As London comes out of hibernation, there are plenty of things to get you out and about in these longer, warmer days. Here are five things that can help you along the way …
Photo: SAMPLE
1 Oxford-Cambridge University Boat Race, Barnes
Back after a two-year hiatus, the Oxford-Cambridge University Boat Race is underway. Hep your crew on or just sunbathe in the atmosphere. Boats fall into the Thames at the Putney Embankment, where the racing begins. The races end near Chiswick Bridge. Sit down near one of these bridges or at Barnes or Hammersmith Bridge for first-class viewing, or you can watch on the big screen in Bishop’s Park and Furnivall Gardens. Alternatively, enjoy the day at a watershed on the Thames, such as The Bulls Head, Sam’s Riverside, The Old Ship Hammersmith or The Dove.
Date: April 3rd
Time: Race starts from 14.23; The BBC broadcasts from 13.50
Price: Free
Address: Bishop’s Park: Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA; Furnivall Gardens: 52a Rutland Grove W6 9DG
Website: theboatrace.org
2 Garden of God at Chameleon, Marylebone
Chameleon’s God Garden is housed in a stunning neo-classical church in Marylebone and is open in time for the warmer weather. The alfresco eatery is divided between two tents, behind a path clad in colorful foliage and offers live music from kl. The place’s flower-covered greenhouses remain open if you want a cozy, intimate setting for a group of up to 22 people. Either way, both options are a great way to enjoy spring and Chameleon’s Tel Aviv and Mediterranean-inspired turntables.
Time: Garden of God: Dinner is served Thursday to Saturday, lunch Sunday. Greenhouses: Dinner is served Tuesday to Saturday and lunch Saturday
Address: Marylebone Road 1, NW1 4AQ
Website: chameleon.london
Oxford V Cambridge Boat Race 2017, Thames. Photo: Ivan Smuk / Shutterstock
Garden of God at Chameleon, Marylebone. Photo: Chameleon
3 London Games Festival
One for gamers and those who dislike being outside, the London Games Festival kicks off this week. Events for gaming professionals and for bedroom players will be held online and in real life. One of the heroic events is a three-day, large-scale exhibition showcasing new talent and archival material in Trafalgar Square. There is also an evening of stand up to raise money for Games Aid and an exhibition showcasing work from black, Asian and underrepresented ethnicities.
Date: 1.-10. April
Price: Cards start from free
Website: games.london
4 SAMPLE Urban Design Market, Greenwich
When you return to the Greenwich Peninsula for a day, SAMPLE is a treat for fashionistas, foodies, leisure seekers and families. The market brings together designers and creators from London who work in fashion, food, home furnishings, beauty and wellness as well as DJs and food suppliers. SAMPLE is housed in the Design District and aims to provide a platform for start-ups and young businesses to take the plunge into retail destinations such as Selfridges, Net-a-Porter and Coal Drops Yard. There are also workshops on things like how to stop a jumper. These are free, but you must sign up.
Date: Sunday, April 2nd
Time: 11.00-19.00
Address: The Gateway Pavilions, Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula SE10 0SQ
Website: greenwichpeninsula.co.uk
SAMPLE Urban Design Market, Greenwich. Photo: SAMPLE
Hush Mayfair’s Motor Terrace, Mayfair. Photo: Hush Mayfair
5 Alfresco dining, terraces, beer gardens and roof terraces throughout London
Basically, spring is here, and take every opportunity to enjoy the warmer weather and longer days that you can. Chameleon is not the only place ready for summer. London has a wealth of terraces, rooftops and alfresco dining options, but also try Hush Mayfair with its Amalfi Coast-inspired courtyard, Pantechnicon in Belgravia with its open glass roof terrace and Nordic-inspired menu, and Borough Market’s Turnips with Thomas Lidakevicius, for a fantastic meal during the arches on the back of a greengrocer. Do you want a beer garden to sunbathe in? Try Crooked Billet in Hackney, Homeboy Embassy Gardens, Dove Hammersmith or Alwyne Castle in Islington.