Here are some events that you might want to consider if you are thinking of visiting in the next month or so, or are a native Londoner taking your City a little for granted.

The London Craft Show   May 12th-18th

11 years of exceptional craftsmanship

London Craft Week is a city-wide festival celebrating exceptional craftsmanship, across multiple sectors and disciplines, from around the world. Through our curated programme of events, we shine a light on the creative talent behind some of the world's most beautiful objects, telling stories of their inspiration, process and materials.

Since its inception in 2015, the festival has grown significantly in scale and prominence with nearly quarter of a million visitors enjoying the work of more than 1000 makers at events put on by over 200 partners from 31 countries in 2024.

The festival encourages those who attend to discover hidden workshops, independent makers, heritage craftsmen and jewel-like shops alongside great luxury houses, famous artists and designers, leading department stores, national museums and contemporary galleries. Visitors can embrace the sheer reach, diversity and serendipity that London offers as the world's great creative capital.

The festival takes place across the city at over 200 separate locations - independent shops, studios, pop-ups, national museums, contemporary galleries, department stores and luxury boutiques.

Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words - May 14th -17th

The four-day programme features immersive events for adults and children with a wide variety of topics and formats, covering spoken word and fiction, to broadcast and AI. The festival is set to be an exciting cultural celebration of Fleet Street's journalistic and literary legacy, whilst providing a platform for both leading and emerging voices.

Expect headline appearances from leading authors and creators including:

  • Jeremy Vine and Simon Mayo - The broadcasters will be presenting their new novels
  • Kate Mosse - Co-founder of the Women's Prize, who will reflect on its 30 year legacy
  • Jojo Moyes - The acclaimed author, who will dive into the secrets to creating unforgettable characters
  • Ben Okri  - The Booker Prize-winning author, who will explore his new novel Madame Sosostris and the Festival for the Brokenhearted
  • Reeta Chakrabati - The BBC journalist, sharing insights into her debut novel Finding Belle
  • Funmi Fetto - Style Editor at British Vogue, talking about her debut novel Hail Mary
  • Craig Glenday - Editor-in-Chief of Guinness World Records, celebrates the 70th anniversary of the famous annual

More info and full programme:                                        

Bar Rioja Festival 2025 - June 14th from 12 to 3pm and from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm  ( Early bird cost £49.20)

 If Richard Bigg the founder of his restaurant and bar group  and organiser of this keenly priced event, ever sat down in one of the Mastermind chairs, his chosen subject would probably be wines from the Rioja region of Spain, though if you care to read Richard's interview we carried out last year, link below, you will find that Richard is very well travelled and his aim now is to bring high quality wines from the Rioja region to the UK at best possible prices in a convivial atmosphere. There will be 18 wines available, each chosen carefully for quality and price.

Bar Rioja is one of a number of bars and restaurants run by Richard Bigg, who apart from knowing his wines, we happen to know is an excellent host and will be on hand to answer any questions about the wine and accompanying pinchos.

New Business magazine Spring 2024 Richard Bigg