What to do in London this weekend

Taylor Swift may be trying to claim exclusive rights to pop glitter and worms, but the weekend guide is sexier than that. Here we only deal in leather, booze and hip-hop.

Some of London’s most exciting events, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, along with incredible art and theatre, and great live music from some of America’s favorite artists (Swift aside).

As always: the best to eat, drink, see and do this weekend.

There are several new restaurants (Agora and Tollington to name a brace) that offer diners a more informal experience during longer sit-down events. Now Lolo is the latest spot (from the brilliant Jose Pizzaro) to do this, and do it well. Mussels in escabeche on crisps sounds like a 3am post-service foggy-brained concoction, but it is very good, as a “bikini”, Iberico and truffle toastie sandwich, trimmed to shape. It is also the first all-day participant, so sticking in has never been easier.

The Camberwell Arms has just turned 10, but instead of yellow cake and frosting and sprinkles, Mike Davies offers a swoon-worthy British pub menu. Friggitelli pepper with vinegar, skate with crab bisque and beetroot with pistachio cream all signs of a menu that is maturing like a fine wine. Davies’ new cookbook also reveals some of her best recipes, including scotch bonnet lard on toast. Trade secrets never taste good.

Queen Hoxton made her belt from her summer drinking den; is because it is quite a lot of good fun in the area of ​​concrete and glass, otherwise bereft of joy. The rooftop is the place to sink some sundowners, see the night view of the city below, and for those who stay there, there are many reputable nightclubs in the basement bar.

Klub Verboten is a celebration of sexuality, liberation and also… talisman. It is something from an underground club night, with the lore of the best kind, and the privacy of the door that makes Fort Knox seem accessible. But it will be worth it. You have to don some skin, go with the best intentions of fun charms and get ready for a night out like no other. This is not for the faint of heart…

Multiple narratives in two families are explored in this ambitious theater. The monologues of the two boys, Michael and Delroy (played by Thomas Coombes and Paapa Essiedu, respectively) explore the structure of the working class in Britain today and the Black British experience, while the tertiary dialogue “Closing Time” from Sharon Duncan-Brewster and Erin Doherty provides additional gravitas and class. After its success at the National, the move to the West End confirms English Death as the season’s key theatre.

Until 28 September, 4 Soho Place, Charing Cross Road, W1D 3BG, sohoplace.org

So you don’t like Taylor Swift and you can’t get tickets to Kaytranada’s party this weekend? We don’t. Don’t worry, there are still some tickets left for the best day at All Points East. Loyle Carner headlines alongside NAS legends and André 3000, arguably two of the best rap lyricists alive (although maybe André is on the flute). This is the first time Carner has played in London for a while, so don’t miss this one.

The Wallace Collection is a gem of a gallery in central London: well-known, and well-placed, but more frequent than some of its more famous counterparts. A real reward awaits the intrepid limo who discovers this Sikh, Warrior, King exhibition though, exploring the life of Ranjit Singh: the man who in 22 captured Punjab and founded the vast Sikh Empire. Art and artifacts from his life are painstakingly curated, making this show essential viewing before its fall closing.

Birmingham’s Michelin-starred Simpson’s makes a trip south with a “Provenance” menu that, as the name suggests, celebrates all things hyper-seasonal and hyper-British. Cornish red mullet with razor clams and bisque and strawberry and apple marigold tart feature in this light, delicious looking menu. Lunch in five courses or dinner in eight is available.

Caia has hosted a small sommelier series with Alex Price of Plates and Juste Karbauskaite of Morchella taking over the wine list. But next week, the third and final dinner of the series sees Sager + Wine – the wine arm of Sager + Wilde – legend Mariana Fonseca come to W10. Amazing women-led wine shows and old school hip hop? Let’s go up.