The best things to do in London this weekend: (June 15-16)
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It’s the Euros! It’s Father’s Day! It’s Pride month! It’s… literally one of the busiest weekends of the year so far.
Aside from all of that, London’s biggest foodie festival is also in town, bringing hundreds of the capital’s best restaurants to Regent’s Park, where you can eat, drink and make merry to your heart’s content.
Plus there are plenty of deals and freebies up for grabs. Especially useful if you’ve left Father’s Day planning until the last minute.
Read on for a whole range of recommendations for 15 and 16 June, handpicked as always by The Slice.
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The Slice is your weekly guide to what’s happening in London, so if you’re looking for restaurant reviews, drinks deals or just a great new exhibition to visit on a rainy Saturday in the capital, we’ve got you covered.
Click here for this week’s edit of the best things to do in town – and if you want get the next edition before anyone else, sign up here!
1. Fill up your bellies at Taste of London
Prepare your bellies, as the biggest event in London’s foodie calendar has just arrived in town and this year it’s even bigger than ever. Celebrating its 20th birthday in style, Taste of London is welcoming hundreds of restaurants, a whole host of celebrity chefs and plenty of hungry Londoners (they’re expecting to see their millionth guest this week!) to Regent’s Park for a week of al fresco feasting.
You can sample exclusive dishes like Faber’s Cornish Cuttlefish Bolognese or order the classics from London icons like Kolamba, Le Petit Beefbar and the Big Mamma group (one Spaghetti al Tartufo, please!). Plus there are dozens of food and drink masterclasses, cooking demonstrations, immersive experiences (including a taste of stressful Disney+ series, The Bear) and talks from top chefs like Lee Kum Kee and Great British Menu Winner James Cochran. We’ll see you there!
2. Find the perfect place to cheer your team on at the Euros
Drinks on ice, flags at the ready, national anthem nailed. The countdown to the European Football Championship has begun and with the first game kicking off tonight, there’s only a few days left to go.
In case you haven’t chosen yet, we’ve compiled a list of the best pub gardens and big screens to watch the matches over the next few weeks.
3. Get a free beer for your dad this Father’s Day
To celebrate Father’s Day, head over to Market Place in either Vauxhall, Peckham or Harrow and for every pint you buy – your dad gets one free! Offer ends 6pm Sunday.
Ruffians’ barber shops are also gifting complimentary Gentleman’s Brewing Company beers this week – this time for all appointments made in their London locations.
Plus father figures who dine at Madison in St Paul’s or Quaglino’s in St James’s will be honoured with a complimentary Johnnie Walker Old Fashioned. Cheers, Dad!
4. Raise a glass for Pride Month
Four of our most exciting homegrown urban wineries are coming together in a first-of-a-kind event, with proceeds going to PrideWide and ADHD Foundation.
You’ll have seen the downright quirky labels of Renegade, London Cru, Vagabond and Black Book, the achingly cool London winemaking quartet crafting high-end, often natural-leaning wines for the hipster community and well, anyone who likes impeccably authentic wine really.
On Saturday 15 June, you can taste them in the hallowed setting of Renegade Winery (£65pp), kicking off with a winemakers paired lunch followed by a walkaround wine tasting and ending on an urban wineries bar takeover in the evening. Something tells me this is going to be an event to remember. Book your ticket here.
If partying is more your thing, 12th Knot is hosting the ultimate Pride pre-party on Saturday 22 June high above Southbank. Featuring music from Chris Jammer, Joel Mignott, Gucci Girl, and Dimi Lynch.
5. Get in the mood for Bridgerton with a stunning afternoon tea
Dearest gentle reader, it’s time once again to step back into the wonderful, wisteria-covered world of Bridgerton, as the second instalment of the third season has finally arrived on Netflix.
If you’ve still got room after devouring the new episodes, then you might want to book yourself in for one of the fabulous Bridgerton-inspired events taking place in London over the coming weeks.
We’ve picked some of our favourites here.
6. Celebrate the impact LGBTQ+ community has had on music this Pride at the Muphoria exhibition
Muphoria, London’s first and only permanent music art gallery on Berwick Street, Soho, is running a special exhibition from 6 to 30 June titled ‘Pride in Music’.
The exhibition celebrates the legacy of LGBTQ+ musicians and allies who have made significant contributions to music and the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights.
The exhibition celebrates the legacy of LGBTQ+ musicians and allies who have made significant contributions to music and the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights.
7. Book your tickets for the FRIENDS™ Experience at ExCel
The FRIENDS™ Experience will be opening its doors in a brand-new London location at ExCeL, making the capital its permanent long-term home.
Step onto the iconic nostalgia-packed set recreations and discover some behind-the-scenes insights into the show.
Presale starts on June 17 with general sale tickets going live from June 18.
8. Pick up a free pastry at Ole & Steen
Ole & Steen, London’s favourite Danish bakeries, have launched their biggest-ever giveaway in time for the Summer Solstice (a big deal in Scandinavia), with over 250,000 free cinnamon socials up for grabs for the entire month of June.
All you need to do is download the Ole & Steen app which will give you enough points to claim your free pastry!
9. Dance the night away at Little Violet Door
Following on from its house party siblings the Little Scarlet, Yellow, Blue and Orange Doors across London, The Little Violet Door is opening in Carnaby on the 10 June.
To celebrate its launch, they are offering 50% off all food and drink until the 16 June. Book your table here.
10. See London’s most amazing buildings on a walking tour
Now 20 years old, the London Festival of Architecture is back to celebrate the city’s buildings for the entire month of June.
Get involved with walking tours, talks, debates, performances and much, much more and prepare for the way you see London’s buildings to be transformed…
11. Sip on one of Sohaila’s delicious natural wines
Delightful Middle-Eastern food (Picture: Sohaila)
Just like how it sits on a row of small houses off Shoreditch High Street in the shadow of the city skyscrapers, Sohaila’s food punches way above its weight. There’s a small menu here, full of Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, all of which show off the colour, smells and earthy tastes of the region (the spiced beef and ricotta meatballs in an apricot sauce is a vibrant winner).
Ask the superbly knowledgeable staff to pair each course with a glass of natural wine and let this wonderful, quaint little restaurant transport you from the stress of Liverpool Street to the bustling streets of Lebanon.
As a heart-warming bonus, Sohalia is also part of a social enterprise scheme that aims to help Londoners out of homelessness.
12. Try one of Opium’s award-winning cocktails
Opium is 1920s-themed with a splash of sorcery – with bird cages hanging overhead, spell books and apothecary equipment placed throughout.
The drinks from the award-winning Apothecary & Peony menu are fun, creative and taste fantastic – the signature Opium No. 1 and Boba Stars (with blueberry popping pearls!) is a personal fave. An intimate, weird and wonderful experience.
13. Catch Elton John and David Furnish’s stunning photograph collection
The Victoria and Albert Museum’s latest exhibition Fragile Beauty showcases over 300 photographs from Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish’s collection.
The collection – in partnership with Gucci – which includes fascinating images from across fashion and celebrity has already been met with rave reviews.
See you next week!
