Things to Do in London – May 2025
- Yvette Thomson
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
A Deliciously Entertaining Roundup by Yvette Thomson
London’s bursting into bloom this May, and the city's food and drink scene is matching the energy with a fresh crop of seasonal menus, sun-drenched terraces, and downright irresistible collaborations. Whether you're craving a cocktail with a sorbet swirl or celebrating 25 years of Eastern Mediterranean magic, here's your guide to eating, sipping, and basking your way through the capital this May.
Al Fresco Dreams on Wilton Way: SESTA's New Terrace
Raise a glass (or a fork) to spring at SESTA, where the new 16-seat terrace brings a splash of countryside charm to Hackney’s Wilton Way. Surrounded by aromatic herbs and blooming planters, diners can tuck into Cajun ham chou farci with smoked eel or leek and borlotti bean hummus with pickled rhubarb and pistachio crackers, all paired with their signature natural wines. It’s as idyllic as outdoor London dining gets – no picnic blanket required.
Arabica Turns 25 – and You’re Invited
From a humble Borough Market trestle table to two buzzing restaurants, Arabica is celebrating 25 years of mezze magic with a Chef’s Selection menu (£48pp). Available in Borough Market and King’s Cross, expect a journey through their greatest hits: think fire-kissed meats, dips so smooth you could bathe in them, and pickles that pack a punch. It's a party plate for the ages.
Pastaio x Soft & Swirly: Sundae Funday, Every Day
What's better than fresh pasta in Soho? Fresh pasta followed by Soft & Swirly's dreamy sundaes. All month long, Pastaio is serving two limited-edition ice cream creations:
• Lemon & olive oil ice cream with whipped ricotta, strawberries, and toasted almonds
• Marsala & coffee ice cream with mascarpone cream, cocoa and chocolate flakes (a tribute to their legendary tiramisu).
At £8.50 a pop, dessert never looked (or tasted) so playful.
Sauvignon Blanc Week at Roka: Cheers to That!
Celebrate Sauvignon Blanc Week (April 28 – May 5) with Roka, where the wine flows and the vibes follow suit. Sip on Ibbotson Sauvignon for £10 or indulge in Sancerre Serge Laloue for £14, paired with robata-grilled bites and pristine sashimi.
Bonus Round: On Friday 2nd May, head to Roka Aldwych for a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Happy Hour party, featuring DJs, discounts, and crisp white wine magic.
Wildflowers Blooms for RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Florals for spring? Yes, please – especially when served with a side of rabbit and cuttlefish paella or grilled sugar pit Iberico pork chop. Tucked just five minutes from the RHS Chelsea action, Wildflowers will be open for lunch (12–5pm) and dinner (from 5pm) from 20–24 May. With seasonal plates and a botanical backdrop, it’s peak petal-to-plate perfection.
Oriole x Ice Cream Union: The Coolest Cocktails in Town
Sgroppini, but make them swanky. This month, Oriole is teaming up with Ice Cream Union to serve Champagne Sgroppinis – fizzy, frosty cocktails topped with artisanal sorbet and Moët.
Choose from juicy combos like:
• Peach aperitif with raspberry sorbet
• Pisco with blood orange sorbet
• Japanese whisky and yuzu with mango sorbet
Best enjoyed on their sunny terrace between 3–6pm, where scoops of Ice Cream Union sorbet are also up for grabs.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Oriole – 5th May Bank Holiday
This Bank Holiday Monday, swing by Oriole for a Cinco de Mayo bash like no other. From 3–6pm, groove to live Latin tunes while feasting on Chef Gustavo Giallonardo’s festive dishes:
• Taco Al Pastor with Iberico pork, salsa taquera, and pineapple kimchi
• Crab Chilaquilas with salsa verde and Applewood
• Churros with cinnamon, dulce de leche, and chocolate dips
Pair it all with bespoke cocktails like the Jungle Bird or an elevated Margarita starring Volcan Blanco Tequila and green apple liqueur. ¡Salud!
May in London is Tasty, Tipsy, and Totally Terrific
Whether you're a terrace dweller, a wine lover, or a sundae enthusiast, London is serving up something special this May. Book those tables, bring your appetite, and let the good times (and cocktails) roll.
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