Your weekend in London: Fri 20 Feb to Sun 22 Feb 2026
- 6 min read
Emma’s Weekend Guide: London, 20-22 February 2026
Hello, lovely Londoners and visitors! Emma here with your insider guide to making the most of this late-February weekend. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, explore the countryside, or flex those creative muscles, I’ve got you covered.
Weather Watch: Layers Are Your Best Friend
Let’s talk about what Mother Nature has in store. February in London can be wonderfully unpredictable, and this weekend is no exception. Expect temperatures hovering between 6-10°C with a mix of cloudy spells and occasional sunny breaks. There’s a chance of light drizzle, particularly on Saturday afternoon, so do pack a compact umbrella and a waterproof layer.
My tip: Dress in layers you can easily peel off. London venues can be surprisingly warm inside, especially packed pubs and galleries. A good scarf and waterproof boots will serve you well, especially if you’re venturing out of the city for that countryside walk.
Top Picks for the Weekend
Friday 20th February
🥂 Friday Drinks for Young Professionals | Liverpool Street Station
Evening (check link for exact time) | Liverpool Street Station
Kick off your weekend the classic London way: after-work drinks with a twist. This friendly gathering brings together young professionals looking to expand their social circles beyond the usual office crowd. Liverpool Street is brilliantly central, with loads of great bars nearby.
Local tip: Arrive a touch early to grab a good spot. The area around Liverpool Street gets absolutely heaving on Friday evenings. If the main venue gets too packed, Duck & Waffle (for a splurge) or the Happenstance Bar offer excellent alternatives within walking distance.
🎬 THE SECRET AGENT! + Drinks at The Queens, Crouch End
Evening | The Queens, Crouch End
North Londoners, this one’s for you! Join the North London Film Club for a screening of “The Secret Agent” followed by drinks and discussion at The Queens, one of Crouch End’s cosiest pubs. It’s a brilliant way to discover a lovely neighbourhood that many visitors miss.
Insider knowledge: Crouch End is worth exploring before the screening. Pop into the independent bookshop or grab dinner at one of the excellent restaurants on the Broadway. The Queens itself serves proper pub grub if you’d rather keep things simple.
💕 Speed Dating in Paddington | Ages 40-55
Evening | Smith’s Bar & Grill, Paddington
Looking for love? This speed dating event at Smith’s Bar & Grill offers a relaxed, fun atmosphere for singles in the 40-55 age bracket. Paddington has transformed in recent years, and Smith’s is a smart, comfortable venue for taking those first-meeting nerves down a notch.
Emma’s advice: Paddington Basin is gorgeous for a pre-event stroll to settle any butterflies. The lighting along the canal at dusk is rather magical.
Saturday 21st February
🚶 River Wey Walk: Guildford to Godalming
Meet at Waterloo Train Station (under the clock) | Day trip
This is my pick of the weekend! Escape the city for a stunning riverside walk through the Surrey countryside. The route from Guildford to Godalming follows the River Wey and finishes at the wonderfully named Stag on the River pub. Perfect for clearing the head and stretching the legs.
Practical info: Meeting point is under the famous clock at Waterloo Station. Trains to Guildford run regularly (about 35-40 minutes). Wear proper walking shoes with good grip as the towpath can be muddy this time of year. Budget around £15-20 for the return train fare.
My tip: Pack a flask of tea and some snacks. There’s nothing quite like a hot cuppa overlooking the weir at St Catherine’s Lock!
🧠 Philosophy in the Park #133 | The Barbican
Check event for time | The Barbican
For those who prefer intellectual adventures to physical ones, the London Philosophy Collective hosts their 133rd gathering at the Barbican. These discussions are welcoming to newcomers and cover fascinating topics in an accessible way. No philosophy degree required!
Local tip: The Barbican itself is an architectural wonder worth exploring. Grab a coffee at the Barbican Kitchen beforehand and wander through the Conservatory if it’s open. It’s one of London’s best-kept secrets: a tropical garden hidden in the heart of brutalist concrete.
💃 Singles Party in King’s Cross | Ages 30-45
Evening | Drake & Morgan at King’s Cross
King’s Cross has undergone one of London’s most dramatic transformations, and Drake & Morgan is right in the heart of the action. This singles party for 30-45 year olds promises good drinks, good music, and good company.
Getting there: The venue is a stone’s throw from King’s Cross St Pancras station. Come early and explore Coal Drops Yard for some of the best independent shopping in London, or grab dinner at one of the excellent restaurants around Granary Square.
Sunday 22nd February
✏️ Free Sketch & Social | Victoria and Albert Museum
Check event for time | V&A Museum | FREE
End your weekend with creativity at one of my favourite London museums. This free sketching session at the V&A welcomes all skill levels. Bring your own materials and spend a relaxing afternoon drawing the museum’s incredible collection while meeting fellow art enthusiasts.
Insider tip: The V&A’s café in the original refreshment rooms is stunning and often overlooked. Treat yourself to tea and cake in what might be the world’s first museum restaurant. The William Morris Room is particularly beautiful.
🎸 Gig & Drinks All-Dayer | The Old Blue Last
All day | The Old Blue Last, Shoreditch
For music lovers, The Old Blue Last’s legendary all-day gig session is not to be missed. This Shoreditch institution has launched countless bands and always delivers an eclectic mix of live music in an authentically grungy atmosphere.
Emma’s local knowledge: The Old Blue Last gets busy, so arrive earlier if you want a good spot. Shoreditch is brilliant for vintage shopping and street art, so make a day of it. Brick Lane is a five-minute walk for the best bagels in London (the queue at Beigel Bake is worth it, I promise).
Practical Bits & Bobs
- Getting around: An Oyster card or contactless payment is essential. Weekend tube services are generally reliable, but always check TfL for engineering works.
- Budget: Many events are free or low-cost, but budget £40-60 per day for food, drinks, and transport.
- Booking: Meetup events often require RSVPs, so do register in advance to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
This weekend offers something for everyone: countryside escapes, intellectual discourse, creative expression, and plenty of opportunities to meet new people. February might not be London’s flashiest month, but there’s a special cosiness to the city right now. Wrap up warm, stay curious, and enjoy!
See you out there,
Emma x