London On The Cheap

And the livin’ is easy: the weather’s been divine, and summer is here at last. There is the compulsion to spend every possible moment outdoors (Pimms preferably in hand), as it’s London after all and you never know when the good meteorological fortune will end. To that end, welcome to an al-fresco themed London On The Cheap week – get out there and take proper advantage of the next week of forecasted warmth and sun.

Monday: Stilettos, sex, and Smith Jared: don’t pretend that you’re not excited. Rabid fans are already gathering in Leiecester Square for the Sex and the City world premiere this evening. Unless your last name is Geldof, you’re probably not on the list (and even then…), so you’ll have to wait until the film opens in cinemas city-wide, but if you head down there you can catch a glimpse of your favourite New York four rocking the red carpet.

If you’d rather be outside for other motives, like drinking, head to Cargo’s first Yard Party of the year, offering free entry and free drinks to early arrivals and a lineup that includes electro stars James Yuill and Kid Carpet. Starts at 8.

Tuesday: It’s the very first Taste of Greece London festival this fortnight, so start celebrating this fantastic gastro culture by either bagging a table at one of the 16 hand-picked London restaurants that will be featuring a Greek-inspired menu or by putting together your own Greek-inspired picnic and heading to the park. From meze to lamb to tzatziki to baklava and back, there are no better summer flavours than those of the storied isles. Kali Orexi! (Bon Appetit) At participating restaurants, May 12-25.Wednesday: Until Sunday, Thames boat operators are offering 50% off of the cost of boat trips or hires. Take advantage of the divine weather by sailing (er, motoring) along the Thames today. Thursday: Corrupt beauty, disguise, sartorial manipulation: If Looks Could Kill festival opens tonight at the ICA, exploring the links between fashion, cinema, crime and violence. Forecast portends a spot of light showers today, so choose the ICA over a brolly. Friday: Head over to Bloomsbury to check out London’s next crop of art stars. Top UCL-affiliated arts school Slade School of Fine Art is hosting their year-end BA Degree show tonight. Free, 6-9 pm. Saturday: Peace and harmony in…Leicester Square?! It’s possible, folks. Today is the annual Bathing of the Buddha Ceremony in honour of Buddha’s birthday. Catch a bit of zen, improve your inner balance, purify sins, and help bathe the Buddha statues with fragrant water. Free, because that’s the way Buddha would have wanted it. Sunday: Hot-blooded antique car fan? Start at Waterloo Place to see the 7th annual procession of British motorists heading from London to Jerusalem in their antique cars, all for charity. Or, you could just stay in and relish your hard-earned wintry pallor.

Image courtesy of Phil Blackburn's flickrstream