Things to do in London this weekend

Hurrah! Another weekend has arrived.

Whether you're in the mood for new food or fancy a night out unlike any other, check out our suggestions for things to get up to below.

This week's highlights include an epic three day party at the Tate, psychological horrors at the Phoenix Theatre and oriental opera at Sadler's Wells.

Elsewhere, tuck into American treats from a Masterchef duo, raise a glass to the late, great Carrie Fisher and stuff yourself silly on unlimited puddings over in Mayfair.

Friday October 20

The Tate Modern’s fantastic ‘Soul of a Nation’ closes this Sunday. The exhibition explores 20 years of black art and its possibilities, and to celebrate its critically acclaimed run the museum are hosting a three day party. Go see what all the fuss is about, then unwind with plenty of US craft beer, soul food, soul music and, best of all, hip hop karaoke.

Until October 21, Tate Modern, tate.org.uk

Add a thrill to your Friday by heading to the Phoenix Theatre for the debut of The Exorcist. The iconic 1970s supernatural horror is being revamped for the stage; Sean Mathias directs, and the cast is first rate, including Adam Garcia, Peter Bowles and Jenny Seagrove. Based on a true story, the film – still creepy today – had such a troubled production that it was rumoured to be cursed. Here’s hoping the Phoenix have better luck.

Until March 10 2018, Phoenix Theatre, WC2H 0JP, phoenixtheatrelondon.co.uk

Head over to Greek Street in Soho for a house party from none other than, er, Ikea. The Swedish furniture giant and meatball peddler are turning 30 and are celebrating with festivities over four floors, each decorated differently, in the quintessential style of the 80s, the 90s, the 00s and right up to today. Naturally, there’s food, cocktails and music to match. Not bad for what’s effectively a giant advert. On until Saturday, it’s free, but you’ll need a ticket.

Until October 21, 19 Greek Street, W1D 4DT, eventbrite.co.uk

Covent Garden’s upmarket American restaurant Christopher’s – famous as the site where the Tories drowned their losses in 1997 – are hosting Masterchef’s Billy Wright and Jack Layer, who are promising a five course supper club boasting the likes of chicken n’ truffle waffles, a riff on surf and turf and a pudding inspired by peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. There might not be much to love about America right now, but surely peanut butter and jelly are worth cheering for.

Tonight, Christopher's, 18 Wellington Street, WC2E7DD, christophersgrill.com

Saturday October 21

In Shoreditch, there’s a chance to get out of the city… while staying in the city. Take a trip to Hamburg without leaving London at The Boiler House on Brick Lane, which is hosting Hamburg on Tour. It’s much as it seems: all the sights, sounds and tastes of the German port crammed into a pop-up. Go for food and drink, live music and hands-on workshops. Wir sehen uns dann da – I’ll see you there.

Tonight, The Boiler House, 152 Brick Lane, E1 6RU, london.hamburgontour.com

Today would have been Carrie Fisher’s birthday. Up in West Hampstead, 70s themed rum bar Bobby Fitzpatrick is laying on a Princess Leia themed cocktail in tribute to the actress. Dress up as your favourite Star Wars character to get yours for free. I love Bobby Fitzpatrick; it is a place of pure silliness and fun, even if the reading the experimental pizza list is liable to cause heart palpitations in Italians. Drink up and raise a glass to the late, great Fisher.

Tonight, Bobby Fitzpatrick, 273 West End Lane, NW6 1QS, bobbyf.co.uk

The China National Peking Opera Company returns to Sadler’s Wells today and will be in residence until Wednesday October 25. Presented with English subtitles, it’s a chance to see opera in an entirely new light. There’ll be combination of dance, mime, music and acrobatics as they perform A River All Red and The Phoenix Returns on alternate nights. Expect a little magic.

Until October 25, Sadler's Wells, sadlerswells.com

Trip over to Fitzrovia's Charlotte St to see the world's first Instagram travel agency. Piggybacking on popular hashtag #ScotSpirit, it's a chance to plan a trip up to Scotland through a beautiful display of other people's photos. If nothing else, it's a gorgeous showcase of country's stunning natural beauty. Best of all, though, you've a chance a win a trip up there yourself.

Today, 89 Charlotte St, W1T 4PU, visitscotland.com

Sunday October 22

It’s your last chance to pick up a bargain at the Affordable Art Fair over in Battersea. I say a bargain; this is art, so it’s all relative. Things start below £100 and go up to £6,000. Besides all pieces on display – your moment to pick a masterpiece and secure your fortune – there’ll also be talks from artists alongside workshops.

All weekend, Battersea Park, affordableartfair.com

Borough Market is hosting its much-loved Apple Day celebrations. Besides all the applely treats, there’ll be traditional games – bobbing galore, we expect – alongside music, songs and dancing from local theatre company, the Lions Part. There’ll also be cooking demonstrations from chef Angela Clutton. Sounds hard-core. (Sorry.)

Today, Borough Market, boroughmarket.org.uk

Over on Piccadilly, Galvin at The Athenaeum have rightly decided that Sundays are entirely for indulging yourself. They’ve a good old three-course Sunday lunch but the the real reason to choose this above anywhere else is not only the unlimited bubbles – glorious, but par for course these days – but the unlimited puddings. Stuff yourself silly.

Sundays, Galvin at The Athenaeum, 116 Piccadilly, W1J 7BJ, athenaeumhotel.com