Going Out | Events and Things To Do
Things to do in London this weekend, from Pulp's new album to Ballerinas
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Another weekend in the capital and there’s plenty to do and see. It’s a good one for art lovers, with both the new Serpentine Pavilion and the Design Biennale vying for attention, but there’s also plenty to eat, and — perhaps most importantly — the return of Pulp. Read our interview with Jarvis Cocker here.
Here’s everything you could do in London this weekend.
Things to do in London this weekend (June 5-8)
Celebrate A Capsule in Time by Marina Tabassum
June 6 to October 26, serpentinegalleries.org
World-renowned architect Marina Tabassum is behind the new Serpentine Pavilion this summer, bringing a design that draws on the history and traditions of Shamiyana tents seen across south Asia. The structure is an arched garden canopy with a translucent facade, allowing soft daylight to filter down into the space, one that Tabassum hopes will be used for conversation and human connection.
Be wowed by this year’s London Design Biennale
Until June 29, Somerset House, londondesignbiennale.com
The London Design Biennale is back for its fifth edition and promises an eclectic showcase of design, innovation and creativity from around the world. Installations, talks, performances and workshops will all focus on this year’s theme, Surface Reflections. Artistic director Dr Samuel Ross hopes to explore how ideas are “fuelled by both our internal experiences and external influences”.
Smash a smashburger at Dumbo
From June 12, dumboparis.com
Another day, another smashburger. Not that we’re complaining. Next on the roster is Dumbo, a Parisian import ever-popular in the French capital. In London, the meat will come from HG Walter but the technique will be much the same as at the original, with patties smashed to become tender and crisp, topped with diner cheese, onion, pickles, ketchup and mustard. If it sounds much the same as Supernova, you’d be right. Anyway, this style is how burgers should be: simple, affordable (tenner a go) and delicious
John Wick gets a new face with Ballerinas
This John Wick spin-off is, technically, the fifth film in the long-running franchise, but welcomes a new star in Eve Maccaro (Ana de Armas, top of page), an assassin trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma organisation seeking revenge after her father’s death. Directed by Len Wiseman, it will be every bit a gun-toting, explosive action thriller. Keanu Reeves reprises his role as Wick and the cast is bolstered headily by the likes of Anjelica Huston, the late Lance Reddick and Ian McShane.
Get greedy with the second season of Gold
Out June 8, BBC One & iPlayer
The critically acclaimed factual drama returns for a second series. Inspired by the true story of the 1983 Brink’s-Mat robbery, one of the largest heists in British history with more than £26million stolen in gold, diamonds and cash, the show continues with the events that followed, including money laundering, confidence schemes and shootings. A starry cast includes Hugh Bonneville, Charlotte Spencer and Jack Lowden .
Read the grim truth of war in The Hiroshima Men by Iain MacGregor
2025 isn’t just the 80th anniversary of VE Day; it’s also the anniversary of the dropping of the atom bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a deliberate operation to kill innocent civilians in a uniquely horrible fashion. The Japanese had sued for peace, even if they had not yet opted for surrender. This unsparing account follows all the chief players in this tragedy, including the plane that dropped the bomb. It is a grim, necessary read.
Be part of the moment with Pulp’s new album
Released June 6
Make no mistake, Pulp’s first album in 24 years is a massive moment for British music. The record, More, came about after the band started touring again in 2023, which in turn led to a song called The Hymn of the North. This features alongside a host of new tracks, all recorded in Walthamstow. It was the “shortest amount of time a Pulp album has ever taken to record,” said frontman Jarvis Cocker. “It was obviously ready to happen.” Fans are ready too — pre-orders are apparently going strong (and you can also book now to see them live at The O2.)
Book now for Rick Stein at Fortnum & Mason
Until August 5, rickstein.com
The titan of Cornish seafood, Rick Stein, is in London this summer with a residency at Fortnum & Mason. Celebrating 50 years in hospitality, the chef and broadcaster is putting on a “simple, seasonal menu shaped by five decades of memories, stories and signature dishes”, including a bouillabaisse-style fish soup, hot shellfish with parsley, chilli, garlic and lemon, grilled Cornish lobster and turbot with hollandaise.
Don’t miss the Twin Peaks diner
June 18, 271 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16
To mark the 35th anniversary of David Lynch and Mark Frost’s cult classic Twin Peaks, the New River Café is to transform into a diner experience for one day only. Anyone who fancies themselves something of a Dale Cooper may swing by for a cup of joe and a slice of cherry pie. Though you’ll want to get there early: it will be drop-in only, between 11am and 7pm.
...And be sure to book for Too Many Critics
June 16, actionagainsthunger.org.uk
Next month sees this year’s Too Many Critics take place at Roe. Raising vital funds for Action Against Hunger, which aims to eradicate food poverty around the world, the dinner turns the tables on restaurant critics, thrusting them into the kitchen to cook a lavish dinner for chef judges and members of the public. Cooks include the Standard’s David Ellis, Tom Parker Bowles (Mail on Sunday) and Hannah Twiggs (Independent). Tickets are £250, and it’s for a very good cause. Fun night, too.