Property -- 10 days ago
The clocks have changed, we are heading home in daylight, and it feels safe to say that spring has officially begun. April always brings a sense of renewal and the promise that winter is firmly behind us, despite the ever-present threat of those dreaded April showers. With Easter arriving on the first weekend, everyone’s favourite long weekend is set to start the month on the right foot. With the change in season, we are encouraging everyone to get outside and enjoy everything London has to offer, beginning with the infamous The Boat Race and the long Easter weekend. There is also the launch of the latest advancement in wellbeing, arriving just in time for that final pre-summer exercise push, alongside some Mediterranean eats to get you in the mood for a summer escape. If a day out is on the cards, Hampton Court Palace’s ode to tulip season awaits. For car enthusiasts, Salon Privé London offers a perfect balance between automotive excellence and a more leisurely Chelsea outing. For a dose of arts and culture, David Bowie’s new interactive exhibition promises an immersive celebration of the icon, while spring also calls for open-air theatre at Shakespeare’s Globe. The month rounds off with the London Marathon, so it is only right to get the markers out and a catchy slogan ready to spur everyone across the line. So with a spring in our step, why not discover our pick of the best things to do in London this month...
Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race
Everyone’s favourite excuse for a cold beer in the spring sunshine has returned. When you start noticing an unusual flocking to the banks of the Thames, or an overflow of people vying for a perch at a riverside pub, you know the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is back. It is a perfect representation of a British day out. Crowds arrive armed with picnic blankets, a selection of M&S’s finest picky bits, and the hope of catching a glimpse of the rowers as they race by. Follow the river or set up camp, it is a great way to spend the long Bank Holiday weekend. Pick your side, enjoy some friendly rivalry, soak up a bit of British camaraderie and pray for some sunshine.
When? 4th of April
Where? Putney to Mortlake on the River Thames
Opening of Tramp Health
We are firmly in the health-conscious age. We are all constantly looking for the next trend to better our body and mind, and to the untrained eye, the endless options can quickly become overwhelming. But fear not. Luca Maggiora, the visionary behind London’s most exclusive destinations, has unveiled his latest concept, Tramp Health. Following his infamous revival of the iconic Tramp, he is now turning his talents to wellbeing, creating a haven for the health-inclined and a sanctuary where science, culture, and community converge for a new era of longevity. With connection at its core, Luca prioritises a sense of belonging in all that he does, and Tramp Health is designed to support how you live, move, and feel every single day. Set within the former US Embassy, the interiors are instantly uplifting. Guests will find a wellness café, an expansive gym and HIIT studios, alongside zones for breathwork, sauna, and recovery. With dedicated areas for Pilates, diagnostics, relaxation, and IV therapy, it is a space that encourages us to truly look after ourselves. The ethos of Tramp Health has been shaped by a team of renowned specialists in medicine, nutrition, and movement, who provide expert knowledge and personalised guidance. Allow yourself to be introduced to a new world where your health is firmly at the centre, in a place that understands community and connection best.
Where? Tramp Health, Grosvenor Square
Hampton Court Palace’s Tulip Festival
Has spring really sprung if you haven’t bothered a loved one just to point out how beautiful London looks in full bloom? We don’t think so. Whether you’re the amateur horticulturist or the patient flower-tolerator, there’s nowhere better to feel the warmth of the season than at The Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival - the real crown jewel of London’s blossoming spring scene. Now, if the tens of thousands of tulips and blooming spring flowers aren’t enough to hold your attention all day long, Hampton Court Palace Gardens are the perfect place for a history lover. Explore the Baroque Great Fountain, first envisioned in the 17th century under William III, or meander along to the Privy Garden of Henry III. At every corner of this historic palace, you’ll be sure to be awed by the craftsmanship of the historic and contemporary planting styles of this year’s flowers.
When? From 3rd April
Where? Hampton Court Way, East Molesey KT8 9AU
JUL'S Opening
Fresh off the plane from Ibiza, JUL’s London edition has opened in the West End, bringing a Greek-inspired menu led by seasonality and locality. The interiors are instantly transportive, evoking the Mediterranean through a design rooted in nature, with materials chosen for their texture and ability to age over time. You’ll find yourself tracing the grooves in uneven walls and noticing the spheres of gold dotted along charcoal-black beams, details that feel inherently natural yet undeniably cool. Once your surroundings have been properly absorbed, Chef Christos leads a style of cooking that is vibrant and generous, celebrating ingredients at their best. Dishes range from the complex bluefin tuna tartare with blood orange ponzu, raspberry, and beetroot sorbet, to his take on the humble Greek salad, elevated beyond its already crowd-pleasing form. The bar below is not to be overlooked and promises to be the next destination spot. No. 11, an open bar laboratory, is developing cocktails through distillation and infusion to reflect the kitchen’s flavour profile, bringing savoury and unexpected elements to the glass. JUL’s promises to deliver all the warmth and rhythm of the Mediterranean, from early evening through to the early hours, capturing a feeling we’re all trying to replicate.
When? Only two weeks from 2nd of March
Where? 11 Waterloo Place, London, SW1Y 4AU
Salon Privé London at Royal Hospital Chelsea
For the petrol heads out there, April offers one of the more refined car shows in the heart of Chelsea. If anything, it is more akin to an automotive garden party. Across three days, Salon Privé London brings together spectacular cars, luxury shopping, and its signature hospitality for a truly spring-like celebration of automotive excellence and accomplishment. Leading manufacturers will unveil top-of-the-range supercars and showcase the latest breakthroughs in design and technology. It is a true adult playground and a gathering of those equally passionate. With immaculate lawns, a stately backdrop, a line-up of the world’s finest cars, and perhaps a glass of chilled Pommery Champagne in hand, it is a fantastic day out that mixes passion with pleasure. Even the most reluctant automotive fans will be in awe of a setup done in true Chelsea style.
When? 16th to 18th April
Where? Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, SW3 4SR
Opening of Mitsu
What happens when you mix the electric izakayas of East Tokyo with the effortlessly chic energy of East London? The answer might just be Mitsu, a bold Japanese restaurant and nightlife destination landing in the heart of Shoreditch. Descend through a corridor of LED arches, guided by pulsing vibrations, towards a striking “flying bar” where Suntory whisky is served on draft and the rich aroma of robata cooking draws you in. Mitsu promises authentic Japanese dining, with bold flavours and a touch of theatre. Expect dishes like wagyu, pork, or tamago sandos, alongside crisp ebi or soft-shell crab tempura. A flight of nigiri or kushiyaki skewers may tempt you, before the robata grill takes centre stage. As you dine, vinyl-led sets inspired by East Tokyo’s underground music culture set the tone, easing you into a late-night session and ensuring you leave with some of that enigmatic East London energy lingering long after.
Where? 10-50 Willow St, London EC2A 4BH
When? 9th of April
Lanesborough x Hotel Sacher Pop Up
If a touch of Grand Budapest glamour calls to you, then the Hotel Sacher pop-up at The Lanesborough feels like a delicate nod to Mendl’s, bringing a little Austrian charm to one of London’s most iconic establishments. Partnering with Vienna’s Hotel Sacher, this exclusive patisserie pop-up celebrates two pillars of Austrian culinary heritage: the Original Sacher-Torte and traditional apple strudel. Whichever you prefer, settle into a stately chair in the decadent Withdrawing Room with a slice in hand, and pay respect to these institutions of dessert and the precision of Vienna’s café culture. Enjoy it paired with Sacher-style coffee, or perhaps alongside a Negroni for an added touch of refinement. The collaboration unites Hotel Sacher’s historic craftsmanship with The Lanesborough’s Regency setting, giving dessert the elevated treatment it deserves.
Where? Park Corner, Hyde, London SW1X 7TA
When? Until the end of May
David Bowie: You’re Not Alone
This Spring, head on over to Lightroom in Coal Drops Yard to experience the voice, life, and music of the legendary David Bowie like you’ve never done before. This 360° immersive production - fully projected over Lightroom's 11-metre tall walls and huge open spaces - brings together Bowie’s genre-defining performances together with never-before-seen material carefully selected from thousands of hours of film in the vaults of the David Bowie Archive in New York. Whether you’ve just heard “Lets Dance” for the first time , or you’re a Ziggy Stardust specialist, this exhibit guarantees that you’ll meet a version of David Bowie that’ll utterly change every preconception you’ve held about the individual who so influenced the world’s ideas about music. Expect to see photography, personal sketches, rare performance footage, and lyrics, whilst hearing Bowie’s own voice to truly be immersed inside his world and learn more about what he valued most dearly - the transformative power of creativity.
Where? Lightroom, 12 Lewis Cubitt Square, King’s Cross, London
When? From 22nd of April
How much? Adults from £25
Weezie’s, Eccleston Yards
When you thought there couldn’t be a better combination than organic rosé and Perelló olives in Eccleston Yards, the Amie founders have gone one better with the opening of Weezies right next door. Their new venture marries thin-crust pizzas, shareable small plates, and Weezie’s signature orange wine, set to be this summer’s order on speed dial. The space is bright and rich with personality, filled with miscellaneous vintage and reclaimed furniture, while photos and nods to their namesake, Weezie, give it a cosy, living-room feel. With warmer days upon us, you might find yourself spilling out into the courtyard, which conveniently flows into Amie and offers a jovial summer atmosphere in the privacy of Eccleston Yards. However, those long afternoons are only possible with some sustenance, and they have cracked the code. The menu keeps things simple but indisputably good. The loaded crisps might kick things off, moreish and generously stacked, before the ceremony of the pizzas begins. With crisp bases and dreamy flavour combinations, there is no weak link in the lineup. They might even convince tomato-base traditionalists to venture into white-base territory. It's where everyone wants to be this summer, so I suggest visiting promptly and watching those drinks turn into dinner, and that one slice into several.
Where? Weezie’s, Eccleston Yards, 14-15 Eccleston Yards, London SW1W 9AZ
A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Globe
Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream returns to the Globe this month, and everyone’s favourite whimsical wonderland is welcomed with open arms. With warmer, lighter nights upon us, the Globe is the perfect setting for an evening of culture and escapism, in a world where the veil between the everyday and the extraordinary grows joyfully thin. It remains a timeless classic for a reason, and there is no better way to experience it than as Shakespeare intended, from all angles on the bank of the river. Even the most novice Shakespeareans can follow this enchanted story, where desire and connection become muddled between the fairy realm and reality, in a shared night of mischief that fills the Globe with chaos and wonder.
Where? 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
When? 23rd April to 29th August
Maza Mayfair
A nostalgic love letter to Athens and Greek hospitality has arrived on Bruton Place, bringing the spirit of a 1980s Athenian taverna to London diners. The result is a resounding success: Maza exudes the charm of stepping into a lively taverna, where you’re greeted like family, gently warned by cheeky crockery not to smash the plates, and welcomed with a shot alongside mezze to mark the start of the meal. It’s this sense of community that makes the experience so special. That same spirit carries through the menu, where generous portions, shared dishes, and communal dining are at the heart of everything. Start by sharing homemade breads baked in a wood-fired oven with a generous helping of their iconic tarama, before moving on to crispy pork belly gyros and chicken souvlaki, because what’s the point in choosing just one? Then come the truly outrageous disco fries, topped with shredded veal kokkinisto, inspired by grandmother’s archive recipes. This is food designed to bring joy and warmth, not just from the open grill, but from the atmosphere Maza has so carefully curated. It may be hard to convince yourself you have another home to return to as 70s and 80s Greek records spin and handwritten recipes adorn the walls, but eventually, you’ll finish that tzatziki martini and book your return to your Athenian home.
Where? 21 Bruton Place, W1J 6NB
The Kensington x The V&A
The Kensington is fortunate to be located a stone’s throw from some of London’s finest museums and has decided to capitalise on this advantage by teaming up with the V&A to celebrate the Schiaparelli exhibition in all the elegance it deserves. With a blend of culture and style, they have created the ultimate London getaway itinerary in partnership with the much-anticipated exhibition. They have curated an overnight stay package, paired with two exhibition tickets, alongside the newly created Fashion Becomes Tea, inspired by the exhibition’s surrealism and sculptural precision. The menu interprets fashion through flavour, with striking illustrative motifs that blur the line between food and art, mirroring Schiaparelli’s design philosophy. Outside of this, guests are invited to reflect on the exhibition at the K Bar, where the House’s playful use of illusion and bold colour is echoed in their cocktails, before retreating upstairs to their room in the 19th-century townhouse for a night’s sleep filled with inspirations of design and sculpture. There is no better way to experience London and its cultural hub than in the comfort of Victorian grandeur and after masterclass in design.
Where? The Kensington, 109-113 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, SW7 5LP
Sakura at Sushi Kanesaka
The pinnacle of the Japanese calendar has arrived as sakura season is firmly upon us. It is a time of celebration and reflection, with the blossoming buds of spring awakening to life. However, if you are not one of the lucky few experiencing it first-hand along the streets of Kyoto, there is a little corner of Japanese culture in our neighbourhood on Park Lane which truly celebrates the beauty of Japanese seasonality. Bestowed with its first Michelin star only seven months after opening, Sushi Kanesaka is housed behind a discreet doorway at 45 Park Lane and is a world away from its surroundings. Enter through a walkway encased with reclaimed Japanese granite before being greeted by Nanami-san, an okami dedicated to bestowing the art of Japanese hospitality upon you, before taking a seat at the intimate counter. An experience where the extraordinary and deeply traditional blend awaits, indecisiveness is left at the door as you adopt the mantra “I’ll leave it up to you.” Over the course of a seasonally driven 20-course journey, you will experience the time-honoured techniques and perfected art of omakase. Razor-sharp knives glide through fish presented in hinoki ice chests, before gifts of hand-crafted nigiri are placed before you. Piping hot bowls of fragrant miso soup appear, while the sounds of freshly grated wasabi and the sear of aburi-style fish echo through your private dining experience. You are guided through the limitless forms the fish can take, whether lobster shinjo or the most delicate tamagoyaki omelette. And just when you feel you have reached peak satisfaction, a Japanese melon that rivals ambrosia is presented, followed by a delicate sakuramochi, perfectly wrapped in a cherry blossom leaf, reminding you of the beauty in simplicity and inviting you to reflect on this magical cultural expedition.
Where? 45 Park Ln, London W1K 1PN
The London Marathon 2026
The late twenties to early thirties “Super Bowl” is upon us: the London Marathon, a rite of passage that many seem to adopt as an extension of their personality. Whether you’re the one who has put in the hard work and is running it, or a sympathetic friend who has endured endless Strava notifications, it’s a highlight in the London calendar and an opportunity to raise money for some truly incredible charities. We’re lucky to have one of the six major marathons in the world on our doorstep, and it is famously one of the best supported. You can track your loved ones and plan your support route around them, or simply meander along the course highlights, cheering as people speed or hobble past. Even if no one you know has a bib, it is a great day that brings London together and gives someone that much-needed push to get across the finish line.
When? Sunday April 26th
Where? Starts at Blackheath and finishes at The Mall
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