The Government is finally giving the go-ahead for more places to open up this weekend, after initially postponing the reopening of casinos and bowling alleys two weeks ago.
Venues will also able to put on indoor gigs under social distancing rules, with Saturday marking a turning point for dozens of businesses across the city. That said, after the uncertainty caused by the Government's U-turn on opening a fortnight ago, it seems many places will remain closed for the time being.
Still, many in the capital have been making up for lost time over recent weeks, getting back out to their favourite haunts as the restaurants, pubs, cinemas and shops open up. Now, there's potentially even more to enjoy, though it will likely take a while before things are anywhere close to normal.
While most venues are still taking time to prepare before opening, and some still readjusting after the initial set back, there are still a handful places back in action this weekend. We'll update this article as more come in.
Bowling alleys
People can hit the lanes for the first time in months this weekend, albeit under new Covid precautions. The venues will be opening under limited capacity, allowing groups of no more than six, and some will use only alternate lanes with plenty of enhanced cleaning throughout. Pre-booking is a must, too.
At the time of writing, we can only find one bowling chain taking reservations in London, but we'll keep an eye out for more.
All Star Lanes
One of the most popular chains in the city is taking bowling reservations from August 15. American diner-style food from the Lanes Kitchen is available too, including a weekend bottomless brunch menu.
Brick Lane, Westfield Stratford, Holborn, Westfield White City, allstarlanes.co.uk
Gigs
Boisdale of Belgravia
This restaurant and music venue has a long history of putting on live performances for diners, and things are no different this weekend. Singers Mark Adams and Stephen Triffit will be paying tribute to Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra throughout August, while there’s also an edition of the Sunday Jazz Lunch to look forward to.
Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, E14 4QT, boisdale.co.uk
Camden Unlocked
The first outdoor open-air gigs took place last month, with Miles Kane performing for fans at Camden Market. This weekend, it's the turn of Mae Muller and The Puppini Sisters.
Camden Market, NW1, camdenmarket.com
Casinos
Casinos have been given the green light to re-open from Saturday if they can adhere to new Covid restrictions. Many were due to open on August 1 before the last-minute postponement, and we'll update this guide as more announce reopening.
The Hippodrome in Leicester Square is one venue back in action from August 15. It will be open 24 hours with all three floors in play and a new all-night terrace, albeit with a slightly reconfigured layout to allow for social distancing and a new range of hygiene and safety measures in place.
