How to spend a bank holiday in London
A bank holiday in London is one of the best times of year - this guide should have something for everyone. Enjoy the long weekend!
A bank holiday in London is one of the best times of year – granted if the weather plays ball. The city is always buzzing with almost countless things to do, so we asked the team at Oliver Bernard what they’d be getting up to this weekend to give you some inspiration. From Notting Hill Carnival to a new brunch menu in Mayfair, this guide should have something for everyone. Enjoy the long weekend!
Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival returns for another year of dancing this bank holiday Sunday, and with over one million visitors each year, you better make sure you’re one of them. Celebrating all things West Indian culture, expect troupes of dancers in incredible costumes, steel bands, floats and incredible Caribbean food. The best part is that getting in all the action involves simply getting off at a nearby tube station like Notting Hill Gate or Westbourne grove, following the crowds and it’ll be a matter of seconds before you hear the music.
Hampton Court Food festival
For a more laid-back approach to a bank holiday festival, Hampton Court Food Festival may be what you’re after. Tickets are now on sale and you can expect a family friendly day out set in the palace gardens where you can sample from a fantastic selection of hand-picked food and drink producers, including street food vendors and French wine pop-up bars as well as join in on drinks masterclasses, fete activities and shopping.
Brunch somewhere new
Going for brunch on the bank holiday is a no brainer. Every Sunday, Mayfair restaurant Bacchanalia hosts their new brunch series Bouzouki Brunch which not only includes a menu featuring black truffle and brunch pizza, but live performances from an authentic Bouzouki band.
Battersea Park Concerts
Known as one of London’s most elegant summertime events, Battersea Park, for the first time in over a decade is hosting its first full scale concert series. Showcasing the best in classical, West End, soul and jazz music with performances from the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and Gabrielle, this is set to be an unforgettable long weekend of music majesty.
Summer in the courtyard – Somerset House
For the entirety of August, Somerset House has embraced its oasis from the bustle of the city as a free-for-all spot to enjoy the sunshine as well as a few drink and food pop-ups. On Saturday, head down between 14:00 and 17:00 to attend The Brighter Vibes R.A.P Party with Inua Ellams, a cross-disciplinary artist, curator and poet bringing an afternoon of hip-hop inspired poems and music to the courtyard.
