You know the drill by now: things are starting to ease, but we’re still socially distancing and trying to figure out which pub doing takeaway pints is closest to the park.
Still, the internet has done its thing, with theatre, comedy and art exhibitions all headed online.
Besides, there's light on the horizon: more restaurants are opening for delivery, there are plenty of online cocktail and wine masterclasses to get stuck into and cinemas, restaurants, pubs and museums are opening next week as well.
These are our top picks of the things to get up to this weekend.
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.
Head to one of London’s newly open attractions
Things are beginning to open up across the capital and Londoners can now head for a socially distanced day out. Kew Gardens, London Zoo, Hampton Court Palace gardens, and a selection of National Trust properties have all reopened their doors, meaning some of the most idyllic spots in the capital are ready to be explored once again – read our full guide here.
Enjoy a Glasto-nostalgia fest
This week would have seen thousands head to Worthy Farm for Glastonbury, and while Covid-19 scuppered festival plans, there are still virtual events to look forward to. Highlights include the V&A’s new seven-day digital celebration of Glastonbury to mark what would have been the festival’s 50th anniversary. A host of extra performances from the archives will be added to the BBC iPlayer from Thursday too, including Dave’s memorable set from 2019 – read our guide to online Glasto celebrations here.
Treat yourself to a late night takeaway
After a long day of socially distancing drinks in the park, cooking dinner is a bit of an effort. That’s where London’s late night takeaways come in. From Michelin-starred Indian hotspots to some of the capital’s best pizza, the Standard has compiled a guide to all the best London restaurants offering delivery past 10pm – check it out here.
Get lost in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The National Theatre continues to dig into its archives, sharing its plays for free. This weekend, fans can watch the London Theatre Company's production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Gwendoline Christie and Hammed Animashaun star in the Shakespeare adaptation, which ran at the Bridge Theatre in 2019.
Take part in a virtual Doctor Who escape room
The group behind some of the best escape rooms in the country is moving its Doctor Who experience online, with players controlling a character remotely. Book a spot this weekend and prevent a Cybermen invasion, with up to six players involved at a time. The fate of the universe depends on it.
Enjoy a pint or two in the sun
Relaxed pints with friends is one of life’s simplest pleasures, and more and more pubs are opening up for takeaway across the city. There are plenty of places bordering parks which are ideal for socially distanced drinks, from The Red Lion and Sun in Hampstead delivering beer to picnickers in Waterlow Park, to the takeaway beer and pizza from the Clissold Park Tavern. Read our guide here.
Test your knowledge with The Inquizition
The Inquizition are the quizmasters usually behind the questions at dozens of pubs in London, with more than 40 eggheads getting together to create a weekly trivia test. The organisation is going online during lockdown, instead hosting its quiz online every Sunday until July 12. There are no prizes but it is free, so head over at 8pm to its Facebook page and tune into the live stream to get involved.
