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 steps to ease lockdown.
Thousands of people have been heading out to spend time in their favourite haunts and there'll be more of the same this weekend – even if the Government is backtracking on plans to open bowling alleys, casinos and indoor music venues.
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.
Head to one of London’s reopening attractions
Some of the biggest tourist hotspots in the city are reopening this Saturday, with parts of the city getting back to something like normality. First up, waxworks of Anthony Joshua and Boris Johnson are being readied for their big comeback at Madame Tussauds. Londoners will also have the chance to admire one of the best views anywhere in the capital when the London Eye opens for the first time in months. Those with a taste for the macabre can visit the London Dungeons on Westminster Bridge Road, while London's Sea Life aquarium is ready to welcome back nature lovers too. Read our full guide here.
From August 1, various locations
Head to a Rosé Retreat at the Folly
The Folly, one of the most popular after-work haunts in the City, is transforming this weekend with the launch of the brand new Rosé Retreat. The summer pop-up has filled the space with sunflowers and new decor, ready for guests. Head down for a glass or two of rosé or a cerise cocktail, enjoy the scenery and grab a picture for the ‘gram while you’re there.
The Folly, 41 Gracechurch Street, EC3V 0BT, drakeandmorgan.co.uk
See some live music
The first open-air socially distanced gigs have started in London, and there are more to check out this weekend. Newton Faulkner, Don Letts, John Power and Shiine On will be performing as part of the Camden Unlocked series at Stables Market on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. It’s a chance to see live music for the first time in months, and take a walk around the reopened Camden Market while you’re there.
From August 1, Camden Lock Place, NW1 8AL, camdenmarket.com
Enjoy the view from the Shard
There are dozens of fantastic vantage spots to see the city from, and the Shard offers one of the very best. This weekend, The View from The Shard is opening to visitors following a 20-week closure. It’s officially London’s highest viewing platform, standing at 309.9m high. If you have a head for heights, this one’s for you.
From August 1, 32 London Bridge St, SE1 9SG, the-shard.com
Treat yourself to a Mexican feast at home
London’s foodies can enjoy curated dinner experiences from home this weekend with Wanda, a new venture from Caro founder Natalie Jones. Order a bespoke box containing a seasonal Mexican meal, with a two course menu designed with chef and farm to table cooking enthusiast Merlin Labron-Johnson. The box contains chipotle chillis in spicy asado sauce, as well as cocktail syrup and chilli salt to line the two cocktail glasses included. The boxes cost £40 for two people, with 10 per cent of profits donated to The World Food Programme.
Test your detective skills
Fancy yourself as a great detective? This immersive live experience has reopened, offering fans the chance to pull on Sherlock Holmes’ deerstalker and solve a mystery all of their own. Benedict Cumberbatch, Andrew Scott and Martin Freeman all provide content for the escape room, which was devised by show creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss.
Ground Floor, West 12 Shopping Centre, W12 8PP, thegameisnow.com
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 opened this week.
Bankside, SE1 9TG, tate.org.uk
Head for a picnic on Megan's summer terrace
Weather like this calls for a picnic – head down to Islington for a Mediterranean-style feast from Megan’s At the Sorting Office this weekend, enjoying the sunshine in booths and on picnic blankets in the summer terrace in Islington Square. Eat al fresco with choices of falafel and hummus wraps, roast chicken and aioli baguettes, hummus bowls and more. Prices start at £23 for a homemade lemonade picnic, or £33 for the Prosecco option. If you really feel like pushing the boat out, it’s £63 for the Champagne box. Book in at midday or 3pm on Saturday.
6 Esther Anne Pl, Islington, N1 1WL, megans.co.uk
