What’s on in London this week: 14 - 20 April 2025

Discover our pick of events in London this week: 14 - 20 April 2025.

Roof East

Roof East, East London’s iconic rooftop venue, is back this week, opening on 17 April. The ‘adult playground’ in Stratford offers signature games, outdoor cinema, street food, a vibrant festival atmosphere, and epic views of the city. New for this year, Roof East will host bottomless brunches starting in May, followed by festival weekends in June, July, and August, featuring music, comedy, art, and markets. Enjoy competitive games like crazy golf and archery, along with free activities like giant Jenga and ping pong. The outdoor cinema will showcase cult classics and blockbusters, and a range of street food vendors will serve up delicious offerings.

Date: from 17 April 2025. Location: Floor 8, Stratford Multi-Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Way, London E15 1XE. Tickets are now available at roofeast.com.

Roof East, East London’s iconic rooftop venue, is back on 17 April 2025.

Horniman Spring Fair

The Spring Fair at Horniman is back this week, offering live music, crafts, street food, and festive fun in its blossom-filled gardens. Try your hand at circus skills with Project Hoop, get competitive with traditional fete games, and enjoy a lively springtime disco with DJ Danny Nutt. Take part in the Easter bonnet parade and create your own spring basket at the family craft station. With entertainment for all ages, this joyful event is the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of spring with the family. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead.

Date: 19 April 2025. Time: 11am – 4pm. Location: Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Road, London SE23 3PQ. Price: from £6. Book now.

Dear England

The Olivier Award-winning smash hit returns to the National Theatre, updated to reflect Gareth Southgate’s final chapter as England manager. The production delves into the painful pattern of loss that has haunted England’s football team, particularly their struggles with penalties. As manager, Southgate must confront years of hurt to lead the team back to success. Written by James Graham and directed by Rupert Goold, this gripping examination of nation and game is a ‘back-of-the-net winner’.

Date: until 24 May 2025. Location: Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX. Price: from £25. Book now.

© Horniman Museum and Gardens.

Spring Fling Beer Festival at Pressure Drop Brewing

Pressure Drop Brewing’s Spring Fling festival celebrates the start of beer garden season with a relaxed day of fresh pours and special releases. The event will feature guest taps from Azvex (Liverpool), Floc. (Canterbury), and Two Flints (Windsor), alongside Pressure Drop’s own favourites. Enjoy food from local legends Walthamstow Dogs, live tunes, and a dog- and kid-friendly atmosphere. This one-day festival is perfect for a laid-back bank holiday outing.

Date: 18 April 2025. Time: 12pm - 8pm. Location: Pressure Drop Taproom, Mill Mead Road, Tottenham, N17 9QP. Price: £6 (includes your first beer free). Book now.

Jazz & Dinner with Fraser Smith Quartet  at Ladbroke Hall

The Fraser Smith Quartet, featuring Fraser Smith (tenor sax), Leon Greening (piano), Simon Read (bass), and Steve Brown (drums), brings a night of swing and classic jazz to Ladbroke Hall. Drawing inspiration from jazz’s golden eras, Fraser channels the sound of iconic tenor saxophonists, with a repertoire that spans the 40s to the 60s. Enjoy pre-show drinks in the garden, dinner orders by 8:00 PM, and an unforgettable performance starting at 8:30 PM.

Date: 18 April 2025. Time: Friday, 6:30 PM (Doors), 8:30 PM (Performance). Location: Ladbroke Hall, 79 Barlby Rd, London W10 6AZ. Price: £25 (Table Seating), £10 (Standing), Complimentary for Patrons. Book now.

English National Ballet: The Forsythe Programme. Image credit Jason Bell.

English National Ballet: The Forsythe Programme

Don’t miss your final chance this week to experience the Forsythe Programme by English National Ballet. The programme includes the exhilarating Playlist EP, blending ballet with the music of Barry White, Natalie Cole, Khalid, and more. It also features Herman Schmerman (Quintet), a rare classic piece by Forsythe that hasn’t been seen in the UK for nearly 30 years. The programme concludes with Rearray (London Edition 2025), a new work from the choreographer, evolving for English National Ballet, with a trio of dancers showcasing its dynamic structure.

Date: 12 – 19 April 2025. Location: Sadlers Wells Theatre, Rosebery Ave, London EC1R 4TN. Prices from: £15.00 (+£4.00 building maintenance fee). Book now.

Simon Armitage Poetry Reading

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage will host a special reading at the Barbican Centre to celebrate receiving the Freedom of the City of London, an honour recognising outstanding contributions to arts, sport, and diplomacy. The event, held for the first time in the iconic conservatory, marks a historic moment in the city’s oldest ceremony, dating back to 1237. Armitage, appointed Poet Laureate in 2019 and Professor of Poetry at the University of Leeds, is renowned for his literary achievements.

Date: 16 April 2025. Time: 6pm. Location: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. barbican.org.uk.

The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady Clod Ensemble & Nu Civilisation Orchestra. Image credit Graeme Miall.

Loraine James

Electronic music innovator Loraine James will embark on a special three-day residency at Café OTO in London, showcasing her wide-ranging sonic style. Each evening offers a unique performance, starting with her Whatever The Weather alias alongside Fereday, followed by an original soundtrack performance for an imagined film and a DJ set from Astrid Sonne. The residency concludes with a collaborative show featuring KMRU and support from Vivian Forever. Known for her intricate, genre-defying compositions that blend IDM, experimental beats, and personal storytelling, James has become a leading figure in electronic music, particularly through her work on the Hyperdub label. This residency offers a rare opportunity to experience her evolving sound in an intimate setting.

Date: 15 - 17 April 2025. Time: 7.30pm each night. Location: Café OTO, 18–22 Ashwin Street, Dalston, London, E8 3DL. Price: £20 (£18 advance, £12 members). Book now.

The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady: Clod Ensemble & Nu Civilisation Orchestra

Clod Ensemble and the Nu Civilisation Orchestra return with a live, music-filled show inspired by Charles Mingus’ 1963 album The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady. Blending jazz, dance, and performance, the production transforms the stage into a lively gig space, inviting audiences to either join in on the dancefloor or enjoy the atmosphere from an on-stage bar. It’s a vibrant celebration of movement, music, and the power of Mingus’ iconic work.

Date: 16 - 19 April 2025. Location: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS.Price: £38.50+BF. Book now.

Image credit Marcela Laskoski

Guts (DJ SET)

French producer and DJ Guts, known for blending jazz, soul, and hip hop, will be performing at Village Underground this Friday. With a cult following since his debut Le Bienheureux, Guts has continued to captivate audiences worldwide with albums like Paradise For All (2011) and Hip Hop After All (2014). Don’t miss this electrifying DJ set!

Date: 18 April 2025. Location: Village Underground, 54 Holywell Ln, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 3PQ. Price: from £23.36. Book now.

Britten's Canticles with James Way, Lotte Betts-Dean and Ross Ramgobin

Three acclaimed young singers—James Way, Lotte Betts-Dean, and Ross Ramgobin—come together for a powerful programme exploring themes of love, loss, and remembrance. At its heart are Britten’s five haunting canticles, originally written for his partner Peter Pears, presented alongside works by Schubert and Errollyn Wallen. From dramatic storytelling to intimate reflection, the concert spans a rich emotional landscape, showcasing the performers’ expressive range and deep musical insight.

Date: 16 April 2025. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Milton Court Concert Hall, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Price: from £15+ BF. Book now.

Cinema

Last Swim

Last Swim is a British coming-of-age drama set in London, following high-achieving sixth form student Ziba Soofi as she celebrates results day with her friends. What begins as a joyful summer outing takes unexpected turns, exploring themes of friendship and an uncertain future. Directed by Sasha Nathwani, the film won the Crystal Bear and AG Kino Cinema Vision 14Plus Prize at the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival.

Date: 4 - 16 April 2025. Location: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Price: from £13+ BF. Book now.

Last Swim is a British coming-of-age drama

Easter in London

Chelsea Physic Garden's Little Artists Easter Trail

Chelsea Physic Garden will host an Artists’ Easter Trail, inviting you to explore the garden and unleash your creativity. As you follow the trail, you’ll fill out a booklet and learn about the plants and animals that call the garden home. At the end of the trail, each child will receive a small chocolate treat and have the chance to participate in a fun craft workshop. The trail costs £5 per person (plus normal admission), and tickets must be booked in advance.

Date: 18 April 2025. Location: Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Rd, London SW3 4HS. Price: from £13.50 + trail cost. Book now.

Easter at Hampton Court Palace

The Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt at Hampton Court Palace is back for this Easter, offering the perfect fun for little ones. Lindt GOLD BUNNY statues are hidden throughout the palace’s beautiful grounds, tucked among the flowers and early tulips. There’s a delicious 10g Lindt GOLD BUNNY chocolate treat waiting at the end of the trail.

Date: until 21 April 2025. Location: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU. Price: Included in price to enter the Palace. from £28/ £14 adult/child. Book now.

© Historic Royal Palaces.

Royal Choral Society at the Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Choral Society’s Good Friday performance of Handel’s Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall has been a cherished tradition for nearly 150 years. Featuring 150 voices, a full orchestra, and outstanding soloists, the 2025 concert will be conducted by Music Director Richard Cooke and accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Date: 18 April 2025. Location: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP. Price: from £15. Book now.

Easter at Battersea Power Station

Battersea Power Station is hosting Easter-themed workshops over the weekend, including a Spring Basket Decorating Workshop on 20 April and a Spring Animal Ear Making session on 21 April, where participants can craft felt ears inspired by animals like bunnies, foxes, and badgers. Click here to book now.

Image credit Krisztina Anna Berecz.

Children’s Collage Workshop at Seven Dials Market

Artist Caroline Dowsett will be hosting a free children’s collage workshop where children (aged 3+) and their families can create colourful Easter egg designs. All materials, including pre-cut paper shapes, will be provided, making it a fun and creative way to celebrate the spring season.

Date: 16 - 17 April 2025. Location: Seven Dials Market. Price: Free. coventgarden.london.

Arts & Culture

Opening this week

Richard Wright

Richard Wright’s first solo institutional exhibition in London in over 20 years will open at Camden Art Centre, showcasing his renowned site-specific wall and ceiling paintings alongside works in glass, on paper, and three-dimensional objects. Wright’s new monumental painting will respond to the gallery’s architecture, while intricate leaded glass installations will cast shifting light patterns. The exhibition also features over 50 works on paper from his 30-year career, including gold leaf pieces from his Turner Prize-winning work at Tate Britain in 2009.

Date: 16 April - 22 June 2025. Location: Camden Art Centre, Arkwright Rd, London NW3 6DG. Price: Free. camdenartcentre.org.

Richard Wright, No Title, 2017-19, Watercolour on paper. Courtesy of The Artist and The Modern Institute/ Toby Webster Ltd., Glasgow. Image credit: Rob McKeever.

Eileen Perrier: A Thousand Small Stories

A retrospective of Eileen Perrier’s photographic portraiture will open at Autograph this week, highlighting identity, kinship, and belonging. Influenced by both European and African studio traditions, her work captures personal and cultural connections. The exhibition includes her iconic portraits from the late 1990s and early 2000s, such as Afro Hair and Beauty Show, which examines Black hair as a symbol of pride, and Red, Gold and Green (1997), which features portraits of British Ghanaians in their homes. Perrier’s work preserves cultural heritage and shared histories.

Date: 17 April - 13 September 2025. Location: Autograph, 1 Rivington Place, London, EC2A 3BA. Price: Free. autograph.org.uk.

Eileen Perrier, From the Series Red, Gold and Green, 1997. Credit: © Eileen Perrier. Autograph, London.

#FLOFavourites: This week

Thanasis Totsikas: With Minerals and Track Threads

With Minerals and Track Threads presents Thanasis Totsikas’ evolving practice shaped by nature, machinery, and lived experience. His sculptural works, handmade tools, and functional machines reflect a self-sustained way of life where art and daily labour are inseparable. Built from salvaged materials and inspired by his rural surroundings, the works challenge fixed definitions of sculpture, embracing weathering, adaptation, and change. Through this constantly shifting system, Totsikas invites viewers into a world where creativity, necessity, and memory are tightly interwoven.

Date: 11 April - 31 May 2025. Location: Sylvia Kouvali, 12a Bourdon StreetLondon, W1K 3PG. Price: Free. sylviakouvali.com.

(Un)Layering the Future Past of South Asia: Young Artists' Voices

(Un)Layering the Future Past of South Asia: Young Artists’ Voices at SOAS showcases the work of 26 artists from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Afghanistan, many exhibiting in London for the first time. Curated by Salima Hashmi and Manmeet K. Walia, the exhibition captures the urgency and complexity of life in the region today—touching on everything from climate and migration to identity and protest. Through painting, sculpture, textiles, film, and installation, the artists draw on personal and collective memory to tell stories of resistance, connection, and hope.

Date: 11 April - 21 June 2025. Location: SOAS Gallery, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG. Price: Free soas.ac.uk.

Dan Flavin (1933 – 1996) – untitled (for Fredericka and Ian) 3

Dan Flavin

Ordovas presents a rare exhibition dedicated to Minimalist pioneer Dan Flavin, showcasing four major light installations that span the 1960s to the 1980s. Featuring works from the pivotal year of 1963—when Flavin first began using fluorescent light tubes—the show highlights his groundbreaking approach to light, space, and form, and his lasting impact on post-war art.

Date: 25 February - 25 April 2025. Location: Ordovas, 25 Savile Row, London, W1S 2ER. Price: Free. ordovasart.com.

#FLOFavourites: Pick of the Week

Free event of the week

Creative Encounters: Rhythmic Threads

Rhythmic Threads with artist Sue Man.

Textile artist Sue Man leads a hands-on fabric collage workshop at the Royal Festival Hall’s Clore Ballroom, where participants can create their own pouches using discarded textiles. Set to ambient live music by Yijia Tu, the session blends creativity, conversation, and sound. Part of the Creative Encounters series, the event is open to all skill levels with both beginner and advanced sewing techniques offered. Free and unticketed, it offers a relaxed space for making and connecting in the heart of the city.

Date: 16 April 2025. Duration:  3 hours (approx). Price: Free – no ticket required. southbankcentre.co.uk.

Green space of the week

Kyoto Garden in Holland Park

Image credit Andy Holmes.

Kyoto Garden in Holland Park is a peaceful haven, particularly in spring when the garden bursts with vibrant flowers and greenery. Its traditional Japanese features, including a koi pond, stone lanterns, and a gentle waterfall, create a calming atmosphere. Peacocks roam freely, adding a special touch to the tranquil environment, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature in central London.

Location: Kyoto Garden, Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, London W11 4UA.

Interview of the week 

In conversation with Peter Bellerby

Peter Bellerby (right). Bellerby and Co. Globemakers. Image credit Euan Myles.

Peter Bellerby is the founder of Bellerby & Co. Globemakers, a renowned company specialising in exquisite hand-crafted globes. Established in 2010, Bellerby & Co. has become a leader in the globe-making industry, known for its exceptional craftsmanship. The company is also participating in the Big Egg Hunt, a public art initiative that raises funds for charity, with uniquely decorated eggs created by 100 artists, designers, and brands.

Click here to read the full interview.

Food of the week

Holland Park Café by Daisy Green

Holland Park Café by Daisy Green.

With the fantastic sunny start we’ve had to April in London, Daisy Green’s Holland Park Café is the ideal spot to soak up the sun and enjoy a mouth-watering brunch. The café offers a beautiful terrace and a scrumptious menu, featuring dishes like sweetcorn fritters with poached eggs and smashed avocado, or the indulgent Dirty Daisy with crispy tater tots, chorizo, chipotle sour cream, and free-range eggs. For a veggie variation, try the Dirty Daisy with a plant-based twist. Don’t forget to treat yourself to their signature Lamingtons for a sweet finish. It’s the perfect place to enjoy both the weather and great food.

Location: Holland Park Cafe By Daisy Green, Ilchester Pl, London W8 6LU. Website: daisygreenfood.com. Instagram: @daisygreencollection.

Cause of the week 

War Child Presents Secret 7” at Greenwich Peninsula

War Child Presents Secret 7" – Image Courtesy Charles Emerson and NOW Gallery.

Secret 7” returns to Greenwich Peninsula this April, presented by War Child for the second year running. Combining music and art, the charity initiative features seven iconic tracks pressed onto 100 limited-edition vinyl records, each with a unique sleeve designed by artists from around the world. The identities of the designers remain secret until the works are sold via online auction, with all proceeds supporting War Child’s work with children affected by conflict. The exhibition runs at NOW Gallery from 11 April to 1 June 2025. The 2025 Secret 7” auction is open until 1 June. Click here to bid now.

Date: 11 April – 1 June 2025. Location: NOW Gallery, 3, Gateway Pavilion, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0SQ.