More chicken wings than you can manage, a city-wide celebration of cocktails and a cinema set up in Henry VIII’s back garden; here’s what not to miss this weekend in London
Words Helen Brown
Things to do this weekend in London
Cocktails in the City
25 of the city’s finest, most inventive and original bars all together in one eclectic celebration of cocktail creativity. Yes, Cocktails in the City is back and it’s big. This weekend-long party invites Londoners to Experience the art of the best bartenders, learn from the world’s greatest mixologists, and enjoy the most vibrant cocktail event on the calendar. Tickets start at just £20 and are available here.
V For
For the entire month of August, Shoreditch will become a hub for all things vegan as V For takes over the Old Truman Brewery. This brand new vegan lifestyle festival has a jam-packed schedule of demonstrations, fitness events, exhibitions, shopping opportunities and of course an abundance of plant-based treats.
MOONSHINE SALOON
West London is pretty wild now that the clever team behind Alcotraz have launched their latest venture on the King’s Road. Moonshine Saloon is a one-of-a-kind, BYOB immersive cocktail bar experience, that promises to transport guests to the Wild West. Upon entering as an apprentice moonshiner, you’ll encounter a street that looks like it’s been plucked straight from the set of a Western film. First stop is the local tailor, who will measure you up for Stetson hats and cowboy gear. Once you look the part, it’s to the bar where you can try your luck at card games and enjoy personalised moonshine cocktails. Those who manage to escape the law as a moonshiner in the Saloon are invited to stop for a refreshment in the General Store before leaving the Wild West for the dreary streets of the city.
Booking fee: £33.99 (includes 4 cocktails from your brought drink of choice + 1.45 hours inside the Saloon) Bookings can be made online at moonshinesaloon.com
GoBoat
Take to the waves this weekend on London’s canals with GoBoat, the unique experience that lets you chart your own adventure and captain your own crew. GoBoats can carry up to eight people, with no previous boating experience required. The boats are powered by electric engines and designed to create a sociable atmosphere – bring a picnic and a bottle of wine and enjoy the cruise.
Wing Fest
Get ready for some saucy action in the city this weekend as Wing Fest returns for a fifth year with 35 traders battling it out for the crowds. This time the line-up includes chicken wing heavy hitters Wingmans, Randy’s Wing Bar, Mother Clucker, Brother Bird, The Joint and tons more. Each wing is sold at £1 and your ticket includes a Wing Fest signature trucker hat, a bottle of Frank’s RedHot sauce and access to Wing Fest app. Bibs at the ready.
Other Side Fried at Feast Bar & Kitchen
Fried chicken aficionados, Other Side Fried are flying the coop. Find them in White City where they’ll be taking up residency at epic drinking and dining den, Feast Bar & Kitchen. The menu will pay homage to their much-loved chicken burgers and sides – so expect all the classics such as the O.S.F made with fried chicken, brown butter mayo, parmesan, garlic and mayo and the Honey Butter with fried chicken, smoked honey butter bacon, pickles and lettuce.
Luna Cinema at Hampton Court Palace
Movie mavericks, Luna Cinema have chosen the remarkable gardens of Hampton Court Palace as the setting for a unique, al fresco cinema experience this summer. A giant screen sits on the lawns, while Henry VIII’s iconic home provides an unforgettable floodlit backdrop. Get tickets for The Greatest Showman this weekend, or catch an array of old-time classics and family favourites throughout the month.
Brunch at Cinnamon Kitchen
While brunch will always have a strong-hold on our weekend itinerary, the standard eggs benny and smashed avo is no longer cutting it. Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea is injecting some spice back into the glorious weekend staple with its brand new modern Indian Weekend Power Station Brunch. Expect a whirlwind of East-meets-West dishes like sea bream and turmeric kedgeree with a poached egg, Bombay scrambled eggs and keema paratha and a pollock malai curry with ghee rice.
London’s First Virtual Shooting Range & Whisky Bar
Mac & Wild are going where no London eatery has gone before with the launch of the capital’s first Shooting Range and Whiskey Bar. This HIghland hideaway in Devonshire square is designed to bring two of Scotland’s favourite past-times to the heart of the city. There’ll be a carefully curated whisky menu, unique serves, whisky slushies and a schedule of fun, foodie events.
