What To Do This Weekend 20.07.22

London’s biggest virtual reality gaming venue has reopened its doors after an impressive refurb. DNA VR in Camden has over 100 different VR game modes, from escape rooms and horror modes to competitive arcade minigames and educational discovery modes – impress the kids with games like Dragon Tower or Pirates Plague. Tickets start from £15.

Units 1&2, 400-404 York Way, Camden, N7 9LR

Visit DNAVR.co.uk

Robin and Sarah Gill (of The Dairy Bermondsey fame) have opened a Parisian-inspired wine bar in Brixton Village. Bottle & Rye has an extensive selection of world wines and fizz, plus an interesting cocktail menu featuring drinks like the ‘Carambar au Citron’ (cognac, coffee, almond, hazelnut, absinthe and lemon); and the ‘Mon Cherie’ (Plantation Rum, rye whiskey, cherry, chocolate). Diners can drop in for brunch and lunch, then sample a few sharing plates with drinks in the evening.  

404-406 Market Row, Brixton Village, Brixton, SW9 8LD

Visit BottleAndRye.com

Aire Ancient Baths opened its subterranean spa last summer – and it’s where those in the know are going during the heatwave. Set in a historic building, guests can move through several baths at different temperatures for a relaxing experience – stick to the cold waters and ice plunge to cool down. You can also book in for specialist treatments like massages. Prices start from £95.

2-3 Robert Street, Covent Garden, WC2N 6BH

Visit BeAire.com

Patty & Bun has teamed up with chef Thomas Straker to create a burger in honour of the opening of his new Notting Hill restaurant Straker’s. Available at all Patty & Bun sites in London and Brighton until the end of July, the Straker Burger (£14) includes a double beef patty with smoked cheese, cucumber pickles, salsa verde, bone marrow butter, crispy shallots and burger sauce – all sandwiched in a soft brioche bun. Add on skin-on fries, boneless chicken thighs and a couple of beers.

Various sites 

Visit PattyAndBun.co.uk

J Sheekey has transformed its terrace with a train-inspired installation. Until the end of August, diners can enjoy the legendary fish restaurant’s signature dishes in a setting that channels the golden age of travel – think slick art-deco interiors that look like something from an Agatha Christie novel. There’s also a new cocktail menu in collaboration with Plymouth Gin, featuring drinks like the ‘Devon 75’ made with Plymouth Navy, Calvados, lemon marmalade and Sassy Rosé cider; and the ‘Brighton Royal’ (Plymouth Falernum, Nyetimber Classic Cuvée and sugar).

28-32 St Martin's Court, Covent Garden, WC2N 4AL

Visit J-Sheekey.co.uk

The sandwich masters of Mondo Sando has opened a kitchen at another south-east London boozer. In addition to its residency at Camberwell’s Grove House Tavern, the team is now serving subs and small plates at the White Horse in Peckham. Menu highlights include chicken tikka masala sandwiches, yakitori skewers, chargrilled merguez burgers and a deep-fried aubergine parm sub. On Sundays, expect a classic roast will all the trimmings. 

20-22 Peckham Rye, Peckham, SE15 4JR

Visit WhiteHorsePeckham.co.uk