Celebrate the Bank Holiday in style on Oxford Street

01 May 2024

In our opinion, May is one of the best months of the year. Not only does it signal longer, brighter and warmer days, but it also means two long Bank Holiday weekends and more time with the kids thanks to Half Term. And if you’re at a loose end as to how to spend your time, we’ve got a few suggestions for you…

Take in some art

Frameless, situated in Marble Arch, is a one-of-kind immersive art venue. Imagine four galleries which showcase dozens of the world’s greatest works of art, by artists including Cezanne, Monet, Dali and Van Gogh to name just a few. You can even enjoy toddler sensory classes and art talks – and if you book in advance, you can save 10% on your ticket price too. On the other side of Oxford Street, you’ll find Outernet, another unique immersive venue housing giant screens which showcase art, culture and music for all the family.

Enjoy rooftop drinks

There’s no better way to take in London than by being on top of it. After a busy day shopping day on Oxford Street, take the lift straight up to Selfridges’ rooftop for dinner or drinks al fresco at Alto by San Carlo, a chic Riviera-inspired venue decorated with hanging flowers, and offering day-to-night seasonal Italian dishes made with the finest ingredients. Over at John Lewis, an exciting new roof garden is set to open in time for you to enjoy the sunshine over cocktails and tasty sharing platters. Aqua Kyoto is a must for fans of Japanese cuisine, and you can enjoy drinks on their rooftop terrace too.

Feast on afternoon tea

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a tasty afternoon tea at one of the many restaurants and tea rooms on Oxford Street, all of which offer their own twist on the traditional cake and sandwiches. At the Sound Cafe at the Cumberland Hotel, expect sandwiches and cakes with an American twist, as well as bottomless options of sparkling wines, beers and soft drinks, to the soundtrack of live music and the latest hits. For another unique tasting experience, try the Bond St Tea Rooms, which offer a selection of Italian cicchetti followed by classic finger sandwiches with Mediterranean influences, as well as homemade scones and indulgent desserts. At Huffkins, it’s all about freshly baked scones and sparkling champagne, as well as mouth-watering cakes.

Enjoy an evening out

Whether you’re enjoying a night out with friends or planning a date night, there are experiences to suit all tastes. You can catch the latest releases, including Back To Black, at the Cinema at Selfridges, and if you want to push the boat out, you can even hire the whole venue. Head to the Churchill Bar & The Terrace for their signature cocktails (the Unity cocktail menu, inspired by different world cultures, is a must). The vibrant BoTree bar also serves some tasty cocktails and elegant Italian sharing dishes. For more laid-back dining, head to Market Halls, where you’ll be able to enjoy virtually any cuisine under the sun, from Mexican tacos to burgers, Northern Thai street food, Kebabs and Filipino BBQ food. Do save room for the DumDum doughnuts, by the original Donut Guy.

Have fun with the kids

We know entertaining the kids at Half Term can be challenging, but not so on Oxford Street. You can visit the Twist Museum, aka London’s home of illusions. The immersive playground puts your mind to the test thanks to art installations and illusions that will make you question reality. Let your competitive side take over at Swingers, a 1920s British seaside-inspired venue with three bespoke crazy golf courses, where you can also enjoy live music, street food and drinks. Over at Boom Battle, you can easily while away the hours singing karaoke songs, throwing virtually augmented axes, playing shuffleboard, pool, crazier golfand darts. Or if the weather is nice, you can simply take in nature in one of the parks on Oxford Street, like Hanover Square or Soho Square Gardens.

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