5 glorious things to do in London this weekend

13 Jan 2020 | Updated on: 27 Sep 2022 |By Natasha Afxentiou

From a giant yellow slide at Selfridges to a new art installation in one of London's most famous windows, here's your curated guide to what's on in the capital this weekend

Russell Young’s Icons collection at Harrods, Knightsbridge

As part of a new Art at Harrods partnership with Halcyon Gallery in Mayfair, Harrods has transformed its Brompton Road windows with the work of Anglo-American artist Russell Young. The artist’s large-scale silkscreen paintings of icons including Marilyn Monroe, Kate Moss, Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, Elvis Presley and Mick Jagger. Passers-by can gaze through peepholes distributed along the window installation, to discover products paired with each icon on display.

Elvis Presley, Artworks by Russell Young

Read more: unmissable exhibitions in London this year

Date: Until Wednesday 5 February 2020 Location: Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL Closest Station: Knightsbridge

Website: harrods.com

The Breathing Room at Blakes Below, Blakes Hotel, South Kensington (Friday)

Continuing its series of wellness events, Blakes Hotel is hosting an immersive breathing workshop this Friday, in collaboration with OTO, the UK-based brand bringing the benefits of CBD into the beauty industry. An introduction to OTO CBD will be followed a one-hour, high-intensity breath-work session, designed to help you destress and let go of bad habits. The mood-boosting session will be guided by Breathpod founder Stuart Sandeman, with the overarching aim being to transport you to a higher state of learning, self-awareness and growth. Following the event, treat yourself to a non-alcoholic Inhale or alcoholic Exhale cocktail in the surrounds of the Oriental-inspired lounge.

Date: Friday 17 January 2020 Time: 7.30pm-9pm Price: Tickets £35 per person Location: Blakes Hotel, 33 Roland Gardens, South Kensington, London SW7 3PF Closest Station: South Kensington

Website: blakeshotels.com

New Ground pop-up sustainable coffee shop, Selfridges

The rotating pop-up space on the ground floor at Selfridges has been transformed into a sustainable coffee shop this January, complete with an adult-friendly, giant slide. Release your inhibitions and whizz down the made-for-Instagram yellow tube before ordering a hot drink, brewed using ethically sourced coffee beans and served a recyclable cup. The caffeine-fuelled space also employs ex-offenders from the Thames Valley area, proving itself as a pop-up with purpose.

The Corner Shop, New Ground pop-up coffee shop, Selfridges

Date: The New Ground pop-up is open until 6 February 2020 Time: from 7.30am ahead of store opening on Monday-Friday; 9.30am-9pm Saturdays, 11.30am-6pm Sundays Location: The Corner Shop, located on the Ground Floor of Selfridges London, 400 Oxford Street London W1A 1AB Closest Station: Bond Street

Website: selfridges.com

Rooftop cinema at The Berkeley, Knightsbridge (from Wednesday)

The Berkeley hotel’s much-loved rooftop cinema returns this week to brighten up January evenings. Hunker down beneath a heated blanket in a chalet-inspired log cabin and watch feel-good classics including You’ve Got Mail, The Greatest Showman and When Harry Met Sally. Cinema-goers can also enjoy chocolate and Laurent Perrier Champagne, as well as truffle macaroni cheese and spiced hot dogs.

Date: Wednesdays to Saturdays from 15 January 2020 Time: Screenings at 7.30pm with special weekend screenings at 5.30pm – see website for further details Price: £95 per adult, £75 per child Location: The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RL Closest Station: Knightsbridge

Website: the-berkeley.co.uk

Sunday lunch aboard the Grand Duchess, Paddington (Sunday)

Step aboard the Grand Duchess this weekend for Sunday lunch on the Regents Canal. The floating seafood restaurant, which is permanently docked on the Grand Union Canal, is serving dishes including classic fish pie, rolled lamb saddle and whole roast monkfish tail, with live music throughout the afternoon.

Date: Sunday 19 January 2020 and every Sunday thereafter Time: 12pm-6.30pm on Sundays Location: Sheldon Square, London W2 6DL Closest Station: Paddington

Website: londonshellco.com/the-grand-duchess

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