Tempus Hot List: May 2026

With sunny days and bank holidays ahead, we look at the hottest events, openings and collaborations to check out in London this May 2026

things to do in London may 2026Enjoy Japanese fine dining in style at the newly opened MA/NA 

MA/NA is joining London’s roster of Japanese fine dining restaurants as the newest opening in the city. Born from the Japanese philosophy that every ingredient carries an invisible power shaped by nature and the hands that honour it, from 6 May, MA/NA will take guests on a journey from refined Japanese dining to an intimate late-night cocktail bar. Executive chef Leo Tanyag has created a menu inspired by Japan’s culinary traditions. Highlights include the toro tartare, avocado aburi and the wagyu ishiyaki seared on Himalayan salt stone, while bar director Pietro Collina leads a bar programme rooted in rare spirits and 1970s Tokyo soul. Make your reservations before it’s too late!

manarestaurants.comGo ‘out of this world’ at London’s biggest flower festival

Chelsea in Bloom, London’s biggest flower festival and art showcase, is returning for its 2026 edition this spring with the cosmic theme ‘Out Of This World’. From 18 to 24 May, the streets of Chelsea will be transformed into an intergalactic wonderland of floral designs promising inspiration from ‘spiritual symbolism and astrology’. Some of the creations on display include a zodiac-inspired constellation at Sloane Square, a UFO hovering over Pavilion Road, a lunar-landscape at Duke of York Square and a 4m mythical dragon and pegasus on Sloane Street, and a large floral globe that can be seen from space at King’s Road, which will be installed in honour of Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday this May. 

chelseainbloom.co.ukKeep the floral theme going by attending the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

London is back in bloom as the Chelsea Flower Show returns for yet another showstopping year from 19 to 23 May. Expect beautifully designed gardens curated by famous faces, expert growers and nurseries, and the usual superb hospitality and shopping galore. Heralded as the world’s greatest garden show, it marks the start of summer for many across the UK. Born from the Royal Horticultural Society’s Great Spring Show in 1862, the festival has been held in its current form in the Royal Chelsea Hospital Grounds since 1912. One of the hottest events in the summer luxury calendar, tickets sell out fast so make sure you grab yours before it’s too late. 

rhs.org.ukDance the night away at Ronnie Scott’s jazz residency at 34 Mayfair

34 Mayfair has launched an exclusive live jazz residency in partnership with Ronnie Scott’s. Running every Friday until 8 May, the series will showcase a rotating line-up of world-class artists, bringing the energy of Soho’s jazz scene to the heart of Mayfair. Alongside the music, a specially curated cocktail menu will spotlight Johnnie Walker serves, including the Ruby Sour with Johnnie Walker Black Label Ruby, grapefruit cordial and crème de cassis and the Spiced Ginger Highball with Johnnie Walker Black Label, ginger spice, lemon and soda.

34-restaurant.co.uk/ronnie-scottsthings to do in London may 2026Check out Andy Earl’s new exhibition at Bankside Yards

From 8 May, Andy Earl’s highly anticipated photography exhibition will be open to the public at Bankside Yards. This exhibition celebrates the esteemed filmmaker, artist and photographer’s four decades-long career, which has seen him capture some of the world’s most influential artists, musicians and national treasures. Opening on the day of his 100th birthday, front and centre of the new exhibition is Earl’s renowned portrait of the great British icon, Sir David Attenborough. Alongside, visitors can expect to see a host of Earl’s portraits of global names including Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Prince, Mark Ronson and Robbie Williams. 

andyearl.com

Read more news with Tempus

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
    Tempus Magazine
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.