Best Of Londonist: 28 April-4 May 2025

Last Updated 02 May 2025

Best Of Londonist: 28 April-4 May 2025

Your weekly roundup of Londonist news and features.

Five Minutes At... Oxford Street's New IKEA

Swedish giants assemble in central London.

people outside a newly opened IKEA

The World Naked Bike Ride Returns To London For 2025

Hundreds of nude cyclists take to the streets.

Hundred of people cycling naked down the Mall

Outdoor Culture And Activities In London: Where To Find Theatre, Films And Live Music Al Fresco This Summer

Make the most of the sun.

A festival outside Hampton Court Palace
Image: Hampton Court Palace Festival

Tube Station Bookswaps Are Back

The popular book shelves were removed following advice from the fire brigade.

Books overlooking rails

"I Sew Fabric Scenes Of London"

Textile treasures by an artist/TfL employee.

Sunset over Coal Drops Yard in fabrics

Where Could The London 2040 Olympic Games Be Held?

Five ideas for a future London Olympics.

A road sign near Willesden Junction

Ancient Sourdough And Cell-Grown Steak: Science Museum Announces Future Of Food Exhibition

A free new show to tuck into for 2025.

A box of cricket burgers

Inside London's Huge New Destination For Booze And Ball Games

We got a first look at Roxy Ball Room. (sponsor)

A woman playing a wacky pool/bowling hybrid game

7 Quirky And Unusual Shakespeare Shows To Book Right Now

It's the Bard, but not as you know him.

Rome and Juliet as a western

The 1969 Air Race From The Post Office Tower To The Empire State Building

Very briefly there was an RAF St Pancras.

A harrier jump jet in front of the Empire State Building/BT Tower
Images: Anthony Quintano, Adrian Pingstone and giggel via creative commons

In Pictures: Walthamstow's Stunning New Soho Theatre

Second Soho Theatre opens in east London.

A grand Spanish baroque theatre
Image: David Levene

Covent Garden Celebrates 50 Years Of Street Performers - But Worries For Future

"It is public art in its purest form."

A show at Covent Garden
Image: Nick Thompson via creative commons

Knightsbridge Station Now Has Step-Free Access

Three new lifts installed at a brand new entrance.

A Knightsbridge roundel

The Best Beer Gardens In London Mapped

More than 100 pubs in London with beer gardens.

People in a busy beer garden

Grand Budapest Hotel Model To Feature In This Wes Anderson Exhibition

Surely a contender for best-looking exhibition of the year.

Retro vending machines

Dozens Of Well-Dressed Dandies Saunter Through Central London In May

What Londoner doesn't like a good flan?

Dandies sauntering through London
Image: Martin SoulStealer via creative commons

1826: Britain's First Female Balloon Pilot

Margaret Graham's perilous trip over Islington.

A gravestone surrounded by wicker

Looking Ahead: Things To Do This Week In London: 5-11 May 2025

Poppies, plates and Peckham Fringe.

A selection of small plates