What To Do This Weekend 29.05.25

After Leroy closed its doors last year, Alex Grant and Simon Shand (ex-Michelin-starred head chef) have revived the Shoreditch site with Duchy – a stylish tribute to the old Duchy of Savoy. Think classical French meets Alpine Italy, mixed with Shand’s sharp eye for seasonal British produce. On the menu? Anchovies with lardo on marjoram toast; pork shoulder and smoked eel croquettes; Dover sole with Grenobloise sauce; and a cherry and walnut tart to round things off. The open kitchen’s still here, as is the extensive vinyl collection – now paired with a smart wine list spanning Savoie, Jura, Liguria and beyond.

18 Phipp Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 4NU

Follow @DUCHY.RESTAURANT

From the beloved team at Dishoom comes Permit Room Portobello, a new all-day drinking and dining spot inspired by Bombay’s buzzing bar cafés. Opening on the corner of Portobello Road, the relaxed new hangout channels old-school hospitality with a London twist. Swing by for cinnamon brioche French toast at breakfast, Irani bakery chicken puffs at lunch and a tandoori feast with cocktails by night – think chilli tequila Palomas, Kingfisher beer towers, and even alcohol-free negronis. Designed by Macaulay Sinclair, the space is spread across three floors, including a rooftop ‘lodging house’ set to open in June. Plus, expect live DJ sets every weekend, curated by Rohan Rakhit of DAYTIMERS fame.

186 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, W11 1LA

Visit PERMITROOM.CO.UK

East Dulwich just got serious about chicken. Norbert’s is the new rotisserie spot from John Ogier (ex-Lyle’s) and chef Jack Coghlan (ex-Planque), and it’s already pulling crowds. There are no bookings – part of the charm – so expect a wait, but trust us, it’s worth it. The menu’s tight and focused: rotisserie chicken with a closely guarded rub, served with crispy potatoes and salad, plus a line-up of punchy sauces – Frank’s RedHot, pepper butter, chicken gravy and aïoli. Go half for £18, whole for £30, and don’t skip the extra gravy.

5-6 Melbourne Terrace, East Dulwich, SE22 8PL

Follow @NORBERTSLONDON

This buzzworthy new play channels the same gritty, glam rock energy that made Daisy Jones & The Six a must-watch. Set in a 1970s recording studio, it follows a rock band on the brink of stardom – and collapse – as they try to lay down the album that will define their legacy. Written by David Adjmi with music by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler, the show is equal parts intense drama and musical gold. Already a hit on Broadway, it promises an immersive backstage pass into fame, ego and creative chaos. 

St Martin's Lane, Covent Garden, WC2N 4BG 
 
Visit DUKEOFYORKSTHEATRE.CO.UK

Peter Mitchell might not be as famous as McCullin or Parr, but his photos of 1970s Leeds are just as compelling. The veteran British photographer (who calls himself a ‘man of the pavement’) moved to the city in 1972 and never left. He brings a gritty, tender eye to backstreets and shopfronts now lost to time. His portraits – proud tradesmen outside crumbling façades – are unfiltered, deeply human and completely transporting. Catch this small but standout show at the Photographers’ Gallery before it ends.

Photographers' Gallery, 16-18 Ramillies Street, Soho, W1F 7LW; until 15th June

Visit THEPHOTOGRAPHERSGALLERY.ORG.UK

Can’t get to the coast? The Montague on the Gardens has you covered. Back for the summer, the hotel’s Beach Bar is a London legend, complete with real sand, palm trees, frozen cocktails and full holiday vibes. Tucked away behind Russell Square, it’s a hidden gem for BBQ bites, ice cream and sundowners with friends. There’s even a photo wall if you fancy recreating your Ibiza mood board. Book ahead – it gets busy.

15 Montague Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 5BJ

Visit MONTAGUEHOTEL.COM

After a sell-out run at the Royal Court – we told you to grab a ticket – and a big night at the Oliviers, Giant has landed in the West End. Nicholas Hytner directs this dark, timely drama about legacy, identity and the slippery morality of public apology. Set in the summer of 1983, it centres on Roald Dahl (reprised by John Lithgow), facing backlash over an antisemitic article. As the world closes in, Dahl must choose between doubling down or salvaging his reputation. With a heavyweight cast including Lithgow, Romola Garai and Rachael Stirling, this is the play everyone’s talking about.

Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton Street, West End, SW1Y 4DN; until 2nd August

Visit HAROLDPINTERTHEATRE.CO.UK

Setlist is the summer’s coolest new hangout – part open-air terrace, part live music venue, part chef-led food court. Taking over the riverside at Somerset House, the all-day spot features dishes from a brilliant line-up of female chefs – including Sophie Wyburd and Happy Endings’ Terri Mercieca – alongside frozen cocktails, art installations and DJs curated by Clem from Prince of Peckham. With plenty of indoor space for rainy days, it’s the perfect riverside pitstop for drinks, tunes and seriously good food.

River Terrace South Side, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA

Follow @SETLISTLDN

Think sandwiches but make them Michelin. From the team behind Clapham’s acclaimed Trinity restaurant comes Outside – a new takeaway hatch serving up chef-level ciabattas, golden chips and creamy soft serve. Located just outside the main restaurant, the project is led by rising star chef India, who’s about to head off to New York’s legendary Per Se. Until then, she’s flipping the script on lunchtime with sandwiches packed with proper ingredients and culinary flair. Open Thursday to Sunday from 11am-6pm, you can also pick up Trinity’s house beer, gin and ready-to-serve cocktails.
 
4 The Polygon, Clapham, SW4 0JG

Visit TRINITYRESTAURANT.CO.UK

From the team behind cult hotspots Dorian and Tuna Fight Club comes a new ten-seater sushi joint, quietly opening on Talbot Road in Notting Hill. Taking over an old antiques store, Eel Sushi Bar promises walk-in-only service, low-key vibes and high-quality sushi made to order. Leading the charge is chef Nicky (formerly of Dinings SW3), who’s bringing serious knife skills and even more serious flavour. Expect no-nonsense a la carte dishes at wallet-friendly prices – a refreshing change from the usual omakase fanfare. With the same team also behind Supermarket of Dreams and Notting Hill Fish + Meat Shop, expect this to be one of the most in-demand counters in west London.

118 Talbot Road, Notting Hill, W11 1JR

Follow @EELSUSHIBAR

Returning for its 17th edition, London Restaurant Festival is a month-long celebration of the capital’s culinary scene, featuring over 60 events and special menus. Highlights include pizza-making workshops at Berberè on Tottenham Court Road, wellness-focused dining experiences in Canary Wharf, and curated tasting menus from some of London’s most acclaimed restaurants. The festival kicks off with a one-night-only street food event at Hackney Bridge on Thursday 29th May, where for £16 you’ll enjoy a welcome cocktail from Mixtons, plus a savoury dish and dessert, making it an ideal introduction to the festival’s flavours. Whether you’re looking to explore new cuisines or indulge in your favourites, this festival is a can’t-miss for foodies.

Various locations across London; Hackney Bridge event, Thursday 29th May; festival menus run from 1st-30th June

Visit LONDONRESTAURANTFESTIVALSUMMER.COM

For one night only, the brothers behind the celebrated cocktail bar Three Sheets are taking over the new bar at Terry’s Café in Southwark. The evening begins with a champagne reception followed by expertly crafted martinis and fresh oysters. This collaboration brings together two family-run businesses dedicated to community and quality, offering guests the chance to enjoy exceptional drinks in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Expect an evening of great conversation, delicious food and expertly mixed cocktails from 6pm to 10pm.

Terry’s Café, 158 Great Suffolk Street, Southwark, SE1 1PE; 29th May

Visit TERRYSCAFE.CO.UK

Making its debut at Silverworks Island this Sunday, the London Docklands Flea promises to be the city’s largest market yet. With over 200 stalls, it’s a treasure trove for vintage lovers, offering everything from mid-century furniture and antique collectibles to rare vinyl and unique bric-a-brac. The market also features street food vendors and a lively riverside setting – perfect for a day of browsing, discovering one-offs and enjoying casual bites. Entry is £2.

Silverworks Island, Dock Road, Newham, E16 2GU; 1st June

Visit HACKNEYFLEAMARKET.COM