Your weekend in London: Fri 06 Feb to Sun 08 Feb 2026
- 6 min read
Your London Weekend Guide: 6-8 February 2026
By Emma Brown, London Local
Hello, lovely Londoners and visitors alike! February might not be the month that springs to mind when you think of exciting city breaks, but trust me - this weekend is shaping up to be a cracker. Whether you’re a bookworm, a film buff, an anime enthusiast, or someone who just wants to explore one of London’s most iconic venues, I’ve got you covered.
What’s the Weather Looking Like?
Let’s get the practical bit out of the way first. February in London is, well, February in London. You can expect temperatures hovering between 4-8°C, with a decent chance of grey skies and the occasional drizzle. My advice? Layer up, pack a waterproof jacket (not just an umbrella - trust me on this one), and wear comfortable shoes that can handle a bit of damp pavement.
The good news is that most of this weekend’s activities have indoor options or meeting points, so you won’t be left shivering on a street corner for too long. And honestly, there’s something rather cosy about London in winter - the warm glow of pub windows, the steam rising from coffee cups, the excuse to pop into yet another café.
Top Events This Weekend
Friday 6th February
☢️🎬 COLD STORAGE - Horror Film Meetup Leicester Square | Evening
Kicking off the weekend with a bit of a thrill! The Hideout London group is hosting a screening of “Cold Storage” right in the heart of Leicester Square. If you’re a horror fan looking to meet like-minded souls who won’t judge you for watching scary films through your fingers, this is your crowd.
Leicester Square is obviously one of London’s most famous cinema spots, but here’s a local tip: arrive a bit early and grab a drink at one of the quieter bars on the side streets rather than the tourist-heavy chains on the square itself. The Spoons (Moon Under Water) is surprisingly decent for a pre-film pint, or head to the Lamb & Flag in nearby Covent Garden for something with more character.
More info: Meetup Event Page
Saturday 7th February
Saturday is absolutely packed with options, so you might need to make some tough choices!
Tour of the Royal Albert Hall Meeting: Outside South Kensington Tube Station | Check event for time
This is one I’d genuinely recommend to anyone, whether you’ve lived in London for decades or you’re visiting for the first time. The Royal Albert Hall is breathtaking, and unless you’ve taken a backstage tour, you’ve probably only seen a fraction of what makes this Victorian masterpiece special.
Insider tip: When you exit South Ken station, turn right - that’s where the group will be meeting. After the tour, treat yourself to a wander through the nearby museums (the V&A and Natural History Museum are both free!) or grab lunch at one of the lovely cafés along Exhibition Road.
More info: Meetup Event Page
Book Swap Meetup 📚📚📚 Caffe de Ravello | Check event for time
Book lovers, this one’s for you! Bring along books you’ve finished (and are willing to part with) and swap them for new reads. It’s sustainable, social, and the perfect antidote to that ever-growing “to be read” pile that we all pretend doesn’t exist.
The café setting means you can settle in with a coffee and actually chat to fellow readers about recommendations. Much better than just staring at algorithms on Goodreads, if you ask me.
More info: Meetup Event Page
Waterbeach to Grantchester Walk Meeting: London Liverpool Street Station | Check event for time
Right, here’s an interesting one. This walking group is heading out of London for a countryside ramble from Waterbeach to Grantchester. Yes, it means hopping on a train, but honestly? Sometimes escaping the city for a few hours is exactly what you need.
Weather warning: This is the one event where you absolutely must check the forecast and dress accordingly. Waterproof boots are non-negotiable, and bring a flask of something warm. The Cambridgeshire countryside is beautiful but exposed.
Practical note: Liverpool Street to Cambridge is about 50-70 minutes depending on the service. Factor in train costs when planning (around £20-30 return with a railcard, more without).
More info: Meetup Event Page
LGBTQ+ Meetup at The London Art Bar The London Art Bar | Evening
Looking for a friendly, welcoming space to meet new people? The London Art Bar plays host to this regular LGBTQ+ meetup, perfect for making connections in a relaxed, creative atmosphere.
More info: Meetup Event Page
LEZMEET Pre-Valentine Party at MINT The Century Club | Evening
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, LEZMEET is getting the celebrations started early at the fabulous Century Club. This members’ club in Soho is a gorgeous venue, and these events tend to have a brilliant atmosphere.
More info: Meetup Event Page
Sunday 8th February
AnimanJapan Anime & Manga Club TCR Bar | Check event for time
Wrapping up the weekend with something for the anime and manga fans! TCR Bar (that’s Tottenham Court Road, for the uninitiated) hosts this gathering of fellow enthusiasts. Whether you’re deep into obscure 90s series or just getting started with the mainstream hits, this is a welcoming bunch.
Local tip: The area around TCR is brilliant for Japanese food if you want to extend the theme. Bone Daddies does excellent ramen, or head slightly north to the backstreets around Fitzrovia for some hidden gems.
More info: Meetup Event Page
Practical Tips for the Weekend
Getting Around: The tube runs regularly all weekend, but if you’re heading to multiple events on Saturday, consider getting a day travelcard (zones 1-2 will cover most of these). Contactless caps at the same rate anyway.
Eating on a Budget: February isn’t peak tourist season, which means many restaurants run special deals. Keep an eye out for pre-theatre menus in the West End and lunch specials at pubs.
Staying Warm: Most cafés won’t mind you lingering over a single coffee on a cold day - it’s practically a London tradition. The Barbican Centre has free indoor spaces to warm up, as do the big museums.
Meeting New People: All these events are Meetup-based, which means they’re specifically designed for people coming alone. Don’t be shy - that’s literally the point!
Have a wonderful weekend, London. Stay warm, stay curious, and maybe I’ll see you at the book swap.
Emma x