to Friday between 11-6pm, but the card also entitles guests to deals on food, like 20 per cent off vegan burgers from The Gnarbecue in Boxpark Croydon. Bear in mind that guests need to register for a card to gain access, too.
Shoreditch, Croydon and Wembley, boxpark.co.uk
Climb the O2
Thrill-seekers have been cooped up for weeks, and now they’re ready to blow off some steam. If adrenalin junkies aren’t heading off to the newly opened Alton Towers or Gulliver’s Valley, they can get their kicks by climbing up to the peak of the O2. The venue has recently reopened for climbers, with each trip reduced to less than half the capacity.
Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0DX, theo2.co.uk
Bring your own cocktail for a round of Plonk Golf
There’s a new crazy golf experience in town, with a boozy offer available to new players. Plonk Golf is launching in London Fields this weekend, with nine holes of golf, a tiki bar, games machines and 100 board games to play on site. Most importantly, players can help keep costs down by bringing their own alcohol, which staff will use to whip up summer cocktails.
Arch 407 Mentmore Terrace, Hackney, E8 3PP, plonkgolf.co.uk
Head to Five Points’ new Mare Street Taproom
One of the best independent breweries in the capital has launching a brand new venue. East London’s Five Points has opened up a new space, Five Points Mare Street Taproom, for socially distanced pints around the corner from London Fields. It’s open 4-9pm on Friday and 1-9pm on Saturday. Make sure to pre-book a table for £5 per person, which includes a free drink.
61 Mare St, Hackney, E8 4RG, fivepointsbrewing.co.uk
