Things to do in London this May bank holiday
The anticipation of a bank holiday is like Christmas. You have days off work that you didn’t need to use annual leave for, everyone around you is a little giddy over the prospect of plans, and you get in the good croissants for a slow weekend breakfast.
It’s a celebratory affair all because we have a three-day weekend. And London loves a three-day weekend.
The first May bank holiday, on Monday 5 May, is also our first taste of London summer. It tickles our lips along with our chosen spritz as we enjoy that first glimmer of the incoming Hot Months.
These are the best things to do in London on the first May bank holiday weekend, from eating and drinking to sauna and cinema.
Dine out al fresco at…
Forza Wine at the National Theatre
Dining al fresco is one of my favourite things about the season, minus the bugs. But give me a BBQ, picnic, or outside table at a restaurant, and I’m one happy gal.
And spilling out across South Bank, Forza Wine at the National Theatre does al fresco dining in the most delicious way. I love Forza, it does great plates and still aims to offer a tasty dish for a tenner, even after nearly 15 years of service.
The cauliflower fritti with aioli is a menu staple, and you simply have to order it, along with the Forza frozen margarita, because slush means summer is here, and this long weekend is just the beginning.
South Bank, SE1 | forzawine.com
Gold
All that shimmers… Gold is a neighbourhood restaurant and open-til-late bar on Portobello Road. Its attic terrace and garden room are ideal for al fresco, but keep it covered. Perfect for any weather doubts.
When it comes to dishes, they are simple, yet delicious, with a lot of the cooking done over fire. Expect charring, roasting, and slow cooking, with plates such as chargrilled kalibos cabbage with bagna cauda, chilli, and breadcrumbs, or the wood-roasted whole sea bream. No notes.
Notting Hill, W11 | goldnottinghill.com
Westerns Laundry
For something a little fancier, and if you’re indulging in a treat-yourself weekend, head to Westerns Laundry in Highbury. Westerns Laundry is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant focusing on seafood and natural wines, with a cobbled courtyard and natural wine cellar. And it’s just delightful.
The food menu is written on the blackboard, highlights include plates of langoustine and Marie Rose sauce, baked crab, and a monkfish bouillabaisse.
Highbury, N5 | westernslaundry.com
Enjoy a bev at…
Netil360
Panoramic views, drinks from local makers, and Neapolitan pizza: East London’s Netil360 is the perfect rooftop bar to while away a long weekend.
Beer is from neighbours Five Points Brewery and spirits from the East London Liquor Company. That’s low drinks mileage. The pizza menu is petite but packs a punch, with toppings of truffle and mushroom, sausage and nduja, and vegan options with cheese from Broadway Market’s I Am Nut OK.
Hackney, E8 | netil360.com
Bermondsey Beer Mile
A mile of breweries. If I hadn’t already visited the Bermondsey Beer Mile, I would’ve thought it was a fever dream.
My advice is to start at Southwark Brewing Company and end at Kernel Brewery’s newish taproom as the Mile turns onto Spa Road – and stop at every place along the way and grab a half pint. There are a lot of them, so let’s be sensible.
The Hawk’s Nest
More cocktails and pizza, because apparently that’s what I think a bank holiday needs, but this time at The Hawk’s Nest. This place is huge and perfect for getting everyone together. It’s hot like a greenhouse, so let yourself thrive as the sun beams down on you like a little plant.
Secure your spot and stay all day while sipping on pink grapefruit margaritas and chowing down on a margarita pizza. I wouldn’t blame you if you just pitch a tent and stay Friday through Monday.
Shepherd’s Bush, W12 | the-hawks-nest.co.uk
Book tickets for…
Community Sauna
Cold plunges and steam rooms – everyone is saunaing these days. And that is mostly thanks to Community Sauna, which recently expanded to six sites across London.
Whether you’re looking to soak off and sweat out your bank holiday hangover or are looking for a wholesome activity for you and your pals, pottering around one of the Community Sauna sites in a sauna hat is a simple silliness that is good for you, too.
Hackney Wick, E9, Stratford, E20, Bermondsey, SE1, Peckham, SE15, Camberwell, SE15, Walthamstow, E17 | community-sauna.co.uk
Rooftop Film Club
For film buffs that don’t want to hide away inside, Rooftop Film Club has locations in Peckham and Stratford, and it’s hosting an excellent lineup of movies this Bank Hol.
Take in the London skyline before settling into your cosy bean bag and donning your headphones as the film is about to begin.
The schedule sees 10 Things I Hate About You, Almost Famous, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and more at Peckham. Then at Stratford, it’s Crazy, Stupid, Love, The Notebook, Before Sunrise, plus a Wicked singalong to top off the Monday evening slot.
Peckham, SE15, and Stratford, E15 | rooftopfilmclub.com
Enjoy the (hopeful) sunshine…
Green spaces
If you’re still stumped for something to do this bank holiday, ask yourself, what more do you need than your mates, a M&S three for £8 picky bits picnic (complete with something high percentage in a tin), and a blanket to set down in one of London’s many green spaces?
My top three favourite parks are Richmond Park, Clapham Common (don’t judge me), and London Fields.
Thames Path
This isn’t a nouveau idea, but sometimes it’s nice to be reminded that you live in London. Forgive me for being sentimental, but it really is the best place to live, laugh, love.
But just enjoying the views of the city on a long weekend is an event in itself, and so walking as much as you can muster of the Thames Path – after all, it does stretch 180 miles along the banks of the river – is my last recommendation for bank holiday activities.
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