With days lengthening and the weather warming, May is the perfect time to embrace all that British capital has to offer. This month, the city plays host to a whole range of events, including the highly anticipated Chelsea Flower Show, the reopening of The Dining Room at The Goring and an unmissable Frank Auerbach exhibition. Without further ado, these are the best things to do in London in May 2024…
Concours on Savile Row
Concours on Savile Row is an annual event that aims to “celebrate the art of the bespoke”, bringing together stunning cars and world-class tailoring over two days in May. View multi-million-pound collector vehicles, more than 40 of which will be on display, from pre-war thoroughbreds to the latest electric hypercars, all while soaking in the elegance of the world’s most iconic tailoring street. Enter here to win a VIP pass to Concours on Savile Row, which includes exclusive perks such as access to VIP lounges and an invite to Thursday’s private drinks reception.
When? 22-23 May, 2024
Where? Savile Row, Mayfair
How much? Prices vary
The Dining Room at The Goring
Following a historic refurbishment, The Goring’s Michelin-starred restaurant The Dining Room will be reopening this month. The elegant Russell Sage-designed interiors draw inspiration from London’s Royal palaces and grand residences, creating a whimsical and theatrical atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. In the brand-new kitchen, Executive Chef Graham Squire and his team will be plating up seasonal, ingredient-led British dishes, from beef wellington and stuffed turbot to the showstopping rum baba flambé.
When? From 20th May
Where? The Goring
How much? Prices vary
Chelsea Flower Show
The world’s most spectacular flower show, the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show, is back for another year. Expect incredible garden designs and cutting edge floral displays that will inspire and delight seasoned greenfingers and aspiring gardeners alike.
When? 21-25 May, 2024
Where? Royal Hospital Chelsea
How much? Tickets for non-members from £47.85
Hithe + Seek x James Sharp
For a limited time in May, Fabio De Paolis, Head Chef of renowned London restaurant Hithe + Seek, is teaming up with MasterChef: The Professionals contestant James Sharp to create a special menu that reflects the creativity and expertise of both chefs. Expect punchy flavours and playful twists on old favourites. Highlights include brown butter hash browns, seared queen scallops and mini venison saddle wellington.
When? 7-11 May, 2024
Where? Hithe + Seek, The City
How much? £55 per person
Hithe + Seek x James Sharp
Skin Laundry
Prep your skin for the summer months ahead with a facial. And not just any facial. With over 80 clinics around the world, Skin Laundry has garnered a cult following among skincare obsessives, and it’s easy to see why. Its no-downtime, non-invasive laser facials tap into advanced technology and utilise medical-grade lasers to rejuvenate skin cells, boost collagen production and improve clarity. They’re perfect for those short on time, taking only 15 minutes and showing instant results. Choose from a range of facials, each tailored to suit your skin needs.
When? Ongoing
Where? Chelsea, Soho and Hampstead
How much? From £250 for the Signature Laser Facial
Lift 109
Play tourist in your own city with one of London’s most unique attractions. Lift 109 is a new viewing experience that will offer a totally fresh perspective of the capital. Each visit includes an immersive exhibition offering a glimpse into the iconic Battersea Power Station's industrial and cultural past, followed by an ascent in a glass elevator 109 metres to the top of the Power Station’s north west chimney, where spectacular 360-degree views of London’s skyline await.
When? Ongoing
Where? Battersea Power Station
How much? Adult tickets from £17
2-for-1 Palomas at The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch
For the full month of May (it’s Paloma Month, dontcha know) The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch is offering 2-for-1 palomas every Tuesday to Friday in partnership with Patron. Sip on a Classic Paloma, Elderflower Paloma or Blood Orange Paloma while taking in the panoramic views of London on One Hundred's fifth floor.
When? Until 31 May, 2024
Where? One Hundred Shoreditch
How much? Prices vary
Frank Auerbach: The Charcoal Heads
During his years as a young artist in post-war London, British-German artist Frank Auerbach produced a series of large-scale charcoal portraits that he laboured over for months at a time – drawing, working and reworking them during numerous sessions with his sitters. Now, for the first time, 17 of these haunting and expressive pieces are on display at the Courtauld Gallery in Somerset House. It’s a unique opportunity to see early masterpieces by one of the world’s most celebrated living artists.
When? Until 27, May 2024
Where? The Courtauld Gallery
How much? From £14
Long Day’s Journey Into Night
Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’ is playing at the West End, with Brian Cox and Patricia Clarkson set to star in the lead roles. Directed by Jeremy Herrin, it follows a testing day in the lives of the Tyrell family members as it weaves a tale of love, hate, betrayal, addiction and the fragility of family bonds.
When? Until 8 June, 2024
Where? Wyndham’s Theatre
How much? Tickets from £29
Latin Supper Club at Viajante87
Viajante87 is the elegant, upmarket Notting Hill cocktail bar on every West Londoner’s lips these days. This April, it’s celebrating its Latin American heritage with an exclusive Colombian supper club. For one night only, diners can experience a range of delicious dishes from the globally renowned restaurant Celele in Cartagena, which is known for its groundbreaking fusion of Colombian-Caribbean cuisines. Drinks will be provided by Colombian bar Alquímico and each dish will be paired with a cocktail masterfully created by the team.
When? 19 May, 2024
Where? Viajante87
How much? £95 per person for four dishes and four cocktails
Yoko Ono: ‘Music of the Mind’
Yoko Ono is perhaps best known for her relationship with her husband and collaborator John Lennon, but she has never let that define her. Over the past seven decades, Ono has carved out a name for herself as an artist, musician and activist in her own right, and now Tate Modern is celebrating her multidisciplinary career in the UK’s largest exhibition of Ono’s work. Yoko Ono: ‘Music of the Mind’ traces the development of her practice and features over 200 of her works including installations, films, music, photography and scores.
When? Until 1 Sep, 2024
Where? Tate Modern
How much? £22
Bubbledogs at 45 Park Lane
Cult Champagne and hot dogs restaurant Bubbledogs, which closed in 2020 to the chagrin of many, is making a triumphant return this May as an alfresco pop-up at Dorchester Collection’s 45 Park Lane. Highlights of the American-inspired menu will include the Native Dog, featuring crispy native lobster tempura, Marie rose sauce and beluga caviar, as well as the Fourth of July, with spicy BBQ sauce, coleslaw and crispy bacon.
When? From 10 May to 29 September, 2024
Where? 45 Park Lane
How much? Classic dogs from £22
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