Need a workspace that’s not your kitchen table – and a bar that’s not full of start-up bros? The Ministry has landed in Borough as one of the slickest members-only spaces in town. Set in a converted printworks, it’s been designed by the crew behind Ministry of Sound, with high-spec coworking studios, lounges, wellness areas and a gym. There’s a terrace for sunny lunches, a buzzy bar for drinks, and £40 day passes if you want to try before you commit.

The Ministry, 79-81 Borough Road, Borough, SE1 1DN

Visit TheMinistry.com

Got a head for heights? On Friday 4th July, you can abseil down all 200m-plus of the Leadenhall Building, better known as the Cheesegrater. It’s all in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, raising money for mental health research and homelessness support. You’ll need to stump up a £35 registration fee and commit to raising £500 – but in return, you’ll get the adrenaline rush of a lifetime, plus some of the best skyline views in London. Or, you can just watch and cheer.

122 Leadenhall Street, City, EC3V 4AB

Visit TheLordMayorsAppeal.org

{PAIRED} returns for its sizzling summer edition at Tate Modern’s Corner Bar on Saturday 5th July. This seventh instalment brings together electronic legends Hot Chip and Carousel’s co-founder and chef patron, Ollie Templeton, for a sell-out chef x DJ experience where music and food collide. Joe Goddard and Al Doyle of Hot Chip provide a dynamic house, disco, and alternative dance soundtrack, perfectly paired with Ollie’s globally-inspired coastal menu – think oysters with chilli de Arbol, scallop ceviche, Cornish octopus with mole and a blackcurrant leaf ice-cream finale. Starting with a multi-course dinner at 7pm, the night transforms into a dance party with a DJ set until 2am. Sponsored by Estrella Damm and Monkey Shoulder, tickets cost £125 (dinner + after party) or £30 (after party only).

Tate Modern, Corner Bar, Bankside, London SE1 9TG

Visit Tate.org.uk

Returning to Aesop’s Soho store from 3rd-6th July, the Queer Library invites visitors to pick up a free book by a queer author – no purchase necessary. Curated in partnership with iconic LGBTQIA+ bookshop Gay’s The Word, this year’s focus is on trans and non-binary voices, celebrating the power of literature to broaden minds and spark connection. There’s also an interactive card game inspired by Aesop’s fable ‘The North Wind and the Sun’, plus a Brighton edition later this summer. Aesop will continue its partnership with All Out, supporting LGBTQIA+ rights around the world.

Aesop Soho, 41 Lexington Street, W1F 9AJ

Visit Aesop.com

If you didn’t manage to get a ticket to Centre Court, you can still get a whiff of the action. NYC perfumers D.S. & Durga have launched a limited-edition fragrance that smells like your best tennis summer. Crush Balls is a green, fresh scent with notes of cut grass, hedge flowers, cotton and ‘sporty accord’ – a tongue-in-cheek tribute to tennis culture, timed to coincide with Wimbledon. It’s only available at the brand’s pop-up at Space NK’s Wimbledon branch or online, so act fast.

Visit SpaceNK.com

Almeida regular Rebecca Frecknall follows up Cabaret and A Streetcar Named Desire with a moody new take on A Moon for the Misbegotten – Eugene O’Neill’s darkly comic American drama. Ruth Wilson stars alongside Michael Shannon (reprising his Broadway role from Long Day’s Journey Into Night) as two damaged souls on a rundown Connecticut farm. It’s theatre with bite – heavy on atmosphere and serious talent. 

Almeida Theatre, Almeida Street, Islington, N1 1TA; until 16th August

Visit Almeida.co.uk

Pride in London returns this Saturday 6th July for one of the city’s biggest and most joyful annual events. The iconic parade winds its way through the West End from midday – beginning at Hyde Park Corner and ending in Whitehall – with over 30,000 participants representing LGBTQIA+ communities, charities, and allies. This year’s theme, We Are Everywhere, is a celebration of visibility, unity and solidarity. Alongside the parade, Trafalgar Square will host a full day of live performances and speeches, with additional music stages in Soho and Golden Square, plus food vendors and community stalls throughout the area. 

Various locations, mainly Soho, Piccadilly & Westminster

Visit PrideInLondon.org

Here’s where we spotlight some of London’s tried-and-tested hangouts. From top-drawer boozers to old-school eateries, these are the classic spots worth having on your radar this weekend…

For rooftop views coupled with Japanese fine dining, the Dubai-export Clap in Knightsbridge is a must-do.

12-14 Basil Street, Knightsbridge, SW3 1AJ

Visit ClapRestaurant.com

Head to The Spaniards Inn, a 16th-century pub on the edge of Hampstead Heath, where you can sip a pint in the garden before strolling up to Kenwood House for sunset views.

Spaniards Road, Hampstead, NW3 7JJ

Visit TheSpaniardsHampstead.co.uk

With its heated pool, London Fields Lido is open year-round, but it’s the summer months when it shines. You can refuel with some post-swim grub at one of its on-site cafes. 

London Fields West Side, Hackney, E8 3EU

Follow @London_Fields_Lido

Brixton’s art-deco Ritzy is one of south London’s most beloved and oldest picture places. It’s a great place to see new releases, but it also caters to those who want to revisit the classics. On this weekend is the Final Cut of Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now. 

Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton SW2 1JG

Visit PictureHouses.com

Start with seasonal British plates and natural wines at The Fat Badger, then head downstairs to Canteen for late-night cocktails and a cheeky pizzette. 

310 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, W10 5TA

Visit TheFatBadgerW10.com