“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” I think my dad could live by this sentence, after living there for 50 years and refusing to move away, with Shoreditch on his doorstep. London is a city that constantly evolves, regenerates and transforms on top of its long history, and in 2026 there are more new activities, experiences and venues to enjoy than you could reasonably pack in to just one trip. Even for locals and regular visitors (such as myself from the South coast), there is always a lot going on across this historic capital city, from Enfield in the north to Croydon in the south.
But what are some of the very new things to do in London? This list will look at seven options across various types of entertainment, from all-round experiences, to brilliant food (that’s a piece of me) to brilliant evening events and music to classy art experiences and general places to tour or visit.
Battersea Power Station’s Regeneration
One of the most iconic structures on the River Thames, Battersea Power Station sat derelict for decades, only being used in album art, movies and the odd extreme sports festival. I always used to go past it on the train and I remember asking my dad why it wasn’t turned into something better and developed. However, in 2023 it reopened to the public as a completely redeveloped mixed use shopping and leisure complex, that retains almost all of the old building’s charm.
The former west chimney of the power station has been converted into a glass lift, and customers can travel up the 109-metre tower for a 360 degree view of the London skyline, if you’re brave enough to do so.
The Outernet is an Immersive Digital Experience and Nightclub
Hidden away just around the corner from Tottenham Court Road station in London’s West End is one of the world’s most fascinating art spaces.
Outernet London is the largest digital exhibition space in the world. It features a huge hall with four four-storey high video screens that display revolving exhibitions, as well as an LED tunnel to bring the full wraparound experience. The development also has a massive nightclub with an incredible sound system and lighting rig called HERE at Outernet, which regularly books big name and forward thinking dance music artists from the UK and across the world.
A Night of West End Glamour
For a change of pace, London’s historic gaming houses offer a more traditional brand of late-night theatre. Places like The Hippodrome in Leicester Square are legendary, not just for the tables, but for the building’s history as a former circus and variety theatre. It’s a brilliant spot to soak up the high-energy atmosphere of the city after dark, even if you’re just there for a cocktail and some people-watching. While sites like casino.netbet.co.uk do a fairly good job of providing the casino experience, there’s still something to be said for the real deal and the unique atmosphere of a live West End floor. Just remember that whether you’re visiting in person or playing online, it’s best to keep it fun and responsible, no going overboard.
Attend an Organised House Party in Shoreditch
If you ever wanted to go to a London house party but you don’t have any friends in the city, House Party Soho is an excellent option. Arguably, no-one does house parties quite like the British (Sorry Americans, your movies teased to a better version but my road trip across the USA proved otherwise). Backed by chart-topping rapper Stormzy, this is a night club like you’ve never experienced and will never forget.
From kitchen to conservatory to bedroom, this former industrial warehouse has been converted into something resembling an average suburban gaff and it’s open for partying five days a week. With well known DJ’s in all the main rooms, you have a choice of music to listen to. Book well in advance, as its popular, but if you’re the party type then this is well worth it, those days are firmly behind me but younger me would have loved this.
Frameless Immersive Art Experiences
Opened in 2022, Frameless is a collection of four separate galleries that aim to take classic art beyond the canvas and all across the walls. And floor, and ceiling and indeed your own self. Located in Marble Arch, Frameless takes pieces of art from several dozen globally famous artists – Mondrian, Dali, Kandinsky, Van Gogh – and stretches them across room-sized screens with immersive audio and commentary.
Well worth an hour or two of your time for art lovers, and even more so if you catch one of the defined special exhibits that showcase one particular artist.
Mercato Metropolitano is a Sustainable Food Court
Ok, so this one actually opened in Elephant and Castle in 2016. But the concept of food courts only really took off in London since 2021, and Mercato Metropolitano, now with three locations across the capital, could well be the best of them. Designed with a proper local and authentic feel highlighting the roots, you won’t find chain brands and general tat here, just great dishes served by local independent stands by people who are passionate about their cooking and want to share it with the world. Options include:
- Twerk n Jerk
- Monkey Bite
- Dim Sum Lab
- Dez Amore Pasta
- La Martixu cheesecake specialists
Speaking of Food, London Has Some Of The Best Pizza In The World
Lastly, go get some pizza while you’re here, you may be pleasantly surprised, providing you dodge the chains and look for the great options available to you. London’s pizza places are now among the most highly rated in the world, while these restaurants regularly appear on top 50 global lists from restaurant critics and regularly go viral on social media. Some good choices to check out include:
- Crisp W6
- Napoli on the Road
- L’Antica Pizzeria
- 50 Kalo
- Yard Sale
- Japes
