Monday, August 31st marks the last summer Bank Holiday of the year. Whether you are in the mood to shop the new-season collections, try a new menu, or treat yourself to a facial with one of Europe's leading skincare doctors, the long weekend provides the perfect excuse to go all out and enjoy a break from work. With so much to see and do, our top picks are designed to help you make the absolute most of all that Bond Street has to offer.
Shop the new Autumn/Winter 2026 Ready-to-Wear Collections...
This month sees the slow, but steady, release of new season collections in stores all along Bond Street. At Chanel's New Bond Street flagship, for instance, Matthieu Blazy's highly anticipated Autumn/Winter 2026 collection arrives in two instalments or 'acts' as Chanel prefers to call them. 'Act 1 ' has already dropped in store while 'Act 2' is due to land in September, though a date is yet to be confirmed.
The new Fendi collection, the first designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri and notable for its less-is-more aesthetic, has been split into three drops. The first is ready and waiting to be discovered at Fendi's New Bond Street flagship, while for those with a Fendi customer profile, a sneak peek at the second drop, now in, can also be arranged in store. As for the final part of the collection, it's due any day now.
Meanwhile, at Alexander McQueen, a small selection of the collection has arrived at the brand's Old Bond Street boutique, with more pieces finding their way onto the racks over the coming weeks. And for those who can't wait a moment longer, a one-on-one in-store appointment can be arranged with a Louis Vuitton client advisor to view a significant part of the new-season collection at its New Bond Street store.
Get a culture fix...
Brighton might have its Mods and their Lambrettas, but this Bank Holiday Weekend, Brown's Hotel has its red, white and blue Mini Coopers. The classic cars are part of its Vintage Mini Royal Tour experience, available to hotel guests only. The day begins with coffee and pastries at Brown's and segues into a leisurely two-hour ride around London's most iconic landmarks. These include Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and The Mall. Priced at £465 per Mini, each car can accommodate three people.
There's something truly magical about Victorian artist Richard Dadd's paintings currently on show at The Royal Academy of Arts. Best known for his ethereal fairy paintings, his work was all but forgotten until it resurfaced in the 1960s. Dadd's 'Beyond Bedlam' showcase runs until 25 October 2026. Highlights include Puck surrounded by dancing nymphs, painted in 1841.
For something altogether more contemporary, Pop Odyssey, showing at New Bond Street's Halcyon Gallery, runs until 30 August, 2026, and features vibrant artworks by the likes of Keith Haring, Andy Warhol and Santiago Montoya.
Mind, body and soul...
This Bank Holiday Weekend, remember to factor in some R&R in between new season shopping. Dr. Barbara Sturm takes up a new London residency at Claridge's Spa. The German aesthetics doctor and skincare expert is renowned for her science-led anti-inflammatory approach to skincare. Her new treatment offering at Claridge's includes the STURMGLOW™ Facial. Lasting 60 minutes, it promises to strengthen the skin barrier and boost hydration, resulting in a luminous complexion.
Ready to energise the body and expand the mind with a spot of somatic dance, sound and breathwork? The Mandarin Oriental Mayfair has partnered with mindful movement community, Sanctum, to launch the new Sanctum Sunset Series. Taking place from now until September on the Mandarin Oriental's Penthouse Terrace, simply let go and enjoy sweeping views over Mayfair as you move to the beats playing in your headphones. And best of all, you don't have to be a hotel guest to book a 55-minute session.
Picnic, brunch or lunch...
Why not create your own picnic from the delicious range of freshly baked goods - think cheese toasties and sausage rolls - at Claridge's Bakery and make a beeline for Grosvenor Square. The square has been reimagined with 70,000 new plants, 44 trees and two wetlands, making it a prime picnic spot.
The Café Biltmore Bank Holiday Terrace Brunch returns for one weekend only, from Saturday, 29 August to Sunday, 30 August. Served buffet-style on the hotel's leafy terrace, highlights include freshly-shucked oysters and prawn cocktails, and seasonal vegetarian options. To finish, made-to-order crêpes and handcrafted desserts should hit the spot. The brunch also includes 90 minutes of unlimited Aperol Spritz, Mojitos or bubbles and is priced at £55 per person.
Good news for gourmands. French chef, Hélène Darroze, has a new à la carte lunch menu at The Connaught. The seasonal menu featuring Cornish Crab and Newlyn John Dory will have you in a pickle over what to choose first. As for the chef's signature Armagnac Baba dessert, delivered to the table on a sweet trolley, well, that shouldn't take much persuading.
After hours...
If the idea of House or RnB, chic cocktails and a hip crowd sound appealing, then trust Sketch to deliver on all fronts. The iconic Conduit Street dining destination has launched nightly DJ events in its late-night cocktail bar, the Parlour. Expect live sets by Silvio Pacini on Saturday 29 August and Danica on Sunday 30 August; entry is free. The perfect note to end the August Bank Holiday on.