May is here, and how happy we all are - the days are long, the sky is increasingly blue, and after what feels like an eternity of grey skies and drizzle, it's wonderful to feel the warmth of the sun on our faces again.
Spring has truly arrived in the capital. From the wisteria tumbling over the walls of Notting Hill to the cherry blossom drifting through the parks of Hampstead, London is putting on quite a show, and no wonder everyone seems to be smiling.
Of course, May is always a wonderful month to be in London, and this year the city has an especially exciting programme of events and exhibitions to tempt both visitors and locals alike. So whether you're after culture, theatre, art, or simply a jolly good day out, here are five things we think are well worth your time this month…
1. The London Coffee Festival — 14th to 17th May
If the mere aroma of freshly ground coffee is enough to make your heart sing, then get yourself to Brick Lane without delay. The London Coffee Festival returns to The Truman Brewery from 14th to 17th May 2026, with two industry days followed by a full weekend open to the public.
Grab a reusable cup and follow the aroma through 275 artisan coffee and gourmet food stands. Pick up new skills from world-class baristas, drop into interactive workshops - there’s also the Coffee Masters competition, a Roasters Village celebrating single-origin beans from around the globe, and the ever-popular Latte Art Live. New for 2026, the Demo Bar lets you get hands-on with the very latest gear and brands, while the Sage Coffee School offers espresso masterclasses for those keen to brush up their home brewing skills.
Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or simply someone who can't face the morning without a decent flat white, this is a festival that truly delivers.
2. Photo London — 14th to 17th May
Now in its eleventh edition and with a rather exciting new home, Photo London is making its debut at the newly redeveloped Olympia London this May. The fair brings together leading international galleries, a curated Publishers section, a public programme of talks and events, and dedicated spaces for collectors and VIP guests.
Photography lovers will find everything here from rare vintage prints to bold new commissions, all presented in an environment that feels both intimate and exciting. This year's special exhibition, London Lives, curated by leading critic Francis Hodgson, occupies the Embankment Galleries of Somerset House and features iconic works by David Bailey, Nadav Kander, Nick Knight, and others, alongside new commissions from emerging voices.
Whether you're a collector, a curious first-timer, or simply someone who appreciates great visual storytelling, Photo London is a genuinely unmissable event.
3. Dracula — at the Noël Coward Theatre
This spine-tingling reimagining of Bram Stoker's immortal Dracula has been the talk of the West End since it opened earlier this year, and with good reason. Three-time Oscar nominee and Tony, Emmy and Grammy winner Cynthia Erivo transforms into all 23 roles in director Kip Williams' blood-curdling reimagination of the gothic horror, which critics have hailed as "raising the stakes for British theatre."
The production fuses live video, pre-recorded film, and Erivo's extraordinary live performance in a genre-defying cine-theatre style that is unlike anything else currently playing in London. Deep in the desolate wilderness stands a crumbling castle; a mysterious presence lurking within. As the Count sets his sights on a fresh target, a new kind of terror begins…
Book soon, as this production is running only until the end of May.
4. Samson et Dalila at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
For those who prefer their drama set to magnificent music, look no further than the Royal Opera House, where one of opera's great biblical epics returns to the Covent Garden stage. Camille Saint-Saëns's grand opera Samson et Dalila runs from 13th May, and it’s a story of passion, faith, and temptation in Richard Jones's vibrant, electric staging.
Samson rouses his people to war against the Philistines, but it is his transgressive passion for Dalila that will ignite a conflict with deadly consequences. The score is marvellous - particularly Dalila's famous aria Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix - and the production is nothing short of spectacular. Oh, and the Act III Bacchanale, in which the Royal Opera Chorus in glittering gold costumes perform a thunderous line dance in honour of the god Dagon, is a jaw-dropping set piece.
This is an evening not to be missed.
5. The Affordable Art Fair Hampstead — 6th to 10th May
And finally, how could we fail to mention a firm favourite right here on our Hampstead doorstep? The Affordable Art Fair is back, and as ever it offers a wonderfully welcoming gateway into the world of art collecting - no intimidating gallery staff, no baffling price tags, and absolutely no stuffiness.
Featuring thousands of original works from over 100 galleries both local and international, with prices starting at around £50, the fair is proof that great art doesn't have to cost the earth. Beyond the browsing, there are creative workshops, the chance to meet emerging artists, curated sections such as "Finds Under £500," family-friendly activities, and lively evening events complete with DJs. Whether you're a collector looking for your next acquisition or simply someone who loves beautiful things, the Affordable Art Fair is a genuinely lovely way to spend an afternoon in Hampstead.
If you're planning a visit to London this May and looking for a comfortable, characterful place to stay, why not consider staying at La Gaffe Hotel in Hampstead?
We're family-owned and family-run, with a real emphasis on warm, personal service. We offer a delicious continental breakfast with our famous cappuccinos, and being just three minutes' walk from Hampstead tube, you can be in the heart of the city in under fifteen minutes.
For reservations and room enquiries, please contact us directly by phone or email. We'd love to welcome you.