It’s been a record-hot summer, with heatwave after heatwave after heatwave (we’ve lost count), and what better way to celebrate the return of rain than with a long weekend?
The weather might be refusing to make up its mind, but Putney’s pub managers certainly aren’t. We asked them what they have planned for this year’s August Bank Holiday, and from rooftop parties and live music to beer tasting and roasts, here’s what they had to say about this weekend.
Friday
For those planning on staying in the city this weekend, Jader, manager of the Telegraph, says it’s a chance to ‘feel as if you’re on holiday even when you’re still in London.’
Following the success of their June Beer Festival, they are bringing back Jack from König – this time for a ‘Meet the Brewer’ event. Jader describes it as a good way to ‘learn a little about beer,’ try some free samples, and ease your way into a busy weekend.
No need to book. A just ‘pop in and try a new beer.’ At the Telegraph it’s about giving people ‘something a bit different’ this weekend.
Saturday
On Saturday, the Spotted Horse are hoping that their Beach Club closing party will be ‘one of the best days out of the Bank Holiday weekend.’ Aperol is sponsoring the event, and deputy manager Ava says to expect frozen cocktails, a bespoke tapas menu and a live DJ playing into the night.
While the rooftop’s reserved for dancing, Premier League matches will be shown downstairs for those who want to kick their feet up and enjoy ‘the best of live sport.’
Sunday
At the Railway, manager Enrico joked that while Sunday morning will be quiet, by the evening ‘people will find the strength after their Saturday hangover.’
With a sax and DJ combo playing from 8pm for their final rooftop ‘summer session’ of the season, Enrico believes this Sunday ‘will be the big one.’ The previous ‘summer session’ drew a big crowd, so expect it to be busy. Picture a packed dance floor, great music and saxophonists on tables. In Enrico’s words, ‘Sax and DJ – it just works so well.’
Monday
For those looking for a relaxed Bank Holiday, both the Telegraph and Spotted Horse will be serving up Monday roasts. Jader’s double-prepped the kitchen to guarantee fresh roasts across the weekend, and if the sun’s out, he expects it to get busy – so book ahead to secure a Sunday or Monday lunch.
For a little more action, the Half Moon are running another Bank Holiday ‘New Moon’ special throughout the day, this time sponsored by Gipsy Hill. It’s the event that assistant manager Tilly says she ‘recommends to people the most.’ With ‘candlelit tables, chill vibes’ and ‘some really cool artists,’ it might just be the perfect way to (finally) say goodbye to the summer heat. We went along last year and found it an easy, low-key way to spend an afternoon.
If you’re still undecided, as we did in May, here’s the full rundown of what’s happening at your local pubs this weekend:
Boathouse
32 Brewhouse Lane, SW15 2JX
- Business as usual, with a DJ playing upstairs Sunday 30th for some afternoon tunes. Walk-ins welcome.
Coat and Badge
8 Lacy Road, SW15 1NL
- The Burger Shack will be serving pizzas all weekend. With the football on, it’s expected to get busy. Walk-ins welcome, or book ahead to guarantee a table.
Duke’s Head
8 Lower Richmond Road, SW15 1JN
- Friday 28th: Riverside terrace party, sponsored by Jubel – a DJ from 6-9pm and free beer samples. Walk-ins welcome.
- Sunday 30th: 80s-themed riverside barbecue, expect nostalgic tunes and colour-themed cocktails – a ‘Blue Monday’ that hopefully won’t result in a blue Bank Holiday. Walk-ins welcome.
Half Moon
93 Lower Richmond Road, SW15 1EU
- Friday 28th + Saturday 29th: Dirty DC, an AC/DC tribute. Advance tickets £17. Book online for Friday or Saturday.
- Sunday 30th: Run club at 10.30am. Three-act daytime show, Menace + Damage UK + Chevette, from 1pm. Advance tickets £15. Book online.
- Sunday 30th evening: Guns N’ Roses tribute act Guns 2 Roses. Doors open at 8pm. Advance tickets £18. Book online.
- Monday 31st: ‘New Moon’ at the Half Moon from 1pm. £2.50 tickets, no booking required.
- Monday 31st evening: Americana singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale. Doors open at 8pm. Advance tickets £21. Book online.
Railway
202 Upper Richmond Road, SW15 6TD
- Friday 28th: Live music.
- Sunday 30th: ‘Summer session’ from 8pm to 11pm. Free tickets online.
Spotted Horse
122 Putney High Street, SW15 1RG
- Saturday 29th: ‘Sunset Session’ at the Spotted Horse from 3pm, with live music from 7pm to 10pm. Booking advised.
- Sunday 30th + Monday 31st: Roasts. Kitchen opens at 12pm. Walk-ins welcome.
Telegraph
Putney Heath, SW15 3TU
- Friday 28th: ‘Meet the Brewer’ at the Telegraph, from 6pm. Walk-ins welcome.
- Saturday 29th: Live sax player in the garden from 4pm.
- Sunday 30th + Monday 31st: Roasts. Booking advised.
