London’s best places to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Located in Sheldon Square in Paddington – in a canal boat – this brunch oasis is full of funk and pop art, making it the perfect place to ramp up the energy and kick off the weekend celebrations. Open seven days a week, Darcie & May Green takes walk-ins, but you’ll definitely want to secure a spot at this place with a booking. On a busy weekend like this, the hot spot will likely fill quickly. Whether you’re attending the Trooping the Colour Parade, watching from afar or simply preparing for the weekend’s take-off, nip over to Darcie & may Green for brunch and watch the fly-past of the Royal Air Force from the canal at 1pm.

An iconic spot for London views, this classic rooftop bar sits directly across from St Paul’s courtyard. Boasting fun-filled events and music line-ups, a luxurious New York brunch, and even a plant-based menu, this place is perfect for a celebration with the crew or just a few friends. Surrounded by sleek and chic décor, Madison Restaurant is steeped in serious penthouse vibes, making it the ideal celebration fit for a queen. You’ll definitely want to keep your eyes peeled for music events for the Jubilee weekend, so book the rooftop for food and/or drinks to try to catch a glimpse of the royal fam. But the views and the kick-ass New York-style menu are enough to satisfy.

If you can’t make it to the Derby at Epsom Downs to spot the Queen, then celebrate this classic event with a classic British afternoon tea. Treat yourself to an afternoon of luxury with The Athenaeum’s three-tier (and top-tier) selection of sandwiches and pastries – and, of course, tea. And it exceptionally caters to dietary restrictions and allergies. Kick it up a notch if you’re hungry and need some fuel to watch the Platinum Party at the Palace later and book a savoury afternoon tea, accompanied by British classics like pastries, tartlets and sausage rolls. We may not be at the Derby or dining in Buckingham Palace, but for £45 per person, you can enjoy The Athenaeum’s ever ensured fabulous service as well as its delicious treats. Make sure to get your bookings sorted soon to enjoy the event-filled day.

Celebrate the country’s history and culture – and badass women running the show – by popping into London’s oldest pub, The Seven Stars in Holborn. Make your way to central London to check out the ancient city relic packed with charm and pizzaz and run by Roxy Beaujolais, The Seven Stars’ publican. Oh, and grab yourself some seriously good pub classics because, although it might be old, this place keeps our energy up by keeping its food menu fresh (and the ingredients fresher). With pubs staying open an extra few hours while the city commemorates the Queen, this place is the perfect spot to party while the royal family hosts the party at the palace.

While the Queen celebrates the day with a Jubilee lunch and pageant, we’re gathering some family and friends and booking lunches (or maybe even boozy brunches) of our own. A top pick for brunch, Darwin Brasserie is the perfect place to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee with British cuisine and high-class views – pun intended. Aptly stationed in the green and serene Sky Garden in The Fenchurch Building, Darwin Brasserie makes freshness centre stage. Dine solo, bring a friend or a date, or book a group outing – but be sure to make your way to the rooftop to take in those surreal London summer views because you don’t need a Sky Garden access ticket if you’ve got a res.

If you’re looking for a homely vibe or a nice wind-down from the energetic weekend, book a table at The Abingdon. With its cosy booths and its stress-free, intimate ambiance, The Abingdon is the perfect place to sit back, relax and recoup with family, friends or partners. Situated in the heart of Kensington, this upmarket British pub offers the perfect Sunday menu to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee lunch. Keep it simple with snacks or starters, or go for one of the classic mains. Whatever your style, The Abingdon will match it, so stop in to top off the weekend with good company, great vibes and the perfect Sunday roast.