17.08.18: Five Unmissable Events Happening in London This WeekendBy Angelica Malin

From wine tasting on a rooftop to a two day jazz festival – we’ve handpicked the best events happening in the capital this weekend. Happy exploring, London:

Weekend Guide: Saturday 18th August

1. For a Jazz Festival: Greenwich Peninsula 

What: Running across two days (18-19th August), the Summer Jazz Weekender at Greenwich Peninsula is a free festival hosted by Harry Christelis, featuring a line-up of award winning jazz musicians, workshops, masterclasses and so much more.

The Event: The line-up includes award-winning jazz guitarist Rob Luft, one of the UK’s most prominent young contemporary jazz musicians; Waaju, with drummer and percussionist Ben Brown bringing influences from cultures across Africa, South America and beyond; and Fabled, saxophonist and clarinetist Sam Rapley and his collective drawing inspiration from Debussy, Tom Jobim, Tigran Hamasyan and Bon Iver. Also on the line-up is Daisy George Trio, a fresh new trio featuring three of London’s rising jazz stars; Rachel Cohen Trio, a London-based alto saxophonist and composer; and James Copus Quartet, an award-winning jazz trumpet player.

Price: Free entry

Where: Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0SQ

2. For a Supper Club: Three Girls Cook x Brother Marcus 

What: Three Girls Cook are back and this time serving up an array of summery delights in Brother Marcus’ sun soaked garden. Balham’s favourite garden café and supperclub haunt is welcoming back the three MasterChef 2017 finalists: Alison, Giovanna and Lorna, aka Three Girls Cook, for a third time. Inspired by all the wonderful produce the summer kitchen garden has to offer, the girls are cooking up a colourful three course menu of tasty seasonal vegetable dishes.

The Event: The menu is a combination of all things that evoke the British summer. Guests will be welcomed with a kombucha cocktail and some garden snacks followed by a sweet and juicy British tomato crostini with whipped ricotta and herbs. Next will be a family sharing-style summer herb frittata using Burford Browns and British asparagus, accompanied by an array of vibrant and bright-coloured summer salads, including pea, artichoke and herb, and satay courgette and new potato. Finally, for the classic British dessert with a twist, the girls will create their take on strawberries and cream using Jersey yoghurt to make homemade ice cream served with strawberries and mint in English sparkling wine.

Price: £40. Buy here.

Where: 9 Chestnut Grove, London SW12 8JA

3. For Coffee and Booze: Mr Black’s Espresso Martini Festival 

What: London’s first ever Espresso Martini Festivalwas a raging success last year, so boozy coffee legends, Mr Black, have decided to bring the party back for a second year. Espresso Martini Fest will be taking place in bustling bars across London until 19th August, celebrating the capital’s most famous cocktail export, whilst Mr Black’s Church of Coffee pop-up space in Shoreditch will keep the coffee liqueur flowing throughout the weekend.

The Event: This year’s new addition, Mr Black’s Church of Coffee pop-up space at The Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, will be the caffeinated beating heart of the festival, welcoming Londoners in to enjoy a cocktail (or two) plus learn more about this famous serve. Mr Black will be bringing together food, music, liquor and creativity all in one space for a weekend filled with tasty drinks, Aussie food, masterclasses and workshops. Highlights include: Belvedere’s Espresso Art-Ini masterclass; Doughnut Time’s donut decoration class; a bottomless brunch; and London’s first dedicated Cold Brew pop-up bar.

Price: Free entry.

Where: Various bars across London, with Mr Black’s Church Of Coffee at The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London E1 6QR

Weekend Guide: Sunday 19th August

4. For Wine Tasting: Rathfinny Estate x Ham Yard Hotel 

What: To celebrate the recent launch of their first Sussex Sparkling wines, Rathfinny Estate has joined forces with Soho’s renowned Ham Yard Hotel to offer a decadent al fresco summertime rooftop tasting experience. And this weekend is your last chance to try!

The Event: This is a special opportunity to taste Rathfinny’s recently-released Blanc de Blancs 2014 and Rosé Brut 2015, as well as three cocktails using their unique Seven Sisters gin, amidst the benches, plush furnishings and sweeping views across the London skyline.

Where: 1 Ham Yard, Soho, London W1D 7DT

5. For a Special Sunday Lunch: Murano 

What: From Sunday (19th August), Murano will also be opening its doors one Sunday a month, to serve lunch. The menu, created by head chef Oscar Holgado, is a generous feasting menu, and is departure from the normal day-to-day menu at the restaurant.

The Event: Dishes include: Carmagnola peppers; house cured Mangalitza; tortellini with ricotta, courgette and tomato ragout; for main, roasted porchetta, served alongside pickled and roasted summer vegetables; and for dessert – peaches and gelato.

Price: £40 a head (including a summer spritz on arrival). Book here.

Where: Queen St, Mayfair, London W1J 5PP