The Time Out London blog team

Fear will not be the only path to the dark side this time next year. The Piccadilly Line will be doing the job too. Because Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and their Rebel Alliance buddies will be taking on Darth Vader and the Empire afresh in late April and early May 2026 in an unprecedented weekend of ‘Star Wars in Concert’ screenings at The Royal Albert Hall. All three movies in the original trilogy will be screening with live accompaniment by the orchestra that first recorded John Williams’ iconic score, the London Symphony Orchestra. Opening with Episode IV: A New Hope on Thursday, April 29, taking in The Empire Strikes Back, and ending with Return of the Jedi on Sunday, May 2, the trilogy will be blasting off the big screen in the grandest of surrounds. Tickets start at £45 and the screenings run as follows: Episode IV: A New Hope – Thu Apr 29 (2pm, 7.30pm), Fri Apr 30 (2pm, 7.30pm), Sat May 1 (2pm, 7.30pm)Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back – Fri Apr 30 (7.30pm), Sat May 1 (7.30pm)Episode VI: Return of the Jedi – Sun, May 2 (1pm, 6.30pm) ‘From that triumphant opening chord on the first recording session for A New Hope in Anvil Studios, the Star Wars “sound” has become synonymous with the London Symphony Orchestra, which carries the DNA of John Williams’s music in its blood,’ says LSO chair Sarah Quinn. ‘What better way to celebrate this anniversary than reliving the original trilogy in full, and we look forward to sharing these momentous performances at the Royal Albert...

A new Banksy artwork just popped up in central London. A new statue has appeared on a plinth in St James’ – and it bears the legendary artist’s signature.  The sculpture shows a suited person marching forward off of a plinth, their face smothered by a billowing flag. It sits on Waterloo Place, near statues of Edward VII and Florence Nightingale and the Crimean War Memorial.  Time Out reported on the arrival of the artwork yesterday (April 29) and today (April 30) the artist has confirmed that it is his work. The street artist confirmed authorship on his Instagram, just like he did with the murals he has painted across the city over the past few years.  Here’s what we know about the new Banksy so far. Where is the new Banksy in London? You can find the new Banksy on Waterloo Place, just up the stairs from the ICA on The Mall. It’s about here, on Google Maps.   What does the new sculpture mean? A suited person – a politician, let’s assume – blinded by a gigantic flag and stepping off a plinth and into danger? Sounds like pretty classic Banksy political messaging to us. Check out the piece below. Photograph: Louise Androlia for Time Out London Banksy in London Big Banksy fan? There are loads of places in London where you can find his older works. One of his works is now on show at the London Transport Museum, while you can find a map of Banksys you can spot around London here. Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends....

A bumper bounty of new bistros are coming to London this May, with new restaurants from Time Out hot chef Jackson Boxer, as well as the third Arcade foodhall and a fresh residency for pizza supremos Dough Hands.  As it’s basically summer now, you’ll be wanting to eat al fresco, so make sure you check out our best outdoor restaurants list, or if you’re after something a bit more chill, then cast your eyes over our ranking of London’s best beer gardens. If you’ve a head for heights, then our best rooftop bars and best rooftop restaurants in London lists are also worth a look.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in London. The best new London restaurants opening in May 2026 1. The new Jackson Boxer joint Vesper, Exmouth Market Brunswick House, Dove, Henri… Jackson Boxer has the hospo Midas touch, and he’s bringing his exemplary restaurant brand to north-east London for the first time. Vesper will join the jolly Exmouth Market gang, offering big bistro energy and croquettes ‘arnold bennett’ with tarragon mayonnaise, potato pizzettes with salame rosa and pea & mint gnudi with brown butter. London’s Vibiest Street is about to get even more vibey. See you on the outdoor terrace.  Opens: Mid-May  Address: 8-10 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, EC1R 4QA. Sam Cornish 2. The combination foodhall, taverna and Thai canteen Arcade feat Zylia and Plaza Khao Gaeng, Covent Garden A brand new Arcade is coming to a grand, Grade-I listed 12,500 sq ft building on the south side of Covvy G, joining...