The merry month of May: Where to have a fun reunion in London

Now that venues are confirmed to reopen their doors on Monday, the future for friends willing to meet and celebrate looks bright. Restaurants all over the capital are already laying their tables indoors, but for those who like their cocktails with a fun twist, we’ve put together a few extra-special Insta-worthy options throughout May that might offer something a little different, from sky-high tipples to themed bottomless brunches. 

The Ivy Soho Brasserie’s “Summer of Love”

The Ivy Soho Brasserie is delighted to reveal its colourful “Summer of Love” campaign in celebration of the reopening of indoor dining from Monday, 17^th May. This summer, the restaurant will come alive with live DJ sets and entertainment nodding to the spirit of the swinging sixties, as well as a new and refreshing cocktail menu and selection of summer dishes to be enjoyed throughout the warmer months. As the streets of Soho begin to heat up, The Ivy Soho Brasserie will offer a fun and carefree haven for Soho locals and visitors alike. Book a table here.

Oblix at The Shard

Oblix at The Shard is delighted to announce it will reopen on Wednesday 19^th May, complete with a new cocktail menu, available within their cocktail bar and lounge, Oblix East. The new list of tipples will join a considered selection of luxurious bar dishes, from executive chef Marcus Eaves, as well as the afternoon tea and Oblix Easy set menu which have been refreshed to include a selection of seasonally inspired dishes. The new cocktail menu is inspired by classics with a focus on elevating these through the use of premium, well-sourced ingredients and innovative finishing touches, paired perfectly with Oblix’s eye-catching setting. Book a table here.

Circus in Covent Garden

Circus, London’s unique cabaret cocktail bar and restaurant will reopen from 20^th May in vibrant Covent Garden. This quirky restaurant is known for its outrageous pop-up circus acts that thrill and entertain diners. Visitors can enjoy exceptional Asian-inspired food and service while being dazzled by phenomenal circus performers for the ultimate night to remember. From breathtaking aerial acts to awe-inducing firebreathers, to mind-bending contortionists, Circus’ pop-up acts are bound to amaze. In between courses of delicious pan-Asian food and signature Circus cocktails, diners and bar visitors will be surprised and delighted when watching the incredible, and often cheeky, circus performances. Book a table here.

The Murdér Express

One of London’s favourite immersive experiences, The Murdér Express, returns this May, launching on 21^st May 2021 at a secret “station” location in East London. It is the brainchild of Funicular Productions, a passionate collective of experience creators from across the spectrum of theatre and storytelling, specialising in creating truly immersive experiences to engage all the senses. Co-founders Wilkinson and Borgnis, wanting to push and entertain audiences further than ever before, partnered in 2018 with the aim of injecting new life into the immersive dining industry, introducing the very best in production technology and premium food offerings from chefs and culinary personalities. The menu, designed by BBC One’s MasterChef 2017 finalist, Louisa Ellis, will be served throughout the experience, as the story of the The Murdér Express unfolds. Book a ticket here.

Mr Fogg’s Secret Garden

Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of London’s Mayfair is the most unexpected delight. Mr Fogg’s best kept secret will open on Tuesday 25^th May to welcome in longtime friends as well as those who are yet to experience his many unique ventures. Through a concealed entrance just a few meters from Mr Fogg’s Residence, Londoners will find a gateway that will transports them back in time to a secret English Victorian garden. Guests can stumble upon the calming tones of the Pimm’s rose walk, filled with canopies of white roses where jugs of Pimms and Lemonade will be flowing. As well as a rose garden, guests can discover the Tanqueray Orangery, where guests will be transported to a country orangery. With walls adorned in blossom and oranges, it will be hard to believe you are in the heart of the country’s capital city. Book a table here.

Devonshire Terrace’s Disco Isn’t Dead Bottomless Brunch

Grab your five favourite groupies and boogie on down to Devonshire Terrace for its Disco Brunch – running every Saturday from 29^th May. With tables available to book from 12pm-4pm, outdoors on the covered terrace and inside, expect smoke machines, disco balls, throwback tunes and plenty of glitter! Enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails and fizz as well as your choice of brunch dish: avocado with poached eggs, crispy duck salad, or buttermilk chicken waffles. Book a table here.

The Anthologist’s Gospel Motown Brunch

Let The Anthologist raise your spirits every Sunday with its new soulful Gospel Motown Brunch, featuring an incredible gospel choir and live Motown singers and launching on 30^th May. Show some R.E.S.P.E.C.T to the greats and sing along to everything from Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder to Sister Act and Beyoncé. Belt your heart out to all the classics whilst sipping on bottomless cocktails and tucking into brunch dishes including pancake stacks, eggs royale and braised short ribs with polenta mash. Purchase tickets here.

The Folly’s West End Drag Brunch

Sashay down to The Folly with your five fabulous queens and experience more sequins, feathers and sass than you can imagine at The Folly’s West End Drag Brunch. Launching on 30^th May and featuring drag queens exclusively from West End shows like Kinky Boots and Priscilla Queen of the Dessert – it’ll be a day of dancing, death drops and dazzling performances. Expect knockout entertainment with a DJ and live vocals, hosted by the fabulous Ruby Murry and the legendary Miss Demeanour. You’ll enjoy 90 minutes of bubbles and bottomless cocktails alongside “unlimited” grazing plates, including fiery slow-cooked pork ribs and smoked aubergine & mozzarella arancini. Purchase tickets here. 

The editorial unit