Top tips for the weekend on a budget(ish)

Friday

Elton John has sadly pulled out of the “Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park” on Friday. However rather than falling into a PR/Twitter disaster, they quickly told the world that Friday will now be a free event and everyone will be refunded. A bold move, as this has must be costing them a fortune but one we applaud. Importantly while it is free, you can’t simply just turn up and walk in the door. Free tickets are downloadable and entrance is being offered on a first come first serve basis until they reach capacity. For Tickets click here

Ray Davies now headlines the line-up for Friday supported by the legendary Elvis Costello & the imposters. Gabrielle Aplin whose very catchy song ‘panic cord’ made us want to drink cider in Hyde Park with daisy’s in our hair, while Thea Gilmore is tasked with starting proceedings, with songs like ‘I will not disappoint you’ unlike to disappoint, the night promises to be a fun but fairly laid back affair on the main stage. There are other stages too, but we will leave you to explore their website at your leisure.  You can see the full line up here

Saturday

With this weekend set to be baking in sunshine, us Londonites will flock far and wide to enjoy the sun. While many will head to London’s adopted beaches of Brighton, Southend and the like, many will head to the parks and the South Bank. Expect Borough Market to be at least as busy as you would expect and is perfect for those who want to escape the sun. The recently renovated Wheatshef is a great pit stop for those who want to sit outdoors but indoors (ish) with the added benefit of being able to buy beer from a VW camper van and watch train times from London bridge station (Just one more, lets get the next train?)

But for those who don’t want to follow the crowds then get yourselves to Maltby Street Market, the anti Borough Market if you will. It is basically a long alleyway in Bermondsey which is transformed into a treasure trove of outdoor and indoor delights. Their website gives you a flavour of what’s on offer and most importantly directions. Tozino tapas bar has to be our favourite place if we were forced to choose! We suggest go, explore, try and buy, chances are you won’t be disappointed. Gin lovers should also hunt down the amazing Little Bird Gin. Top tips: while most of it is on Maltby Street, some bits have popped up around the corner. Also check out the vintage shop with an old guy selling wine out the front, the atmosphere especially when a band is playing and wealth of vintage goods is amazing.

Sunday

This weekend is the last weekend of the Udderbelly, the upside down purple cow of fun is in our opinion the crowning glory of the south bank, so if you haven’t been already now is the time. This is for any day over the weekend, but it fits in nicely with our Sunday suggestion. If you can’t get tickets to any of the shows,  go anyway and enjoy their Beer Garden. For this weekend listings visit their website.

So that’s it for this week, for next week we suggest you check out BackDoor Salon before it sells out!! (You have been warned)