Londonist partner content: bringing you the best events, offers and more around the city.
Meet the Southbank Centre’s spectacular new balcony bar
Not to brag, but we might have just found the perfect summer drinking spot. It’s got world-class views, a cracking menu and a frisson of under-the-radar glamour that belies its central London location. Oh, and it happens to be located within one of the capital’s best-loved arts venues…
Welcome to Seventy5th Balcony Bar at the Southbank Centre. Newly opened on the fifth floor of the iconic Royal Festival Hall, it offers panoramic riverside vistas, with huge windows and balcony seating overlooking the Thames. Head here for cocktails, mocktails, wine, spirits and beer, accompanied by locally-sourced, freshly-prepared small and sharing plates (ideal for pre-show dining!)
Seventy5th Balcony Bar isn’t just for the evening, though. It’s open 10am-11pm, Tuesday to Sunday, with breakfast/brunch options like fresh granola, fruit, and hot plates such as eggs, bacon and avocado. From lunchtime onwards you can feast on croquettes, cheese boards, antipasti and more. Whatever you go for, friendly table service and superb scenery (hello there, Big Ben) is guaranteed.
Billy Porter as the Emcee - Rob Madge takes on the role from 29 May
Here’s a steal of a deal for Playhouse Theatre's electrifying immersive production of Cabaret. Be transported to Jazz Age Berlin from just £30, as part of our summer theatre sale. From 29 May, Bridgerton star Hannah Dodd steps into the role of Sally Bowles with Rob Madge — creator of the Olivier-nominated My Son's a Queer (But What Can You Do?) — as the Emcee.
How do you source, cook and take joy in food in the midst of war and loss? Find out through the extraordinary stories of Ukrainian refugees, restaurateurs and volunteers providing sustenance and connection while under siege. They’re celebrated by journalist and food writer Felicity Spector in her new book, Bread & War: A Ukrainian Story of Food, Bravery and Hope.
Celebrate Palestinian heritage while sharing conversation and a whole lot of tasty food. On selected Sundays, new cultural embassy Palestine House hosts a set menu brunch, featuring hummus, falafel, mutabal, moussaka, halloumi, foul and labneh — plus tea and coffee.
Image: Royal Albert Hall, where the majority of Proms concerts take place
London’s biggest festival of classical music returns this summer, with almost 90 shows and some 3,000 musicians taking part. So much choice can feel overwhelming, so we’ve put together a handy guide to the BBC Proms 2025. Here you’ll find our highlights, info on how to get cheap tickets, and recommendations for families.
Fancy escaping London for the day? Live within easy reach of East Croydon station? Then you’re in luck, because we’ve got some incredible day trip ideas, all of which are a hassle-free train ride (think 75 mins or less) away. Fairy tale castles, grand cathedrals and seaside frolics await…
