This weekend in London kicks off with the launch of a new brunch party series, the return of Social Sunday and an unmissable Michael Jackson exhibition. Here’s what we’ll be doing.
Words Helen Brown
Things to do this weekend in London
MICHAEL JACKSON: ON THE WALL
Almost a decade after his death, the National Portrait Gallery stage a major exhibition on the man in the mirror. In the year of Michael Jackson’s would-be 60th birthday, explore the influence he had on some of the leading names in contemporary art with over 40 works from the likes of Andy Warhol, Grayson Perry and many more.
GRIMMY BRUNCH SERIES AT SEXY FISH
Brunch will be supercharged by Sexy Fish this July as the Mayfair hotspot launches its Grimmy Brunch Series with Radio 1 DJ, Nick Grimshaw. The first session will be hosted by Grimmy himself and features a set menu and dedicated cocktail list. For the following three brunch parties, he’ll be handpicking DJs to entertain those lucky enough to bag themselves a table.
JASON ATHERTON’S SOCIAL SUNDAY
After three successful years and over £100,000 raised, Jason Atherton’s Social Company will be bringing back its Social Sunday this weekend. Taking place across six Social Company restaurants, Atherton will welcome a top UK chef into each to create a bespoke and one off-lunch menu, with all proceeds raised going to the charity Hospitality Action.
For more information and to book, visit jasonatherton.co.uk
THE STUDIO BY DAI
This week saw the launch of The Studio by Dai, a pop-up and showroom from e-commerce label, Dai. The innovative brand combines smart, technical fabrics with elegant tailoring and functional design for busy professional women. The pop-up offers the first ever offline shopping experience from Dai where guests can get a personal lesson in workwear style.
Located at E1 Studios, Whitechapel Road from now until 1 July
daiwear.com
QUEEN’S PARK BOOK FESTIVAL
The Queen’s Park Book Festival is back with a packed weekend of literary celebration and debate, bringing with it a mix of local, national and international writers and fresh talent. Literary giants Zadie Smith and Nick Laird are headlining the festival line-up, alongside Ali Knight, Rachel Clarke and Sarah Hilary.
BOTTOMLESS BEACH BRUNCH
London’s only Thameside beach is back with a packed programme of summer events from Wimbledon finals, World Cup screenings, beachside yoga and a bottomless brunch. This Friday Neverland is bringing the sun-soaked sands of Ibiza to London with an All in White Party. Dress to impress all in white to gain free entry. There’s also an enticing free slushy margarita for guests arriving before 7pm and music from a yet-to-be-named world-renowned DJ.
LONDON ART WEEK
Each summer, London Art Week welcomes over 40 leading international art dealers to present exciting exhibitions, engaging events and art talks, illustrating the extraordinary range of art dating from antiquity the 20th century. Taking place within various private galleries in Mayfair and St. James’s, London Art Week presents the perfect opportunity to explore the area’s art spaces and discover passion, power and politics through the lens of art history.
A PICNIC FROM PLATTER LONDON
From cereal cafes to dumpling shacks, London’s food scene comes up trumps with new and innovative ways to eat out. The latest comes from Platter where everything on the menu comes in the form of – you guessed it – a platter. With a contemporary and cosy interior, this is a great local coffee shop selling sweet and savoury mini platters for two, platter boxes and picnic platters. Everything is created fresh, alongside Allpress artisan coffees, iced drinks and freshly baked pastries to eat in or take away and enjoy.
