Best Of Londonist: 11-17 May 2026

Your weekly roundup of Londonist news and features.

A Beatles Museum Is Opening At The Band’s Former Savile Row HQ Next Year

Including a chance to go on the rooftop.

Charing Cross And Waterloo East Stations Will Close For 22 Days Solid This Summer

Plus a scattering of other dates too.

Image: Londonist

Fantastically Floral Afternoon Teas To Try In London This Spring

Florals for spring? Groundbreaking.

Image: The Library

Two Blue Plaques For London Transport’s First Woman Bus Mechanic

“It’s incredibly special.”

Image: London Transport Museum

Competition! Win A Bundle Of Grayson Perry x National Portrait Gallery Goodies Worth Over £500

Inspired by a unique self-portrait. (sponsor)

Lavender Fields Near London: 6 Pretty Purple Days Out This Summer

You’ve seen them on Instagram – now visit for yourself!

Image: Mayfield Lavender

London Colosseum: Olympic Park Could Get NBA Basketball Arena

Britain’s largest indoor arena.

Image: Jericho Estates

The Japanese Artist Creating Feel-Good Illustrations Of London

“I’m glad that people can relate.”

Image: shiodrawing

Savvy! Secret Cinema Announces Pirates Of The Caribbean Experience For 2027

“A swashbuckling celebration like no other”.

Image: RyC – Behind The Lens from San Francisco, United States of America via CC BY 2.0

In Search Of Vestigial London

Remnants of the old city, hiding in plain sight.

Unlimited Bus And Tram Travel On TfL’s New ‘Weekend Hopper’ Fare

But the offer’s only fleeting.

Image: Matt From London

North London Has Two New Independent Schools… With 400 Year-Old Roots

Alleyn’s grows its community north of the river. (sponsor)

Lewisham Pub Where Henry Cooper Trained Is Staging New Boxing Play

Dancing in the Mirror at the Fellowship Inn.

Image: courtesy of Mobius

50+ Of The Best Things To Do In London This Summer

Your June-September 2026 events calendar, sorted.

Image: Camerawalker via CC BY-SA 4.0

Julia Margaret Cameron: Blue Plaque For Trailblazing Portrait Photographer

Pioneer of scratches, smudges and soft focus.

Image: English Heritage/public domain

Pride In London 2026: Your Guide To The Capital’s Biggest LGBTQ+ Party

1.5m people will celebrate in central London.

Image: iStock/coldsnowstorm

The Arboreal Chronicles Of London

History… as written by the trees.

Image: public domain

Visit Buckingham Palace: How To Get Into The State Rooms And Elsewhere

See how the other half live.

Image: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2024 and Peter Smith

Dagenham’s Ford Factory Strikers To Be Honoured In New Sculptures

‘Dagenham Agates’ to be unveiled close to the site of the picket line.

Image: Thomas Adnak.

Looking Ahead: Things To Do In London This Week: 18-24 May 2026

Cockney singalongs, and Hamlet in a bookshop.

Image: Sean O Connor Photography