London Reopenings – We will dine again.

But it doesn’t end there – this wonderful date also means the reopening of indoor entertainment and visitor attractions, which we’ve got covered further down the list.

Planning in London might seem daunting now that the best part of 9 million of us are shacked up here for the summer, but it’s LONDON – there is always room for more, and plenty of fun to be had. HOI’s got you covered. *PS. Keep an eye out for our partner offers!

Caravan - Kings Cross - ££

Whilst the interiors are far more sophisticated than the camper-van chic that the name implies, there is still a quaint, rustic, holiday vibe to this casual take on beautiful small plates restaurant. Watch out for the garlic burrata though, not recommended for date breath.

Delamina – Marylebone - ££

If you’re into your kebabs, your grills, your herbs and spices, then your taste for middle-eastern cuisine is likely insatiable, and you must taste this fusion of Israeli and Middle-eastern heritage, with a twist of modern Europe. Classy, sexy and relaxed, we fancy this a great spot for catching up with friends, or a date night.

Pachamama East – Shoreditch - ££

Fancy some Asian bites? How about some sexy Spanish Tapas? No – how about simply delicious modern European seafood? Oh and did we mention the guzzle-friendly cocktails which will leave you wondering how you got there? Pachamama East coyly pokes its head out onto great eastern street, keeping you close to the late night spots, but tucking you away enough for your dining debauchery. Fun for a birthday dinner! (Group menus offered.)

Smoking Goat – Shoreditch - ££

Did someone say the best Thai you’ll taste in London? Yes, yes they did. Most who dine here would agree. The founders from the highly acclaimed Kiln (Soho, voted Best restaurant in the UK at the 2018 Estrella Damm National restaurant awards,) bring you a taste of Thailand like no other, paired beautifully with their bespoke cocktail creations. With a rustic candle lit vibe by night, outdoor space and a relaxed day time brunch – anything goes here. Be aware reservations were limited pre-lockdown days and will be even more lucrative now.

The Drapers Arms – Angel – £

Who’s missed the pub?! Name something more comforting than the great British gastro pub… we’ll wait. Angel has a few of these gem’s hidden away, quite greedy of the area really. (Check out The Albion whilst you’re there, where a gorgeous little back garden hideaway awaits you.) You know what to expect, roasts and more – but done extremely well, and without a fine dining price tag. One for the family days out.

Yama Momo – Dulwich - £££

An experience that can be likened to the prestigious Mayfair fine dining experiences of Roka and Chotto Matte, this contemporary Japanese restaurant will seldom fail to deliver on any of your expectations. One for special occasions (isn’t that every occasion now that we’re free to embrace once again?) and one for the sushi fans, this Lordship Lane restaurant is slick, sexy and comfortable. Bringing you cocktails from the same mixologists’ as award winning bar Nightjar, you can expect to be treated well here.

So - where to, before or after dinner!?

Indoor entertainment and visitor attractions will also reopen on May 17th.

This will include:
Cinemas (outdoor cinemas will also be permitted to open)
Theatres (outdoor Theatres will also be permitted to open)
Concert halls
Museums and galleries

For the full list and roadmap click here.

Below are some glorious picks guaranteed to leave you forgetting that 2020 even happened, go have fun (safely) kids!

CONCERT/WELLNESS - KINGS CROSS - £

World Meditation Day Concert
Date & Time: Sunday 23 May – 6pm
Venue: Kings Place
Price: £20.00
To honour World Meditation Day (21 May) this concert opens with a guided meditation with leading London-based yoga teacher Tania Brown to help you tune into an immersive sequence by pianist Christina McMaster and violinist Lana Trotovšek.

LIVE MUSIC, FOOD & DRINK - CITY - £££

Sky Garden Music Nights

Sky Garden

Sky Garden DJ nights are back, a perfect way to see the night skyline whilst listening to great music. The schedule is subject to change, so make sure you check to avoid disappointment. We would recommend booking a table in advance.

MORE ROOFTOP VIEWS, FOOD & DRINK - PECKHAM - £

Franks Cafe
In 2021 Franks will offer brunch, lunch and dinner, all made to order on-site with a focus on simplicity and seasonality. The drinks’ offering includes classic cocktails, draught beers and a range of wines. For live events the Concert Bar (lower levels) will be open before and after performances, with food and drinks also available to pre-order.

ART / EXHIBITION - TEMPLE - £

RYOJI IKEDA
Date & Time: May 20, 2021 to August 1, 2021. 10am - 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
Venue: 180 The Strand https://www.instagram.com/180.studios/
Price: £15/£10 – Adult/Concessions.
The largest exhibition of works by pioneering audio-visual artist RYOJI IKEDA is hosted by 180 Studios this summer. The expansive solo exhibition includes never-before-seen works and invites viewers to fully immerse themselves in Ikeda’s dynamic digital universe.

EXHIBITION - SOUTH KENSINGTON - £

ALICE: CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER
Date & Opening Times: Opens May 22, 2021. Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am-5pm.
Venue: V&A MUSEUM
Price: £20, but V&A members go free.
The V&A museum is promising “theatrical staging” that provides “an immersive and mind-bending journey down the rabbit hole”. Which sounds pretty special, to be honest. The exhibition will move from the early origins of the Alice in Wonderland story to the myriad adaptations and interpretations the world has seen in the 150 years since Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was published.