Gifford's Circus
Gifford's Circus is a whimsical marvel / Image: Gem Hall
Stopping off at Chiswick House and Gardens from 16-27 June as part of its UK-wide summer tour, Gifford’s Circus promises to bring the sights and sounds of 1920s rural Mexico to London via its new show ¡Carpa!, inspired by the country’s rich musical and artistic history. Featuring acrobats, jugglers, horse vaulters and more, it’s a traditional circus show with an ambitious scope – aka, take the little ones, but you’ll likely leave with your mind pretty blown, too.
giffordscircus.com
'Grime Stories' at Museum of London
A recreation of grime don Jammer's basement / Image: © John Chase, Museum of London
Since the turn of the century, grime has grown from a relatively underground concern to a powerfully important genre, making global stars of its figureheads and pushing its origins and narratives into the spotlight. Opening on 17 June, the Museum of London’s free ‘Grime Stories’ exhibition will track its journey from the streets of East London, showing how stations like Rinse FM and artists such as Skepta and Boy Better Know’s Jammer cemented their place in music history.
museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london/whats-on/exhibitions/grime-stories
Chet’s at Rondo la Cave
Technicolour pan-US/Asian dishes at Chet's / Image: Anton Rodriguez
Kris Yenbamroong – the man behind cult LA Thai eatery NIGHT + MARKET – has brought a slice of the magic to Holborn’s Rondo la Cave – the basement natural wine bar at The Hoxton hotel – for a new summer pop up: Chet’s. Open mid-May for a four month residency, the onus is on indulgent fusion food, blending together the comfort of an American diner with the bold flavours of Thailand. Think fried chicken thighs served with spicy red eye chilli dip, pad rigatoni – literally a cross between a pasta dish and a pad thai – and a super-tangy smashburger.
rondolacave.com
The Glass Rooms on the River
A meticulous dish at The Glass Rooms / Image: Patricia Tobin
Self-contained ‘igloos’ have long been a fixture of winter in London, but why should the colder months get all the fun? Located on the Wharf of the Tower of London, with panoramic views across the Thames, The Glass Rooms offer up a private dining experience like no other. Bubble up and indulge in the likes of Barbary duck breast or Dover sole, all safe in the knowledge that, should the fickle British weather take a turn, you’ll be sheltered from the storm. As part of the Jubilee celebrations, the Superbloom display will also be filling the Tower’s moat from June to September, meaning you’ll get to dine in front of a full floral fantasy.
theglassrooms.co.uk
Dirty Dancing at Secret Cinema
Running for three weeks from 13 July, Secret Cinema’s latest immersive venture will transport attendees back to the summer of ‘63 via an all-guns-blazing outdoor recreation of the iconic film’s Kellerman’s Resort. The more you put into a Secret Cinema event, the more you get out of it – so be ready to don your finest Baby- and Johnny-adjacent attire and throw yourself into the action. Ten extra points if you come dressed as a watermelon.
tickets.secretcinema.org/dirty-dancing/
Lambeth Country Show
Typically wacky doings at the Lambeth Country Show / Image: Georgia Merton
A south London summer fixture for nearly 50 years, the Lambeth Country Show is an oldie but a goodie, combining wholesome fun (medieval jousting competitions and sheep shearing displays take top billing here) with enough cider to floor every farmer in Somerset. At the show’s last 2019 edition, entries to the fruit and vegetable display competition included a cabbage-based Salvador Da-leaves and an inspired interpretation of ‘Strawbzy’ headlining Glastonbury. Pure entertainment at its finest.
lambethcountryshow.co.uk
Mexican Geniuses
A giant Frida looks over this nifty VR-driven exhibition / Image: Fever
Following the city’s recent, much-celebrated immersive Van Gogh exhibition, London is now getting another multi-sensory art treat in the form of ‘Mexican Geniuses’ – exploring the work of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera via the medium of VR. Currently bookable until the end of June and located in Canada Water, wander through Day of the Dead celebrations and into the afterlife – all inspired by the rich creativity of this most volatile artistic pair.
mexicangeniuses.com/london/
Drag Brunches at Between the Bridges
Striking a pose, pre-brunch / Image: Luke Dyson
Calling all Ru Paul’s Drag Race stans! If you want to get up close and personal with some of the show’s most beloved queens (and get more than a little tipsy while doing it), there are few better ways to spend a Saturday afternoon than at this Southbank shindig. Over the course of the summer, fan favourites including The Vivienne, Tia Kofi, Cheryl Hole and Tayce will all be taking to the stage, with quizzes, DJs and, of course, an hour of bottomless Prosecco all thrown in too. UK Hun? You will be after this.
https://betweenthebridges.co.uk/drag-brunch/
Underbelly Festival
The entrance to the Earl's Court site / Image: Pasco Photography
Now a long-running London staple, jam-packed Underbelly Festival will once again showcase the best in theatre, comedy, cabaret and more across two sites in Earls Court and Cavendish Square. Taking place from 28 April to 31 July, each week’s programme offers a veritable pu pu platter of performing arts – don’t miss the high-flying antics of cabaret collective La Clique or the belly laugh-inducing London Comedy All Stars Lineup. The free-to-enter sites also boast cocktail bars, street food stalls, and comfy deck chairs to chill on.
underbellyfestival.com
