What To Do This Weekend 02.07.20

SIT FRONT ROW AT THIS ACCLAIMED MUSICAL: HAMILTON

Lin Manuel’s Hamilton shook the theatre scene when it premiered on Broadway in 2015. From rise to demise, it tells the story of one of America’s founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton – to a catchy soundtrack of hip hop and rap tracks. Notoriously hard to get tickets for, a live recording of the show drops on Disney+ this Friday.

Visit DisneyPlus.com

GET GOOD GRUB DELIVERED: SMOKESTAK AT HOME

Smokestak At Home delivers high-quality smoked meat and burger boxes to your door. Created by the team behind the much-loved Shoreditch eatery, the delivery menu includes Smokestak favourites such as chilli and fennel sausages and 15-hour smoked beef brisket, along with DIY bun boxes complete with ginger slaw and bottled cocktails. Delivery is available across London, with drops every Friday from tomorrow. 

Visit SmokeStakShop.co.uk

ENJOY AN ONLINE EXHIBITION: TRACEY EMIN

During lockdown, the White Cube gallery opened online viewing rooms, offering virtual visitors a rare glimpse into the lives and homes of some famous artists. Tracey Emin is the latest to get involved. ‘I Thrive On Solitude’ features pieces she has created at her house in London recently, visually representing her emotional connection to her home. 

Visit WhiteCube.ViewingRooms.com

GET THE DRINKS IN & DO GOOD: SKYWALKER COCKTAILS

Skywalker is the brainchild of two London bartenders who, after being placed on furlough, decided to create a cocktail delivery service that gives back. Working in partnership with Seedlip and No.3 Gin, Skywalker offers customers the chance to get two tasty cocktails delivered to their door. Each drink costs £10, with 100% of the profits going towards homeless charity Under One Sky. 

Visit SkywalkerCocktail.co.uk

REDISCOVER THE THRILL OF LIVE SPORT: FITZDARES EPSOM DERBY DRIVE-IN 

The Epsom Derby is the latest sporting event to adapt to the ‘new normal’, with the delayed 2020 edition now taking place behind closed doors. Bookmaker Fitzdares has created a drive-in derby at which the big race will be broadcast on a cinema-style outdoor screen. Tickets cost £100, which covers a group of five, with the first race under starter’s orders at 4.55pm on Saturday.  

Visit DriveInDerby.co.uk

TAKE PART IN AN IMMERSIVE COMEDY GIG: THE NEXTUP COMEDY FESTIVAL

The NextUp Comedy Festival is putting on an intimate online show every day of July. Using Zoom to create an immersive and interactive experience, this unique event is led by some of comedy’s biggest names. From storytelling to classic stand-up, and games to chat shows, the menu changes every day. Tickets cost £9 and shows start at 8pm. 

Visit NextUpComedy.com

JOIN A FREE ONLINE FITNESS SESSION: LONDON FITNESS GUY

James Stirling, aka the London Fitness Guy, is running home workouts for free on his Instagram page. Dropping new videos three to four times a week, the personal trainer is committed to keeping people fit and healthy while gyms remain closed. For those wanting something more bespoke, James also offers one-on-one training plans via his website. 

Follow @London_Fitness_Guy

LISTEN TO SOMETHING NEW: ON SUNSET BY PAUL WELLER

The ‘Modfather’ himself, Paul Weller, releases his 15th studio album on Friday. As always, it’s a showcase for an ever-changing musical style – this time around, expect a concoction of 70s funk and electronic, sci-fi soul. On Sunset is an upbeat album that makes for easy weekend listening. 

Visit PaulWeller.com

HEAD ON OUT TO A TAP ROOM: 40FT BREWERY

Dalston based 40FT Brewery reopens its doors this Saturday, inviting customers back into its outdoor taproom for a freshly pulled pint. To mark the moment, it’s got a new craft beer, 6FT IPA, available in both can and keg form. Created and brewed during lockdown, pints cost £6, with mini kegs going for £30. 

Visit 40FtBrewery.com

CATCH AN INSPIRING DOCUMENTARY: JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE

Good Trouble follows the life and work of John Lewis, a social activist, civil rights leader and US representative for the state of Georgia for over 30 years. Using archive footage and exclusive interview clips, it celebrates his six decades spent fighting for a better America. An inspiring story available to watch on Apple TV from Friday. 

Visit TV.Apple.com

GET TO KNOW YOUR HISTORY: RING OF SPIES BY RHODRI JEFFREYS-JONES

Ring of Spies tells the real-life story of special agent Leon G Turrou. After a tip off from MI5, he helped uncover a Nazi spy ring in America, the exposure of which led to the end of the US Neutrality Act. Using evidence obtained from FBI files, author and historian Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones sheds new light on a true detective tale that changed the world. 

Visit Waterstones.com