Bank Holiday weekend in London is always huge, but this year we’ve got an explosive list of brilliant restaurants, bars and things to do (just when you thought it couldn’t get any bigger).
From the best bank holiday brunches to celebrate the long weekend with, to a taste of Dubai in London at Piraña, you’ll be spoilt for choice for food options.
Plus, we’ve got cheap co*cktails, the Notting Hill Carnival run down, free burgers, cheap theatre tickets and loads more.
Read on for a whole range of recommendations for August 24, 25 and 26, handpicked as always by The Slice.
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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 uphere!
If you want to do it all on the cheap, you can also find our latest batch of exclusive hand-picked offers in partnership with Time Out here.
Don’t miss
1. Try out London’s best Bank Holiday brunches
It’s almost bank holiday weekend, so all we want to do is enjoy what we have left of the sun, and treat ourselves to some co*cktails, knowing we don’t have to be up early for work on Monday morning (hello, lie-in).
So to help you out, we’ve put together a list of the best bank holiday brunches.
Sexy Fish. Best for: pre-Carnival warm up
Join Sexy Fish’s Calypso Beach-themed brunch from 12pm on 25 and 26 August for an indulgent Cuban-inspired brunch menu, featuring a ceviche station, unlimited sushi, Calypso music, sexy sharing desserts and a chance to create your own daiquiri with Ron Santiago de Cuba.
From £55. Berkeley Square House, Belgravia. Book here.
Madison ROOFBOX. Best for: all-day partying
Sunday’s are better when we don’t have work the next morning. Make the most of the long weekend with massive DJ sets enhanced by cool audio-visual tech on Madison’s stunning rooftop terrace, starting with a vibey brunch soundtrack from Ibiza legend Mr Doris. On the menu is everything from Fried chicken & waffles to lobster & truffle mac & cheese.
From £35pp. Rooftop Terrace One, New Change, St Paul’s. Book here.
Clay’s. Best for: organised fun
Got friends in town for the BH? Keep them well and truly entertained with Clay’s rather unconvential Bottoms Up Brunch package. You get 90 minutes of unlimited shoot-tastic gameplay, along with your choice of pizza and loaded fries, and free-flowing signature co*cktails, premium spirits, wine, bubbles or beers from just £40 per person. They’ve hit the bullseye with this one…
From £40pp. Unit B1 One Cabot Square (also Book here.)
2. Whine your waist at Notting Hill Carnival
Legendary Notting Hill Carnival celebrates its 56th year in style this weekend, with jam-packed three days of DJs, dancing, floats and fabulous costumes. Check here for our full guide to London’s most vibrant street party.
The free event is a celebration of Caribbean culture and showcases fantastic masquerade dancing, soca, calypso, steel bands and sound systems.
‘Family day’ takes place on Sunday 25 August and ‘the day for adults to party’ takes place on Monday 26 August.
3. Bag cheap seats at London Theatre week
Theatre ticket prices are plummeting down for London Theatre Week. Plenty of musicals and plays are taking part in this year’s offering, including massive hits like Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and Mean Girls.
Ends 1 September, offers apply for selected days only, various venues.
4. Eat at oceanic aesthetic restaurant Pirañain style
By Sabrina Barr
In the world of fine dining, saying that a restaurant values ‘style over substance’ is a supremely crushing assessment. Luckily for Piraña on Mayfair’s St James Street, its sleek, oceanic aesthetic – complete with a fish tank in the bathroom – is a perfect match for its sophisticated and succulent dishes. The menu gives diners the option to keep prices low (or as low as can be, as the small plates do gradually add up), or to splash out big.
The restaurant is going for a Dubai-style vibe, with its DJ cranking up the tunes throughout your meal, and a menu full of Peruvian and Japanese fusion flavours, with the tuna tataki, the sea bass taco, and the Wagyu maki being particular highlights. Piraña’s extensive espresso martini menu might leave you feeling overwhelmed with choice, ranging from a classic to a chocolate orange offering and even a tiramisu-themed beverage.
As for dessert, the Peruvian chocolate mousse, featuring Brazilian espresso ice cream and dulce de leche crémeux, couldn’t be more heavenly. If you fancy a plush London meal or are just a big fan of haute cuisine fish, Piraña will certainly serve up a night to remember.
Small plates from £16, 7-9 St James’s St, Westminster. Book here.
Celebrate National Burger Day
5. Try Le hamburgé with a je ne se quoi for free (plus 50% off all other burgers) at Big Fernand
Calling all hungry Londoners:Restaurant discovery appAppetiteandBig Fernandare teaming up to give out free burgers on National Burger Day (22 August)to celebrate the restaurant discovery app’s new feature ‘My Places’ – a tool which helps app users store and organise restaurant lists on their phone.
You can get a free Le Big Fernand – known as Le hamburgé with a je ne se quoi – or Le Regal Du Poulet, their breaded chicken burger, plus 50% off all other burgers and Lillet Spritzes in August.
Head to Big Fernand’s HQ in South Kensingtonfrom 6:30pm til late and show the Appetite app to claim your free burger or discount.
6. Get buy one get one free at Shake Shack
Popular burger joint Shake Shack is celebrating the big day with abuy any burger and get another freeoffer. So go on, grab a friend and shower yourself in the BOGOF glory.
7. Get co*cktails for £6 at community centred pub Queen of the South
If you want to wash down all those burgers, but you want to do it very cheaply, community centred pubQueen of the Southis offering co*cktails for £6 on Tuesdays, and £5 off selected wines for Wine Down Wednesdays and the Tulse Hill Tombola.
Every second Thursday – in partnership with Brixton Brewery – the pub reconnects with the local community, meaning you can win bar tabs, beers and all sorts of prizes all for the cost of a drink.
8. Visit Brixton fave Fish, Wings & Tings
By Lola Christina Alao
A walk down SW9’s vibrant Atlantic Road puts you near the end of Brixton market, where Fish, Wings & Tings – the brainchild of Trini chef Brian Danclair – lives.
The deliciously tender curried chicken and perfectly flaky roti is a standout, and while the jerk chicken is sweeter than you’d typically expect, the saltfish fritters swing in to save the day and create the ultimate flavour balance – its bright specks of scotch bonnet loudly make itself known to create a moreish dish I could’ve easily eaten double of.
And, just round the corner, the sun illuminates a joyful gospel choir as they sing and sway back and forth. You just can’t beat the atmosphere of Brixton Market, and Fish Wings & Tings is the perfect place to take it all in.
Brixton Village, Brixton. Book here.
9. Head to Battersea Park in concert for some open-air concert fun
Battersea Park in Concertreturns for another long summer weekend of open-air picnic concerts. Pack your blanket and prepare for a night of breathtaking live performances and pure musical magic with styles including classical, West End, and jazz, fuelled by yummy street food from KERB.
Tickets from £48, availablehere.
10. Celebrate National Dog Day at Market Place Vauxhall
Market Place Vauxhallis transforming into Barket Place for National Dog Day this weekend. Vendors will offerFREEpooch-friendly versions of their dishes including chicken tacos, salmon poke bowls and fish & chips. You’d be barking mad to miss it!
11. See Piccadilly Circus’ Eros first new sculpture in 132 years
Piccadilly Circus’ Eros is getting a long overdue makeover this weekend, as an inspirational installation marks the fountain’s first new sculpture in 132 years.
Fittingly titled‘Good Things Come to Those That Wait’, the colourful display was dreamed up by award-winning artist and designer, Yinka Ilori. Catch it quick – it’s only on view until Sunday!
12. Sing like you’ve never sung before at BAM Karaoke
Who doesn’t love a bit of karaoke? The Slice certainly does. Last month the team visited BAM, the latest addition to London’s singalong scene. Standing forBoite a Musique(aka Music Box), BAM has taken a detour from Japan via Paris, resulting in a party bar that’s a little bit Moulin Rouge, a little bit Simmons, and a whole lot of X Factor.
Descend their red-carpeted staircase to find a warren of 22 private rooms, with themes ranging from the saucy Corset Room to the hot pink Flamingo Room. A high tech touch screen menu gives you full artistic control over your performance, with options to set the mood with lighting, volume and special effects, plus access to an encyclopedic song catalogue which even our merry band of Disney and Eurovision enthusiasts couldn’t exhaust.
You don’t even have to put down your mic to order your next drink, as you can summon co*cktails – Kate Bush fans should try the Bambooshka – shots, bottles of bubbly and classic party snacks straight to your room with a touch of a button. All of that just a warm-up? On Thursdays, head straight to the main stage for open mic night or chill out with Bandeoke’s singalong acoustic session on Friday night.Watch the full review of our night of revelryhere.
Private karaoke rooms from £8.50 pp/per hr. 74 Victoria St, Victoria. Bookhere.
13. Enjoy Korean-Japanese food at Jang
Perched on a mezzanine sits Jang, which is knocking Korean-Japanese dishes out of the grade I listed building it’s housed in. Start with a Subak Royal co*cktail, their version of an Aperol Spritz which goes surprising well with their Jang KFC starter, aka crispy, juicy bundles of chicken drizzled with sticky-spicy gochujang sauce. Follow up with the intricately delicious 8-piece sushi, served on a silver crocodile, obviously.
For the main, the K-BBQ brings theatre to your table with slices of sirloin sizzling on the coals of Japanese barbecue, with a revelatory plate of condiments including wasabi butter, chimichurri and pollock roe.
Also on your order sheet should be the delicately sweet black cod miso alongside the most flavoursome bone broth for pouring or dunking. Finish on a naughty note with the Kkwabaegi Korean doughnut – basically a plaited churro accompanied by salted caramel ice cream and Biscoff crumble.
Mains from £22. First Floor, Royal Exchange, The City. Book here.
14. Put your dinner in the chef’s hands at The Table
By Sofia Delgado
Every last Wednesday of the month The Table Battersea hosts their Omakase (Japanese for ‘I’ll leave it up to you’) mystery tasting menu concept. Each tasting menu features four courses inspired by a specific chef’s heritage, with the menu and country of inspiration only being revealed on the night.
With at least 195 countries in the world to choose from, I was slightly disheartened to land myself at the Taste of Britain evening.
My apprehension, however, very quickly dissipated when food started to arrive. The very warm welcome from the hostess who dutifully explained every dish for us made me fall in love with Britain all over again.
Inventive courses included an amuse bouche of beetroot and Victoria plum shot; English asparagus, confit egg yolk and Hollandaise sauce was our starter, and a delightful summer berries Eton mess rounded it all off nicely.
The Table Battersea’s Omakase is made to impress, and suits perfectly for date nights and catching up with friends alike
The delicious menu and a co*cktail comes to just £35 per person – now that’s a welcome surprise!
15. Treat yourself to Michelin star food for £3.50
One Michelin star eatery, St John, will be taking us back to 1994 when chef Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver first opened its doors.
Specialising innose-to-tail cooking, you can get dishes such as their roast bone marrow and parsley salad starter for just £4.20 (it usually costs £16).
Best places to eat
16. Have dinner at one of Covent Garden’s beautiful Floral Court’s Restaurants
By Rob Buckhaven and Jeremy Ullmann
We’ve all found ourselves passing through Floral Court. Whether we’re tourists or seasoned Londoners on a stroll. The Petersham is the more formal option in Petershams Nurseries’ Floral Court restaurant complex, and it has just launched its summer menu using ingredients from a Devon family farm for its ‘farm-to-fork’ approach.
You pay in part for that sustainability ethos, but fortunately you can also taste it. The beef tartare has such a sweet freshness to it, the burrata has an imperfection to its texture that only enhances the flavour, while the chestnut and thyme risotto was a favourite dish.
Not everything wows here (the Langoustine Gnocchi is unnaturally sweet), but it’s more than enough an experience to warrant saving up for.
Yards away at airy al-fresco Italian La Goccia, you basically choose one item from each menu section to share between two, Italian tapas-style.
Of note are the line caught tuna carpaccio and the richly delicious orecchiette alla Norma with aubergine, tomato and ricotta. They really are doing the Lord’s work over at Petersham Nurseries.
Mains from £24 at The Petersham; small plates from £10 at La Goccia. Floral Court, Covent Garden. Book here.
17. Go all out at London’s Michelin-Starred West African restaurant
By Hiyah Zaidi
It’s hard to believe that Akoko only received its first Michelin star this year, as since the start of Nigerian chef Ayo Adeyemi’s reign, a menu has been created here that sparks inspiration.
Neon greens and zesty oranges appear as traditional Nigerian flavours stuffed with spice that lead to immediate silence and verging tears. The potato/beef tatase relish, or Gambian Stew, sets the tone for the meal, creating an air of suspense for what comes next, as every course that comes after effortlessly produces its own pleasant surprise.
And dessert? Zobo, a watermelon granita that flirts with hibiscus, creates a homage to the flavours that came before and amplifies the white, pure dessert that follows. No matter your favourite course, you’ll leave hazy with delight, and with a reframed palate that brings you pleasure.
Tasting menu from £120. 21 Berners St, Fitzrovia. Book here.
18. Try Pani Puri at Kahani
By Luke Matthews
It’s unlikely you would stumble upon the elegant entrance to Kahani by chance but fine-dining Indian food in a warm atmosphere makes it well worth seeking out. Don’t be afraid to put your experience into the hands of renowned chef Peter Joseph and the excellent staff to serve up some unknown gems alongside new twists on old favourites.
The small plate offering of Mango Pani Puri – an Indian street food – with sweet potato, black chickpea and spiced mango juice served inside a crispy puri should be mandatory with any visit, and for the tandoori broccoli – and it’s hard to hype up broccoli – but I would die for that dish. Head along on a Thursday to pair the incredible food with a backdrop of live jazz.
Mains from £16. 1 Wilbraham Plc, Chelsea. Book here.
We visitied Kahani as part of a our South Asian Heritage Month series. Catch up over on our TikTok with visits to Tamarind Kitchen, Dhakaah and more.
19. Enjoy a meal in the sunshine at The Broadcaster
By Kate Rice
The Broadcaster offers the classic combination of views and booze to accompany British summertime (when it decides to actually rear its head). Located in White City, you can take in a 360-view of West London on the restaurant’s rooftop, enjoying some classic Gastro pub-style food.
Highlights include monkfish scampi — which comes with a curry tartare so good you could drink it with a straw — and pan roasted cod. The Smoked and Spiced Margarita is also an absolute must-order for all tequila lovers out there (you can thank me later). Sunshine, co*cktails, and a hell of a lot of food — there’s little to fault
Bar snacks from £5, mains from £16. 89 Wood Lane, White City. Book here.
20. Try Richmond’s new Pasta Emporium with a self-serve wine machine
The brand new Emporium is Pasta Evangelists’ very first dedicated restaurant space. There’s a pasta counter where you can watch your food being prepared and see exactly what you’re getting, self-service machines to allow you to fully customise your order, and outside you might even spot a branded Vespa which Deliveroo drivers will be rocking up to your house on when you order food.
Read our Food Writer Courtney Pochin’s full review here.
21. Visit Covent Garden’s new Churreria Aguamiel
Covent Garden is now home to@aguamiel.ldn, London’s first authentic “churreria”! Indulge in fresh churros, iced horchata, and mouthwatering churro ice cream sandwiches.
22. Bask in the sun at From The Ashes BBQ
Saturday afternoons in the sun are bliss at Five Points Brewery, elevated by the smoky haze of From The Ashes, a sizzling food truck serving up slabs of proper BBQ grub.
Smoke ring galore can be found in the succulent short ribs, while the porchetta is melt in the mouth and the tacos moreishly juicy. If you’re looking for BBQ classics and a beer in the sun, things don’t get much better than this.
61 Mare St, Hackney. Book here.
Like Sushi? These are some of our favourite spots
Taku. Best for: a once-in-a-year experience
Michelin Star spell-binding flavours, remarkably skilful chefs and an intimate environment – this is sushi fine dining turned up to 100.36 Albemarle St, Mayfair. Book here.
Miyako. Best for: a post-work sushi
Miyako, a delightful and traditional sushi joint is very reasonably priced for what is standard but deliciously fresh sushi, and a variety of excellent sake options (plus sake-based co*cktails). Try the Nasu Dengaku (miso-infused aubergine). Book here. 40 Liverpool St.
Temaki. Best for: an affordable finger food delight
Set up like a traditional sushi house – you get a full authentic experience but for a fraction of the cost of the higher-end restaurants. The Wagyu tataki stands out here; melt-in-your-mouth, salty, crispy, garlicky, heavenly.12 Market Row, Brixton. Book here.
Where to go for a drink
23. Visit Shoreditch’s gorgeous new bar Chiave
By Jeremy Ullmann
Probably the best part of the Chiave experience is sitting on the table that stretches the width of the bar facing out onto Redchurch Street – with the full vibrancy of a Shoreditch neighbourhood on constant display in front of you like a cinema screen. It’s to Chiave’s credit that even a man riding a penny farthing down the street is merely a quirky addition, rather than a distraction from the calming space and fantastic co*cktail menu.
Expect a list of eccentric co*cktail names (because…Shoreditch) including the Electric Lullaby, Doomsday and Libertango. The Street Spirit was a personal favourite, with the sweetness of the salted caramel wonderfully contrasted by the liquorice tones from the Rakı spirit. ‘Chiave’ is the Italian word for key, and on select nights, Chiave’s secret is unlocked, and you can head downstairs to their intimate dance floor for an after-hours boogie.
co*cktails from £11. 36 Redchurch St, Shoreditch. Book here.
24. Enjoy the sun at a rooftop bar
From terraces on top of skyscrapers tovibey rooftop restaurants, London is full of high up perches to get soak up the sunshine and incredible views with a glass in hand.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite central London suntrapshere.
25. Experience a life of luxury at Churchill Bar & Terrace
By Jeremy Ullmann
The leathery smell of tobacco lingers in the air at the Churchill Bar Bar & Terrace. Though likely to come from customers’ own cigars, it might as well be Churchill himself, considering the bronze statue of him with a cigar in hand, or the numerous portraits of the former prime minister watching over the nautical-themed terrace.
The marine-inspired excellent Sailor’s Serenade menu is the fresh and cost-friendly co*cktail option here, but it is the Unity menu that steals the show. co*cktails mixed with a variety of tonics made from harvested rainwater and with ingredients from across the globe result in a taste that is both distinctly homemade and yet exotic.
Touches of mango make the Destiny co*cktail a customer favourite, but the Middle-Eastern spices in the Purity co*cktail won it for me. Splendid, Sir.
co*cktails from £14. 30 Portman Sq, Marylebone. Book here.
26. Grab a bottle at Bottles
Bottles is a gorgeous little spot with a colourful aesthetic that seems to mix an authentic Mediterranean wine bar and a French bohemian dining spot.
There’s an exhaustive (and we mean exhaustive) wine list focusing primarily on Italy and France but includes a ‘new world’ section ranging from New Zealand to Georgia – some using indigenous grapes, others are organic, vegan, riserva or orange.
There’s also an excellent small food menu with which the chefs very nearly steal the wine’s thunder. Is Bottles a date spot or a post-work food stop? Frankly, we don’t know and we don’t care. Just go and crack a bottle. It’s a 10 either way.
Wine bottles from £35. Mains from £16. 67 Brushfield St, Tower Hamlets. Book here.
27. Have a beer and chill under the arches at Bird House Brewery
A couple minutes walk from Herne Hill station, you’ll find it hidden this laid-back, outdoor brewery under a rustic railway arch (think Bermondsey Arches vibes but less crowded). With great food and delicious co*cktails, it ideal for a family day out (it’s dog friendly!) or a night with friends with live music (or DJs at the weekend), a big variety of quality beers on tap, and just all-around fun, chill, vibes.
Burgers from £9. co*cktails from £11. Arch 1127, Bath Factory Estate, Herne Hill. Book here.
28. Catch the sunset at Searcys at Horizon 22
This August you can watch the sun set over the city in style at Searcys at Horizon 22. Usually only available for private events after dusk, they’re opening up Level 58 of the City’s tallest building for a sparkling sundowner every Friday for a month.
£29.50pp and include a glass of Searcys Champagne. 22 Bishopsgate, The City. Book here.
What’s on
29. Watch ‘the most entertaining’ show in the West End
By Hugh Montgomery
WOW. What a difference a medium makes. Unlike the screen musical released in January that felt like a very pale imitation of the original 2004 film – on stage, Mean Girls the musical has its own high-octane energy and this near-flawless production inspires awe.
Where to start with the praise? The design is wondrous, Casey Nicholaw’s direction and choreography create some brilliant visuals, many of the songs resonate in a way that they simply didn’t on screen, and as for the performances, they are uniformly excellent.
Spin-off musicals from movies may be ten-a-penny these days, but this one really is a cut above most – in fact, you won’t find a more entertaining evening in the West End right now.
Tickets from £25. Savoy Theatre, West End. Book here.
30. Party away at the latest ‘Little Door’ venue
Known for their Orange, Yellow, Scarlet, and Blue Little Doors counterparts, a Violet has joined them in Carnaby. The Little Violet Door is a permanent house party.
Or, as they describe it, it’s “a flatshare turned bar and restaurant” where you’ll find a DJ spinning on an island turntable.
Watch our video review here:
31. Try London’s smallest pub quiz at Finch Wine Bar
Introducing London’s smallest pub quiz at the whimsical Finch in Brixton Village, where the cozy micro bar enhances the competition. Inspired by the owner’s quirky style, this event adds a new twist to the classic British pub quiz as locals and visitors alike join a weekly battle of wits. With a fine wine selection, teams of up to four compete in this vibrant, eclectic setting.
Wednesdays. Granville Arcade, Unit 89 Coldharbour Ln. Book here.
32. See Six The Musical
By Kristina Beanland
Thanks to casting TikToker Hannah Lowther, Six The Musical is gaining quite the following online, with videos of the famous MegaSix finale posted daily. But, it turns out that the show really does live up to the hype.
This is a story that attempts to reframe the historical narrative – giving a voice to the six women who have for centuries only been known as a King’s wife. It’s feminist and fabulous – and at times pretty emotional too. You can book tickets for the London show until May 2025, it’s also touring, so check out if it’s coming to a theatre near you.
Tickets from £34.50. Vaudeville Theatre, West End. Book here.
See you next week!
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