India Lawrence

The votes are in: we’ve just named the world’s very best cities for nightlife. To do this, we asked locals all over the world what they’d say about the nightlife in their city. Then we put the data to a panel of experts – Time Out’s city editors, culture experts and specialists – to decide on the very best.  Bangkok topped the list, but plenty of European cities featured too – including Amsterdam, Athens and Berlin, which ranked second in the globe. So we reached out to our most trusted writers in some of our favourite cities in Europe and asked them one question: what’s the best nightclub in your city? And sure, this list is subjective, but if you’re partying in any of the cities on this list, these spots are an excellent place to start. For good DJs, late closing and all-round good vibes, here are our favourite clubs in Europe right now.  ➡️ READ MORE: Europe’s best music festivals At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by experts across Europe. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide may include affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

September 2026: There's a brand new Number 1, with the frankly exceptional Impala in Soho taking the top spot as our favourite new restaurant in London. Other fresh additions include Kismet in Borough Market, Cafe Clement by the Thames in Temple, Hon's BBQ in Hackney Wick, Cue Point in Notting Hill, Jackson Boxer's Vesper in Clerkenwell and Kinz in Notting Hill. Hungry yet? Every week, a frankly silly amount of brilliant new restaurants, cafés and street food joints arrive in London. Which makes whittling down a shortlist of the best newbies a serious challenge. But here it is. The 20 very best new restaurants in the capital, ranked in order of greatness and deliciousness. All of them have opened over the past 12 months and been visited by our hungry critics. So go forth and take inspo from this list, which is updated regularly. Check in often to find out what we really rate on the London restaurant scene. And look here for all the info about the best new openings in September 2026. London's best new restaurants at a glance: 🥩 Central: Impala, Soho 🍷 North: The Golden Tooth, Newington Green 🦐 South: The Victory, East Dulwich 🍝 East: Hon's BBQ, Hackney Wick 🥗 West: Maai by Nikita, Fulham Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best restaurants in London. The hottest new openings, the tastiest tips, the spiciest reviews: we’re serving it all on our London restaurants WhatsA

There are an estimated 1,500 permanent exhibition spaces in the capital, and what makes the Big Smoke’s art scene so special is that most of them are free, even the mega museums where you can see your Picassos, Botticellis and the like. But with so much choice, picking a gallery to visit can be tricky business. Whether you’re looking for contemporary or classical, modernism or old masters, photography or sculpture, there’s a spot catering to everyone’s taste.  So we’ve created a shortlist of all the London galleries you need to visit, including institutions like the Tate Modern, independent stalwarts like the White Cube and exciting up-and-comers like Rose Easton. These are the 35 best art galleries in London.  RECOMMENDED: The 10 best exhibitions on in London right now.

Our feet are sore, our lungs are full of dust, and our noses are well and truly sunburnt. But festival season isn’t quite over yet. This summer Londoners have been absolutely spoilt for choice when it came to fezzies. The August bank holiday closed the summer holidays with a bang, with festivals in London headlined by Blood Orange, Tyler, The Creator and Maribou State. But if you missed all that, fear not, you’ve still got a chance to catch some big names this September as well as at a smattering of indoor events taking us through to next year.  Have a scroll through our comprehensive guide – which we keep meticulously updated with all the latest line-up announcements – and see what takes your fancy. RECOMMENDED: ⛺ The best UK music festivals🌍 The best festivals in Europe

If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: this is the year of the staycation. After all, who needs to go abroad when the weather is this damn good at home, and when there are oh-so-many incredible hotels to pitch up in for the weekend, right here in the UK? In fact, we’d go as far to say that the UK’s hotels are some of the very best in the business – 10-room boutiques, seaside townhouses, sprawling countryside estates n’ all. Whatever trip you’re after, be it a quick break from London or a remote coastal stay, there is a perfect hotel waiting for you. And on this list, we’ve got it all: food-focused pubs with rooms, remote hotels with blessedly patchy signal and all-out, OTT luxurious. However, we want this list to reflect a full spectrum of properties available to travellers (and not just the ones with gold towel holders and Michelin-starred room service.) As a result, we make sure to take into account location, price and value for money – and bring you a guide that has plenty of budget-friendly options included too. Oh, and family-friendly ones. And yes, dog-friendly, too. Itching to book? Read on, friends. Here are our favourite hotels in the UK right now.  The UK’s best hotels at a glance 👑 Best overall: Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh 🎀 Best boutique: The Newt, Somerset 🥂 Best luxury: Claridge’s, London 💍 Best for couples: The Bull, Cotswolds 🌾 Best countryside: Cavendish Hotel, Peak District 💸 Best budget option: Leven, Manchester How we curat

After a sleepy August spent escaping the blistering heat of London’s pavements, September is when London’s first-class culture scene kicks back into action. And the dance world is no exception.  The city’s twinkliest-toed performers will return to the stage tanned and rested to dance in some cracking productions this September. Highlights include one of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s annual returns to Sadler’s Wells, a world premiere of a new work by English National Ballet, and new pieces from the National Dance Company Wales.  Whether you’re looking for a last-minute night out, or have been planning an evening at the theatre for months, these are the dance shows in London you should be booking this autumn.  India Lawrence is Time Out’s resident dance expert. She has been reviewing contemporary dance and ballet in London since 2022.  RECOMMENDED:🎭 The best theatre shows in London for 2026🎤 The top London comedy shows to see in June💃 Dance classes in London  

Lebanese food has been available in London for roughly a half century, with Fakhreldine opening in Mayfair in the 1970s and the first branch of Maroush on Edgware Road in 1981. While there is still plenty of decent Lebanese fare on Edgware Road, it is further west in Park Royal, that some of the best Lebanese – and Middle Eastern food in general – can now be found. But what is Lebanese cuisine anyway? And what makes it distinct from Syrian or Palestinian food? In the late 1990s, when the Arab world’s first TV chef Ramzi Choueiri began chronicling rural culinary traditions across Lebanon, a more coherent nationalist idea of the cuisine emerged, while the urban restaurant culture of Beirut was exported across global cities with an idea of Lebanese cuisine as a uniquely elegant take on Middle Eastern cuisine. While this image of Lebanese food has stuck, it is at its core characterised by the Arabic saying baynatna khubz wa-milih (between us there is bread and salt). In other words, it is food to be eaten communally; dishes to be shared. The interesting thing about Lebanese restaurants in London is that the differences between menus can be so subtle they’re hard to notice. Menus are often organised the same way: cold mezze, hot mezze, and then mains, often organized into stewed dishes and charcoal grill items. So the differences can be put down to three things. First, service style. At the more upmarket end of the spectrum, home-baked pita or taboun bread are served over industr

Make no mistake, the UK’s most beautiful places rank among the world’s most visually stunning locations. And what’s more, Britain looks good in so many ways. Sure, there are mighty natural landscapes like mountains, coasts and forests – but lots of the UK’s most spectacular sights are manmade: age-old architectural marvels, idyllic towns and feats of revolutionary design.   Time Out’s revamped guide to the most beautiful places in the UK has all the above and more. Compiled with the expertise of our travel experts – who’ve seen more than their fair share of spectacular stuff – it documents the length and breadth of Britain’s grandest and most memorable locations. In the market to see something mind-boggling? Here’s our definitive ranking of the UK’s most beautiful places right now. RECOMMENDED FOR UK TRAVEL🥾 The best hikes and walks🏖️ The most stunning beaches🏛️ The most fascinating museums🌊 The greatest seaside towns

We all know that it costs an arm and a leg to enjoy a day out in London these days. Step out the front door and you’re probably already down a tenner – so once you’ve factored in transport, food, drinks and tickets for whatever takes your fancy, you’re looking at some serious damage to your poor old bank balance. But not all is lost: you’re in a cultural capital, for goodness’ sake. Let’s not forget that we can enjoy some world-class art in world-class galleries, right here on our doorstep, free of charge. Pretty much every major museum in London is free to enter, as well as every gallery – and while the temporary exhibitions will usually take a fee, you can still see some of the greats (we’re talking your Monets, Michelangelos and Emins) at places like the Tate Modern and National Gallery without splurging a penny of your hard-earned cash.  Below, you’ll find all of the free art and photography exhibitions happening in London right now, but that’s not everything: don’t miss out on the permanent collections of some fantastic free museums and galleries right here. Enjoy. RECOMMENDED:All of the free galleries and museums in LondonExplore our full guide to free LondonThe best art exhibitions in London

When it comes to art and exhibitions, London has it all. From the niche spaces, to the avant garde galleries, and the massive crowd-pleasing museums, our city is packed with shows that will perplex, challenge, inspire, educate and leave you feeling awestruck.  The problem is... there’s absolutely tons to see. Too much, you could say. Lucky for you, Time Out exists. For decades, our experts have been visiting and reviewing all the sculpture, painting, performance, photography, history, fashion and other types of exhibitions on offer. You name it, we’ve (probably, most likely) seen it. If you’re wondering what’s actually worth your time, start here. Check out the best museum exhibitions and art in London right now, and be sure to come back weekly for the latest picks. Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Best photography exhibitions in LondonBest free exhibitions in London

Summer is officially here, and its endless heatwaves have got us excited about sweating it out on the streets of west London with Red Stripe pulsing through our veins, because Notting Hill Carnival is just around the corner. As you gear up for one of the capital’s most fun weekends of the year, it’s understandable if you might want to do a little more prep than simply stocking up on drinks and paint powder.  Carnival is an incredible knees-up, but with all its sounds, sights and crowds, it can get a little overwhelming. An estimated 2.5 million punters head to west London for the celebration, so it’s totally normal that you might get turned around, lost or just need a handy reminder of where you're going after several rounds of Wray & Ting.  Never fear! We’ve got a handy map for you below, soundsystems and all, to help you navigate your way around the famous west London parade. Check it out.  What is the schedule for Notting Hill Carnival 2026? Notting Hill Carnival 2026 starts on Sunday, August 30 and continues on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31.  What is the Notting Hill Carnival 2026 parade route?  NHC likes to keep attendees on their toes and is famous for releasing all the details, including stage headliners, at the last minute. Now, 2026's map is out so you can get your weekend plans sorted. Sunday is the day of the children’s parade and the adult’s parade takes place on Monday. Both parades follow the same route, starting at Westbourne Park station on Great Western Road

June 2026: From Asian patisseries to sourdough specialists and beigel gurus, when it comes to bakeries London is one big doughy goldmine. This means whittling down the very best bakehouses in the city is no mean feat. But, we’ve risen to the challenge and eaten our way through the lot to round up London’s yeasty royalty. The best London bakeries at a glance: 🥐 Best for croissants: Toad, Camberwell 🍩 Best for beignets: Fortitude, Bloomsbury 🍯 Best for sticky buns: Bunhead Bakery, Herne Hill 🍞 Best for bread: Dusty Knuckle, Dalston 🫓 Best for flatbreads: Babans Naan, Finsbury Park 🍰 Best for mankoushe: Edami, Hackney Whether you want fluffy naan breads from north London institutions, exquisitely-made pastries, perfectly-proved sourdough, or heritage-grain flaky goodness, there’s an oven in London cooking up something for you. Why not pair your pastry goodies with a hot drink at one of the best cafés and coffee shops in London?  RECOMMENDED: London's best cheap eats. Leonie Cooper is Time Out London’s Food and Drink Editor. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. The hottest new openings, the tastiest tips, the spiciest reviews: we’re serving it all on our London restaurants WhatsApp channel. Follow us now.

Rua is the kind of place that will give the high-tech coffee houses of Melbourne a run for their money, which is to say if you’re someone who likes your pours concocted as precisely as they would be in a chemist’s lab, then head here. Their expert brewers tinker behind the counter with speciality roasts (there’s a wide selection of beans to choose from) and Aeropresses, but they also have fun with it. As well as the classics, Rua operates a seasonal menu and pours cold brew slushies, cold brew tonics and mont blancs (cold brew with orange, vanilla and cold foam) in the summer. Their iced latte is frothy and fruity, while the weighty kimchi and cheese toasty comes with a generous, gooey filling stuffed inside fresh sourdough. Set under some spacious railway arches behind Holloway Road station, there’s plenty of space for both workers and the computer-averse as Rua sets up laptop-free tables littered with magazines and books. Time Out tip Visit on weekends for their legendary breakfast burritos. 

Found on the campus of Goldsmiths University, don’t be surprised if you see painfully cool students dressed artfully in charity shop garms wondering the halls of this free gallery. Designed by Turner Prize-winning architecture collective Assemble and opened in 2018, this gallery in a grade II-listed former Victorian bathhouse seems hellbent on ignoring all the usual art conventions and putting on whatever challenging shows it bloody wants. Which is a really, really good thing. Make sure to check out work of the gallery’s residents in the John Garcia Family Foundation Gallery – it’s a programme that welcomes community and student groups to create art at the CCA. 

After falling into the art world by accident, the rather wealthy Alex Sainsbury (yes, from the supermarket) started Raven Row in 2009 by taking over two adjoining houses dating from 1690, splashing around a lot of white paint (with the help of architects 6a) and presenting an inaugural exhibition by New York pop artist Ray Johnson. Almost 20 years later the gallery hasn’t upped sticks to St James’ like a lot of commercial places do, and remains one of east London’s best places to see contemporary art.    

Rocking up at Wonton Charlie’s on the first rainy day in months feels like kismet. At this Hong Kong-inspired noodle bar everything is steamy. I might be soaked and shivering, but am instantly warmed by plumes of vapour that waft over from massive metal pots in the open kitchen. The quick arrival of a strong Vesper martini doesn’t hurt either.  An unpretentious place to get a relaxed bite Owned by the restaurant group behind Peckham’s much-loved Mr Bao, Wonton Charlie’s is a casual joint attached to the front of vibey Cantonese restaurant Cafe Kowloon. It’s been a popular lunchspot since late 2025, but only recently started dinner service. The space has an airy, canteen-like feel, with a massive stainless steel bar wrapping round the kitchen. Storied chef Budgie Montoya stands at its centre, dishing out noodle soup and dumplings. Already, Wonton Charlie’s seems like a hit with commuters grabbing takeaway or stopping by for a quick bite on their way home from work (it’s right next to London Fields station). By the time I leave, the 18 seats are almost all taken.  For the grub, it’s a simple offering. Choose your wonton (pork, prawn, both or fish skin), choose your noodles (with or without broth), choose your side (crispy fish skin or fish balls). I go for pork and prawn with noodles in broth and crispy fish skin. The fish skin is featherlight, with an airy batter and a satisfying crunch – the perfect beer snack. Then comes the generous bowl of comforting soup. The broth is cl

Located inside an unsuspecting old sandwich shop by Smithfield Market (the entrance still bears a sign reading ‘Sunset Sandwich Bar II’), this tiny gallery is anything but as humdrum as its exterior would suggest. Since being founded by Freddie Powell in 2021, Ginny on Frederick’s single tiled room has made a name for itself by hosting quirky and diverse shows by young and up-and-coming artists. 

What is it? Originally drawing on the collection of Charles Saatchi, a famous supporter of the Yound British Artists – Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Gavin Turk, Sarah Lucas and the like – when the Saatchi opened in its current Chelsea location in 2008 it surprised many that the opening exhibition was of new Chinese art. The Saatchi continues to surprise, and these days, after more than 40 years in the biz, the gallery is a globally recognised authority in the contemporary art world.  Why go? Inside the grand Duke of York HQ, the Saatchi has three floors, providing more than 70,000 square feet of space for temporary exhibitions.  As well as staging blockbuster shows, the gallery continues to provide a platform for unknown, young, contemporary artists both homegrown and international. Don’t miss:  Saatchi Lates which take place on select Fridays. There’s a bar, workshops, classes and galleries stay open until 9pm.  When to visit: The gallery is open daily from 10am to 6pm.  Ticketing info: Some exhibitions are free while others charge a fee. Check the Saatchi website for all the up-to-date information.  Time Out tip: The Saatchi is in very posh part of town. Channel your inner Sloane Ranger and go for a stroll down the King’s Road after perusing the art. Lovely, darling. 

Once dubbed ‘the queen of old ladies’, writer and curator Alison Jacques has been championing underrepresented and forgotten female artists who others might deem ‘past it’ since opening her gallery in 2004. Her swish Fitzrovia space, now based on Cork Street, can be credited for the revival of the careers of several female artists such as surrealist painter Dorothea Tanning, American performance artist Hannah Wilke and fibre artist Sheila Hicks. Jacques’ gallery – set over 3,500 square feet including two ground floor exhibition spaces – also made its name supporting young artists fresh out of art school, who have gone on to achieve international recognition, and represents the estates of groundbreaking big names like Robert Mapplethorpe and Ana Mendieta. Jacques has staged exhibitions curated by the likes of David Hockney, the Scissor Sisters and Patti Smith. 

For quite a long time, Church Street has been curiously lacking in the café department. Bakeries, brunch spots, restaurants, boutiques and pubs it has a-plenty. But look for a sit-down coffee shop and your choice will be limited. Enter: Foku. This serene little Japanese caff serves coffee, matcha and homemade Japanese sweets. Its rustic Japandi décor is destined to wind up on the Pinterest boards of the east London fashion girlies and design bros, all untreated wood, stainless steel, ceramic bowls. The food and drinks are just as attractive – but it’s not just style over substance. An expertly made matcha latte is viridescent, its pleasantly grassy taste not overly sweetened or lost in a vat of milk. The miso chocolate chip cookie is so perfect it could be from a Studio Ghibli cartoon. It tastes wonderful too: rich, gooey, salty, buttery. The sweet garden out the back is still a work in progress, but will be a real Stokey gem once complete. Get down here quick before it blows up on TikTok.

Mud baths, seaweed scrubs and… strippers. The writers of The Hangover have thrown off their sunglasses and slipped on their dressing gowns for this new friendship comedy that laughs in the face of Goop, guided meditations and yoga classes.  Jane (Leslie Mann), Sophie (Anna Faris) and Coco (Michelle Buteau) have been best friends since childhood. Now firmly in middle age, all three of them are harried and worn down, each with their own cross to bear: single motherhood, a sick parent, a divorce, an overbearing man-baby boss. To celebrate Jane’s birthday, the trio decide to do something for themselves for a change, and book an indulgent spa weekend.  So far, so relaxing. The hotel is beautiful, they got an amazing discount, and there’s a particularly hot yoga instructor. But uh-oh, here comes the maniacal and preposterously idiotic Mel – played by Isla Fisher dressed like she’s an extra in Mamma Mia!, in a blaze of neon flares and oversized sunglasses – gyrating and yelling at her fellow ‘middle-aged sluts’ across the pool. Mel is the loose cannon of the group who wasn’t supposed to be invited. What could possibly go wrong?A lot, it transpires. The ensuing hijinks are a melange of pleasingly satirical takedowns of woo-woo wellness culture (goat yoga, anyone?), relatable friendship dynamics, and some downright ridiculous stuff that feels a bit forced (a Police Interceptors-style golf cart chase? I don’t think so).  Spa Weekend is as formulaic as a sauna followed by a cold plunge

With outposts in New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Hong Kong, David Zwirner is a really important international modern art gallery. The London location is sort of what you’d expect from a swanky Mayfair commercial gallery, housed inside a gleaming white five-storey Georgian townhouse. Don’t be intimidated though, because a visit to Zwirner will give you the chance to see some museum-quality exhibitions – and they always deliver, whether it’s with the cartoon pop of Rose Wylie or the mid-century modernist classicism of Josef Albers.

What is it? The Southbank Centre’s modern art gallery housed in a glorious heap of concrete brutalism. The Hayward has no permanent collection but hosts a changing programme of innovative and interesting art shows spanning painting, photography and sculpture Some people absolutely hate this building (King Charles is one of them), but it’s an iconic piece of the South Bank, and the London skyline.  Why go? The Hayward programmes some of the biggest and best names in contemporary art, with recent and upcoming blockbuster shows from the likes of Anish Kapoor, Nan Goldin and Yoshitomo Nara.  Don’t miss: Part of the sprawling concrete maze of the Southbank Centre, the Hayward Gallery has a number of free public artworks on display at its outdoor sculpture court. The permanent pieces include Ian Walters’ strikingly large bust of Nelson Mandela, Jeppe Hein’s bright park benches and an abstract statue of Chopin by Polish artist Bronislaw Kubica.  When to visit: Tuesday-Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday 10am-6pm Ticketing info: Tickets for exhibitions cost £22 Time Out tip: After browsing the art, head for a drink at the Southbank Centre’s secret rooftop garden, it’s a little oasis overlooking the river. 

What is it? Opened in 1971, the Photographers’ Gallery was the UK’s first public gallery dedicated solely to photography. Today, it’s still one of London’s only non-commercial galleries entirely focussed on the medium. After a handsome renovation in 2018, nowadays the gallery boasts six storeys of spacious displays, a lovely bookshop, print sales room and café on the ground floor.  Why go? This spot is heaven for anyone who’s tired of paintings and sculptures. The programming here is forward-thinking, varied and interesting, with exhibitions spanning music photography, unsung pioneers and iconic artists.  Don’t miss: The gallery has free entry every Friday from 5pm to 8pm – perfect for an alternative date night or catch-up with friends.  When to visit: Monday-Wednesday, Saturday, 10.30am-6pm; Thursday-Friday, 10.30am-8pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm.  Ticket info: £14, grants access to all exhibitions.  Time Out tip: The Photographers’ Gallery also stages free outdoor exhibitions in the surrounding streets, known as the Soho Photography Quarter. 

We know people love a good heist. There’s a reason why so many popular films are based on robberies: the silver screen has brought us bangers like Oceans Eleven, St Trinian’s, The Pink Panther and Reservoir Dogs to name but a few.  But when does our love of a good burglary go too far? Diamond dealers in London’s Hatton Garden are up in arms about plans to open a heist-themed wine bar in the district inspired by a real robbery that took place in 2015. Jewelers in the area called the proposals ’ghoulish’ and said it would make a mockery of the event that caused many dealers to lose their livelihoods.  The council is currently considering a proposal to transform the safe deposit box building that was the scene of the infamous hole-in-the-wall robbery into a wine bar. In 2015, the elaborate heist was carried out by six experienced thieves who had spent years planning their crime in pubs and cafés in nearby Islington and Clerkenwell. The crooks stole goods with an estimated value of £14 million, with only £4.3 million worth of items recovered to date. During the investigation the robbery was called the ‘largest burglary in English legal history’.  Hatton Garden jewelers have said the bar would force the longest-serving jewellery retailer in the area out of his shop. George Katz, owner of the threatened E Katz and Co, told the Islington Tribune: ‘To my mind [the themed bar] is like when you have a car crash and there are people slowing down to look at it and see if there are any bo

Staying at a good hotel can be absolute heaven. For a few days you get to escape the humdrum of the every day and enter a blissful world of turn down service, watching Netflix from bed and pillow mints. This becomes even better if your surroundings are exceptionally good-looking.  Time Out has just released a new ranking of the world’s most beautiful hotels – these are the planet’s biggest stunners, spanning cool boutiques, grand castles and eclectic inner city stays.  In the ranking, one hotel in London made the cut. Flying the flag for the capital was 1 Hotel Mayfair, a lush eco-friendly stay replete with green plants, natural textures and recycled materials.  Photograph: Milo BrownA room at 1 Hotel Mayfair ‘Serenity is a concept you’re unlikely to associate with central London, but that’s precisely the aura that’s been meticulously crafted at 1 Hotel Mayfair,’ said Time Out contributor Nicola Brady, who gave this hotel five stars.  ‘The swish eco-hotel franchise is a champion of elegantly folding sustainable design into its properties, and this one, which opened in 2023, is a prime example. An enormous dome of dripping moss looms over the entrance, which feels more like a natural spa than a hotel lobby, and there are plants in virtually every direction — 1,300 of them, to be exact.’ 1 Hotel Mayfair is also home to a gorgeous restaurant lit with lanterns, fully kitted out gym, peaceful spa and 181 stylish rooms decorated with living moss walls, calming, muted colours and 

Prime Ministers: they’re just like us.  In an interview with Time Out, Andy Burnham revealed his favourite watering holes in the capital. And it turns out that even the leader of the country can’t deny the pull of the affordable pint, as two of his chosen spots were a Wetherspoons and a Samuel Smith’s.  ‘I know London well and it’s a myth that I’m anti-London. I don’t think there’s a pub in London I’ve not been in,’ Burnham told Time Out.  Want to know where the PM drinks? Here are three pubs in the capital he can’t live without.  The Chandos, St Martin’s Lane  This spot in central London is known for its cheap and cheerful atmosphere, and is often used as a stopover for theatre goers before heading to see a show on the West End.  ‘The Chandos I always used to like because that was our meeting point whenever there was an [Everton FC] away game,’ Burnham said.  Time Out’s food and drink editor Leonie Cooper weighed in: ‘Far be it from me to call the Prime Minister basic, but The Chandos isn’t exactly a leftfield pub choice. It’s not a terrible pub by any means (I was actually there last week, but sadly failed to score one of the prized window booths), but its Trafalgar Square adjacent location means it’s usually stacked with tourists endlessly umming and ahhing at the bar. ‘It’s also a Sam Smith’s pub. Is Andy Burnham subtly suggesting that he agrees with the chain’s (often ignored) phone ban? Or maybe he just likes the extremely convenient placement to an evening spent with t

London’s art scene is like no other. There are an estimated 1,500 permanent exhibition spaces in the capital, and what makes the Big Smoke’s scene so special is that most of them are free, even the mega museums where you can see your Picassos, Botticellis and the like. But the art world can be a confounding place to the uninitiated. That’s why we’ve just released a new ranking of the best art galleries in the city, which includes huge world-famous institutions like the National Gallery and Tates, and exciting commercial spaces where you can see some of the most cutting-edge contemporary art.  Time Out’s number one art gallery for 2026 is the Royal Academy of Arts. For 250 years, Britain’s first art school has been a hotbed of artistic talent, and can be credited for teaching the likes of JMW Turner, John Constable and William Blake everything they knew.  Photograph: Chris Lawrence Images / Shutterstock.comRoyal Academy, London But this esteemed art college does more than train up the next generation of YBAs. As well as a sizeable free permanent collection display, which includes Michelangelo’s ‘Taddei Tondo’ and a 16th-century copy of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’, the RA’s also got serious pedigree when it comes to putting on big shows. Its temporary exhibitions are ultra-well researched, ambitious things, that are always worth visiting, like 2016’s totally incredible ‘Abstract Expressionism’ show and 2022’s magnificent Francis Bacon retrospective. The annual Summe

Going to independent restaurants is great (London has tonnes of amazing ones) but sometimes you just want to visit an old faithful. The kind of place where you know exactly what’s on the menu – usually something dependable and comforting – what the décor is like, and exactly how much it’s going to cost you. That’s where the chain restaurant comes in. We’re talking your Pizza Express, your Nando’s, your Wagas. Plus, the capital is replete with homegrown chains we’re proud to have birthed here, like Yard Sale Pizza, Lina Stores and of course, Dishoom.  But with so much choice, how do you separate your airy neapolitan crust from your soggy pizza base, your perfect tacos from your bland burritos, your rich ramen from your watery, nondescript noodle soup? We’re here to help.  Time Out has just released a new ranking of the best chain restaurants in the capital. Taking the top spot was Hoppers, a Sri Lankan restaurant group with branches in Soho, Kings Cross, Shoreditch and Marylebone. Hoppers was founded in the capital, its first location opening on Soho’s Frith Street in 2015. Now it’s beloved by Londoners for its curries, roti and hoppers – bowl-shaped pancakes made with fermented rice and coconut batter, often with a runny egg at its centre.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hoppers (@hopperslondon) According to the Time Out editors, must-try dishes at Hoppers include deep fried mutton rolls, the egg hopper, brinjal kari (south Indian aubergine c

Every year, lifestyle guide Muddy Stilettos names ‘the best of’ independent businesses in the UK, including pubs, bars, shops, cafés, hotels and more. Listen up, because this year’s Muddy Awards, naming the ‘Best of the Best’ winners, have just been revealed.  According to the 2025 awards, the UK’s best hotel is in London. The winners were judged by the Muddy Stilettos editors. Judges from 35 countries selected the number one entry from shortlist of regional entries across 21 lifestyle categories.  ➡️ Check out Time Out’s guide to the very best hotels in the UK Britain’s best hotel for 2025 is Broadwick Soho in, you guessed it, Soho. The central London boutique hotel is known for its OTT interiors with clashing colours and prints, and seriously glam old-school atmosphere. Opened in 2023, the eight-storey, 57-bedroom bolthole is quickly becoming known as one of London’s top places to stay. It’s so good that Time Out gave the hotel five stars when we reviewed it back in February.  Talia Stanton ‘Taking inspiration from the loud-and-proud exuberance of London’s West End, there’s no holding back at Broadwick Soho,’ wrote Time Out’s Talia Stanton.  ‘It’s an independent hotel to its core, with intricate interiors that can’t be replicated and a clockwork standard of service that takes a one-of-a-kind team to achieve. You can sense you’re about to experience some serious hospitality magic from the moment you enter through that big pink townhouse door.’ Talia Stanton Runners up fo

If you know your dumplings, chances are you’ll be familiar with the cult phenomenon that is Din Tai Fung. The Taiwanese chain founded in 1958 by a Chinese immigrant is famous for its xiao long bao (Shanghainese soup dumplings). These days it’s a global outfit with 170 sites around the world, including four – soon to be five – in London.  Din Tai Fung has revealed the location of its fifth London location. Soup dumplings, wontons and fried rice are thought to be coming to King’s Cross, as Din Tai Fung is reportedly in talks to open at the former site of Babel Beerhouse on Lewis Cubitt Walk. The beerhouse next to Lightroom closed in May before being snapped up by the dumpling chain.  The chain’s famous xiao long bao are traditionally made with a rich pork filling encased in a delicate wrapper that’s hand-folded at least 18 times. They also come stuffed with crab, chicken and truffle. It’s not unusual to see long queues outside the restaurants as people flock to try the famous dumplings.  Currently, you can visit Din Tai Fung restaurants in Canary Wharf, Covent Garden, Selfridges and Centre Point by Tottenham Court Road station. The opening date for Din Tai Fung King’s Cross hasn’t been revealed yet, and exact details of the restaurant are also still under wraps. When it arrives it will be in good company, joining the likes of Dishoom, Lina Stores and Barrafina in Coal Drops Yard.  The best restaurants in King’s Cross.  Did you hear that cult vegan sandwich spot Coven of Wiches

Great news for the vegans of south London. The cult (or should that be occult?) plant-based sandwich shop Coven of Wiches has risen from the grave and opened in Brixton.  Originally hailing from Walthamstow, the Coven of Wiches is beloved by vegans and meat eaters alike for its massive toasties, baguettes and wraps with very generous fillings. The northeast London outpost closed in July this year as the shop upped sticks south of the river.  The new outpost opened in Brixton’s Market Row on August 19. ‘Wiches on the menu include The Reuben (house ‘vastrami’ on sourdough rye), the A.G.A.T.H.A (aubergine schnitzel with hot raclette) and the Vish Finger Beauty, a ‘fish’ finger wrap with shoestring fries. The menu changes weekly, so keep an eye on the shop’s Instagram page for updates.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by THE COVEN of WICHES (@covenofwiches) Coven of Wiches also serves craft beers, frozen margaritas and specialty pickleback or kimchiback shots. The shop has also partnered with Gravity Well Brewing to create ‘Wiccan Liquor’, a speciality vegan pale ale.  Coven of Wiches is open at 14D Market Row from Wednesdays to Fridays, 12pm-3pm, 5pm-10pm; Saturdays 12pm-10pm; Sundays 11am-6pm.  For more plant-based goodness, check out our list of London’s best vegan restaurants.  Plus, here are the 6 best new London restaurants opening in August 2026.  Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and t

Enjoying the current little cold snap? Finally, it’s been cool enough to wear a jacket and use a duvet. It’s even been raining. But don’t get too comfortable, because the UK is bracing itself for the sixth heatwave of the summer.  Londoners have sweated through five heatwaves already this season, with temperatures soaring to a sweltering 38.1C – making it the hottest summer ever recorded. Now, the Met Office’s long-range weather forecast for September, October and November has said there could be an ‘increased risk of heatwaves and heat-related impacts especially during the first half of the period’. When will the sixth heatwave arrive in London? According to the Met Office’s long-range forecast for August 30 to September 13, ‘there is a chance that late-season hot spells or heatwaves develop, especially in the south’. September will be filled with a mixture of showers and hot spells, followed by ‘drier, more settled weather, especially in the south and east’ for the second half of the month.  The forecast added: ‘Temperatures will probably be near normal at first, but may turn warmer later with a chance of some hot periods in the south.’ The Met Office also warned of risks of thunderstorms and flooding throughout early autumn.  Photograph: starlings_images / Shutterstock.comLondon heatwave, May 2026 However, this forecast isn’t for certain and could easily change. The Met Office said that the signals for the heatwave in later September were currently ‘very weak’, meaning t

It’s been almost 20 years since the final Harry Potter book was released, and people still can’t get enough of Hogwarts, Hagrid and that elf that carries a sock.  If you’re a self-proclaimed Potterhead, listen up. This summer the trolley from Platform 9 3/4 is going on tour. How does a trolley that’s rammed into a wall go on tour, you might be wondering? Well, it’s not actually the trolley (that one will remain in situ at King’s Cross Station), but a replica. Fans of The Boy Who Lived will get the chance to have their very own photo op without having to travel to London, as it will be making its way to cinemas around the UK this August with stops in Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff. The trolley is making its grand tour to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The film is also being screened in select cinemas around the world along with 12 minutes of never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage.  On all dates the trolley will be available for photographs from 10am to 10pm on a first-come-first-served basis, and it’s completely free. There are expected to be queues, so hop on your Nimbus 2000 and get down there early doors.   All the dates and locations for the Harry Potter Platform 9 3/4 trolley tour London – Westfield Stratford City Vue, 21–22 August Cardiff – Cineworld Cardiff, 24–25 August Manchester – Trafford Centre Odeon, 27–28 August Edinburgh – Vue Cinema Edinburgh, 30–31 August ICYMI: the UK’s biggest Harr

This summer, London has been gripped in football fever. First, Arsenal won the league for the first time in 20 years, turning north London red as Gooners celebrated the win for weeks. Then, for a few glorious weeks, the World Cup had us all obsessed with Djed Spence’s big tackles, Harry Kane’s poacher’s goals and the Bellingham-Haaland bromance. Now, fans of the beautiful game in the Big Smoke can visit a brand-new museum dedicated to the sport. Leyton Orient – the second-oldest football club in London, dating back to 1881 – has opened a new gallery that pays homage to the club’s 90 years of playing at Brisbane Road stadium. Located in the stadium’s former home dressing room, the footy museum displays memorabilia, photographs, match programmes, historic shirts and unique artefacts from nine decades of Orient, with much of it donated by fans. The club is asking for fans to continue sharing their photos and memorabilia which could end up featured in the display. The changing room was recently restored to the same appearance it would have had in 1956, when the O’s won the Third Division South, with 1970s panelling removed from the walls.  The Leyton Orient Museum is open now and can be accessed under the ‘Only One Orient’ sign in Brisbane Road, through the set of red wooden double doors. Chief executive of the Leyton Orient Trust, Neil Taylor, said: ‘We are thrilled to be working with Davis Watson – club historian – on bringing the East Stand home team changing room back to lif

Canary Wharf is a-changing. The cluster of skyscrapers typically associated with bankers and insurance brokers (AKA, some of the worst Hinge dates you’ve ever had) is becoming more of a leisure destination: this summer E14 saw the arrival of Sea Lanes, a massive outdoor lido, and it could be about to receive the district’s first ever viewing platform.  Plans have been submitted for the transformation of 8 Canada Square, a 45-storey tower in Canary Wharf. The 200-metre-tall tower is currently home to HSBC, but soon the bank will vacate so the building can be converted into a mixed-use hotel, leisure space and office block. Under proposals submitted to Tower Hamlets Council by architects Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), part of the 24-year-old building will be demolished while the rest will be retrofitted. Outdoor terraces will be added to the building and the ground floor will be ‘radically reimagined’ as a public realm with food and drink outlets. Image: Kiasm8 Canada Square development by KPF While lower levels will remain as offices, the upper floors will become a hotel and an ‘experiential leisure destination’, called The Cloud. It’s thought this could be the area’s first viewing platform, with views across London accessible via a lift from the ground floor.  Getting around the maze of Canary Wharf can be a right pain, but the redeveloped building will also create new routes at ground level between the nearby Elizabeth line station and Canada Square Park. Photograph: WD Stock P