Father's Day: the best London can offer

Another Father's Day, another round of commercial hype and gift-card sentiment. The standard fare for these occasions is tired and dull, and in no way the best reflection of how much we love our dads. So this year, we'll be ditching the golf rounds and novelty mugs for some of the best London culture events, and we urge you to join us. From architectural sketches to deep-fried Mars bars, grime dining to Russian theatre and activist art to Rudeboy stylings, out of all the manifold things to do in London there'll be something in our selection for that important gentleman, be he father, grandfather, neighbour or friend. 

1) Fathers & Sons , Donmar Warehouse

An apt theme for the occasion, Brian Friel’s adaptation of one of Ivan Turgenev’s best-known novels is a powerful exploration of the clash of generations and conflicting ideals in that most trouble-ridden relationship, parent and child. To catch it before it goes, make use of the Barclays Front Row offer, whereby a few front row seats are released via the website at 10:00 every Monday morning. 

2) RED Market

Looking to eat out in London? With the weather potentially on our side for the weekend, al fresco Father’s Day activities seem an appealing option. The RED Market opens its doors once more, transforming this car park space into the perfect outdoor summer venue. It's a London street food market that offers a beach and tiered sunshine deck; we suggest you and the dad pull up a chair in the sun.

3) Return of the Rudeboy , Somerset House

For those dads with a dapper past and who might have seen this trend set in the '50s and '80s, Somerset House celebrates the renaissance of Rudeboy style, bringing together striking portraits of the street style by photographer Dean Chalkley. Alongside the photography will be interactive installations, playlists for each image and grooming workshops with a Rudeboy barber. A word to the gentlemen – nothing says loving father and son like matching Rudie beards.

4) Dram & Smoke pop-up

When it comes to experimental cuisine, the various pop-up restaurants in London are brimming with fresh concepts. This summer welcomes a new establishment in Vauxhall, set for success. Dram & Smoke has turned its hand to Scotchfare, interpreting the genre with unique and inspired twists – don't miss the super-indulgent deep-fried Mars bar with shortbread ice cream and Irn Bru drizzle.

5) Norman Shaw , RA

For architecture lovers and engineering enthusiasts, the RA’s new showcase of late-Victorian architect Norman Shaw’s scribblings would be a well-spent afternoon. Featuring elaborate drawings of ornate 19th-century designs, many on frayed paper ingrained with Victorian soot, this exploration of Shaw's talent and genius is fascinating stuff, and one of the best architectural exhibitions London has offered for a while.

6) Ai Weiwei , Lisson Gallery

One of the many familiar objects Ai Weiwei has transformed into a work of art, by remaking in new materials, is his father's chair. Weiwei is China’s most famous artist and one of the world’s greatest activists, and his everyday objects are charged with emotional, social and political engagement. While the artist is still banned from leaving his country, this exhibition offers a glimpse inside his provocative and captivating world, and is a must-see on any occasion.

7) Open Garden Squares Weekend

For green-fingered fathers, Open Garden Squares Weekend provides a rare opportunity to get a sneak peek inside London’s most exclusive outdoor spaces. Once a year, gardens only accessible to residents or those lucky enough to bear a key, are unlocked to the humble public to give us a chance to ogle their fine flora without graciously scaling the fence à la Hugh Grant in Notting Hill. Over the weekend of 14-15 June, the backyard of Number 10 Downing Street and Highbury Square – among many others – will open their gates to interested Londoners.

8) Jimmy's Hall

Revered director Ken Loach’s latest work certainly doesn’t fall short of expectations. Emotionally rich and moving, this powerful piece of social commentary about an Irishman deported from Ireland for his Socialist antics and raucous dance hall is sure to appeal to all generations. Frank and honest, it is just the spirit for Father's Day.

9) The Pickled Fork

Introducing ‘grime dining’ – whereby guests can enjoy fine dining in a casual, relaxed setting – The Pickled Fork’s delicious menu will make for an ideal Father's Day treat. Fresh, seasonal, British produce goes into such show stoppers as the roast wood pigeon, and strawberry leaf slush puppies. An apt mix of tradition and innovation, we're sure you'll agree. 

10) The War that Changed Everything , BFI

Finally, with this July marking the 100th anniversary of a war that scarred the world, the BFI’s poignant new post-WWI film season pays tribute to an alternately optimistic and despairing era of cinema. The attempt to bring the world back to normality, when the trauma of war had turned normality into something unfamiliar, is a remarkable insight into the culture of the time. It's an opportunity to show appreciation to the grandparents that lived through it, as well as for remembering them, and certainly something to share with the family.

And lastly, a suggestion for the perfect Father's Day gift... a subscription to Culture Whisper! For access to all our previews and exclusives with many London venues, see our membership page here