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