7 amazing things to do in London this week, from new pizza to cocktails and the return of Secret Cinema
7 amazing things to do in London this week, from the return of Secret Cinema with a hyped production of Grease to unusual pizza combos and fabulous cocktails
As summer trucks on, more fabulous outdoor events demand your attention: this week sees the return of Cocktails in the City, and there’s a new immersive theatre production of Grease that’s sure to be talk of the town. Elsewhere, try very posh pizza flavours and skulk around Westminster Abbey after dark.
Tuck in: here are some of the best things to do in London this week.
Get booking, here are 7 things to do in London this week
See the most joyous show in the West End
Every Brilliant Thing, the runaway Edinburgh Fringe success, opens this week in the capital at the Soho Place theatre, which was the first new West End theatre in 50 years when it opened in 2022. Amid so much gloom in the news cycle, this show is a joyous celebration of how little things in life can have huge impacts on our health and happiness: things like complimenting someone’s shirt, or remembering how the theme tune of your favourite TV show makes you feel. If it sounds too earnest, trust us and lean into this one – if the new production is anything like the original, anyway (and be ready for some audience participation!).
Be the first to experience the return of immersive legends, Secret Cinema
Alongside Punchdrunk, Secret Cinema were some of the earliest originators of the immersive theatre landscape in the capital. They threw chaotic one-off clubnight events themed around different films. You can sit and watch the film but it’s really about dressing up and getting totally lost in an incredible immersive space. The team have been off grid for a while, but return with an homage to Grease that’s sure to be a conversation starter, whether it’s good or bad, as immersive theatre continues to divide opinion (Morning Wire loved the new Elvis Evolution show even though it was widely panned, but thought little of the Titanic experience, both of which opened in the past month).
Finally go and check out Westminster Abbey
No Londoner gets round to going to Westminster Abbey, but summer late openings with fewer crowds offer a less intense way to enjoy the beautiful spaces without the hoards of tourists. There is the possibility to take one of those headphone self-guided tours, or just wander solo and breathe in the majesty. 6 August, from 4.30pm.
More things to do: sink cocktails in a beautiful historic square
Drink Cocktails in the City
Cocktails in the City returns to Bedford Gardens in Bloomsbury this week, where some of the city’s top cocktail bars have relocated to throw a boozy knees-up in a field. Expect signature serves and experimental new drinks from some of the most creative minds in the game, as well as cocktail making events, great food and live music too. 7 – 9 August, Bedford Square.
Laugh along with some drunken acting at Sh!tfaced Shakespeare
One of the actors in this production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet is shitfaced. Or so they claim. The whole deal with these shows is that one actor gets totally drunk before the show then has to try and perform as best they can anyway. It’s either totally hilarious or totally cringe depending on your perspective. From 7 August, Leicester Square Theatre.
Go for a splash at this new Lido
Love outdoor swimming but tired of the same old spots? If you’re looking for something new to do in London this week, a brand new lido is opening for one month only at the Royal Docks. It’s free entry and there are deckchairs for sunbathing. A series of late-night DJ events are scheduled, and there’s a wood-fired sauna too. Until 18 August at the Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1AG.
Slurp some amazing new pizza in Marylebone
There are so many new pizza joints opening in London this summer, we thought it’d be useful to round them all up and stick them in one place. One that’s throwing open its doors today is Berberè in Marylebone, run by the team who ranked world’s 6th best artisan pizza by the 50 Top Pizza list. We’ve got our eye on the oh-so-posh Babaganoush special, with confit tomatoes, soft goat’s cheese, sesame seeds, fresh mint and smoked paprika. Opening 4 August, 50 James St, W1U 1HB.