Discover our pick of things to do in London this week: 5 - 11 June 2023.

Explore London

Marylebone Summer Festival 2023

The Marylebone Summer Festival is back this weekend, offering an exceptional experience with a diverse range of activities for all. Enjoy outdoor film screenings, live music, a dog show, alfresco bars, food and gift stalls, shopping, and more. On Saturday at Paddington Street Gardens, catch the family-friendly screening of Disney's Encanto at 1:30 pm, followed by Elvis at 8 pm. Profits from the cinema tickets support the Greenhouse Sports charity. On Sunday, experience a pedestrian-friendly Marylebone Village with fashion stalls, food delights, funfair rides, photo booths, roaming entertainers, and live music. It will be a weekend of entertainment, delicious food, and great company!

Date: 10-11 June 2023. Location: Paddington Street Gardens, Paddington St, London W1U 4AL. Price: from £7 - £20. Book now.

London Open Gardens

London is opening over 100 secret gardens to the public this weekend. Explore private parks not normally accessible, from historic squares to rooftop terraces and wildlife havens. Discover hidden green spaces, including new openings like OmVed Gardens in Highgate and the stunning terrace at 245 Hammersmith Road.

Date: 10 – 11 June 2023. Location: Various. Price: from £20 for access to all gardens. Book now.

Hampton Court Palace Festival
Get ready for an incredible event as the 2023 Hampton Court Palace Festival kicks off next week. This highly anticipated festival will feature an impressive lineup of music legends, including Gladys Knight, Sir Tom Jones, Soft Cell, Kool and The Gang, Grace Jones, Kaiser Chiefs, Bjorn Again, and Rick Astley. Prepare to be mesmerised by their performances in the intimate 3,000-seat auditorium set against the backdrop of Henry VIII's Tudor Palace.

Date: 6- 10 June 2023, 14 -17 June 2023. Price: from £38.50. Location: Hampton Court Palace,Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey, KT8 9AU. Book now.

La Piñata - Tequila & Mezcal Festival

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at La Piñata! Experience the vibrant spirit of Mexico as we celebrate Agave spirits, Mexican culture, and indulge in the finest Tequilas and Mezcals. With over 20 esteemed producers at Tobacco Dock, explore a wide range of exceptional spirits and engage with passionate experts.

Date: 9 - 10 Jun 2023 Time: 6pm – 9pm. Location: Tobacco Dock Wapping Lane London E1W 2SF. Price: £26.80.

Wandsworth Arts Fringe
Wandsworth Arts Fringe (WAF) is back this week for its 14th year, bringing you 17 unforgettable days filled with over 130 diverse events. Experience new artistic frontiers through comedy, cabaret, music, dance, and storytelling. From a Sanskrit opera to hidden art treasures and captivating street performances, WAF promises an immersive celebration of the arts.

Date: 9-25 June 2023. Location: Various locations throughout London Borough of Wandsworth. Price: from £0-20. Book now.

Church Street Antiques Fair

The Church Street Antiques Fair returns to Marylebone this weekend after a four-year hiatus. Over 60 antique, vintage, and art dealers will gather at the vibrant Church Street Antiques Quarter, showcasing a diverse range of items. Visitors can also enjoy food stalls, live performances, and dance shows. The fair celebrates the local art and design scene, promoting Church Street's diversity and providing a platform for residents and visitors to come together.

Date: Sunday 11 June 2023. Time: 11am - 5pm. Location: Church Street, Marylebone, London NW8. Website: churchstreetantiquesfair.com

Family Fun: Introduction to Palestinian Embroidery

Children aged 5-11 can join a cross-stitch workshop led by The Tatreez Collective. In this workshop, children will learn to create their own birds using the traditional motif of Palestinian embroidery. The workshop not only fosters fine motor skills but also offers insights into the cultural significance of this Palestinian tradition. Parents or caregivers are required to accompany the children during the workshop, and up to two adults per child can attend for free. The workshop takes place at Leighton House's newly opened Learning Centre, with admission to the historic house included. All materials will be provided, and children can take their embroidered creation home with them.

Date: 10 June 2023. Time: 11am – 12.30pm. Location: Leighton House , 12 Holland Park Rd, London W14 8LZ. Price: £5. Book now.

Lidos & Outdoor Swimming Pools in London

Escape the summer heat at London's picturesque lidos. Fortunately, the city offers a plethora of fantastic swimming locations. Discover our handpicked selection of favourite spots where you can embrace the sizzling London summer with friends.

Beckenham Place Park Lake

Discover the thrill of Beckenham Place Park, home to London's first purpose-built swimming lake. Spanning an impressive 285 meters with depths of up to 3.5 meters, this historic lake is nestled within the vast 237-acre grounds of a Georgian mansion. It is open for pre-booked swimming and paddle boarding sessions.

Location: Beckenham Hill Road, Beckenham, England, BR3 5BS. Opening hours: Monday 7am - 3pm. Tuesday, Thursday closed. Wednesday, Friday 7am to 3pm. Saturday – Sunday 8am to 3pm. Price: from £3 – £5. Website: lewisham.gov.uk

Serpentine Lido

Escape to Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park for a quintessential London experience. Swim in the picturesque 40-acre Serpentine Lake surrounded by swans. Members have exclusive access, while the public can enjoy open water swimming during the summer season.

Location: The Serpentine, London W2 2UH. Price: from £1.50 – £7.40. Date: Weekends throughout May. Open seven days during June, July and August. Opening hours: 10am – 6pm. Website: royalparks.org.uk 

Middle Dock
Dive into Middle Dock, Canary Wharf's urban oasis for open water swimming. Surrounded by skyscrapers, this picturesque spot offers a refreshing swim in the heart of the bustling district. With a 200m-400m watercourse, it's perfect for all levels.

Location: Middle Dock, Canary Wharf, London, E14. Price: Swims cost £8.50 per visit. £15 for all sessions if you sign up to a  NOWCA membership.  Website: canarywharf.com

West Reservoir Centre

Experience thrilling water sports at Hackney's West Reservoir Centre. Kayaking, sailing, and open water swimming await in this 23-acre hidden gem amidst towering high-rises.

Location: West Reservoir Water Sports Centre, Green Lanes, Woodberry Down, London N4 2HA. Date: All year. Opening hours: Saturday - Monday: 8am - 4pm. Tuesday - Friday 7am - 8pm. Price: from £5 for Better Gym members and £10 for non-members. Website: better.org.uk

Click here to discover more locations to take a dip in London this summer.

Art & Culture

Opening week

Chelsea College of Arts Undergraduate and Graduate Diploma Show 2023

The Chelsea College of Arts Undergraduate and Graduate Diploma Show is set to open this week, showcasing the remarkable work of graduating students in art and design. This exhibition celebrates their exceptional talent and invites visitors to witness their creative prowess. Exploring themes of globalisation and international perspectives, these emerging artists offer a fresh and thought-provoking perspective through their diverse disciplines, such as Fine Art, Graphic Design Communication, Interior Design, Product and Furniture Design, and Textile Design.

Date: 8 – 17 June 2023. Time: 6pm – 9pm. Location: Chelsea College of Arts, 16 John Islip Street London SW1P 4JU. Price: Free. Book now.

22nd Serpentine Pavilion: À table

Renowned French-Lebanese architect, Lina Ghotmeh, unveils her stunning creation, the 22nd Serpentine Pavilion, at Serpentine South this week. Entitled À table, this architectural marvel draws inspiration from Ghotmeh's Mediterranean heritage, forging a sustainable kinship with the land through the transformative power of food and our primal connection to the Earth. Within the Pavilion's interior, a captivating circular table beckons visitors to gather, fostering the exchange of ideas, concerns, joys, and cultural memories. Ghotmeh's design provokes contemplation, inviting us to reflect on our relationship with nature and the environment.

Date: 9 June- 29 October 2023. Location: Serpentine Pavilion. Price: Free.

Brian Clarke: A Great Light

Newport Street Gallery will host an exhibition of works by renowned stained glass artist Brian Clarke. Presented by HENI, the exhibition celebrates Clarke's 70th year and showcases an extraordinary collection spanning from 2002 to the present. Known for pushing the boundaries of stained glass, Clarke's career has encompassed architectural installations worldwide, as well as exhibitions of paintings and drawings.

Date: from 9 June 2023. Location: Newport Street Gallery, 1 Newport Street, London, SE11 6AJ. Price: Free.

#FLOFAVOURITES THIS WEEK

To Bend the Ear of the Outer World: Conversations on contemporary abstract painting

Curated by Gary Garrels, this exhibition at Gagosian showcases new and recent works by over forty artists from the Americas, UK, and Germany. Spanning two Mayfair galleries, it explores the significance of abstract painting today, uniting diverse approaches across three generations. Participating artists include Abts, Bradford, Brown, Richter, and Wool. To Bend the Ear of the Outer World builds on Garrels' previous exploration of abstraction, fostering connections while highlighting individuality. Discover the ongoing dialogue and boundary-pushing possibilities of abstract art.

Date: 1 June – 25 August 2023
. Location: 20 Grosvenor Hill and 17–19 Davies Street, London. Price: Free.

The London Design Biennale 2023

The London Design Biennale is open at Somerset House, featuring 40+ global exhibitors. This edition presents installations addressing global challenges and inspiring audiences. Experience a sensory journey with bread baking, VR gardens, musical instruments to ancient weaving . The EUREKA exhibition showcases design-led innovation from leading UK research centers. Under the theme ‘The Global Game: Remapping Collaborations,’ the Biennale fosters new forms of collaboration to tackle global issues. Enjoy talks, workshops, screenings, and performances in the rich public program. Join this international design showcase and witness the transformative power of collaboration.

Date: 
 1-25 June 2023. Time: 11am – 7pm.  Location: Somerset House, London Strand, London WC2R 1LA. Price: from £23. Book now.

Tomás Saraceno: Web(s) of Life 

Explore the transformative exhibition Web(s) of Life by artist Tomás Saraceno at Serpentine South Gallery. Saraceno's thought-provoking work challenges perspectives and addresses pressing topics like techno-diversity, biodiversity, and the need for a just energy transition.

Date: 1 June - 10 September 2023. Location: Serpentine South, London W2 3XA. Price: Free.

Civilization: The Way We Live Now

Saatchi Gallery presents Civilization: The Way We Live Now, an international exhibition showcasing 350 original prints by 150 renowned artists. Offering a unique perspective on humanity's rapidly changing collective life worldwide, the exhibition explores various aspects of civilisation through eight thematic chapters. As a celebration of photography as a collective civilisational endeavour, the exhibition captures the way we live, work, and interact in today's world.

Date: 2 June – 17 September 2023. Location: Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York's HQ, King's Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4RY. Price: from £16. Concessions available. Book now.

Dancing in Outer Space

Presented by studio/chapple, Dancing in Outer Space is an exhibition inspired by Atmosfear's iconic club track. It features works by artists Bill Daggs, Harold Offeh, Rene Matić, and Sola Olulode. Exploring the transformative power of sonic worldbuilding on the dancefloor, the exhibition challenges societal divisions and oppressive turbulence. Through acts of collective resistance, the artists intercept and magnify moments of community and joy, redefining the influence of parallel sonic worlds. This celebration of cultural production invites visitors to experience the heterotopian joy of the dancefloor.

Date: 1 June - 1 July 2023. Location: Enclave 7, 50 Resolution Way, London SE8 4NT. Price: Free. 

Love and Charity: A History of Giving in the NHS

In celebration of the NHS' 75th anniversary on 5 July, a new exhibition by Rankin and NHS Charities Together pays tribute to the vital role charities have played throughout the history of the health service, and how their contribution has helped shape the NHS into what it is today.The series features new portraits, photographed by Rankin, of NHS staff, patients, volunteers, and high-profile supporters from across the UK – each with a powerful personal story of how NHS charities have influenced their life.

Date: 31 May – 11 June 2023. Location: Gallery 3, Saatchi Gallery, Gallery 3, Duke of York's HQ, King's Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4RY. Price: Free.

Pop-up & Venues

Neverland Fulham Beach

Experience the ultimate beach club paradise at Fulham Beach Club, presented by Neverland London. Enjoy alfresco dining, stylish bars, live DJs, beachfront parties, and a variety of activities. Unwind on cabanas, savor delicious treats, and soak up the sun while admiring stunning views of the Thames. Throughout the summer, themed parties, bottomless pizza, yoga sessions, cocktail masterclasses, and more await, ensuring there's something for everyone. Families and dogs are welcome on weekends, and under 18s can join before 5pm. Fulham Beach Club is the place to be for a memorable beachside experience.

Date: Wednesday – Sunday, April to September 2023. Location: Albert Wharf, Fulham, SW6 2TY. Book now.

#FLOFavourites: Pick of the week

Food of the week

TOZI Victoria

TOZI restaurant is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with a series of special events and menus. Over the course of ten weeks, guests can indulge in an exclusive anniversary menu featuring seasonal dishes. Additionally, there is a 10-strong negroni menu, showcasing various classic and inventive twists on the popular cocktail. TOZI's dedication to authentic Italian cuisine is evident in their cicchetti-style plates and pasta, crafted by Head Chef Maurilio Molteni. The anniversary celebrations also include a "Wine Tales" tasting series, highlighting exceptional regions and styles. With a warm and modern ambiance, TOZI invites diners to enjoy a culinary journey that embodies the spirit of friendship and appreciation for food and wine.

Location: 8 Gillingham St, Pimlico, London SW1V 1HJ. Instagram: @tozirestaurant

Interview of the week

We had a chat with Karen Bystedt.

Karen Bystedt, a renowned American photographer and street artist, has captured the world's attention with her remarkable artistic vision. Her most celebrated work includes a series of photographs taken of the iconic Andy Warhol back in 1982.

Click here to read the full interview.

cause of the week

Volunteering Week

During Volunteers' Week, which runs from 1-7 June 2023, Handel Hendrix House is seeking music and history enthusiasts to join their volunteer program. The museum, recently reopened after expansion and restoration, showcases the homes of Handel and Hendrix. Volunteers act as room stewards, sharing stories, ensuring artifact safety, and enhancing the visitor experience with live music performances. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, and volunteers are needed during busy weekends. Induction and training provided. Join to protect history, connect with visitors, and enjoy music events with like-minded volunteers. Click here to volunteer.

Click here to discover more places to volunteer in London.