In April, spring had firmly sprung and brought with it many exciting pop-ups and some rather pleasant weather. From the colourful Hampton Court Tulip Festival to the impressive Age of Elegance exhibition at the King's Gallery there was plenty of cultural fun to be had. Take inspiration from this fun list of what our Authors got up to last month.
Jonny: Taking in Brixton Village vibes
Learn more about the top things to do in Brixton.
Chantal: Behind the scenes at London's legendary landmarks
Exploring the historic Palace of Westminster on a Houses of Parliament Tour and climbing to the Belfry of the iconic Big Ben were the ultimate highlights of my month.
As I wandered through the grand halls of the Houses of Parliament, I was captivated by the intricate Gothic Revival architecture and the rich history that seemed to echo from every corner. Seeing the distinctive green benches of the House of Commons, the Speaker's Chair and the Despatch boxes that I've often seen flash up on TV during heated debates, were exciting to experience in person.
Climbing the winding staircase to the Belfry of Big Ben was also an adventure in itself, and I was rewarded by seeing the bells chime and enjoying breathtaking views of London. The famous clock dials were within arm's reach, and the thought of London's New Year's Eve fireworks glittering around this iconic landmark added a magical touch.
Carole: Game on at London's latest immersive experience, Activate
Gathering colleagues and friends to star in the latest Visit London Instagram video, we made our way to the city’s hottest new activity: Activate.
From the moment we stepped in, it felt like Ninja Warrior had gone digital – an adrenaline-packed playground of fast-paced games where teamwork, sharp reflexes and speed are your secret weapons. Think colour-coded grids to jump across, hoops to shoot, lasers to dodge and clues to crack – all against the clock. It’s chaotic and seriously addictive.
Discover more immersive experiences in London.
Georgie: A dazzling night at the London Coliseum and a Borough Market feast
I headed to the London Coliseum to see the new stage adaptation of Fitzgerald’s timeless classic The Great Gatsby and it was nothing short of spectacular. The show features breathtaking set designs, stunning costumes and a live orchestra that even performed on stage as the band for one of Gatsby’s iconic parties. Jamie Muscato and Frances Mayli McCann brilliantly brought Gatsby and Daisy’s star-crossed romance to life, while Amber Davies as Jordan Baker and Corbin Bleu as Nick Carraway injected pizzaz and flair into every scene. You can read my full review over on the Visit London blog.
Another highlight was a delicious dinner (read: feast) at Berenjak in Borough Market. The Persian restaurant offers a three-course set menu for £45 per person, serving exceptional flatbreads, mouthwatering kebabs and a crispy saffron rice that’s worth visiting for alone. As for the vibe, counter-style seating frame the open kitchen while cosy, candlelit corners make for an ideal date night spot.
Sigrun: Getting competitive at Boulebar, Spitalfields
Upon entering the French-inspired pétanque court-slash-restaurant, Boulebar, I was met with a chic bar counter, shelves filled with spirits and some nice decorative pieces throughout. The basement space has a modern seating area and an open plan kitchen with a lovely restaurant. We quickly discovered that the basement space is much bigger when walking around the corner with further tables and another boules area.
The host explained how to play the game and stayed with us for a few throws to make sure we were getting the hang of it. It was so much fun throwing those metal balls and while having a break from the game we sipped on a selection of delicious cocktails. My favourite was made with Lillet, a very tasty refreshing aperitif, perfect paired with tasty food from the French-inspired menu. I would definitely recommend this place for a fun night out.
Check out more activity bars in London.
Kirstine: Coffee dates at Baretto
If you're looking for a cosy little cafe with real Italian charm, Baretto Coffee in Fitzrovia is such a find. It's hidden away on a quiet street (blink and you'll miss it) but inside, it's all warm tones, rust-red tiled counters, cute yellow shelving, and big windows that flood the place with light. There are only five tables, so it feels intimate and relaxed – perfect for a quiet catch up or a midweek meeting spot.
The crispy Parma ham and mozzarella toasted sandwich hit the savoury spot – fresh ingredients, proper flavours, just really well done. Dunking the Naples biscuits (aka ladyfingers) into a thick, creamy tiramisu latte was another indulgent highlight.