The best events and things to do this week, September 8-11

1/6
Harry Fletcher9 September 2020

Enjoying the last few glorious weeks of summer in London really isn't that hard – especially if you know all the best places.

There’s still enough sun to enjoy rooftop bars, book tickets for outdoor arts events or head for a socially distanced picnic with friends in the city’s fantastic green spaces.

If you feel like ducking inside, there are world-beating art exhibitions to check out, as well as incredible restaurants deals and much more. Be sure to support the underdogs, too – grab a table at one of our favourite small restaurants, where size really isn't everything.

Here are our picks of the best things to get up to in London this week.

Book in for Cocktails in the City’s al fresco summer garden party

This week, 30 of London’s most popular bars are getting together for a socially distanced shindig at Bedford Square Gardens. The likes of Heads & Tails, Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings and Little Bat will be mixing the drinks. There’ll also be live music from Nightjar and The Piano Works, as well as cocktail making masterclasses and tasting sessions.

September 11-12, Bedford Square Gardens, WC1, cocktailsinthecity.com

Enjoy one of the biggest beer gardens in the city for the final time

Alexandra Palace made the most of the summer by transforming its outdoor terrace into a huge beer garden, letting punters take in the views with a pint or two. The space covers 1500 square metres, with plenty of street food options to soak up the pints. It’s the last opportunity to check it out this weekend, with the bar open for the last time this year on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

September 11-13, Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY, alexandrapalace.com

Head to ‘the world's most luxurious sports club'

After popping up across the city over the past few years, sporting club Fitzdares has opened up at a permanent location for the first time. Billing itself as "the world's most luxurious sports club", the venue on Davies Street is home to a bar, restaurant, two private dining rooms and a racing room, built for enjoying live sport. Sign up to be a member and head down this week.

50 Davies St, Mayfair, W1K 5JE, fitzdares.com

Take a boat trip around London

Head off on your own voyage of exploration with Go Boat, which runs self-drive boating experiences in London. One household or support bubble of up to eight people is allowed per boat – bear in mind that proof of address may be required – with a chance to discover views of the city from brand new perspectives, cruising along London’s canals at their own leisure. The firm operates out of two locations in Paddington and Kingston upon Thames, with hour-long sessions starting at £79.

Paddington and Kingston upon Thames, goboat.co.uk

Treat yourself to a late night takeaway

After a long day of socially distancing drinks in the park, cooking dinner is a bit of an effort. That’s where London’s late night takeaways come in. From Michelin-starred Indian hotspots to some of the capital’s best pizza, the Standard has compiled a guide to all the best London restaurants offering delivery past 10pm – check it out here.

Various locations

Head to Five Points’ new Mare Street taproom

One of the best independent breweries in the capital launched a new venue this summer, which has become one of the top places for a night out in east London. Five Points has opened Fire Points Mare Street Taproom, for socially distanced pints around the corner from London Fields. It’s open 4-9pm on Friday and 1-9pm on Saturday. Make sure to pre-book a table for £5 per person, which includes a free drink.

Open now, 61 Mare St, Hackney, E8 4RG, fivepointsbrewing.co.uk

Head to the park for Jesus Christ Superstar

(Mark Senior)

The Evening Standard Award-winning revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock musical is back against all the odds and welcoming theatre lovers back this week. It’s a chance to see one of the most popular shows in new surroundings, following sell-out runs at Regent’s Park and a summer season at the Barbican last year.

Until Sep 27, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, NW1, openairtheatre.com

Get more bang for your buck with London’s best restaurant deals

The Eat Out To Help Out scheme has seen scores of Londoners head out for a bite with a bit of money off, but there are other offers to entice foodies back too. Top deals include a Cocktail Passport at Vinegar Yard, free English wine at The Harwood Arms and discounts on drinks at Simmons. Read our full guide here.

Various locations

Test your detective skills

Fancy yourself as a great detective? The immersive Sherlock live experience is offering fans the chance to pull on private detective’s deerstalker and solve a mystery all of their own. Benedict Cumberbatch, Andrew Scott and Martin Freeman all provide content for the escape room, which was devised by show creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss.

W12 Shopping Centre, Shepherd's Bush, W12 8PP, thegameisnow.com

MORE ABOUT