Beyond the royal parks, tourist attractions, rooftop bars and historic gardens, London has a long list of things to do when the rain holds off.
This weekend you can hunt for limited bounty at Record Store Day, enjoy a posh hot cross bun at the Savoy or watch one of the world’s oldest amateur sporting events get under way on the Thames. Here’s our insider’s guide to what’s going on.
Go for a dip with the royal deer
Sunday is forecast to tip 18 degrees and there’s arguably nowhere finer to enjoy a rare sunny day than at one of London’s open-air swimming pools. Ask any west Londoner and they’ll tell you that Hampton Pool is easily one of the capital’s best — a mammoth 36m lido perched in the wilds of sprawling Bushy Park.
During the weekends, there are recreational swim sessions catering to all types of swimmers, from families toting fluorescent armbands to hardcore PB-chasers. During these recreational sessions Hampton handily split the main pool in half to allow for speedy lane swimming on one side and casual splashing about on the other.
hamptonpool.co.uk
Spike your sugar levels at Scoff
Young and old love a scone, so it makes sense that the Savoy recently unveiled Scoff, its very own Instagrammable patisserie dedicated to the traditional teatime treat.
Nestled in the Upper Gallery just off the lobby of the splashy five-star hotel, the Parisian-style bakery has already won over scores of TikTokkers with its zany interpretations on the traditional scone. And from Monday, April 14, they’ll be plating up a crumbly riff on a classic hot cross bun. Think zesty orange and mandarin compote, Tahitian vanilla Chantilly cream and shed loads of spiced raisins.
Get down to the Strand early if you fancy trying one of the £8.50 delicacies, as Scoff only sells a limited amount each day. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
thesavoylondon.com
Cheer on London’s oldest river race
The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race has been drawing crowds to the banks of the Thames since 1829, when two pals from Harrow School, Charles Wordsworth (nephew of the poet William Wordsworth) and Charles Merivale, first went oar to oar in friendly rivalry.
The historic four-mile race, which stretches between Putney and Mortlake, is taking place once again this Sunday, with the women’s event starting at 1.21pm, with the men’s event at 2.21pm.
One of the best places to grab a viewing spot is from one of the official fan zones: the Hammersmith Fan Park in Furnivall Gardens and the Fulham Fan Park at Fulham Pier and Bishops Park. Both zones are free to enter and open from 11am, with big screens showing all the coverage. Others recommend the Old Ship.
theboatrace.org
• The Boat Race 2025 is faster, older and more foreign than ever
Go crate-digging on Record Store Day
The biggest day in an audiophile’s calendar kicks off on Saturday, as almost 300 independent record shops across the UK come together in one massive celebration of vinyl.
There are mini music festivals, DJ sets and plenty of excuses for a party happening all across the capital. But if you’re suffering from decision paralysis, Rough Trade in Brick Lane is a good place to dip your toe into the Record Store Day madness.
The iconic music store will be hosting a line-up of free live music throughout the day, including post-punk four-piece the Nightingales and south London psych singer Sam Akrpo. As usual, the store will also be flogging an eclectic mix of rare releases by the likes of David Bowie, the Cure and Charli XCX.
roughtrade.com
Grab a seat at Shoreditch’s newest restaurant
Fine-dining gastropubs continue to be all the rage in London, and the latest outpost from the hospitality brains behind the Camberwell Arms and Chiltern Firehouse has already proved to be an hit in Shoreditch.
The Knave of Clubs, a classic boozer that’s been revived for east London’s natural wine and Guinness crowd, is primed to double its appeal with the arrival of One Club Row, an upstairs evening restaurant with New York-style glamour. Head here to quaff tabasco-soaked oysters, sip on strong gin martinis and fork at whole lobster tagliatelle, soundtracked by the resident pianist.
oneclubrow.com
Hit a strike at the world’s best bowling alley
The design cred of your local bowling alley probably isn’t something you think about often, but if you’re a fan of interiors, you’ll want to check out Vintners Lanes in Greenwich. It’s just been named the world’s best bowling alley at the 40th Annual Bowling Centre Architecture and Design Awards.
This bouji bowling spot has all the trappings of a Mayfair gentlemen’s club, with six intimate lanes, leather banquettes couched in semi-private enclaves and a low-lit bar serving a menu of punchy classic cocktails. Housed in a historic wine vault, this is a grown-up date night spot that won’t be spoilt by rowdy children’s parties or the sounds of arcade games.
vintnerslanes.co.uk
