Japan House London presents Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs, an eclectic look at the power of symbols. Starting with archaic rock art and tracing a visual journey through 1964 Tokyo Olympic signage to today’s emojis, the exhibition celebrates Japan’s enduring influence on global iconography. With hands-on creative zones to design your own pictograms and even step inside 3D models, it’s immersive and playful. 

101-111 Kensington High Street, Kensington, W8 5SA; until 9th November

Visit JapanHouseLondon.uk

East London’s Oranj – now settled into a larger Truman Brewery space – is celebrating with a summer residency by Hokkaido-born chef Yuto Fujimoto. On Wednesdays to Sundays until 17th August, he's crafting inventive sharing plates: hay-aged duck shumai, spicy chilled chicken, koji risotto, plus tempura prawns with passionfruit mayo. On the sun-trap terrace or in cosy rooms, it's laid-back dining served with bright natural wines and views of the brewery. Expect a new head chef and signature menu later in the year. 

Oranj, 2 Dray Walk, Truman Brewery, E1 6NJ

Visit Oranj.co.uk

Until 10th August, Union Square in Canary Wharf has been transformed into sandy volleyball courts (a full-size court and accessible sitting court), all in support of Action for Kids charity. Mixed-ability groups can play sessions (£15 per person, minimum 4), while the VIP Beach Volleyball Championships hit the court on Thursday 31st July for a high-energy showdown between rival Wharf teams.

Union Square, Canary Wharf, E14; until 10th August

Visit CanaryWharf.com

Back for the summer, this open-air lido and urban beach brings serious holiday energy to east London. On the water’s edge at Royal Victoria Dock, there’s a floating pool, deckchairs, lifeguards, and a shallow area for kids – all for free. No need to book, just turn up and dive in.

Royal Victoria Dock, Newham, E16; until 17th August

Visit RoyalDocks.London

Festival season’s in full flow – and this one’s a must for house heads. Jamie Jones brings his legendary Ibiza night Paradise to west London for a full day of music across four open-air stages in Boston Manor Park. Count on big sets from East End Dubs, Richy Ahmed, Jamback and Seth Troxler.  Tickets start from £62.25, and there’s street food, cocktails, and plenty of space to move.

Boston Manor Park, Brentford, TW8 9JU; Saturday 2nd August

Visit ParadiseInTheCity.co.uk

There’s a new cut doing the rounds this summer – the ‘Alpaca Back & Sides’ – and you can get one for free at this two-day Shoreditch pop-up. Ruffians has teamed up with Alpacalypse IPA to offer complimentary trims, with punters treated to a cold pint of its new 4.3% session IPA while they’re in the chair. Walk-ins are welcome but booking ahead is wise if you want to lock in your slot.

Ruffians, 46-48 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3QP; 30th-31st July

Visit Eventbrite.co.uk

The team behind Camden’s iconic Jazz Cafe heads south for the second edition of this one-dayer in Burgess Park. Expect laid-back sets from genre heavyweights like Roy Ayers, Incognito, Norman Jay and Yazmin Lacey, plus street food, bars and proper summer vibes. One for fans of funk, soul, disco and chilled-out jazz. Tickets start from £35.

Burgess Park, Albany Road, SE5 0AL; Sunday 3rd August

Visit JazzCafeFestival.Com

Ronnie Scott’s is taking the party outside for one day only. Its free street festival returns to Frith Street for a day of open-air music, cold drinks and good vibes. Expect live sets from jazz, ska and reggae acts including Jazz Jamaica, Theon Cross and Kinetika Bloco, alongside food stalls and bars. It’s a thank-you bash from the legendary club to its fans – and there are no tickets needed.

Frith Street, Soho, W1D; 2nd August

Visit RonnieScotts.co.uk

Dining at The Clink isn’t just about excellent food – it’s about changing lives. Celebrating ten years inside HMP Brixton, the award-winning restaurant is still run by prisoners working towards hospitality qualifications. Expect a fine-dining experience with real substance: torched asparagus with pea romesco, lamb chops with pistachio and bagna cauda, and tonka bean cheesecake all feature on the seasonal menu. There’s also a standout afternoon tea and elevated Sunday roast, with everything prepped and plated by trainees. 

HMP Brixton, Jebb Avenue, Brixton, SW2 5XF

Visit TheClinkCharity.org

Here’s where we spotlight some of London’s tried‑and‑tested hangouts. From top‑drawer boozers to cultural icons, these are classic spots worth keeping firmly on your radar this weekend…

Equal parts Italian café and aperitivo bar, this compact Soho spot is a masterclass in simplicity. Go for the authentic espresso (served straight from the bottle) and stay for the batch-made negronis, tramezzini and old-school charm. It’s the closest you’ll get to Rome without boarding a flight.

Visit BarTermini.com

This buzzy pub-restaurant in Kentish Town is everything you want from a modern local – low lighting, vinyl on rotation and a kitchen turning out British plates with serious flair (think grilled quail, girolles and smoked eel crumpets).

Visit TheParakeetPub.com

A Peckham favourite from the team behind Levan and Salon, Larry’s brings New York diner energy to south London. It’s low key, lively and big on flavour – don’t miss the hash browns with fried egg and ’nduja, or the excellent natural wine list.

Visit LarrysPeckham.co.uk

Tucked away on Columbia Road, this neighbourhood spot is all about unpretentious, seasonal cooking and great wine. Expect European small plates, warm service, and one of the best anchovy toasts in town. Ideal for a long, lazy lunch after the flower market.

Visit Brawn.co

A proper west London institution, this Notting Hill pub delivers on Guinness, oysters and old-school atmosphere. Order a pint at the bar then settle in for its legendary fish stew or a plate of moules marinière. It’s a classic for a reason.

Visit TheCowPub.com