Lovers Of Food, Art And Fashion - What To Do On Your Weekend In London
As a cultural hot spot, there’s a lot going on at any one time in London.
It’s a city thriving with diversity, always experimenting and innovating, looking for new ideas that could become the next big thing. But London is also a place steeped in tradition, where a sit-down and a pint at the local will always be at the heart of many.
So when it comes to spending a weekend in the city, whether you’re a native Londoner or visiting for the weekend, you won't run out of things to do.
Whether it’s fashion, art, food or even crazy golf in a 90s themed Acid House of Horrors, you’ll be happy to know we’ve covered all interests here. We think you might even surprise yourself by finding some activities that normally are way outside your field of interest.
A new take on a British classic
There’s surely no better way to start the weekend off other than a British staple, the full English.
Whether your fry-up consists of eggs fried or scrambled, sausages made meat-free or not, when it comes to unity over a national treasure, the full English is definitely up there.
Why not start the weekend off with a little twist on the classic? Head to Dishoom Kensington near Brick Lane for a Bombay-inspired take on the English classic.
With a vegan version to match, everyone can enjoy the delights on offer. Sweep up all the masala beans, grilled mushrooms, and tomatoes you can on one of their buttery, homemade buns.
Street Art
Before your next stop, we’d recommend a short detour to Bacon Street. Famous for its street art, your walk down the road will be filled with works that compel you to stop a moment.
Take in the marvelous artwork, inevitably stood there in awestruck amazement at the talent these artists possess. You'll definitely get some lovely pics here.
Head to Brick Lane and, just south, you’ll come across Rokit. The shop is well known and loved by Londoners seeking some pre-loved vintage clothes to snag. Brick Lane Book Shop is right across the road and a must-visit for any book lover.
Lunch in Allen Gardens
Grab a bagel from the sumptuous Beigal Bake on Brick Lane before making your way to Allen Gardens for a much-earned sit-down.
Check out the garden's Growing Communities when you're finished, where locals are creating a food-growing social enterprise that you’re more than welcome to get involved with if your own green fingers take root.
Junkyard Golf Club
Once you’re re-energised, it's off to Junkyard Golf Club for a few rounds of crazy golf.
But this is no ordinary game of crazy golf where idyllic windmills slowly rotate in a soft breeze.
With four courses, all as mad and as exciting as the next, you’re sure to spend the afternoon having a grand old laugh with the competitive edge crazy golf seems to bring out in us all.
Coffee, cake, and a little rest
After a triumphant win or unfortunate loss, a coffee and a sweet treat is the medicine for all.
Wander down from Junkyard Golf Club to Nude Espresso on Hanbury Street. The guys at Nude Coffee have been at the forefront of the coffee scene in the UK from the very beginning.
We don’t need to tell you about the bread, pastries, and cakes they bake fresh every day - just lift up your nose and follow the scent of melting chocolate and warm butter. You won’t be able to resist a slice of something with your coffee.
An evening of music, cocktails, and pizza
After an eventful first day in London, exploring the delights of Brick Lane and its surrounding area, we think a quiet evening of good food, drink, and entertainment is a nice way to cruise the day out.
Apples & Pears (this is the one time we’re not referring to stairs) serves artisanal cocktails and wood-fired pizzas with great music to match. You’re bound to hear something you’ll love as they cover everything from old-school hip hop to 90s party classics.
Arbor City Hotel is nearby, so once you’re ready for soft pillows and warm duvets, take the short walk to the hotel and you can dive into a bed of dreams in no time.
Full English still on the mind?
Whether you’re still craving that traditional full English or if it’s a stack of pancakes you’ve got drifting across your mind, head to The Breakfast Club in the morning on Artillery Lane for a selection of food that’ll leave you bursting with glee.
Adventure further into London
When you’re fuelled up, jump on the tube at Liverpool Street Station and hop off at Monument. Once you’re at street level, it’s impossible to miss some of London’s most famous buildings.
Take the short walk to London Bridge and admire the views of Tower Bridge just downriver and The Shard looming above. Alongside and below it all, the River Thames winds its way through the city.
Tate Modern is nearby, so once you’re finished admiring London from the outside, head indoors for something warm to drink and a look at some of the most celebrated contemporary artwork on offer.
Once the contemporary world of Tate Modern has got your mind obsessed with all things art, get the tube from Blackfriars to Holborn and take the short walk to the British Museum.
Dining in style
Pick up a delicious sandwich at one of the museum's cafes or get the full works at their restaurant. Walking around art galleries can be hard work so it’s almost a requirement that you power up on either cake and coffee or a nice big pizza.
Entrance is free to the museum so stocking up on goodies from the café and restaurant seems like the best way to use up that saved admission price. Right?
Seeing the weekend off in style
The West End. Spectacular, mesmerising, renowned.
There are not enough compliments to pay the cultural hotspot of the capital and it’s a whole new thing to experience it in person.
Take the weight off your feet for a while and enjoy a fine bit of entertainment. Whatever your taste, the West End holds something for everyone. Bathe in the green light glowing from the Apollo Victoria, where the witches of Oz invite you to enter.
Shaftesbury Theatre caters to all your musical needs and will have you singing along in no time. Or head to the smaller Duke of York’s Theatre for a more intimate production. Be sure to take a look at what's on before you arrive.
A weekend to remember
After a busy weekend spent roaming the streets of London, you’ll be heading home feeling like two days have gone by in a flash. But don’t they always say time flies when you’re having fun?
Whether you use this itinerary as a brief guide or follow it step by step, your weekend in London is guaranteed to be filled with adventure, fun, and some phenomenally great food.
