W/c 12th May

Get the juices flowing canal-side at Towpath Cafe
Nothing feels better than being by the water, especially at times where inspiration is lacking. Towpath Cafe, open Wednesday to Sunday from 9am, lies on the Regent’s Canal close-by Haggerston Overground Station. Bring a laptop, a notepad and order some eggs on toast early in the day if you want to get lost in a deep-thinking session that’s complimented by the blue skies and slow-moving waters.

Business meets community at Harvey Nichols
The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry is hosting a networking session (open to non-members) for entrepreneurs looking to connect with business folk. Welcome drinks with canapes are included at Madhus Brasserie, Harvey Nichols.

Find sunny spots around you
You might’ve seen a new map, Sunseekr, that’s gone viral. It showcases outdoor spots by how much sunlight it will catch at any time of the day. Perfect if you’ve finished work a little late and need to catch the closest place that will still offer some vitamin D.

Crack a tune at South London’s newest Irish pub
Opened just a couple weeks ago, Molly Mc’s Irish Singing Pub is named in honour of the formidable Molly Mc Elhinney — beloved granny of the tavern’s owners. You can book upscale music/karaoke rooms decorated with traditional Irish and Old-Western influences that will take you back in time.

London’s new Pizza spot paying homage to the NYC slice  
Spring Street is the latest venture by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kemble. Tucked away in an arch not far off Borough Market, this pizzeria combines top-tier craftsmanship with a laid-back vibe. Expect dough fermented for 48-72 hours, pizzas like the Sausage & Friarelli or New Yorker, and a selection of homemade dips. With a carefully curated wine list, cocktails and soft-serve gelato.

Tuck into sandwiches taller than St. Pauls
If you’ve ever had a guilty pleasure for a bite at The Black Pig or Secret Sandwich Shop, then the Sarnie Party, The UK’s ultimate sandwich festival at Camden Town Brewery, is an absolute must.

Get lost in a floral wonderland
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is coming back from 20-24 May. Pair your visit with a leisurely stroll around the area to witness Chelsea in Bloom, where the streets come alive with floral installations decorating shops, architecture and hidden corners.

Steam, ice, repeat… Eastern European style
Banya No.1 is one of the very few authentic Russian banya experiences in London. With two branches in Hoxton and Chiswick, the spa features an authentic steam sauna, icy plunge pool, hot stone rooms and a rest and relaxation area with traditional Eastern European food and drinks. We recommend the Parenie treatment, a traditional thermal massage using bundles of birch, oak and eucalyptus leaves perfect for circulation, inflammation and a sweet rush of endorphins.

A24 classics at a classic venue
From 9-15 May, The Prince Charles Cinema will be screening seven of A24's most acclaimed films, including Everything Everywhere All at Once, Uncut Gems, Midsommar (extended edition), Moonlight, Lady Bird and more.

A marathon? To recharge?
Whether you’re taking part or cheering on from the sidelines, the Hackney Half Marathon (17-18 May) is a chance to recharge in the most energetic way, surrounded by an electric atmosphere. The day wraps up at Hackney Marshes, where you can unwind with food, music and post-race celebrations.

A few golden days always reminds us how good this city can feel when it leans into blue skies and fully bloomed trees. Mornings start with birdsong and evenings stretch just long enough to linger.

London in May has its own kind of magnetism. The parks are suddenly social hubs. Tables spill onto pavements. Calendars fill without you even noticing. There’s a tempo shift now. People start saying yes more quickly. Clothes get lighter. Plans move from “maybe” to “when.”

This month isn’t about finding time, it’s about choosing how to spend it. Catch the unmissable to-do’s defining London this May, handpicked by the editor.