What To Do This Weekend 04.09.25

Kew Gardens is hosting In Conversation from 4th-7th September, a four-day festival of ideas and discussion in the heart of its botanical grounds. Expect lively outdoor talks from leading cultural figures including big names like Richard Osman, Mary Beard, Nicki Chapman and Alexander Armstrong. Topics span literature, history and broadcasting, with events designed for adults and curious teens alike. Combine it with a wander around the world-famous gardens – still in late-summer bloom – and make a day of it. 

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW9 3AE;  4th-7th September 2025

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Nieves Barragán’s latest venture, Legado, has opened in Shoreditch to rave reviews. Designed around a buzzing open kitchen, the restaurant blends a lively atmosphere with elegant Iberian cooking. Kick off with anchovies and smoked cheese on brioche or monkfish tempura, then move onto sharing dishes like arroz de cangrejo (crab rice) or perfectly cooked lamb cutlets. Drinks come in the form of ‘3-Sip Serves’ – light aperitifs created to enjoy while you deliberate over the menu.

Legado, Yards, 1C Montacute, Shoreditch, E1 6HU

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To celebrate Negroni Month, Chinatown favourite Noodle & Beer is teaming up with Campari to launch a Secret Negroni Bar in its underground space. Throughout September, expect Campari-red interiors and a menu of creative twists on the Italian classic: The Classic Negroni (£12.50); a Sparkling Sake Negroni (£12.50), offering a lighter, fizzier take; and a Plum Umeshu Negroni (£13.50) for something fruity and fun. Launching on 4th September, the first 50 diners will get a free Negroni with any main. Pair your cocktails with Sichuan small plates or the restaurant’s signature Super King Braised Beef Noodles – topped with edible gold.
 
16-18 Little Newport Street, Chinatown, WC2H 7JJ; from 4th September
 
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Kings Place is hosting the London Podcast Festival again this year. Across ten days, audiences can watch live recordings of big-name podcasts like No Such Thing As A Fish and The Empire Film Podcast, alongside niche shows covering comedy, history, sport and more. Expect appearances from well-known presenters and comedians, plus the chance to discover your next podcast obsession. Many shows will also be streamed online, so you can tune in wherever you are.

90 York Way, N1 9AG; 4th-14th September

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This weekend, bed down at Alexandra Palace for Max Richter’s SLEEP – the composer’s eight-and-a-half-hour work which is designed to be listened to while drifting off. First performed in London in 2017, the piece has since toured iconic locations like the Sydney Opera House and the Great Wall of China. To mark its tenth anniversary, Richter is back for two overnight shows, inviting guests to settle into actual beds inside Ally Pally’s grand hall. The performance runs from 10pm until 6am, followed by a light breakfast. Tickets come in just under £250 – about the cost of a hotel room – but this is a rare chance to experience a cult work in the setting it was designed for.

Alexandra Palace Way, Muswell Hill, N22 7AY; 5th-6th

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Missed the Edinburgh Fringe this summer? Underbelly Boulevard in Soho is bringing a slice of the action to London with Fringe Fix, a post-Fringe takeover running until 27th September. Expect a lively mix of comedy, cabaret and family-friendly shows from some of the most exciting acts on the circuit. Highlights include character comedian Jessica Barton, clown and visual artist Madeleine Rowe, and kids’ favourite The Amazing Bubble Man. Shows take place across the venue’s cabaret-style theatre, so you can settle in with a drink and soak up the festival vibes without leaving London.
 
6 Walker’s Courrt, Soho, W1F 0BT; until 27th September 

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Rental platform By Rotation is bringing its famous Preloved Designer Sample Sale back on 5th-6th September. Taking place from 12pm-6pm across both days, the sale includes pieces from Jacquemus, Loewe, 16Arlington, Cult Gaia, Taller Marmo, Jean Paul Gaultier and more, with prices starting from just £20. Shoppers will also find edits from By Rotation VIPs and tastemakers like Sophie Hermann, BEKA, Tara Zedah, Anisa Sojka and Hypebae editor Navi Ahluwahlia. 

House of ByRo, 31 Brook Street, W1K 4HF; 5th-6th September

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Peckham has a stylish new opening in the form of Lai Rai. Behind a candy-striped façade, this Vietnamese restaurant serves vibrant, flavourful dishes in a playful, buzzy dining room. Interiors are bold and colourful, perfect for a laidback date night or group dinner. Expect authentic plates with creative twists – like chạo cốm, prawn lollies wrapped in fragrant young rice, served with sugarcane, fish sauce satay and fresh herb dip. 

181 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4TP

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LoveShackFancy is teaming up with MY WARDROBE HQ for a three-day sample sale this weekend. Shoppers can expect up to 90% OFF the cult brand’s signature ruffled dresses, whimsical blouses and dreamy occasion wear. A ticket also grants access to discounted pieces from a host of other luxury labels stocked by MY WARDROBE HQ – all under one roof.

St Peter's Church, Notting Hill, Kensington Park Road, W11 2PN; 4th-6th September 

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Southwark Playhouse Borough is staging a new version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream this month. Running until the end of this month, the production reimagines Shakespeare’s comedy in Edwardian London. Here, three siblings stage the play in 1905, weaving in lions, pirates, fairies and other fantastical elements as they argue over what belongs in the story. Expect inventive staging, playful performances and a witty retelling of the classic tale – perfect for theatre fans looking for something a little different.

77-85 Newington Causeway, Southwark, SE1 6BD; until 27th September

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On Saturday, The Stables in Covent Garden will be transformed into Cetaphil SkinLABS, a skincare playground marking the launch of the new Gentle Exfoliating range. Expect one-to-one dermatologist consultations, Pilates with influencer Tia Zanetti and expert-led panels with Dr Alia Ahmed, Dr Emma Amoafo-Mensah and Natalie O’Neill. There’ll also be interactive experiences exploring Cetaphil’s heritage and science. Tickets cost £10 – with proceeds going towards Beauty Banks – and they include full access, a drink and a generous skincare goodie bag.

The Stables, Covent Garden, WC2H 9LH; 6th September

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