All the best things to do in London this April, from supper clubs to jazz festivals

collage of images of jazz festival and rooftop film club
The best things to do in London this April Brick Lane Jazz Festival / Rooftop Film Club

For a city with endless options it can actually be quite tricky to decide how to spend your weekends, evenings and the odd day off in London. However, we have rounded up our recs of the best things to do in London in April, so you literally don't have to think about it.

There's something for nearly every week of the month, from free events like supporting the London Marathoners, to more special experiences like watching the Great Gastsby musical when it arrives to the West End later this month. So rather than asking the group chat what everyone's plans are this weekend, consider it sorted. All you need to do is scroll on, add some events to your diary, potentially purchase your tickets and you've got a stacked month of things to do ahead.


Experience a Portuguese supper club

When: 8 April

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Where: Bar Douro, 35B, Arch, 85B Southwark Bridge Rd, London SE1 0NQ

Good for: Date night, friend catch-up

Years after they first launched the series, Portuguese restaurant Bar Douro is bringing back its guest chef series. On 8 April for one night only Chef Nuno Castro will be cooking a five course meal for the bar's guests. He's well known for his plant-based and zero-waste approach so you're sure to be in for a delicious evening.

BOOK HERE

bar douro
Bar Douro


Cosy up and watch a movie outside

When: From 10 April

Where: Rooftop Film Club, Bussey Building, 133 Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST or Rooftop Film Club, Great Eastern Rd, London E15 1BB

Good for: Groups, date night, solo date

One of our favourite things to do each summer is watch a movie outside at the Rooftop Film Club. The giant cinema screen displays classic movies (Notting Hill and The Notebook) and recent hits (aka Wicked and Nosferatu) which you can watch along with a yummy pizza and drink. New for this year are the fireside films which means you can book a loveseat and heater to keep you cosy, ideal for those still chilly April evenings.

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BOOK HERE

people watching a movie outside
Rooftop Film Club


Watch The Great Gatsby come to life

When: From 11 April

Where: London Coliseum, St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4ES

Good for: Groups, date night, solo date, family day out

One of our ultimate novels is finally getting the musical treatment as The Great Gatsby is coming to the West End. Opening on 11 April, and starring a cast including Amber Davies, Corbin Bleu from High School Musical and Jamie Muscato, you'll be in for the night of your life, transported back to the 1920's!

BOOK HERE

great gatsby musical cast
Original Broadway Cast (c) Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman


Drink a jewel inspired cocktail

When: From 12 April

Where: The K-Bar at The Kensington Hotel

Good for: Small groups, date night, day out with mum

In line with the launch of the new Cartier exhibition at the V&A, which should also be on your list of things to do this month btw, head down to The K-Bar at the Kensington Hotel, where they've created a number of cocktails inspired by precious gemstones. So what will it be? A diamond, ruby, emerald or amethyst drink? Personally we're all about the diamonds.

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BOOK HERE

a selection of drinks inspired by crystals
K Bar


Head to the Boat Race

When: 13 April

Where: By the river near Hammersmith and Fulham

Good for: Groups, friends catch-up

The nearly 200 year-old boat race between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge returns once again this year. The fierce competition will take place as both the men's and women's teams will race down the Thames for 4.25miles near Hammersmith and Fulham. So grab a pint and your mates and make a day of the race.

cambridge and oxford boats race
Alex Davidson


See some of the world's best photography

When: From 17 April

Where: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

Good for: Friend catch-up, solo date, date night

Once again Somerset House is hosting the Sony World Photography Awards exhibit, taking place from 17 April to 5 May. It's your chance to see up close some incredible photography (over 300 images) from photographers all over the world.

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BOOK TICKETS HERE

sony exhibition
Daisy Cooper


Explore the city's newest listening bar

When: From 18 April, open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 5 to 12pm

Where: Under The Counter, 15 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PS

Good for: Small groups, date night

Embrace London's growing trend of new listening bars by heading to Under The Counter in the heart of Carnaby. It's located under The Counter, and created by Chef Kemal Demirasal and Joao Silva who have come together to create a space that fuses delicious Turkish food, fun cocktails and an immersive sound space. You can also expect a revolving roster of DJs. Oh and on opening weekend (18th to 19th) cocktails are just £5. Race you there.

FIND OUT MORE

the counter
The Counter


Listen to the city's best jazz

When: 25 to 27 April

Where: The Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QR

Good for: Groups, friend catch-up, date night

Returning again this year is Brick Lane's Jazz Festival which brings together the best of the jazz scene in London for three days of eclectic performances. There's a mixture of stages and a solid lineup, so make sure to keep the last weekend in the month free for this.

BOOK TICKETS HERE

brick lane jazz festival
Brick Lane Jazz Festival


Support the runners at the London Marathon

When: 27 April

Where: The course goes throughout the city

Good for: Groups, family day out, solo date

Ok so you didn't get a place in the marathon this year, but honestly? It's a far better experience cheering on the crowd, than running the 26.2miles. Either follow along your mates that did get spots or just get into the community spirit by heading to a busy viewing point and seeing how many crazy costumes you can spot. Pints are obligatory afterwards.

fun runners in fancy dress compete during the 2024 london marathon in central london
HENRY NICHOLLS - Getty Images


See a new show

When: 28 April, 4 and 8pm

Where: Savoy Theatre, Savoy Ct, Strand, London WC2R 0ET

Good for: Date night, solo date, groups

For one day only the new production of We Aren't Kids Anymore is hitting the Savoy Theatre. It's told from five different perspectives, including one portrayed by Dylan Mulvaney, that cross age, gender and generation and is all about the complexities of having and chasing your dream.

BOOK TICKETS HERE

we arent kids anymore show
Bob King Creative

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