We Found 11 Of The Very Best Things To Do In London This Weekend
Finally, finally, Spring has sprung (or at least half-heartedly uncoiled). Even though the weather is proving more 'hit' than 'miss' right now, it's hard to avoid the daffodil-hemmed park pathways and tentative streetside blossoms – and maybe it's just happening in my circle, but it feels like people are spouting out of their winter-y hermit ways atm, too.
Good timing! After all, with a free repair day in Bethnal Green, a swanky new Soho cocktail bar, and yes, even a Shrek-themed rave to look forward to, now's a pretty great time to get out and explore London. If you're ready to wander the city this weekend, we found 11 of the best places to head to:
1.Get your broken stuff fixed for free (and nab some complimentary tea and coffee while you're at it) by heading to Maker's Cabinet's pop-up Bethnal Green event.
If you've got a banjaxed bike, a totalled toaster, or even some fraying flares, fear not – Maker's Cabinet are hosting a repair day in Bethnal Green this Saturday, where you can get everything from your kettle to your clothing fixed for free by the pros. Expect music, great beer, and free tea and coffee. Count me in.
Price: £0 (!)
Location: 4-8 Vyner St, Cambridge Heath, London E2 9DG
Hours: Saturday, 10 AM-4 PM.
2.It feels like everyone cooler than me has been eating at Shankey's in Hackney recently, and having peeped the menu, I can see why.
3.Two words: Shrek rave.
4.Mosey on down to Brixton's Black Culture Market for stationery, books, and fashion finds (among loads of other gorgeous goodies).
5.Head to Haugen for some Alpine delights (hello, fondue).
Amy Glover / BuzzFeed
Like all of us, I am constantly looking for permission to fulfill my deepest cheesy urges, so it's a good thing Haugen's menu features so many drowned-in-dairy Swiss classics (like fun fondue and gloriously gooey raclette potatoes). The delicious offerings don't stop there, though; I loved my crunchy, tender chicken schnitzel and perfectly-spiced red cabbage, and my brilliantly-balanced cocktail was the ideal boozy/sweet combo. (Side note: my flatmate, who came with me, doesn't drink alcohol, and he said the restaurant's mocktails are among the best he's tried). The chocolate fondue is as satisfying to eat as it is to dunk freshly-cut fruit slices into, and the service was ridiculously accommodating and friendly. Add all that to the fact that the gorgeous restaurant really does look like an Alpine eatery, and you've got yourself a foolproof meal out, IMO.
Price: £18/£23 for a set menu, £13.50-£26.50 for a la carte mains (side note – they've got a two-for-one cocktail deal in their gorgeous rooftop bar ATM).
Location: 9 Endeavour Square, London E20 1JN
Weekend hours: Friday and Saturday, 12 pm–12 am, Sunday, 12–11 pm.
6.It feels like this GBBO musical was custom-made for me personally, but i guess you can rock along too.
7.Lucy Wong's brand-new cocktail bar's delicious food and drink offerings are as beautiful as it is relentlessly gorgeous interiors.
8.Craving some nature, but not keen on hitting yet another busy park? I've always considered Islington's Culpeper community gardens to be a bit of a hidden gem, and early spring is the perfect time to visit.
9.It's your last chance to visit Kew Garden's visual feast of an orchid festival.
10.Catch the free exhibition Addicted To Love at Quantus Gallery (and nab yourself a pic from their gorgeous walk-in photo booth while you're at it).
Amy Glover / BuzzFeed
Featuring UK-based artists Eve de Haan and Sara Pope, this contemporary exhibition combines pop art-style lips with witty neon signs to explore 'notions of love in many guises'. Expect glitzy, gem-encrusted paintings, glowing affirmations, and a walk-in photo booth with handmade props from both artists (read: an absolute IG goldmine). Catch you there?
Price: £0!
Location: 11-29 Fashion St, London E1 6PX
Hours: 9:30 PM-6 PM weekdays.
