The Ten Coolest Things to Do in London This Week (23rd – 30th July)

From riverside Galician feasts to a night behind bars, this week’s round-up has something for every mood – whether you’re after a boozy afternoon in the sun, a family day out, or an excuse to dust off your Y2K wardrobe.

1. Celebrate Galicia Day at Brindisa

On Saturday 25th July, Brindisa Tapas Richmond turns its riverside terrace into a full-blown Galician fiesta for National Galicia Day. An Estrella Galicia pop-up bar keeps the beer flowing all day (braver guests can even pull their own pint for a shot at branded prizes and freebies), while the kitchen wheels out whole Galician octopus cooked tableside over Koffmann’s potatoes, and a Txuleta Rubia Gallega sirloin built for sharing. A live acoustic guitarist provides the soundtrack.

2. Enjoy a Champagne-soaked pool day at Pan Pacific London

Until 30th September, Pan Pacific London has teamed up with Champagne Taittinger for a summer of poolside indulgence. The hotel’s 18.5m infinity pool has been transformed into a Riviera-style retreat, with Champagne served from a dedicated trolley during adult-only swim hours. For the full experience, the Summer Stay with Taittinger package (from £392) throws in overnight accommodation, breakfast, a Champagne voucher and a Champagne gift to take home.

3. NOCI x MOTH’s boozy brunch

NOCI Shoreditch is giving its Feasting with Friends brunch a summer refresh with MOTH, serving up bottomless fresh pasta and MOTH Margaritas (classic or spicy, first one’s free) on one of Shoreditch’s best terraces. Book the 12–3pm sitting on 25th July or 31st August for a rotating line-up of DJs courtesy of Voices Radio, including Toby & Kit, Hiren Parmar and Maria Hanlon.

4. Okja x Glasshouse’s self-care giveaway

To mark International Self Care Day, Okja and Glasshouse Salon are gifting the first 100 people through the door at Okja Liverpool Street and Okja Spitalfields a free wellness smoothie and a bottle of Glasshouse’s Hair, Skin & Body supplements (worth £67). Doors open 9am on Friday 24th July – early arrival essential.

5. London Wing Fest

Running 24th–26th July, this summer staple brings together over 50 wing traders alongside live music, eating competitions and entertainment for all ages – yes, it’s kid-friendly too.

6. ZONIN’s “Ring for Prosecco” at Canary Wharf

Inspired by Italy’s 16th-century buchette del vino – the little wine windows once used to serve wine straight from Florentine palazzos – ZONIN has installed a “Ring for Prosecco” flower wall at Amerigo Vespucci in Canary Wharf. Running until 31st August, diners on the terrace can ring the bell for a glass (£11) or bottle (£35) of ZONIN Prosecco Rosé, served straight through the window.

7. Take part in a Charli XCX lookalike competition

To mark the release of Charli XCX’s new album Music, Fashion, Film, Roof East in Stratford is hosting a Charli lookalike contest on Sunday 26th July. Expect smudged eyeliner, tiny sunglasses and full brat energy – entry is free, with £200 cash for the winner and a £50 “Girl, so confusing” award (complete with a can of Coke in a ziplock bag).

8. Leadenhall Vintage Market

Leadenhall Market’s Vintage Furniture & Flea Market returns on Sunday 26th July, filling the market’s historic covered walkways with mid-century furniture, antiques, retro homeware and one-off vintage finds from 12-5pm. It’s free to attend, a four-minute walk from Monument station, and there’s food and drink from Leadenhall’s cafés, restaurants and pubs to make a day of it.

9. Family puddings masterclass at Willett’s

Willett’s at The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, is running a British Puddings Masterclass on 25th July, with Executive Chef Michael Turner leading families through ice cream sundaes, cookies and a classic Eton Mess – the perfect excuse for pudding at breakfast. Kids eat free at the restaurant all summer.

10. A night behind bars at Alcotraz

For something a little different, Alcotraz’s immersive prison cocktail experience sees guests swap freedom for orange jumpsuits, crooked wardens and smuggled spirits for a night of cocktails and chaos. Quirky, theatrical and unlike anything else on this list.