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  • IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THESE WILD LONDON EXPERIENCES

    Why watch a show, when you can play a starring role? While the idea of immersive theatre isn't new, the genre has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity in recent years, spreading its wings from straight-up plays to bars, dining experiences, kids entertainment and even art exhibitions. This summer, London is blessed with a raft of incredible immersive experiences, so check out our pick of the best and bag your tickets now before they run out. THEATRE Phantom Peak: An Immersive Open-World Adventure Surrey Quays, from August 2022 Jump right in to a steampunk Wild West town, complete with a boat ride that floats along the river and into the bowels of Phantom Peak’s mountains. With over 30,000 square feet to explore, this is perhaps the most adventurous immersive experience ever to come to London and you’ll have your work cut out finding the clues to lead you through this story. It’s a fully open-world event, which means you won’t be guided or herded along a route: The town is yours to explore as you wish. Grab a drink from the tavern, play the arcades or make your way into any of the shops and houses you find along Main Street. Every character you meet may hold the answer to your questions and clues can be found everywhere from the walls of the buildings to the newspapers you can pick up along the way. It’s an epic adventure - sessions are a whopping five hours long - which gives you an idea of the size of this project, and all ages are welcome (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult). Phantom Peak is going to be the immersive event of the year, no doubt, so get your tickets now! Tickets £34 Wed - Fri: 5pm - 10pm, Sat & Sun: 11am - 4pm & 5pm - 10pm (two sessions) BUY TICKETS Stranger Things: The Experience Location to be revealed, from August 2022 By the time August rolls around, there’ll be hardly anyone in Britain who hasn’t caught up with season 4 of Stranger Things, the nostalgic 80s drama that took the world by storm. So what better way to follow it up than by becoming the hero of Stranger Things: The Experience? The fun kicks off at Hawkins Lab, where you’ll discover your own super power alongside Eleven, Dustin, Mike, Lucas, Max and Will and hopefully find a way to save the world’s unluckiest town from the brink of yet another disaster. You’ll also be able to visit Mix-Tape, where 80s tunes are the order of the day and famous locations including Scoops Ahoy, Palace Arcade and Family Video are waiting for you. Expect to spend an hour in Hawkins Lab with your new, Stranger Things friends, but hang around for as long as you like in the Mix Tape area, where the party continues until closing. Guests are invited to dress in their finest 80s clobber, so dust off your shell suit and get ready for a journey deep into the Upside Down. Tickets from £29.50 Wed - Fri: 5pm - 9pm, Sat & Sun: 11am - 9pm BUY TICKETS Operation Black Door: An Immersive Theatrical Experience Churchill War Rooms, 7-9 July 2022 Benefitting from an unbeatable location in the Churchill War Rooms, Operation Black Door goes all out to immerse you in the world of a World War II government organisation, where codes need to be cracked and the oncoming Nazi forces defeated. You’ll need to do a bit of prep for this one: Guests receive information on their character and storyline before they arrive, and the journeys are all based on the stories of real life, war-time heroes. Once inside the historic venue, you’ll be tasked with solving missions and unlocking the secrets of both your fellow guests and the experience’s characters, before joining forces to piece your findings together. The experience lasts approximately one hour and guests are encouraged to dress up to enhance the immersive atmosphere. Thurs - Sat: 6:45pm - 10:45pm (entry slots every 15 minutes) Tickets £35 BUY TICKETS The Burnt City One Cartridge Place, Woolwich SE18 It's impossible to talk about immersive theatre without mentioning Punchdrunk, who've been delivering world-class experiences since the turn of the century and seem to push the genre further with every production. Their latest, Burnt City is a typically dark take on the Fall of Troy. You'll be dropped into the city as Greece teeters on the brink of victory, but every neon-lit backstreet hides another secret and another chance to watch a sub-plot unfold. Do you follow one character to watch the whole story? Do you flit from room to room, taking in every scene and spectacle as it unfolds? Whichever you choose, know that when you head back outside into the daylight, all of your friends will have a different story to tell about The Burnt City - and you'll want to go back in to experience it from another angle. Shows from 6:30pm (slots every ten minutes) Tickets from £55 BUY TICKETS Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience 56 Leadenhall Street, from 1 June 2022 Jeff Wayne’s otherworldly music is the inspiration for this experience in the centre of London, where guests will be taken on a 5D journey to 1898, smack-bang in the middle of a war with some pesky aliens. Grab a cocktail in The Spirit of Man, a steampunk bar and restaurant, before meeting up with journalist George Herbert, who’ll lead you through 24 scenes of Martian devastation. Combining live actors, Wayne’s music, virtual reality and 5D effects as you duck into the Royal Observatory, deserted houses and a boat, before making a daring escape to Mars. All in a day’s work when you’re battling an alien army. The experience lasts approximately two hours and various time slots are available. BUY TICKETS FOOD & DRINK The Murdér Express Part Deux - Jewell of the Empire Arch 63, Pedley Street E1, from June 1 Francophiles will already have deduced that this is part two of a successful immersive experience where guests take their seats on the Murdér Express at Pedley Street Station. We might have suspected something was up when a train pitched up with that name, but when the menu comes courtesy of a Masterchef professional, a little murder can be overlooked. As you tuck in to a four-course meal aboard an ornate, 1920s carriage, you’ll be joined by Britain’s most famous archaeologist, Dr Errol Earhart. He decided to transport the world’s most valuable diamond on the Murder Express (c’mon, Doc! Alarm bells are ringing) and before long all hell breaks loose. Everyone’s a suspect - even you - so enjoy that meal, because it might be your last. Trains depart at 6:30pm and 8:30pm BUY TICKETS Alcotraz 212 Brick Lane, E1 Step inside the world’s most infamous prison, where escape is impossible but - somewhat inexplicably - it’s pretty easy to smuggle in your own booze. Yep, this is a BYOB bar dressed up as a prison, and we’re 100% here for it. Once you’ve slipped into prison-issue, orange jumpsuits and delivered your illicit grog to the bartenders, they’ll get to work on fixing it up into a cocktail especially for you. Naturally, you can’t spend all evening milling around the bar, so you’ll be shown to your own cell where you can drink in peace, away from the riff-raff and criminals. Just make sure the warden doesn’t catch you - he seems a lot less keen on bending the rules than his gang of bent prison guards. BUY TICKETS Moonshine Saloon 28-30 Houndsditch, EC3A If prison isn’t your thing, maybe a trip to the Wild West is a more appealing night out? The King of the Moonshiners, Clyde Cassidy invites you to his bar, where illegally smuggled booze is welcome with open arms - in fact, it’s essential that you bring a bottle or two. If it’s starting to sound familiar, that’s because Moonshine Saloon is brought to you by the same people as Alcotraz, so you know you’ll be getting a top-notch experience packed full of brilliant actors, fully-immersive theming and a set that could’ve been lifted straight from a Hollywood movie. Try your luck at cards or dice games and if you’re lucky, Cassidy himself might trust you enough to take you on a tour of his distillery. Arrive in plenty of time for the tailor to measure you up for a Wild West outfit and let your hair down in London’s finest cowboy outlaw bar. Wed and Thurs: 7pm - 9pm Fridays: 7pm - 8:50pm and 9:30pm. - 11:15pm (two sessions) BUY TICKETS The Case of The Poisoned Chalice: Cocktail Experience Ground Floor, West 12 Shopping Centre, W12 Sherlock fans will want to head for Doyle’s Opticians, in the West 12 Shopping Centre. It’s run by Sebastian Moran, right-hand man of Moriarty, and he wants to challenge you to a sneaky, cocktail-based test. Let’s be honest, any test that includes cocktails is already a step above GCSEs, but apparently failing this particular trial means creating a drink that’ll end your life. Quite frankly, it’s a risk we’re willing to take - and a gauntlet we’ve walked before when the alcohol cabinet was running low on stock at 3am, so we fancy our chances. BUY TICKETS ART Forgive us for lumping these experiences together, but it’s for a good reason. Immersive maestros Exhibition Hub have stumbled upon a winning new formula for exploring the work of the world’s greatest artists and, while it may be repeated across each site, that doesn’t mean their long list of forthcoming exhibitions aren’t all worthy of your attention. The premise is simple: Take some of the most famous paintings ever created, digitalise them and feed them into the computer of a technical wizard and out of the other end pops an immersive experience that allows guests to walk inside the art itself, through a mixture of 360 degree projection mapping and virtual reality. Art fans who want to experience this edutainment (their word, not ours) have a list of exhibitions to choose from. Mexican Geniuses deals with Frida Kahlo and Diego Riveira, while individual exhibitions are offered for Claude Monet, Klimt, Dali, Magritte and Van Gogh. KIDS 100 Story Hotel Discover Children’s Story Centre, Stratford, Until 31 July, 2022 Discover Children’s Story Centre serves up a Rob Biddulph wonderland for kids this summer, allowing them to spend a few hours inside the brain of the brilliant illustrator. It takes the form of a hotel, where Clive the Concierge - a polar bear - explains that there are currently only 99 stories, which for the numerically literate amongst you, means we’re one short. The kids are then sent to explore behind the various doors inside. Behind one, dogs are partying on a beach. Another hides a sushi restaurant run by Arctic animals. There’s even a shop where everything could be a clue as to the hiding place of that elusive, hidden story. It’s brilliantly colourful, exciting and innovative and a brilliant way for children to exercise their brains while having fun. BUY TICKETS Read our review of 100 Story Hotel here Shrek’s Adventure Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1 Rumpelstiltskin is on the loose, and he’s causing all kinds of mischief for the characters of Far Far Away and beyond. Luckily, Donkey is on hand to give you a ride on his flying bus and Shrek and Fiona will join up with you as soon as they get the chance. Shrek’s adventure is a wild adventure through the land of children’s favourite ogre and actors, technology and immaculately created sets will make sure your children are engrossed from start to finish. BUY TICKETS Read our review of Shrek's Adventure here Kidzania Westfield London Shopping Centre Ariel Way, W12 An indoor city run by kids might seem like a dystopian hell to some people, but trust us on this: Kidzania is the kind of immersive experience you’ll want to visit again and again. It’s an idea of unrivalled genius: Big brands sponsor areas of this scaled-down kids’ land, offering the opportunity to ‘work’ for the day. It allows your kids to create their own adventure, from taking the controls of a jumbo jet to becoming a firefighter, recording a radio show or jumping behind the checkout at a supermarket. Is it brainwashing your kids into becoming workers for The Man? Probably! Will they absolutely love it and want to go back? Definitely. BUY TICKETS Want more? Check out more of London's best experiences by clicking below Like what you've read? Why not subscribe to our free, monthly newsletter?

  • BRIGHTON LAUNCHES NEW, DAREDEVIL EXPERIENCE

    Fancy getting sea legs without taking to the ocean? Head for the sky at Brighton's scariest new experience Until recently, the most adrenaline-fuelled experience Brighton had to offer was attempting to walk along the promenade in gale-force winds after a night in Concorde 2 (trust us, we've tried it and it wasn't pretty), but the south coast's finest party-town now has something new to offer: a 450ft-high skywalk. For those with a head for heights, the British Airways i360 - that stonking great tower soaring above Brighton Beach - now offers visitors the chance to take a walk OUTSIDE those lovely, safe windows to feel the fresh, sea air and go face-to-face with the local seagulls without so much as a barrier to make you feel safe. Lovely stuff. Thankfully, we're assured you'll be clipped into a safety system before making your way up a ladder at the top of the iconic tourist attraction, where you can climb atop the viewing pod for the finest views of the surrounding area, For context, Walk 360 is nearly THREE times as high as the summit of the O2 Arena rooftop climb, a smidge taller than the London Eye and for those of you who like proper 'British newspaper measurements', it's the same as 12 double decker buses stacked on top of each other. What we're saying is, It's pretty damn high. Far from being the genteel viewing platform that was initially launched to much fanfare in 2016, the British Airways i360 has been regularly finding new ways to terrify visitors. Aside from the new Walk 360, you can also dangle off the edge and lower yourself to the ground with Drop 360 and take a gruelling trek to the top with Climb 360. In theory, you can climb to the top, enjoy a little stroll around and then jump off the edge back to floor level. Fancy it? Well head straight over to the British Airways i360 site and book your experience now. You'll enjoy a full 90 minutes of adrenaline fuelled fun, head home with two professional photos and have a story that you'll want to keep telling again and again until your friends put you on mute. Book Walk 360 now Making a weekend of it? Why not book the Jury's Inn on Brighton Waterfront Picture credit: Jason Garcia / British Airways i360 Like what you've read? Why not subscribe to our free, monthly newsletter?

  • VALDERRAMA'S IS THE WORLD CUP VENUE YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR

    New London eatery celebrates football, chicken and a love of retro style If you're a child of the 80s or just an avid football fan who laments the loss of the Good Old Days, you'll no doubt remember Carlos Valderrama. 'The Kid' would dance across a football pitch looking like the love-child of Ruud Gullit and Sideshow Bob, somehow perpetually toeing the line between all-time great and perpetual underdog. Quite frankly, we're surprised it's taken this long for somebody to dedicate a whole restaurant to the frizzy-follicled genius, but that's about to change. Step forward Valderrama's, the sports bar with a difference. The brainchild of James Cochran, the man behind chicken concept Around The Cluck, Valderrama's will show sports on high-spec screens and projectors strategically placed so you'll get a perfect view from anywhere in the venue. And it's the sports bar of your dreams. The retro interior will feature specially commissioned murals and paintings, including a whole wall adorned with vintage goalie shirts (we're praying for a Jorge Campos or two...) to evoke feelings of classic, 90s nostalgia that will take you right back to that tournament in Turin. Ahhhh, THAT tournament. The highs, the lows, the tears, the David Platt over the shoulder volley and the how on earth did Gazza not get a toe on that cross? But it's not ALL footy nostalgia, because James Cochran does chicken, and he does it exceptionally well. On the menu will be The Original (crispy buttermilk fried chicken with whipped blue cheese mousse, bacon scratchings and Scott Bonnet sauce), Spice Up Your Life (chicken burger topped with mango chutney, pickled cucumber, curry sauce, Bombay mix, smoked yogurt, poppadom and coriander) and Hear Me Now (chicken burger with cheese 'n' truffle fondue, smoked mushroom relish and slaw). See? We told you it wasn't your average sports bar. And it's not all football, either. As well as the World Cup and women's Euros, they'll use those big screens to show the tennis, Grand Prix and any other sporting events that draw a crowd, plus there'll be an outdoor terrace that welcomes dogs, DJs every Friday and Saturday playing hip hop, RnB and 80s, 90s and noughties classics. Valderrama's opens on July 7th and it's going to be as big as Carlos' hair, so we recommend getting down there ASAP to try it out. Valderrama's, 163 Upper St, Islington, London N11US, www.valderramas.co.uk Like what you've read? Why not subscribe to our free, monthly newsletter?

  • LONDON WELCOMES FOUR VILLAGES DEDICATED TO BOOZE

    London Cocktail Week opens four, pop-up villages dedicated to your love of booze London is set to welcome four new VILLAGES this month - each of which will be packed full of cocktail bars. The four Little Cocktail Village sites - in Belgravia, Borough Yards, Covent Garden and Devonshire Square - are popping up as part of London Cocktail Week and will host events as well as bars hosted by cocktail, spirit and mixer brands from around the world. The villages run from October 13 - October 23. and are free entry, although you might want to bag a wristband if you want to take advantage of £7 cocktails these and hundreds of other venues across London. BELGRAVIA Eccleston Yards, 21 Eccleston Place, London, SW1W 9NF A five minute walk from (and a ten minute stagger back to...) Victoria Station, the Little Cocktail Village Belgravia will be serving drinks in the beautiful, brick courtyard of Eccleston Yards. Luxury ready-mixed cocktail brand, Mirror will be bringing the party with their Mirror Margarita Bar. Made with Patron Silver Tequila, malic acid and grapefruit, this fresh twist on the traditional Marg is the signature cocktail at Hacha on Kingsland Road, so rest assured that your cocktail has been approved by the finest in the industry. The Schweppes Bar will offer up a longer menu in an attempt to showcase its mixers, which have been vital to mixologists since the late 1800s, when they first launched their Tonic Water and Ginger Ale products. Their mantra for this pop-up is 'more fizz, less fuss,' so expect bubble-filled cocktails, plenty of colour and a wide range of drinks to see you through the evening. Fancy something a little out of the ordinary? How about Catalan booze brand El Bandarra, who are tuk-tuking into Belgravia on the back of a marketing campaign that declares, 'Grannies Know Best.' Nope, we don't know why either, but we won't question anything that leads to Knit & Spritz evenings at El Bandarra's Granny Spritz Bar. They're also seeing it through by handing over a percentage of all sales to Re-engage, a UK charity that provides social connections for older people. Bravo! Now, Tuk Tuks are one thing, but bicycles are much more controversial these days. Cycling under the influence is heavily frowned upon, but buying your cocktails from a bike is to be celebrated at the G'vine Gin Bike. For those not in the know, G'Vine is one of the 200 or so French distillers who've taken on England's national booze and given it their own twist. Produced in Cognac, the name gives you a clue as to one of the gin's unique ingredients. Gin wine? Ok, now we're listening. Thurs - Sun: Midday - 10pm Mon - Weds: 5pm - 10pm BOROUGH YARDS Stoney St, London, SE1 9AD Borough has always been a hotbed of food and drink excellence, from the world famous market to the new bars and restaurants popping up every day. So, it's a perfect location for London Cocktail Week to bunker down and deliver one of its Little Villages. In the brand new Borough Yards - a luxury regeneration of the arches behind Borough Market - you'll find the Tequila Herradura Extraordinary Awaits bar, where hopefully you'll be able to get a mouthful of booze to match that mouthful of a name. Tequila Herradura has certainly pulled out all the stops. Guests enter the bar through a sensory tunnel, to find a 'colourful jungle' inside, with live music, 'stimulating lighting' and plenty of booze. They're hosting guest bartenders from Europe's most iconic and respected bars, each pouring their Herradura cocktails over two days. Come down to check out mixologists from Flying Dutchman Cocktails in Amsterdam (Oct 13-14). Sketch London (Oct 15 -16), Gong Bar in London (Oct 17-18), Hawksmoor London (Oct 20-21) and Edinburgh's Panda and Sons (Oct 22-23). The House of Classic Cocktails does exactly what it says on the tin, with a menu packed full of timeless favourites including Margaritas, Martinis, Old Fashioned and Daiquiris. Highland Park's Wild Harmony explores the odd harmony to be found between the contrasting elements of the island of Orkney, where the Highland Park whisky empire is built. They turn out some of the finest and most interesting pours and will be serving cocktails including the Salted Honey Old Fashioned and a comforting Winter Spice Hot toddy. House of Suntory x Nine Lives Izakaya will deliver a mouthwatering take on the Kakigori, a traditional Japanese shaved ice-desert, reimagined as a cocktail created by the Nine Lives team. But if deserts in a glass aren't your thing, this Izakaya style bar (think an informal, Japanese dive bar), will serve everything from highballs to hot toddies, all with a glorious, Japanese twist. If that's a little too much whisky for you (there is no such thing!), then head over to the Small Beer Minibar. These local heroes created the world's first brewery dedicated to low alcohol bars - everything Small Beer is a very manageable 2% alcohol, giving you enough of a kick to party the night away, but still leave you able to get up for work in the morning. Thurs - Sun: Midday - 10pm Mon - Weds: 5pm - 10pm COVENT GARDEN Covent Garden Piazza, 35 The Market, London, WC2E 8RF Over in the piazza of Covent Garden you'll be drinking in the shadow of the beautiful old market building, and just as this area has long been a trading place for exotic products, the pop-ups here have a distinctly International feel. Tequila maestros, Rooster Rojo will be bringing their distinctive (and awesome) Rooster Rojo Bus Bar, which looks like the love child of an airstream caravan and a taco truck. An on-site team and regular, guest bartenders will be heading for the gleaming, metallic bullet to serve up cocktails containing the 100% Blue Weber Agave spirit. Each guest will bring their own signature serves, ensuring an ever-changing menu throughout the event. Master Blener Alejandro Garcia and Global Brand Ambassador Ansis Ancovs will also be giving masterclasses on site, and they'll be releasing a brand new pour - the Ahumado Smoked Tequila. Vodka brand Stoli recently changed its name to prove to the world that it had cut alll ties with Russia (it's Latvian-owned nowadays), and after a year of putting out metaphorical fires, it's now sending the Stoli Fire Truck to London Cocktail Week. It's a colourful thing, emblazoned with the same peace-and-love artwork that covers their new, limited edition bottles. They were designed by artist, Jason Naylor, with the message of boldness, bravery and free-spirit. If you fancy a try after a few vodkas, there'll be graffiti cans on hand and 10-minute masterclasses from street artists. Bumbu have been named by Rolling Stone magazine as 'one of the best rum brands to try right now,' and boy, have they ridden that recommendation hard. Visit the Bumbu G.O.A.T pop-up (yep, that's Greatest Of All Time...) where they'll show you why they're the leading super premium rum in the UK. Bumbu also tantalisingly suggest that "you might even see a goat or two whilst you're there," which, quite honestly, is pushing the whole thing a bit far but we would 100% turn up to have a gander. Taking a much more subtle approach to marketing is Puerto de Indias, who will be pouring their pink gin, which was the first in the world to be made with real strawberries, and introducing their new Blackberry gin to the market. Thurs - Sun: Midday - 10pm Tues - Weds: 5pm - 10pm DEVONSHIRE SQUARE Devonshire Square, London, EC2M 4YE In the shadow of the city skyscrapers and Liverpool Street station, Devonshire Square will nano doubt be a popular drinking spot this month, especially given that it offers weather-proof boozing under a glass roof. Taking advantage of the bumper crowd will be Bombay Sapphire, Grey Goose and Tequila Patron, who are joining forces to create a huge bar in the Central Courtyard. With all those spirits on offer, you can be sure of a top class Espresso Martini, a rich Espresso Martini, Patron Palomas or Grey Goose Martinis. Whatever your poison, you'll be well looked after here.There will also be masterclasses held by brand representatives, so by the end off London Cocktail Week you'll be a master mixologist. Oh, and if you need any more convincing, the heroes at Patron are bringing a taco truck with them. Taco my money right now! It's also Diwali season, which will be celebrated with gusto at the Five Rivers Diwali Bar. The Indian rum company will serve cocktails including Saffron Negronis, Desi Daiquiris and Punjabi Punches, along with Indian snacks, in the colourful, lantern-lit surroundings of their courtyard bar. Over in the West Courtyard, posh Fanta brand, Sanpellegrino will be delivering a slice of Italy in their Sanpellegrino Piazza Bar. Drinks on offer will include the Sanpellegrino Milano Mule, Wood Collins or Light Buongiorno, all made with premium and authentic Italian ingredients. Regular readers of Time Well Spent will know we're partial to a whisky, so you'll probably find us at Cocktails and Drams with Benriach Whisky.Pouring The Thirty - officially the oldest dram of the festival - as well as some mystery drams and an ever-changing menu of hard-to-find bottles, this is a whisky-lovers' dream bar. Even if you're not an aficionado, a few sessions with the brand ambassadors on site and you'll leave a connoisseur. Thurs - Sun: Midday - 10pm Tues - Wed: 5pm - 10pm Like what you've read? Why not subscribe to our free, monthly newsletter?

  • KIDS, MEET YOUR HEROES THIS SUMMER!

    From Peppa Pig and Bing to Zog and Peter Rabbit - The Ultimate Guide to this summer's best meet-and-greets Never meet your heroes, unless those heroes are Picasso-esque, puddle-bothering pigs, green ogres or melon-headed babies and you are a CBeebies-infused child. This summer is loaded with opportunities for children to stalk their favourite characters and we’ve rounded up the cream of the crop, for maximum, wide-eyed scenes and top mum or dad points. PEPPA PIG APPEARS TO BE TAKING OVER THE UK It might be a feat not to bump into the sassy hog this summer, because she appears to be… everywhere. Below are our top picks for tracking her down for a few oinks with your own piglets. Peppa Pig’s Aquarium Adventure at Sea Life - until 3 July The popular pig will be popping up at Sea Life venues across Birmingham, Blackpool, Bray, Brighton, Great Yarmouth, Hunstanton, Loch Lomond, Manchester, Scarborough and Weymouth for this interactive and immersive trail. Peppa will meet the children and task them with spotting seahorses, counting crabs, making ocean friendship bracelets and completing a jumbo jigsaw. Multiple Sea Life venues across the UK until 3 July. Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour - Thursdays to Sundays For a more relaxed, piggie experience, we recommend a trip on Brigit’s Bakery and Entertainment One’s afternoon tea bus tour of London. There’s booze for the parents (woo) properly cute food, from Rebecca Rabbit’s Carrot Cupcake to Mummy Pig’s Strawberry Macaron, sing-a-longs and Peppa-guided animation, while you take in landmarks including Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral. Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour Departing from Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA Peppa Pig: My First Concert. 24 July - 31 August Your kids will be happily snorting at this interactive introduction to a live orchestra for ages 18 months and older. Peppa and George learn all about different sounds that instruments make together, and enjoy some of their favourite music from the show played by an orchestra as well as discovering other exciting orchestral pieces. Little piggies can join in with Peppa and her family and make music of their own. Peppa Pig: My First Concert at London Coliseum 24 & 31 July, Bristol's St George's Hall 25 & 26 July, Birmingham Town Hall 28 & 29 July, Manchester Bridgewater Hall 30 July, Edinburgh Assembly Hall 4-21 August Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park A mere meet and greet with Peppa not enough for you? Then step through the small screen and into an entire world dedicated to her, meet the whole cast, have the music played on loop until it seeps into your soul and check out nine rides including Grampy Rabbit’s sailing club, Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride, George’s Dinosaur Adventure, Grabdpa Pig’s Little Train, Daddy Pig’s Car Ride, The Queen’s Flying Coach Ride, Windy Castle Ride and Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter Flight. This was possibly the greatest thing to ever happen to our toddler. Peppa Pig World, Paultons Park, Ower, Romsey SO51 6AL Bing at Cbeebies Land Join Bing and Flop at Alton Towers’ toddler mecca, CBeebies Land for Bing’s Picnic. The show sees the permanently-bewildered bunny enjoy some sarnies and cakes, play games and make new friends while preparing for their Theme Park adventure. After the show, sprogs can get a piccie with the mighty Bing and Flop.. The show will take place each day at 12:15pm and 2:15pm in Big Fun Show Time, CBeebies Land, Alton Towers CBeebies Land, Alton Towers, Alton ST10 4DB CoComelon’s JJ at Chessington World of Adventures Every preschooler's favourite warbling baby, JJ will join Chessington’s line-up for the first time this summer. From 27 June until the end of summer, Little Rangers can join the CoComelon star for a singalong, musical adventure on the Mini Stage. Don't tell him how good he was though, his head is big enough already. Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Rd, Chessington KT9 2NE Thomas the Tank Engine at Whistlestop Valley Take unlimited train rides on Thomas, Toby and Mavis, meet Sir Topham Hatt and Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty and Dusty for singalongs and performances at Huddersfield’s Whistlestop Valley. Kids can also enjoy an Imagination Station play zone with Thomas and Friends activities, jumping pillow, bubble zone, storytelling sessions, giveaways for every child and themed activities. Thomas at Whistlestop Valley Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield HD8 9XJ The Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure This summer at Blenheim Palace join Beatrix Potter in the garden of old Mr. McGregor and help rescue Peter Rabbit. Through a magical mix of storytelling, live performance and puppetry the world of Beatrix Potter will come to life in Blenheim Palace’s walled garden as you take part in the rescue of Peter from Mr. McGregor’s rabbit pie-shaped plan. Young Miss Potter enlists your help in finding mischievous Peter, leading you through flower and vegetable gardens, greenhouses and potting sheds previously not open to the public. On the way you’ll meet Jemima Puddle-Duck, Benjamin Bunny, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and more, alongside a few surprises. The Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure The Walled Garden, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, UK, OX20 1PY. 6 July - 3 September Zog and the Quest for the Golden Star trail at Warwick Castle. Zog will teach children the ultimate, dragon skills to earn their golden stars, from flying and fearsome roars to learning how to capture princesses in five, interactive activities. After joining Sir Gadabout’s school for ambitious Knights as a final challenge, Zog will be available for meet-and-greets to hand out golden stars and pose for photos. Zog at Warwick Castle, Castle Ln, Warwick CV34 4QU Jurassic World: The Exhibition Step through the Jurassic World gates and come face-to-face with the prehistoric stars of the hit film franchise in this roarsome immersive experience across 20,000 square feet at London's ExCel. Venture behind the glass into The Creation Lab and experience what it would have been like to walk alongside these giant creatures, in this impressive, hour-long family experience. Jurassic World: The Exhibition, ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock (Custom House, Elizabeth Line/DLR) Stranger Things Older kids can join Eleven, Dustin, Mike, Lucas, Max and Will on a multimedia, immersive experience which allows fans to live out a totally tubular adventure, inspired by the hit TV show Netflix is tearing a rift into the fabric of reality, allowing you to step through the small screen and into 1980s Indiana as the star of a brand new Stranger Things episode. For the full low-down on the Upside Down, check out our preview here Stranger Things: The Experience Troubadour Brent Cross Studio, Tilling Rd, Brent Cross Town, London, NW2 1LW August - 20 November 22 Shrek at Shrek’s Adventure Launch into the clouds from the South Bank on a magical flying bus (with Donkey as tour guide) past dragons, witches and Rumpelstiltskin and then land with a crash in Far, Far Away, the home of Shrek and the start of your adventure to find the big, green ogre and reach the happy ending. Check out our review here to find out what to expect. Shrek's Adventure Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB Like what you've read? Why not subscribe to our free, monthly newsletter?

  • LICK BAKED BEANS, HP SAUCE AND MAYO ICE CREAM AT NEW ANYA HINDMARCH POP-UP

    Belgravia's Ice Cream Project plays Chilly Wonka You can find out just how vanilla you are at deliciously eccentric designer, Anya Hindmarch’s Ice Cream Project concept store in Belgravia, which is serving Heinz Baked Beans, HP Sauce, PG Tips, Ketchup, Soy Sauce and Mayo flavoured ice creams until 28 August. The sleek, Chilly Wonka pop-up is described as "a minimalist temple to the joy of ice cream and sorbet, with a twist” and is inspired by the British designer’s new accessories collection, an equally cool and bizarre homage to her favourite kitchen cupboard staples, from condiments and cereal to tea. Those prepared to break their Cornetto shackles can try surprisingly delicious, frozen freakiness including Kikkoman Soy Sauce (toasted sesame ice cream laced with umami-rich, soy sauce) the sweet, salty and tangy Heinz Tomato Ketchup, HP Sauce (fruity, with a spicy hit of tamarind and dates) the super creamy Mayo, with zesty lemon and tangy vinegar, the sweet and protein-rich Baked Beans or the PG Tips-infused ice cream. And for those who prefer less daring contents in their cones, there’s Coco Pops, Bird’s Custard, Quaker Oats, Frosties or Lyle’s Golden Syrup ice creams and a minty sorbet, laced with smashed Polo mints. Hindmarch explained: “Making everyday things in an extraordinary way has always been a passion of mine and is the reason why I love to play with iconic brands. "The Ice Cream Project sets out to challenge perceptions, working with the most sophisticated ingredients and recipes in an artful way.” The summer pop-up awaits your curious tongues at the Anya Hindmarch Village in Chelsea until the end of August and will undoubtedly be the first time anybody who buys one of her £895 Heinz Baked Beans bags has ever tasted them. The Ice Cream Project at The Anya Hindmarch Village, 11 Pont Street, SW1X 9EJ. Until 28 August, Mon-Sat Like what you've read? Why not subscribe to our free, monthly newsletter?

  • REVIEW: MEXICAN GENIUSES

    A joyous celebration of art… but is this the future? IMMERSIVE is the newest buzz word in the event and hospitality industries. Themed restaurant? No, it’s an immersive restaurant. Allowing people to choose their own cocktail ingredients? Sounds immersive. Encouraging people to dress up? Slap an immersive tag on it. Its popularity is largely due to the immense success of large-scale productions like Secret Cinema, Punch Drunk and the newly opened Phantom Peak. It’s perhaps surprising that the art world has taken so long to catch on to this omnipotent craze - until this year, when Fever Up brought a slew of immersive art experiences to London. Current offerings include Van Gogh, Monet, Klimt, Dali and Mexican Geniuses, a tribute to the work of South American’s most celebrated artists, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Housed in a grey commercial unit in Surrey Quay’s Dock X, it’s not the obvious choice for an exhibition of rainbow-coloured art, but once inside, we’re transported into the tempestuous couple’s world with a huge projection of Diego’s Detroit Industry Murals, which were painted at Ford’s River Rouge assembly plant. It’s a thought-provoking introduction to the artist’s work, given the controversy that surrounded its commission (Diego was a Marxist and many saw the mural as a celebration of his beliefs at a time of the Great Depression, strikes and even deaths in the workplace) and elsewhere in the room are Diego’s self portraits and ten foot tall, papier mâché sculptures. A second room opens up Frida’s work with a clever 3D interpretation of her lost painting, The Wounded Table, which brings the table and its occupants into the foreground and gives a new perspective on a piece only seen in photographs since its disappearance in 1955. But we’re soon ushered through thick curtains into the centrepiece of Mexican Geniuses; the room that allows visitors to become - dare we say it - immersed in the life and work of Diego and Frida. It’s undeniably impressive. We slump onto bean bags in the centre of the room, where all four walls light up with projection-mapped recreations of the artists’ works, each selected to carefully tell the stories of their lives, personalities and often troubled relationship. A Frida-headed deer leaps behind us, zipping behind trees as a series of masked children lurk in the background; the walls become enveloped with colourful flowers, which give way to scenes of birth and tragedy, interspersed with self-portraits that track Frida’s progression through early adulthood, terrible accidents and the resulting injuries and celebrations of marriage. It’s well pitched for families, with a narrative told through art for older visitors, while youngsters marvel at the colours and images moving around them and dripping across the floor to a soundtrack of Mexican inspired music. At 40 minutes long, it managed to capture - and keep - the attention of our pre-school aged children, which is no mean feat. We may be celebrating the lives of artists born over a century ago, but the modern age demands Instagram opportunities, which are served up with gusto in the penultimate display. There are various opportunities to take a snap for the ‘gram and A 3D photo opportunity with Frida, the angel of death and a childlike Diego proves too much to ignore for the crowds queuing up on our visit. The huge colouring wall was a lovely touch, allowing children (or particularly keen adults) to grab a marker pen and get to work on a mural. The final room invites guests to truly step inside a different world. A VR experience - which costs an additional £5 - offers the chance to stroll through the afterlife with Frida and Diego themselves, as they lead the way across to the ‘other side’ via a traditional Dias Los Muertos celebration. And so we stagger back through gift shop and into the drab surroundings of Surrey Quays retail park, a world away from the colourful depictions of sunny Mexico we have just encountered, to gather our thoughts. Mexican Geniuses is an exciting, fresh take on art that captures the imagination of children in a way no gallery ever could, turning paintings into an experience for the modern ages. But it’s also something that leaves us with a niggling doubt: Is this the future of art? In a world where digital art and the murky subculture of NFTs are pushing their way into the mainstream, it seems a shame to experience Frida and Diego without a single, original piece of their creation on show. None of Frida’s famous, colourful dresses or floral headpieces. None of their paintbrushes or easels. And certainly none of their art. Of course, some pieces on show - most notably The Wounded Table and Detroit Industry Murals - could only be experienced in London via the undoubtedly brilliant digital trickery displayed here and many stuffier art galleries and museums could learn plenty from the beautiful way in which it is presented. This technology undoubtedly has a place alongside art, but could The Louvre welcome thousands of visitors every year to look at a picture of the Mona Lisa? A couple who spent their lives tirelessly, relentlessly creating and telling their stories through brushstrokes are represented throughout with digital recreations, as if we have entered Mexico via Walt Disney’s Epcot. Mexican Geniuses is thoroughly enjoyable, wonderfully engaging, educational and fun. Perhaps it’s testament to its power that it left us yearning to see a real Frida painting in the flesh. Tickets from £11.50 Dock X, Unit 1 Canada Water, Surrey Quays Rd, London SE16 2XU Buy tickets Like what you've read? Why not subscribe to our free, monthly newsletter?

  • REVIEW: PADDINGTON AFTERNOON TEA BUS TOUR

    Marmalade Sandwiches Fit for a Queen Is there anything more English than a Paddington Bear afternoon tea on a Routemaster through London? The only things that could have made it more British, would have been rain and Cliff Richard driving the bus, while singing Summer Holiday. Thankfully, the latter didn’t happen on our trip, which was brimming with charm, landmarks and marmalade sandwiches. The Peruvian bear became an unlikely mascot for the late Queen, following a Platinum Jubilee sketch, which saw HRH smiling at the bear’s clumsiness during afternoon tea and revealing that she too carried marmalade sandwiches around, but in her iconic handbag, as a crown offered no protection from the elements. Paddington’s closing line: “Thank you Ma’am, for everything” became the nation’s goodbye, when she died three months later. And after 60 years as a much loved book, film and TV character, the cuddly refugee was adopted as the country’s teddy. Floral shrines near Buckingham Palace were filled with so many Paddington tributes, Royal Parks organisers had to politely ask the public to stop leaving marmalade sandwiches and stuffed bears. So there has never been a more fitting time for Brigit's Bakery to launch the first, official Paddington Bear afternoon tea bus tour, celebrating the capital. We were welcomed onto the red, double-decker, emblazoned with images of the bear and led up to the top deck, where tiers of sweet and savoury treats awaited us on gingham picnic tables. Each table had built-in screens, so that Paddington and Mrs Bird could provide us with an animated guide to the tour, which included some of Paddington's favourite landmarks, like Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, Nelson’s Column, Downing Street, St. Paul's Cathedral, Borough Market, Green Park and Piccadilly Circus. It was difficult not to feel regal, while literally looking down on the capital, nibbling a finger sarnie. And from now until early January, you can also take in the beautiful Regent Street Christmas lights and enjoy the capital's decorations from the cosy comfort of the bus, which is itself decked with boughs of holly and fairy lights. The tour takes just under two hours, which was almost enough time to work our way through the food, which included glittering shortbreads, designed to look like nibbled marmalade sandwiches, mini pizzas, smoked salmon and cucumber pretzels, turkey ham and cheddar or cream cheese and cucumber finger sandwiches and naturally, marmalade sandwiches. And for those who share the bear’s sweet tooth, the homemade sweet treats included a rice pudding studded with chocolate honeycomb, chocolate cupcakes crowned with Paddington’s chocolate paws, lemon meringue tarts, chocolate macarons and freshly baked scones with cream and jam. Brigit’s Bakery also provide vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal afternoon teas. I washed mine down with some prosecco and marvelled at the acrobatics of the friendly staff, pouring fizz and juggling hot chocolates on a swerving bus. Our hot drinks were served in bespoke Paddington travel cups, which passengers take home as a souvenir. There wasn’t a hat big enough to store our left-overs beneath, but fortunately, they provide take-away boxes for the pleasingly generous offerings at the end of the experience. Since there are no loos during the tour and passengers are required to remain seated for its duration, the recommended age is five and upwards, although this is left to parents’ discretion and my four-year-old daughter enjoyed the experience. It’s also much easier to keep little people seated for a meal on a moving restaurant, with changing sights through the windows, Paddington on the screen and tiers of treats before them. Although babies are not allowed on the tour. In nearly two decades living in the capital, this was my first London bus tour and my first marmalade sandwich. And I’m glad it took place on this particular bus, which really was fit for a queen. Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus tour Departs from Trafalgar Square, Wednesdays to Sundays. Prices from £45 adult, £35 child. Like what you've read? Why not subscribe to our free, monthly newsletter?

  • ESCAPE THE HEAT AT CANARY WHARF’S NEW OPEN WATER SWIMMING VENUE

    Swap Suits for Swimsuits with a Skyscraper Backdrop Sweaty, heatwave-dodgers can swap suits for swimsuits at London’s new open water swimming venue… in Canary Wharf. A dip in the Thames with old crisp packets and fag ends hasn’t been the most appealing option before, even in these deodorant-defying times. But Canary Wharf’s 220-year-old Middle Dock has been cleaned up and lifeguarded for a pretty swanky swimming experience, against the backdrop of One Canada Square and Newfoundland, seven days a week, until the end of September. The pool has been launched by swimming operator Love Open Water, with the Canal & River Trust and NOWCA, the UK’s biggest network of safe open water swimming venues. It is accessed on the Middle Dock, across the pontoon from Mackenzie Walk’s Humble Grape, where changing huts are provided. The urban, open pool is open to swimmers of all abilities (over the age of 10) for a £15 yearly NOWCA membership, after which, it’s £8 for a three to four hour session. Alternatively, you can join the regular, NOWCA swimming events for free. Rick Kiddle, Founder and CEO of NOWCA said: “Our aim is to help make open water more accessible, to more people, and most importantly more safely. “We support over 40 venues nationwide with our safety systems and we have worked with Love Open Water for a decade now. “We are really excited to be part of this fantastic new venue at Canary Wharf as it will open more swimming possibilities in the East London area.” Visit Love Open Water for more info. Open now until September Like what you've read? Why not subscribe to our free, monthly newsletter?

  • REVIEW: PETER RABBIT GARDEN ADVENTURE

    We Join Beatrix Potter at Blenheim Palace to rescue Peter from a pie-shaped fate This summer, Beatrix Potter’s world is being brought to life through puppetry and immersive performance at Blenheim Palace’s beautiful, walled gardens, where children are invited to become the stars of the Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure, rescuing the radish-pilfering bunny from Mr McGregor’s pie-flavoured scheme. We were invited to the launch of the immersive experience, which marks 120 years of everybody’s favourite lettuce-botherer and runs until 3 September. A young Beatrix greeted us to set the scene for the adventure, and the next 50 minutes were spent with breathlessly giddy children following her through greenhouses, vegetable gardens and potting sheds previously not open to the public. They searched laundry and dug up carrot patches for clues, hid in enormous plant pots from the dastardly McGregor (who was deaf to their giggles) and met characters including Jemima Puddle-Duck, Benjamin Bunny, Squirrel Nutkin, Jeremy Fisher and finally, Peter Rabbit himself. The enthusiastic (and incredibly patient) actors captivated all of the children and artfully dodged off-topic kiddie discussion about favourite cereals or how stripy their t-shirts were. And the puppets were utterly charming and lifelike - made to resemble mended, well-loved treasures from another time. They leapt through each picturesque setting and interacted with children - my daughter is still telling anybody who looks her way that she dug up a worm and fed it to a ravenous, Jeremy Fisher. Keys are found, chains are broken with bolt cutters and gates are leapt over in the dramatic crescendo of the story, with Mr McGregor in hot pursuit of the tiny team of adventurers as they rescue the mischievous rabbit and take him to safety, where the story ends. The children can then wind down in the Peter Rabbit art and craft room, before exiting through the gift shop, cradling stuffed bunnies. Afterwards there are a series of children’s play areas and a beautiful lavender garden that families can enjoy, as well as a maze - which we recommend doing after the experience, to avoid missing your slot trapped behind foliage. The Peter Rabbit ticket also gives a 50% discount if you wish to extend your day out by exploring Blenheim Palace - with over 300 years of history it was the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill and is currently home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough. Throughout the experience, the young Beatrix reminds children that “people don’t like my storytelling," in a nod to the real-life author, whose story and illustrations were famously rejected by six publishers, until she finally decided to publish them herself, with 250 copies which proved so popular, Frederick Warne and Co. (one of the publishers that had originally rejected the book) decided to publish it. She had originally written the stories (inspired by her pet bunny, Peter) in a series of letters to her governess’s ill son in 1893. The stories have since been translated into nearly 40 different languages and sold more than 45 million copies in the past 120 years, proving that people really do like her storytelling, especially in Blenheim Palace’s unique, new experience. Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure: A Live Immersive Experience. Until 3 September at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, Woodstock OX20 1PP Like what you've read? Why not subscribe to our free, monthly newsletter?

  • TOP 40 THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS THIS AUGUST

    Summer Holidays are SAVED with our Ultimate Guide Parents: we hear your muffled cries as you stare into the Summer Holidays void, armed with just a bubble blower and a freezer full of Twisters. And we have come to your rescue with the ultimate guide to 40 best things to do with kids this August, from Wild West towns, free West End shows, Crystal Maze camps, Peter Rabbit rescues, dinosaurs and freaky ice creams to wizards, space adventures and life-sized Monopoly. Our top 40 picks include a gaggle of free events and there’s something to entertain (and wear out) every flavour of child. Phantom Peak, Surrey Quays The eagerly-awaited, immersive, open-world adventure opens in London this August, where families can lose themselves in a steampunk wonderland and enjoy an adventure of their own choosing. The incredible Surrey Quays set will include a central waterway with real-life boat rides into the mountains, fully-working shops, restaurants and bars and even a waterfall. And you’ll be able to discover clues by grabbing the local newspaper, speaking to locals and even digging into their backstories to find out who’s trustworthy and who might be leading you on a merry dance. Explore the 30,000 square foot ‘town’ that harks back to Victorian times, while also boasting futuristic technology. And by interacting with the locals and taking part in immersive games, you’ll find yourself at the centre of the unfolding story. Phantom Peak promises to become one of the most exciting experiences to hit London, riding on the back of the ever-growing immersive theatre market brought to the mainstream by titans like Punchdrunk and Secret Cinema. Phantom Peak, Canada St, Surrey Quays Rd, London SE16 7PJ. From 3 August Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure This summer at Blenheim Palace, join Beatrix Potter in the garden of old Mr McGregor and help save Peter Rabbit. Through a magical mix of storytelling, live performance and puppetry the world of Beatrix Potter will come to life in Blenheim Palace’s walled garden as you take part in the rescue of Peter from Mr McGregor’s rabbit pie-shaped plan. Young Miss Potter enlists your help in finding mischievous Peter, leading you through flower and vegetable gardens, greenhouses and potting sheds previously not open to the public. On the way you’ll meet Jemima Puddle-Duck, Benjamin Bunny, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and more, alongside a few surprises. Check out our review here The Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure The Walled Garden, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, UK, OX20 1PY. Until 3 September Meet Puss in Boots at Shrek's Adventure Take your kids ogre and out-out to Far, Far Away land, where Puss in Boots will be appearing for meet and greets at Shrek’s Adventure for the first time. Young guests can join the immersive attraction’s new, interactive trail by collecting stamps as they explore the rustic taverna, before meeting the Spanish, swash-buckling cat and his compadres. Puss arrives at the South Bank attraction this summer, ahead of his new DreamWorks movie, which hits cinemas next year. The adventure also features 12 Fairytale-themed live shows, starring popular characters from the Shrek franchise, including Rumpelstiltskin, Sleeping Beauty, Muffin Man, Pinocchio and Cinderella. Check out our Shrek’s Adventure review to find out more. Shrek’s Adventure tickets. Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7P. 23 July - 4 September Jurassic World: The Exhibition End their summer holidays in roarsome style, with a trip back to the Mesozoic Era for Jurassic World: The Exhibition, opening on 25 August. Step through the Jurassic World gates and come face-to-face with the prehistoric stars of the hit film franchise in this immersive experience across 20,000 square feet at London's ExCel. Venture behind the glass into The Creation Lab, and experience what it would have been like to walk alongside these giant creatures, in this impressive, hour-long family experience. Jurassic World: The Exhibition, ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock (Custom House, Elizabeth Line/DLR) The Obliteration Room Weary of sprogs covering every conceivable surface of your home with stickers? Then we have the perfect solution. A pristine, white apartment they are encouraged to cover in stickers and afterwards, you can brag that they’ve created art for Tate Modern. Boom. Yayoi Kusama’s free interactive artwork, The Obliteration Room is part of the brilliant, UNIQLO Tate Play series. Families are provided with enough stickers to fill you with horror, at home. But here, you can relax while they cover The Obliteration Room's walls, ceilings, furniture, floor and crockery with colourful dots She’s perhaps best known for her Infinity Rooms exhibition at Tate Modern, which will have saturated your Insta feeds for the past few months. Tate Modern, Turbine Hall, Bankside, London SE1 9TG. 23 July - 29 August. Free The Ice Cream Project Let’s face it, kids’ diets are 90% ice cream in the summer, so give them some variety with a trip to deliciously eccentric designer, Anya Hindmarch’s Ice Cream Project concept store in Belgravia, which is serving Heinz Baked Beans, HP Sauce, PG Tips, Ketchup, Soy Sauce and Mayo flavoured ice creams until 28 August. The sleek, Chilly Wonka pop-up is described as "a minimalist temple to the joy of ice cream and sorbet, with a twist” and is inspired by the British designer’s new accessories collection. Try surprisingly delicious, frozen freakiness including Kikkoman Soy Sauce (toasted sesame ice cream laced with umami-rich, soy sauce) the sweet, salty and tangy Heinz Tomato Ketchup, HP Sauce (fruity, with a spicy hit of tamarind and dates) the super creamy Mayo, with zesty lemon and tangy vinegar, the sweet and protein-rich Baked Beans or the PG Tips-infused ice cream. And for those who prefer less daring contents in their cones, there’s Coco Pops, Bird’s Custard, Quaker Oats, Frosties or Lyle’s Golden Syrup ice creams and a minty sorbet, laced with smashed Polo mints. The Ice Cream Project at The Anya Hindmarch Village, 11 Pont Street, SW1X 9EJ. Until 28 August, Mon-Sat Mandrakes and Magical Creatures at Warner Brothers Studio Tour Fans of Harry Potter will be welcomed into the Great Hall to the Frog Choir scene this summer, featuring Warwick Davis’ Professor Flitwick costume. But there’s plenty more hiding in the shadows, too - Cornish Pixies, Dumbledore’s Fawkes and even the animatronic Monster Book of Monsters will be dotted around the Studio Tour, and visitors will learn how Thestrals and Mandrakes were brought to life using models and CGI in the Creatures Workshop. As if that wasn’t enough, the doors of Professor Sprout’s greenhouse will be opened for the very first time and visitors will be able to explore the exotic and magical plants before pulling out a potted Mandrake as part of an interactive display. Just be sure to avoid the Venomous Tentacula hanging from the ceiling… Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR. From £49.95 Medieval Season at Eltham Palace With fuel prices and household bills rising, perhaps it’s high time your children learned how to live a simple, Medieval life - and thankfully, Eltham Palace is on hand to dish out a few handy life lessons this summer. Having been a childhood home of King Henry VIII, it’s the perfect backdrop for lessons in courtly etiquette (thankfully, no beheadings are planned for children who fail to pass the tests), storytelling and Medieval games. With a constantly changing schedule of activities, visit for archery sessions, hobby horse jousting, lessons in how to design the perfect palace, defence skills workshops and even the chance to learn siege tactics. It’s not ALL glitz and glamour though - you can also find out about the worst jobs of all time and grimace through an A-Z of medieval torture methods. Eltham Palace Tickets, Court Yard, London SE9 5QE. From £10.60 Chimps are Family Trail For some free monkey business in London this summer, follow the Chimps are Family trail from London Bridge to Tower Bridge to find 28 bronze chimp sculptures. From now until October, Londoners can head into a real-life urban jungle to enjoy the free, public exhibition by artists Gillie and Marc Schattner. Each sculpture represents 18 of the different behaviours chimpanzees express, from happiness and grief to friendship and conflict and covers all ages, from newborn to elderly. The trail shows that humans have a good deal in common with our hairy relatives, as well as 99% of our DNA. WWF-UK’s Chimps are Family Trail runs until October from London Bridge to Tower Bridge. Until October. Summer Sessions at Greenwich Peninsula Once a relative wasteland of flats and pricey restaurants, the area around the O2 Arena has become a destination in its own right in recent years, and events like Summer Sessions are the perfect way to experience everything it has to offer. Running until September, the cultural festival brings together art, food, sport and music into a jam-packed schedule of mostly free events and experiences. There'll be mini golf designed by Yinka Ilori, outdoor table tennis tables painted by Camille Walala a colourful exhibition by JeeYoung Lee and the fantastic looking Fandangoe Skip - a sustainable therapy kiosk aiming to smash taboos around mental health, grief and loss. Speaking of food, if you want to enjoy a lunch in peace, the Design District Canteen will take care of the little ones in their 'Kids Table', where a team of childcarers will entertain nippers with arts and crafts while you relax and grab a bite to eat. Summer Sessions, Greenwich Peninsula. FREE Stranger Things: The Experience Join Eleven, Dustin, Mike, Lucas, Max and Will on a multimedia, immersive experience which allows fans to live out a totally tubular adventure, inspired by the hit TV show Netflix is tearing a rift into the fabric of reality, allowing you to step through the small screen and into 1980s Indiana as the star of a brand new Stranger Things episode. For the full low-down on the Upside Down, check out our preview here Stranger Things: The Experience Troubadour Brent Cross Studio, Tilling Rd, Brent Cross Town, London, NW2 1LW. August - 20 November The Secret Garden The secret’s out - your children can make their way straight into the pages of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic children’s book as part of the Garden Museum’s summer exhibition. Kids will learn how different artists’ illustrations from the past hundred years have brought the story to life, as well as learning about the many benefits of a good, old-fashioned stroll in an English garden. The immersive exhibition will feature interactive games and trails, where guests will learn about the plants, animals and stories included in the book, and those who are suitably inspired can finish up by trying their hand at gardening - think of it as an apprenticeship for the children, and one step closer to them clearing up your back yard in time for summer. From £7 (kids go free). BUY TICKETS Garden Museum, Lambeth Palace Road, London, SE1 7LB Monopoly Lifesized Go big or go home… or straight to jail at Monopoly Lifesized, an immersive, on-your-feet version of the classic, family game, played on a 15m x 15m lifesized Monopoly board Enter the 4D experience and compete in challenges for your chance to buy properties. Stage a heist in Mayfair, compete against a clock to build some of London’s iconic buildings, solve a baffling murder mystery or step into the world of codebreakers. The 80-minute experience is suitable for kids from 9 and older and is open every day except Mondays. Monopoly Lifesized, 213-215 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7PS. Tickets £49 pp Pizzas Pilgrims Masterclasses at Selfridges Professional chefs take children through the process of making a delicious Neapolitan pizza - the final step is eating it. Price includes two soft drinks, arts and craft activities, games and an ice cream sandwich. The Little Slice Pizza Masterclass Level 4, Selfridges, 100 Oxford Street, WA1 1AB. £25. 25 July - 30 August : Crystal Camp at Crystal Maze LIVE Experience Crystal Camp was designed to help young people regain their confidence following the pandemic. The five-day London and Manchester camps (for 9-12 year olds or 8-12 year olds) teach young people how to be Richard O’Brien-esque Maze Masters. Three of their top Maze Masters will engage children in fun activities to build confidence, imagination, improvisation and communication. And at the end of the week, Crystal Camp participants invite their family and friends for a very special round of The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience with the student at the centre of the experience; hosting their family and friends as a bona fide Maze Master. Crystal Maze Live Experience, 22 - 32 Shaftesbury Avenue W1D 7EU London Camp Dates: 9-12 year olds: 1st August – 5th August. 13 - 16 year olds: 8th August – 12th August Manchester Camp dates: 9-12 year olds 1st August – 5th August. 13-16 year olds: 15th August – 19th August Room on the Broom, Lyric Theatre There’s room for you in the Lyric Theatre this summer, when Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler’s much-loved witch takes to the stage alongside a host of animals and a dastardly dragon. Two shows a day at 11am and 2pm give you the chance to fit a performance around nap-times and kids aged 3+ are welcome, so expect a raucous sing/shout along with plenty of excitable children in attendance. The perfect way to ease kids children into the wonder of live theatre. Lyric Theatre, 29 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7ES. From £10 Theatre on Kew: The Jungle Book Whether you’re a King of the Swingers or just a regular Jungle VIP, Kew Gardens’ interpretation of the Jungle Book should be on your to do list this summer. Join Mowgli as she (yep, Mowgli is a she now) meets Bagheera, Akela and Baloo in the lush surroundings of London’s finest garden. It’s a 70 minute performance with no interval, but Kipling’s most loved children’s story - plus a whole host of songs - should be enough to hold the attention of even the most fidgety kids. The ticket price includes entry to the gardens, so make a day of it and enjoy the Bear Necessities of Life as you stroll through the fauna of Kew Gardens in the sunshine. From £12.90. Under 2s go free BUY TICKETS Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE Flip Out Hounslow If your children are of the ‘charmingly indecisive’ type, then a trip to Hounslow’s newly-opened Flip Out might be the answer to your prayers. Cramming mini-golf, arcades, laser quest, bumper cars, inflatables, a ninja assault course and soft play under a single, cavernous roof, the beauty of Flip Out is that you pay for entry to the venue and not for individual activities. We’re yet to discover whether you can drive a bumper car around the laser quest arena, performing drive-by shootings with a slushy in your hand, but there’s only one way to find out. Entry is a very reasonable £19pp (dropping to £14 for children under 1.1m tall) for three hours in the ‘Arena’ and if you’re not local to the brand-spanking new venue in Hounslow, Flip Out has similar offerings all over the country. From £4. BUY TICKETS Flip Out Hounslow, Units 3, 4 & 5 High Street Quarter, 8 Smithy Ln, Hounslow TW3 1EH Shakespeare's Globe Bankside Banish the bored with the Bard at Shakespeare’s Globe this Summer. With interactive theatre shows, tailored to a young audience, Elizabethan dress-up, sword fighting demos and storytelling, Shakespeare will keep little ones entertained. There’s even a special, CBeebies adaptation of As You Like It for ages three and up, with plenty of songs, dancing, interaction and slapstick. Shakespeare's Globe: 21 New Globe Walk SE1 9DT. Dates, times and ticket prices vary. Discover Children’s Story Centre - The 100 Story Hotel Stratford's immersive, sprog-storytelling Mecca is brimming with amazing August events. Highlights include The 100 Story Hotel. Clive the polar bear concierge can take your bags. And fellow guests include lions, tigers, dinosaurs and bears. Some sausage dogs are having a party on the hotel beach. The porters are penguins. And the housekeeping team is headed up by a handy octopus. There’s just one problem – although the hotel is usually full of 100 amazing stories, one story has just gone missing. They need your help to follow the clues and find the culprit. Created with bestselling, multi award-winning author and illustrator Rob Biddulph, this world of play and storytelling has something for everyone aged 0-8. Discover Children's Story Centre 383-387 High St, London E15 4QZ KidZania's Summer of Fun Festival Shepherd’s Bush’s indoor kiddie city throws its Summer of Fun Festival throughout August, including parades, a new summer trail, face painting, streetmosphere and activities inspired by Jack and the Beanstalk. They can kick off the festival by designing their own summer biscuits or even sign up to audition for the KidZania stage production of Jack and The Beanstalk, with top tips from West End stars and producers from Future Spotlight Productions. KidZania: Westfield London Shopping Centre Ariel Way W12 7GA. For 4-14 year olds Snot, Sick and Scabs at the Centre of the Cell Deliciously disgusting and sneakily educational centre in a futuristic, light-studded pod suspended above the laboratories of the Blizard Institute in Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry. Children can learn about the heart, teeth or senses, see scientists at work and enjoy their delightfully vile ‘Snot, Sick and Scabs’ session. Centre of the Cell, 4 Newark St, London E1 2AT The Pirate, The Princess and The Platypus Get yourselves down to southwest London’s kiddie gem, Polka Theatre and wrap your eyes and children around its £8.5 MILLION makeover, including theatre for babies, toddlers, indoor playspace, playground with treehouse, sensory room, a large café and more. Its new play is about a pirate who wanted to be a princess, a princess who wanted to be a pirate and a platypus who was happy being exactly that. The brand new comic, fairytale is about choosing your destiny, discovering your identity and finding your friends and has all the pirate kings, queens, frogs, tall towers and shipwrecks they could possibly need. Polka Theatre, now until 20 August, 240 The Broadway, London SW19 1SB Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour Brigit’s Bakery and Entertainment One’s afternoon tea bus tour of London has booze for the parents (woo) properly cute food, from Rebecca Rabbit’s Carrot Cupcake to Mummy Pig’s Strawberry Macaron, sing-a-longs and Peppa-guided animation, while you take in landmarks including Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral. Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour Departing from Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA. Thursdays - Sundays Thomas the Tank Engine at Whistlestop Valley Take unlimited train rides on Thomas, Toby and Mavis, meet Sir Topham Hatt and Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty and Dusty for singalongs and performances at Huddersfield’s Whistlestop Valley. Kids can also enjoy an Imagination Station play zone with Thomas and Friends activities, jumping pillow, bubble zone, storytelling sessions, giveaways for every child and themed activities. Thomas at Whistlestop Valley Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield HD8 9XJ Cutty Sark Rig Climb Experience Originally climbed when the ship first arrived to Greenwich in 1954, visitors are now also invited to clamber up the famous masts of the Cutty Sark. The Rig Climb Experience invites kids and brave parents to step up from the main deck onto the ship’s ratlines and climb up its top mast, as hundreds of sailors did during the Cutty Sark’s heyday. Once at the top, climbers will experience a controlled descent from the rigging. Participants will be rewarded with some of the best views in London, overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard and Tower Bridge. Cutty Sark King William Walk, London SE10 9HT Small is beautiful, Miniature Art Exhibition This small but mighty exhibition has proved so popular, its run has been extended until 4 September showcasing the work of 32 local and international miniature artists. On display are 130 tiny artworks, creating a small-scale universes full of artistry and poetry – figures playing tennis on a watermelon or skateboarding down a ramp made from coloured pencils. This is a family-friendly event with kids' DIY workshops. Small is Beautiful tickets, 81 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3LD. Until 4 September. Summer at Hawley Wharf, Camden Fill you weekends with free family events this August, at Camden’s Hawley Wharf where their canal-side quay will be filled with deckchairs and live music, and they’ll be joined by bubbleologists, balloon artists, face painters, puppet shows, circus performers and princess meet-and-greets. They will also have a range of global food vendors to appease even the pickiest of little eaters. Camden Market, Camden Lock Place NW1 8AF. Free. Aug 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 Kensington and Chelsea Festival Back for its second year, Kensington and Chelsea Festival is taking to the streets with theatre, circus, opera, dance, music, outdoor arts, family shows, interactive activities, talks and public art shows.. Highlights include Shakespeare's Globe's production of Julius Caesar and the world premiere of Hannah Sandison and Opera Holland Park presents Green Spaces: A Celebration in Song Kensington and Chelsea Festival,Various locations. Until August 31. Birdies, Angel Birdies’ shiny, new crazy golf branch has just opened in Angel, just in time for the summer holidays. The Insta-worthy, nine hole course features three completely new holes - Wing it, Green and Bunker 2.0 - as well as tried and tested fan favourites Hazard, Kinetic, Steps, Infinity and Roulette. Cheeky Burger will keep the kid’s happy, while the coral pink cocktail bar will please the parents. Birdies Level 1, Angel Central, 31-32 Parkfield Street, N1 0PZ Wembley Park This summer, younger sprogs can get involved with Sunday arts and craft sessions at BOXPARK or Saturday sporting sessions at The Yellow. Teens and bigger children can take on the zombie apocalypse at meetspaceVR or have a round on neon crazy golf course at Pop Golf. And Union Park has a kids’ splash park, games court and a bee hotel to keep them entertained. Wembley Park London Holiday to Space at Royal Observatory Greenwich Join Ted and Plant as they explore the Solar System in search of the best place to take a holiday in an intergalactic morning adventure, including a planetarium show and interactive workshop. Recommended Age: 3 - 6 yrs. Open 10am-5pm daily Royal Observatory Greenwich Park, Blackheath Avenue SE10 8XJ Wizard Exploratorium Soho's magic-themed Wizard Exploratorium is a five-storey, geek wonderland, offering a 4D wand-making workshop, immersive trick shop and suitably magical afternoon tea encompassing tea brewing, molecular gastronomy, and technology. Wizard Exploratorium, 26 Greek St, London W1D 5DE Horniman Museum There aren’t many places for a family to enjoy a butterfly house, aquarium, 16 acres of stunning gardens, alpacas, a merman, gorillas and a giant, overstuffed walrus for less than a chippy tea. So thank chuff for Horniman Museum and Gardens. The brilliant, South-East London attraction is one of the capital’s hidden and most eclectic gems and is a huge hit with kids of all ages, as well as grown-ups. The vast gardens are completely free, dog-friendly and have a variety of trails and activities. Children can make a racket on giant instruments in the Sound Garden, explore the Bee Garden or visit alpacas, goats and sheep on the Animal Walk. The museum is also free and includes the wonderfully weird and fascinating Natural History Gallery, packed with taxidermy, skeletons and fossils including Forest Hill's most famous resident, The Horniman Walrus - generously stuffed by Victorians who had (clearly) never seen a real walrus before. Horniman Museum 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ Peppa Pig: My First Concert. Your kids will be happily snorting at this interactive introduction to a live orchestra for ages 18 months and older. Peppa and George learn all about different sounds that instruments make together, and enjoy some of their favourite music from the show played by an orchestra as well as discovering other exciting orchestral pieces. Little piggies can join in with Peppa and her family and make music of their own. Peppa Pig: My First Concert at Edinburgh Assembly Hall 4 - 21 August Kid's Week at London Theatre, West End *FREE SUMMER HOLIDAY CHILD TICKETS TO ALL WEST END SHOWS, KLAXON* That’s right, with London Theatre’s annual ticket sale, sprogs under 17 go free with an adult and there are discounts for additional children. The perfect time to snap up tickets to shows like Frozen, Matilda and The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe. Dates: August 1-31 Official London Theatre - Kid's Week Like what you've read? Why not subscribe to our free, monthly newsletter?

  • LONDON'S BEST BOTTOMLESS PROSECCO BRUNCHES

    Is it a breakfast? Is it a lunch? Who cares, as long as the Prosecco's plentiful! The rise of the Brunch in London's culinary scene is a joyful thing. It enjoys a reputation as a distinguished, classy way to catch up with friends. After all, it's basically just a breakfast date with a little wine, right? Well, sure. Unless it's a bottomless brunch that'll end with you dancing on the table, screaming the chorus to Britney's Hit Me Baby One More Time with egg smeared over your face... Noughties Bottomless Brunch London Cocktail Club, Clapham Common Prosecco and pizza soundtracked by Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Beyonce, you say? Don’t mind if we do! Choose between a one or two hour slot (if you choose one hour, we can’t be friends) and munch on as many slices as you can manage. It’s only Margherita pizza, which is a minor downer, but you’ll be so transfixed on the drag queens belting out noughties hits, we’re willing to bet you won’t even notice. £35pp (1hr) or £49 (2hrs) Saturdays 1pm - 4pm Sounds noughtie. Book it now! Waffles and Bubbles Bottomless Brunch Duo, Shoreditch Waffles, maple syrup and bacon. It shouldn’t work, but somehow it just does. Duo Shoreditch serves up America’s most confusing culinary offering alongside a whole bunch of more traditional options (we’ll take banana and biscoffi please, waiter…) The Prosecco flows for two whole hours and DJs play club classics for the whole duration. Worth also mentioning that in addition to the midday-2pm slot, there’s a 3pm-5pm window for those of us who like to take our brunch at an even more leisurely hour. £38pp Saturdays and Sundays 12pm – 2pm or 3pm – 5pm Stop waffling and get booking! Brunch and Bubbles Bocconcino, Mayfair Feel all fancy by strolling through the streets of Mayfair before ducking into Bocconcino to fill your belly. Unlimited pizza (choose between 10 different pizzas!) and Prosseco this good will have you speaking fluent Italian by the time you leave and DJs are on hand to keep the energy levels flowing as you tuck into your 500th slice of deep pan Diavola heaven. £49pp Saturdays and Sundays 12pm - 2:30pm I want a pizza the action! Moulin Rouge Bottomless Brunch Tonight Josephine, Waterloo There’s a distinct lack of any Marmalaaaaade on the menu here, but don’t let that put you off. Pulled pork BBQ buns, Smashed avocado on toast and a Louisiana burger will line the stomach for 90 minutes of Prosecco, while the stage welcomes drag, cabaret and lip-sync battles for your entertainment. £55pp Saturdays 3pm – 5:30pm It'd be Rouge not to - book me in! Jamaican Brunch and Bottomless Booze Ma Petite Jamaica, Camden Choose a main course from Ma Petite Jamaica’s mouthwatering menu and settle into a two hour session in the heart of Camden. You won’t be surprised to hear that Rum Punch and Rum Maria are also on offer here, but if it’s Prosecco you’re after, they’ll see you right. The menu goes full Caribbean with jerk chicken, coconut fish curry or even a St Anne’s brunch, which includes saltfish fricassee, chunky yam chips and macaroni cheese. £34.50pp (minimum 2 people) Saturdays and Sundays, time slots from 12pm - 2:45pm Jamaica me want to book brunch Megan’s Bottomless Brunch Various Locations Mediterranean-inspired brunch served up on a sun-soaked terrace is the way weekends should be done, and for £25 you can add a whole 90 minutes of free-flowing Prosecco into the mix. With locations across London, chances are you’re within stumbling distance of a branch and they’re pet friendly, which means it technically counts as a dog-walk, too. The Shakshorizo Baked Eggs here are a thing of beauty. £25pp + food extra Find me a local Megan's It’s Britney Brunch Tonight Josephine, Waterloo Britney, brunch, burgers and bingo, paired with Prosseco, beer or a range of cocktails. What’s not to like? Hold on to your glasses as a troupe of drag Britneys warble their way through the pop icon’s back catalogue. Josephine’s brunches are on the raucous side, so don’t expect a sedate affair - but you can hardly complain when you’re dancing on the table after 90 minutes of free bubbles, can you? £49pp Sundays 1pm - 3:30pm Book it baby one more time! Bottomless Brunch Away With the Circus CIRCUS London, Covent Garden If watching people bend themselves into a pretzel is your ideal way to spend an afternoon, then CIRCUS London is for you. The country’s finest performers put their bodies through unimaginable feats while you stuff your face with Pan Asian food and an hour of Prosseco like the glutton you are. It's got head-spinning handbalancers, contortionists and even fire eaters, which will come in handy if your food comes out a little on the undercooked side. £20pp plus food extra (minimum 2 people) Daily 12:30pm - 1:30pm and 2:45pm - 3:45pm Book a table now! Supa Dupa Fly X Bottomless Brunch Skylight, Peckham Brunch with views for miles is what you’ll be served up at Peckham’s Skylight. You’ll get two courses, with cinnamon spiced banana French toast, crushed avocado on soudough and quinoa breakfast bowl among the choices, and 60 minutes of free Prosecco or cocktails. BBC 1Xtra’s Emily Rawson will be on the decks, sending hip-hop and R&B classics out into the Peckham sky at one of South London’s best rooftop venues. £39.90pp (min 2 people per booking) Saturdays 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Bottomless drinks served between 1 - 2 p.m. This sounds SUPA. I'll book it right now Bottomless Brunches at Jones & Sons Jones & Sons, Dalston A solid, TWO hour offering here means you’ll more than get your money’s worth - and when you factor in Jones & Sons’ top notch Modern English grub, you’d do well to find a better venue bottomless brunch. Keep it healthy with yoghurt, granola and berries or go all-out slob with a chargrilled full English of Belgian waffles. Whatever you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy it at a leisurely pace and still have plenty of time for that Prosseco. £47pp Saturday 11-5 & Sunday 11-3 Yes son, book me up a brunch! Bottomless Brunches Hotbox Whitechapel If you’re anything like us, BBQ meat is a welcome addition to ANY meal, and Hotbox serves plenty of it on their brunch menu. Brisket Hash, Pork Belly Benedict and a Brekkie Burger are standouts here. Pay for your food order and an extra £25 gets you two hours of unlimited bubbles. £25 + food extra Tues - Sat 11:30 - 2:15 Sun 11:30 - 2:30 Sign me up for a meat brunch! Bottomless Brunches at Daisy Green, Barbie Green and Beany Green Paddington and Little Venice Take two courses (one savoury, one sweet) and 90 minutes of Prosseco on board these beautiful, listed barges on London’s picturesque waterways. Run by Aussies, who’ve been indulging in brunches long before us Brits cottoned on, all the classics are on offer as well as Banana Bread Sandwiches, Peach Melba Coconut French Toast and Shakshouka. You get the added bonus of being able to claim that wobbly walk is all down to sea legs and not the three bottles of Prosecco you downed with your bacon roll. £48.90pp - full table bookings only Monday - Saturday 10am - 3:30pm Sundays 12:00pm - 3:30pm Set sail for brunch now Issho-Ni Bethnal Green Issho-Ni serves up deliciously clean and flavoursome sushi that’ll make you feel like a high-flyer when washed down with a glass of cold Prosseco. The unlimited brunch costs £36 and includes endless sashimi and Maki Rolls, plus one main per person. Add £17 to your bill and you’ll benefit from unlimited Prosseco, too. £37 + £17 for unlimited drinks Saturdays 12 - 3:30pm Maki a date with Issho-Ni Brother Marcus Angel, Spitalfields. Balham Well-known for its brunch menu, which uses only locally sourced ingredients and offers up delights including Harissa Eggs, Smoky Shakshuka and the Marcus Breakfast, Brother Marcus also offers a £30 top-up for those wanting unlimited booze for 90 minutes. Prosseco, Bloody Marys, Bellinis, Mimosas and beers are all included, so you’ll get your fill with brunch here. £30pp + food extra Mon - Fri: 8:30- 12:00 Sat 9:00 - 16:00 Sun: 9:30 - 16:00 Get me involved, brother! Bottomless Pizza Brunch Crust Bros, Waterloo Look, there’s a time and a place for healthy brunch. We get that. But it’s ALWAYS the time and the place for pizza, so Crisp Bros speaks our language. How much sourdough pizza and Prosseco can you finish in 90 minutes? All we need is a seat next to the pizza oven and a conveyor belt and we’ll comfortably see that the £35 price tag is exceeded. £35pp Saturdays & Sundays 12 - 4:30pm Check out that pizza brunch! Lantana Blowout Brunch London Bridge, Fitzrovia, Shoreditch Lantana’s three branches all offer a modern take on brunch inspired by their Aussie roots, with menus including Avocado Poke Bowls, Indonesian Fried Rice with Kimchi or Shredded Chicken and even a Bubble and Squeak Benedict. A reasonable £35 will get you unlimited Prosseco alongside your brunch item, gives you a full 90 minute window to attack those bottles with gusto. £35 Saturdays and Sundays 9am - 4pm Check out the menu here Like what you've read? Why not subscribe to our free, monthly newsletter?

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