It's set to be another glorious week in the capital, and with the Government's new rule of six kicking in, Londoners are looking to enjoy it responsibly.
The weather is shaping up nicely, with London’s beer gardens and rooftop bars welcoming (small) groups in the sunshine. There is whole host of outdoor arts events to enjoy, too.
If you feel like ducking inside, there are world-beating art exhibitions to check out, as well as incredible restaurant deals and much more. Be sure to support the underdogs, too – grab a table at one of our favourite small restaurants, where size really isn't everything.
Here are our picks of the best things to get up to in London this week.
See live comedy for charity with Stand Up For Beirut
Some of the biggest names in British comedy are uniting this week to support the victims of the devastating explosion in Beirut earlier this summer. The likes of Shappi Khorsandi, Jayde Adams and Jen Brister are performing at Vauxhall Comedy Club to raise funds. If you can’t get there in person, donations are being taken here.
September 17, Vauxhall Comedy Club, 6 South Lambeth Place, SW8 1SP, eventbrite.co.uk
Enjoy a culinary treat with Bloomberg Arcade
Bloomberg Arcade in the heart of the City has changed the way it does things, launching a new takeaway service for its top restaurants under the new Arcade To Go initiative. Highlights for diners to look out for include Vinoteca’s new steak kits, as well as Ekte's Scandi-style smørrebrød sandwiches and Brigadier’s chilli mango margaritas, all available to enjoy at home. Caravan, Bleecker, Ekte, Ahi Poké, Homeslice, Kym’s and Koya are all involved too.
Bloomberg Arcade, 3 Queen Victoria Street, City, EC2R, bloombergarcade.com
Head down to Laduree’s new Moët & Chandon terrace
Relax into late summer and treat yourself to a glass of fizz at the new alfresco Champagne bar at Covent Garden hotspot Laduree. There’ll be free flowing Moët, as well as Belvedere ginger spritz and Moët Champagne julep cocktails, plus food pairings available from a menu of modern French classics.
Ladurée, 1 The Market, WC2E 8RA, laduree.co.uk
Join in with the World Afro Day celebrations
Take part in a huge, hair-mad event this Tuesday, with hundreds of people gathering virtually to celebrate all things afro. From 6-9pm, viewers from around the world can take part in giveaways and masterclasses, with appearances from the likes of award-winning hair stylist Dionne Smith and model-turned-politician Dee Ann Kentish-Rogers. Tickets are totally free, although donations are welcomed.
September 15, eventbrite.com
Have a laugh with Ed Gamble live at Roof East
Ed Gamble is treating comedy fans to an outdoor gig this Tuesday, performing at Roof East in Stratford. Book tickets now for laughs in the sun, fantastic views of the city and a set from one of the most impressive young talents in British comedy. There are also performances from the brilliant Jamali Maddix and Mae Martin to look forward to during the evening.
September 15, 7 & 8 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Rd, E15 1BB, roofeast.com
Check out a film screening at Camden Market
Make use of the sun with a series of outdoor film screenings at Camden Market. The North Yard of the market is teaming up with Curzon for a new programme celebrating international cinema. This week, there’s a screening of documentary Being A Human Person to book for on Wednesday, before Little Girl, exploring the transgender experience, is shown on Thursday.
September 16-17, 54-56 Camden Lock Pl, NW1 8AF, camdenmarket.com
Check out Homeboy’s new Irish food offering
You’ll struggle to find a better bar in north London than Homeboy, with the Islington spot doing a great range of cocktails and a cracking pint of Guinness. There’s even more to look forward to now as well, after the venue teamed up with ex-Chiltern Firehouse chef, Michael Williams, to launch a brand new food offering. The menu features twists on comfort food including the "Buffalo Nuggs" - nuggets of buttermilk fried chicken with buffalo sauce made using Irish whiskey. Head down on Tuesdays and make use of the free cheese board offer for something to soak up the drinks too.
108 Essex Rd, Islington, N1 8LX, homeboybar.com
Grab a late night bite at the The Breakfast Club’s Saint Elmo
The Breakfast Club has been serving perfect hangover-busting grub in the mornings for 15 years, and now it’s flipping the way it does things by welcoming a new late night sandwich bar. Saint Elmo’s sandwich bar is taking up a permanent residency at its Berwick Street location every day from 5pm. Top picks include the chicken Kiev sandwich and the flagship Saint Elmo’s Fire, described as “your local kebab shop in a sandwich”.
11 Berwick St, Soho, W1F 0PL, thebreakfastclubcafes.com
Take a boat trip around London
Head off on your own voyage of exploration with Go Boat, which runs self-drive boating experiences in London. One household or support bubble of up to eight people is allowed per boat – bear in mind that proof of address may be required – with a chance to discover views of the city from brand new perspectives, cruising along London’s canals at their own leisure. The firm operates out of two locations in Paddington and Kingston upon Thames, with hour-long sessions starting at £79.
Paddington and Kingston upon Thames, goboat.co.uk
Head to Jesus Christ Superstar in the park
Head to the park for Jesus Christ Superstar Where to see outdoor arts in London this summer. The Evening Standard Award-winning revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock musical is back against all the odds this weekend, with theatre fans enjoying the show under social distancing from Saturday. It’s a chance to see the popular show in new surroundings, following sell-out runs at Regent’s Park and a summer season at the Barbican last year.
Until September 27, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, NW1, openairtheatre.com
