The CW team on the best things to do in London after lockdown

Prior to the pandemic, we Culture Whisper editors made a living out of experiencing and writing about the best of London life. We reviewed shows and restaurants, sussed out new beauty emporiums, and scoped out art installations, pop-ups, sample sales and everything in between to bring you up-to-date news on the latest culture and lifestyle hotspots, and an honest account of where to venture in your free time.

We, like you, have survived the last year on live-streamed entertainment, meal kits from our favourite restaurants, and a lot of walks in London’s gorgeous parks.

Now, with a return to normal life on the horizon and a road map for reopening the city put in place – beginning with outdoor dining and entertainment from Monday 12 April, with indoor venues following from Mondy 17 May – we’ve been excitedly discussing where we're most looking forward to going. If you’re wondering what to book in London this spring, let our bucket lists inspire you…


Opera Holland Park

Claudia Pritchard, classical and opera editor

'I am looking forward to picnicking with fellow music-lovers until we pop. The country-house opera season is perfectly timed to take advantage of better weather and fewer rules. Opera Holland Park (pictured) has redesigned its open-sided auditorium to give everyone a safe space, while Glyndebourne, Grange Park and Garsington all have airy auditoriums and big gardens for safe mingling. Also heading for the fresh air is English National Opera, with its Tosca at Crystal Palace. And the BBC Proms, with nightly concerts, will be the place to make up for lost time in the concert hall.'

Adrienne Wyper, sub-editor and writer

'Feeling like the "pause" button has been pressed on life for far too long, what I’m eagerly anticipating is spontaneity: being able to just turn up, when you fancy, on a whim, not having to plan ahead or book a slot in advance. That little freedom will be priceless. I’ll also be attending the open-air concerts at the ‘rusty laptop’, aka the Crystal Palace Bowl. I grew up round the corner and seeing Dizzee Rascal, and Tosca, will take me back to the concerts I saw there in my teens. But simplest of all, I'll take pints in a pub, plus friends, whiling away summer evenings. Pubs were hit hard by the pandemic, so I’ll be happy to support some of my favourite haunts: the cosy Hermit’s Cave in Camberwell, the canalside Narrowboat in Islington, the tiny Cask & Glass in Victoria, the Cutty Sark by the Thames in Greenwich, the amazing selection of craft beer at the Cask Pub & Kitchen, Pimlico…'

Will Aves, head of partnerships

'The Hurlingham Club – it's a pretty special environment all year round, but the club really comes into its own in late spring and summer when the grounds are in full bloom, and the al fresco entertainment begins. I'm particularly looking forward to that first Friday rosé of the season: meeting up with friends and relatives, the sun on your face, the kids running amok in the grounds, and the hugely exciting prospect of reacquainting ourselves with London ahead of us.'

Janeá Minar, Senior Partnerships Manager

'I moved to Blackheath mid-lockdown so I haven’t felt like I’ve been able to properly explore my surroundings further than my daily stroll through Greenwich Park. I am most looking forward to seeing Royal Museums Greenwich open again as they are such a gift to have on my doorstep. I didn't manage to see their Exposure: Lives at Sea exhibition so hoping to get a peek once we are able to.

'I am also going to make an effort to try every restaurant in the area, because after this year, why not? The first on my list are the Hare & Billet Pub, Everest Inn and a special meal under the stars at The Queen’s House Dining Domes.'