When the warmer weather comes to London, time exploring the city's best foodspots and cultural highlights is elevated to the next level.
The month is blessed with two bank holidays, offering even more opportunities to discover the capital's hidden gems. Central London will also come to life with the Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival on 11 May and the London Coffee Festivalfrom 15 to 18 May, but that only skims the surface when it comes to ways to spend free time in the city, whether that involves embarking on a solo day trip or filling up the half term with family activities.
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Here, discover the best things to do in London in April 2025, tried and tested by team HELLO!.
Hello! London: summer issue
From savouring drinks on stunning rooftop terraces as the sun sets to enjoying open-air cinema under the stars, we’ve curated the best summer experiences for a special issue of HELLO! London. Pick up the celebrity-approved guide to discover the best the capital has to offer this season - including sports, cinema, restaurants, theatre, art, music and more.
Best places to eat in London in May 2025
Enjoy a not-so-traditional Sunday roast
When one of my closest friends came to London all the way from Australia, a Sunday roast was most definitely on the agenda of things to do.
© Kitty Hawk
After all, along with fish and chips and afternoon tea, it’s one of the most quintessentially British things to eat. Located just a stone’s throw away from Trafalgar Square, Kitty Hawk is in a prime spot. As soon as we stepped into the restaurant, we were immediately taken in by the rustic yet modern decor decorated tastefully with greens, oranges and pampas grass.
Starting with a not-so traditional plate of crispy prawns with a Vietnamese chilli ginger dip and a creamy cauliflower soup with truffle dressing, we followed it up with some classic 45-day aged sirloin and the vegetarian option of some perfectly charred cabbage with all the trimmings.
You can even add bottomless red wine to your order for just £29 extra but we couldn't trust ourselves...this time. Whilst we were too full for dessert, make sure you order a cocktail to sip on the terrace.
Even the typical English grey skies couldn’t stop us from admiring Nelson’s Column and feeling our most glamorous selves.
Reviewed by Alex Lilly, Snapchat and Social Media Producer
Dine on a barge on the Thames at Peggy Jean, Richmond
Spring has sprung and with the al fresco dining season in full swing, you’d be hard pressed to find a nicer outdoor spot than floating restaurant Peggy Jean, one of 18 London outdoor venues from Australian group Daisy Green.
© Peggy Jean
Moored on the river beside Richmond Bridge, in leafy south-west London, this former Jesus College Oxford barge has been beautifully restored, fitted with a full kitchen and decked out with comfy banquettes, pretty pink parasols, twinkling lights and pizza ovens.
Whether dropping in for a bottomless brunch, long lunch, romantic dinner or sunset cocktail, it’s the perfect venue to admire the view and watch the world go by, as I found when I made the most of a balmy Friday evening for an impromptu date night.
The dinner menu offers meat, fish and vegetarian options and a range of international flavours, from harissa chicken paillard to miso roasted aubergine on a coconut risotto. For starters, we opted for the house cured Yuzu gin salmon with hibiscus, avocado, beetroot and fresh herbs, which was fresh, delicate and delicious, along with the very tasty chorizo and San Simon croquettes with charcoal panko and saffron mayo.
For main course we chose tandoori salmon with avocado salsa, hot and sour puffed rice salad and cucumber and mint yogurt – a mouthwatering combination of flavours – and dry aged sirloin, which was tender and perfectly cooked medium rare, and accompanied by béarnaise sauce, crunchy fries and green salad.
Desserts were equally yummy – tangy grilled pineapple with crumbly shortbread, lime and a scoop of coconut sorbet, and Daisy Green’s famous Mars Bar cheesecake – a rich, chocolate coated ball of indulgence topped with fresh strawberries.
As we finished our bottle of Aussie Cabernet Sauvignon, we were even treated to free entertainment, courtesy of a riverside busker and a crowd of revellers who had gathered around her to sing along.
Book via daisygreenfood.com
Reviewed byTracy Schaverien, Royal and Features Contributor
Enjoy sinful delights at MR PORTER
Nestled in the heart of Park Lane just below London Hilton Hotel you'll find the brand new steakhouse and bar, MR PORTER. Known for its culinary mastery and seductive lounge-like ambience in the likes of Amsterdam, Barcelona and even Ibiza, the menu is designed for family-style dining but with a sophisticated twist, allowing you to share dishes with loved ones and try something new.
© Mr Porter
To start with, my friend and I opted for the avocado carpaccio, a beautiful thin layered potato mix with avocado and garnished with beluga caviar alongside MR PORTERS Focaccia - a classic spin on flatbread but highly indulgent. For the main event, we chose the succulent lady minion alongside tenderstem broccoli, black garlic, and classic hand-cut chips. There are many impeccable cuts to choose from such as ribeye on the bone, sirloin steak and tomahawk.
If you are like me and you don't like your steak too rare, the chef won't be offended if you ask for medium well either. Saving a little room for dessert, we couldn't resist the MR PORTER tiramisu. This theatrical dessert is created right in front of you with layers of mascarpone foam, cacao and coffee ice cream. Get your camera ready as it's a dessert to remember.
Reviewed byLauren Connolly, Senior Digital Designer
Book via https://www.mrportersteakhouse.com/london
Find Rome in London at Agrodolce
Agrodolce's original restaurant is located by the Trevis Fountain in Rome, so imagine my delight to learn that the first London locationhad opened - and that I was able to have a taste of Rome right on Charlotte St! The beautiful restaurant has a warm, friendly atmosphere with an edge of elegance and fine dining.
© MARCO SCICHILONE
Taking note of my baby bump, the waiting staff were superb with their fabulous mocktail recommedations before recommending their personal favourites on the menu, something I always love about going to a new restaurant - because they always know best!
While being absolutely spoiled rotten with some beautiful, rich pasta, we also enjoyed potato croquette with black pepper and pecorino, homemade tagliatelle with seasonal truffle and some utterly divine brushchetta as well as f ondente al cioccolato con gelato alla vaniglia (chocolate fondant cake). You know what they say, 'when in Rome'!
Reviewed by Emmy Griffiths, TV and Film Editor
Book via agrodolcelondon.uk
Sky-high Sunday roast at Aqua Shard
Suspended high above the Thames, Aqua Shard offers a dining experience where London’s iconic skyline becomes the backdrop to every bite. I recently experienced the Sunday roast at Aqua Shard, and it’s easily one of the best I’ve had in London. Set high above the city with stunning views, the restaurant offers a refined three-course roast that perfectly balances tradition with modern flair.
To start, I had the Cured Blow Torched Cornish Mackerel—light, fresh, and beautifully paired with apple salad and a smoked caviar dressing. For mains, I couldn’t resist the Roasted Rump of Hereford Beef. It was rich, tender, and came with all the classics - crispy dripping potatoes, heritage carrots, and the fluffiest Yorkshire pudding. A friend tried the Roasted Breast of Suffolk Corn-fed Chicken and raved about the bread sauce and perfectly cooked vegetables.
Even the Nut Roast was a standout - generous, hearty, and full of flavour.Everything is crafted using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, and it really shows in the quality. Whether you're with family or friends, this is a must-visit for a traditional British Sunday done right with a view to match.
Reviewed by Arianna Chatzidakis, Creative Content Director
Book via aquashard.co.uk
Take in the spectacular views of London at Sabine
With breathtaking views of St Paul’s and stylish decor, Sabine provides the perfect luxury setting for sunset drinks in the heart of the city. While the location alone is enough to make the bar a hotspot this summer, it’s the globally inspired small plates menu and unique cocktail list that make Sabine an al fresco experience I’ll soon be revisiting.
This vibrant rooftop sanctuary boasts an impressive list of luxurious cocktails and while it wasn’t easy to choose, our very informative and friendly server Camile gave two recommendations that did not disappoint - the refreshing Elysian Glow, a gin-based cocktail topped up with Louis Pommery sparkling wine, and the Sol Fuego, an elevated version of a margarita. Both exquisite.
As for the food, we were treated to a series of delicious small plates - perfect for grazing while we happily sipped on our cocktails and admired the glorious view of the city.
We enjoyed the mac n cheese croquettes, which were perfectly paired with truffle mayo, salt and pepper calamari fries which came with a tangy smoked paprika aioli, Italian sausage arancini, Buffalo chicken taquitos and stone bass crudo. While all of the plates were delightful (no crumbs were left), the stone bass crudo was the stand-out dish, with the chicken taquitos a close second.
Reviewed by Nicky Morris, Deputy TV Editor
Book via https://www.sabinelondon.co.uk/
Head to Chinatown's 'noodle' kid on the block
As a fan of both noodles and beer, I was expecting great things of Chinatown’s newly opened Noodle and Beer. Happily, the reality lived up to the expectation and more.
Arriving at the venue, my friend and I were shown to our cosy nook for the evening and began proceedings with a couple of delightful preprandials: an Old Fashioned smoother than peak Michael Bublé, and a Sour sharper than a contestant on University Challenge.
Whistles suitably wetted, we were served a plate of courgette chips which left me doubting if potatoes can truly lay claim to being the vegetable best suited to deep frying. Next followed a dish which is new on the menu yet guaranteed to go down in the Noodle and Beer culinary annals: braised beef ribs with blanket noodles. Slow cooked over 24 hours, it was the most succulent and flavoursome piece of beef I have ever eaten. It came with quite a kick too, despite its mild one-pepper rating, a salutary warning for those who visit the restaurant and are tempted to sample one of the five-pepper-rated recipes on offer. The meal was rounded off by an indecently fresh mango pear sago, a palette cleanser par excellence.
We exited the venue feeling full and happy, and if you fancy feeling something similar in London this May, Noodle and Beer is ready to oblige….
Reviewed by Tim Kiek, Head of Engagement and Communities
Book via https://www.noodleandbeer.com/restaurants/chinatown
Take your love of Italian cuisine up a notch at Bocconcino
I adore Italian food, as does one of my best friends, and so we are always on the lookout for our new favourite dining spot for pasta treats. Fortunately we decided to give Bocconcino a whirl recently, and were blown away by the absolutely sumptuous menu, with the plethora of tasty options making it impossible to choose just one!
© Alvaro
The restaurant itself has two levels depending on if you would like a lively or low-key dining experience, and is beautifully thought out with plenty of elegant details and second-to-none waiting staff, making this the perfect spot for a special date night or a long-awaited catch up with a friend.
We especially enjoyed the Pizza Quattro stagioni, Pizza Quattro stagioni as well as the Sicilian red prawns in tomato sauce & salted ricotta cheese and Double-baked soufflé with black truffle for starters - divine! Book here.
Reviewed by Emmy Griffiths, TV and Film Editor
Book via bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk/mayfair
Enjoy sparkling jewels and cocktails at the V&A and K Bar
A perfect pitstop for an afternoon in London is the new Cartier exhibition at the V&A museum in South Kensington.
© The Kensington
The exhibition, which runs until 16 November, features more than 350 objects, including precious jewels, historic gemstones, iconic watches and clocks, that chart the evolution of Cartier's legacy of art, design and craftsmanship since the turn of the 20th century.
Particular favourites were the Crash wristwatch, the Mountbatten bandeau and a stunning tiara from 1908.Once you've had your fill of rubies and diamonds, head to The Kensington, a five-star hotel whose bar, The K-Bar, has launched a special cocktail menu in order to celebrate the new exhibition.
The Diamant cocktail includes champagne and Beluga Gold Line Vodka poured over a diamond-shaped ice cube, or the Rubis combines La Hechicera Rum, Campari and red vermouth with a burst of mango.
For those who prefer citrus flavours, Émeraude is a bright green cocktail which blends Gunpowder Irish Gin with fragrant pandan - delicious! There's also a non-alcoholic option, Amethyst, with white peach and jasmine combined butterfly pea flower tea. Like its namesake, the drink is purple. Combining some culture with light refreshment is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening in the city.
Reviewed by Millie Jackson, Content Managing Editor
Book via www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the-kensington-hotel/dining/k-bar
Sunday roast with a chic twist at The Hound, Chiswick
If you're looking to elevate your Sunday roast game in West London, The Hound in Chiswick should be top of your list. Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian police station, it’s the perfect spot to unwind.
© The Courtyard
Inside, the vibe is effortlessly stylish, ideal for a relaxed lunch with friends or a cosy date. But what truly sets The Hound apart is its stunning outdoor courtyard, complete with a sleek retractable glass roof. We were lucky enough to visit on a crisp, sunny afternoon, and it was magical. I can’t wait to return when summer’s in full swing.
The Sunday menu is fantastic. To start, we shared golden ham hock croquettes and perfectly roasted scallops. For mains, the slow-roasted pork belly stole the show, especially alongside the crunchy pork scratchings.
The drinks list is just as impressive. I started with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc, which paired perfectly with my meal. And for dessert, an English Strawberry Trifle, I sipped on their Frozen Spicy Peach Margarita, a refreshing slushie-style cocktail made with chilli-infused Casamigos Blanco, peach, and lime.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting for the weekend, The Hound offers a refined take on the classic Sunday roast in one of West London’s most charming settings.
Reviewed by Andrea Caamano, Digital Content Director
Book via https://www.thehound.london/
Go for brunch at The Table and try their brand-new menu
Brunch in London is always evolving, and The Table's new Battersea outpost is bringing something fresh to the scene with its just-launched brunch menu. Tucked away just off Battersea Park Road, it’s got a relaxed, neighbourhood feel, stylish without trying too hard.
The menu is full of playful, thoughtful dishes that go beyond the usual fare. I went big with the Table Brunch Burger: double beef patties, melted cheddar, fried egg, crispy bacon, smashed avocado and their house “Virgin Mary” spiced tomato compote. It’s enormous, gloriously messy and packed with flavour, exactly what you want from a weekend treat.
The rest of the menu is equally tempting, like the vibrant Burrata Bowl and the wholesome Buddha Bowl. For those with a sweet tooth, the tiramisu pancakes looked dangerously good. And don’t sleep on the cocktails, I tried their mimosa with elderflower and it was a total winner: bright, floral, and a lovely twist on the classic.It’s a brilliant new addition to the Battersea brunch circuit, the kind of place that makes you want to stay for a second coffee (or cocktail).
Reviewed by Rafael Rubio, Global Director of Audience Development
Book viathetablecafe.com/book/
Best things to do in London in May 2025
Take in the incredible Jane Austen-inspired exhibition at sketch
Sketch in Mayfair is an iconic restaurant and venue known for pushing the boundaries with its incredible neoclassical interiors and somewhat unusual décor (egg-shaped bathroom capsules, anyone?), but its annual 'sketch in Bloom' event takes this flair for design to the next level.
© Sketch
For the month of May, this Grade II listed building takes on a new life featuring floral tributes to the renowned author Jane Austen, who would be 250 this year. Work by renowned British florists like Lucy Vail Floristry, Ricky Paul and Rob Van Helden includes romantic wisteria installations made from dyed rose petals, a statue of the author herself and a ‘living portrait’ photo opportunity to pose as Austen herself, at a regency-style writing desk against countryside murals that pay tribute to both Jane and sketch, created by artist Meg Boscowen.
It's worth a visit just to see the flowers alone, but sketch also offers a special afternoon tea inspired by Jane Austen, served in an exclusive silver ornate new tea set, for £115 per person.
Reviewed by Millie Jackson, Content Managing Editor
Book via https://sketch.london/
Experience the thrilling world of the Wild West in London
If you've watched Yellowstone or have always loved the aesthetic of a cowboy boot, then this new photography exhibition is the perfect one for you. Cowboys: Spirit of the West is an exhibition by acclaimed French photographer Anouk Masson Krantz, and it explores the world of the American cowboy.
© ©anoukmassonkrantz
It's even Yellowstone approved! Taylor Sheridan, the creator of the popular Paramount series, has described her work as "wordless poetry… a symphony without strings".
There are some incredible photographs which really bring it to life.The exhibition opens at Iconic Images Gallery Piccadilly from May 9 to June 14, so be sure not to miss it.
Reviewed by Millie Jackson, Content Managing Editor
Book via www.iconicimagesgalleries.com
Dine in the midst of stunning modern art
Stepping into the achingly cool art’otelin London’s Old Street, I was at first hit by the original Banksys on display and then by the impeccable design begging for your attention from every conceivable corner. If you’re going to hang art this good on your walls, then you better have high standards.
© Rebecca Hope
I’m not here to sample the hotel’s delights today, however, but instead the ‘The Brush’. The very enjoyable eatery nestled within the hotel’s ground floor.
At first, I felt the decor at odds with the hotel’s perfunctory embellishments of modern art. Once I grasped its cafe culture appearance (the clue is in the name, but I can be slow), it all started to make sense. So much so that I had my expectation of struggling artists imbibing absinthe on the terrace; they are in the post, I believe.
My lunch companion and I decided against the impressively reasonable wine list, preferring a couple of ice-cold pilsners to refresh us. The starters arrived politely and quickly; my prawn cocktail sat on a bed of avocado with a Marie Rose sauce was a truly great take. I think it tests the mettle of the place to reinvent a classic and pull it out of the bag like this. My companion opted for the equally decent salmon on rye bread, but we agreed that I’d won the starter competition.
For the main course, I was delighted by a Wiener Schnitzel brought to my table, which was the size of a small car. Mind you, I was hungry. Accompanied by small pots of dill, cucumber and parsley potatoes. Weiner Schnitzel at the art’otel? Completed it, mate. Well, I barely finished it; the accompaniments were mere tasteful additions, with the majority being left due to the behemoth of a schnitzel.
The Halibut consumed by my lunch partner was, however, the star of the show. Another reinvention, but this time of the humble fish and chips, we were informed. Attempting not to inhale the dish, warm, juicy flakes of fish juxtaposed well with the joyfully sharp minted peas, ensuring every morcel glided off the fork.
Sadly, we were too sated to attempt a dessert, feeling that these dishes were worthy curtain raisers to a delectable bistro-inspired list. Maybe next time, I’ll make sure I skip breakfast before I dine just to be sure my waistline will accommodate it.
Reviewed by Christian Anderson-Ramshall, Head of Channels
Book via The Brush, Hoxton
