Things to do in London this week
Discover the biggest and best things to do in London over the next seven days
Is the week ahead looking quiet? Not any more. Head out into the city and get a load of the hottest happenings taking place right now. You’ll be begging for a night off by Sunday, trust us. Here’s our pick of the newest restaurant openings, the best new museum shows and the latest art exhibitions, plus out-of-the-way events and gigs you really won’t want to miss. Let us be your social lifesaver for the next seven days. And if you’ve got a tip for something fun going on in London, tweet us your suggestion and help spread the word.
RECOMMENDED: 101 amazing things to do in London
Event of the week: London Literature Festival
Southbank Centre’s London Literature Festival is taking a closer look at fairytales for its 2019 theme ‘Once Upon Our Times’. Expect readings, talks and workshops from acclaimed authors, poets, speakers and collaborators throughout the 11-day event.
Oval Night Market
Ready to dance in the street? This alfresco party is back with hot cocktails, firepits and blanket-strewn cosy corners for autumn. The roads will be closed off to make way for street food trucks, craft stalls, bars and DJs. It’s sure to be a great way to round off your week.
Restaurant of the week: Fatt Pundit
Two of Britain’s favourite takeaway cuisines have been fused together in this Soho Indo-Chinese spot, but this isn’t your run-of-the-mill ’Asian fusion’ affair with a slightly dodgy name. The menu combines a Cantonese base with Indian heat, and it really works. The chilli paneer served in lettuce cups is a case in point. Order lots – you won’t regret it.
Natural History Museum Ice Rink
Skate in style on arguably London’s most enchanting ice rink, thanks to the beautiful backdrop of Alfred Waterhouse-designed buildings.
SicilyFest
Sample all things Sicilian without leaving Zone 1 at this festival dedicated to the southern Italian island. Get to know your cannoli from your arancini and correct your Mediterranean missteps with tastings, cookery demos and more tastings of the island’s delicacies. Prego.
Film of the week: ‘A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon’
Everyone’s favourite animated sheep returns to the big screen for his second feature-length film (a sheep-quel, if you will), this time featuring a small alien invasion. Think a baa-rilliant spin on ‘ET’.
‘Mephisto [A Rhapsody]’
This darkly hilarious drama about a pretentious actor who sells out big time is fun but almost sitcom-ish in its simplicity. Although it feels too on-the-nose to really work as satire, that shouldn’t take anything away from Leo Bill’s performance as lead protagonist Aymeric, which is just a wonder.
Lunar Dreams
Not seen Luke Jerram’s six-metre ‘Museum of the Moon’ sculpture at the Natural History Museum yet? Another of the British installation artist’s lunar creations is popping up in this King’s Cross church for an evening of performances of out-of-this-world folk tales to soundscapes created live by sound artists.
Bar of the week: Near & Far Camden
The south London bar has opened a sister site north of the river, and it’s as fun and carefree as the original. Head to the funky-looking drinking den on Chalk Farm Road for a very happy happy hour among the flamingos.
All-Night Graffiti and Tattoo Art Festival
Go for live graffiti workshops, tattooing rooms and pop-up shops. Stay for the all-night rave and UV graffiti exhibition. And if you opt to get inked yourself, it’ll definitely be a night you won’t forget.
Queerstory
Storytelling troupe The Embers Collective turn their focus to LGBTQ+ tales for an evening of stories and songs inspired by queer myths and folklore from around the world.
Show of the week: Hogarth: ‘Place and Progress’
Master satirist William Hogarth’s serial works have been assembled in London’s coolest house, and the timing is impeccable. Go to see the artist’s hot takes on the early eighteenth century’s trials and tribulations, which include depictions of human life in all its (sometimes not very pretty) forms.
Unsightly Drag
Expect drag queens, drag kings and pushed boundaries at this show spotlighting blind and visually impaired LGBTQ+ performers. It’ll be fully accessible, of course.
Peckham Levels Beer Festival
Sip on suds from six of London’s best indie brewers (including ales from Brockley Brewery, Canopy and Orbit) while dancing to live music.
The South London Vintage Furniture Flea
Packed with mid-century gems and retro goodies, this sale is straight out of your homeware-filled dreams. Bag vintage furniture, record players, lamps and more (take a tape measure to avoid any dramas getting your new purchases into your flat).
Encore Widget - Tickets Under £20
Snap up exclusive discounts in London
Time Out's handpicked deals — hurry, they won't be around for long...