Raising the bar: Nine Lives
(Picture: Handout)Making it to the weekend with melting down into some sweaty blob is easier said than done in this kind of weather, and if you do make it, then it’s worth a celebration.
The capital’s al fresco attractions come into their own when the sun is beating down, and a number of our top picks for this weekend’s activities can be enjoyed outdoors.
Elsewhere, there’s a big birthday party in Hackney Wick as one of London’s best new clubs turns one, and the chance to check out recently launched exhibitions at a fantastic museum.
Sun cream and water bottles at the ready: here’s what to get up to in London.
The restaurant: Paladar
Sometimes, rather than chasing the next big thing, it’s a good idea to revisit an existing favourite. And in that spirit, we’ve rather enjoyed heading back to Southwark spot Paladar recently. The Latin American food is excellent, and there’s a wine list covering bottles from all over the region, which is somewhat rare in London. Grab yourself a spot at one of its outdoor spaces this weekend.
4-5 London Road, SE1 6JZ, paladarlondon.com
The bar: Nine Lives
This Bermondsey haunt is one of our favourite spots for a drink south of the river, and now they’ve launched a new cocktail menu, collectively titled Tropicalifornication. It’s made for summer — Born To Chill, for example, is a vibe-appropriate combo of Discarded Banana Rum, Pineapple Plantation Rum and lime — and can all be enjoyed on the bar’s outdoor tables.
8 Holyrood Street, SE1 2EL, ninelivesbar.com
The exhibition: Museum of London
The Museum of London is moving — away from that endearingly peculiar spot on London Wall, and to a new spot within former market buildings in nearby Smithfield. The current site won’t close until December, but now’s as good a time as any to get in for a visit, with exhibitions about Tottenham and England footballer Harry Kane, and the history of grime, among the newly launched attractions.
150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN, museumoflondon.org.uk
The event: Lockwood Way Block Party
E17-dwellers, here’s one for you: a free block party helmed by some of the area’s best independent businesses. The taprooms of Renegade Urban Winery and Hackney and Wild Card breweries will be open for drinking, serving oysters from Fin & Flounder, as well as Korean food from Chicken and Gochu. Music comes from local bands and DJs, and there’s face painting and other kid-friendly activities to keep little ones entertained.
Free, midday to 11pm, July 16, Lockwood Way, E17 5RB, facebook.com
The club night: Colour Factory 1st Birthday
Over the last year, Colour Factory has proven itself as one of the capital’s best new clubs — inclusive, innovative and a whole lot of fun. It’ll be celebrating its first birthday this weekend with a seven-hour shindig, welcoming the likes of HOWL, Pxssy Palace and Skinny Macho.
