Zara Dosanjh

Bad Apples opens with the chirruping of feathery creatures, but what follows is anything but birdsong. In this bleak comedy, Jonatan Etzler dreams up a nightmarish educational scenario: a teacher kidnapping a student on the eve of an Ofsted inspection. Absurdist plot twists follow, as well as an unexpected pivot into dark and unsettling terrain. It follows Maria (Saoirse Ronan), a downtrodden teacher trying her best to connect with her ten-year-old pupils. The reigning brat of the class, Danny (Eddie Waller), places catastrophic strain on Maria’s personal and work life, pushing her to ever greater risks to keep him at arm’s length during school hours. But then an after-school encounter with Danny turns violent. The meek Maria turns into an unassuming kidnapper, locking the kid in the basement, and a boisterous hostage scenario is soon unfolding. At night, Maria’s farming simulator game drowns out Danny’s basement tantrums; in the daytime, Maria is showered with praise when the school inspection is a success. With Danny being served pesto pasta in a harness fit for a large dog, it’s clear the situation is as dire as it is downright hilarious. Saoirse Ronan is, as ever, the best thing here As Maria and Danny enter a surrogate mother/son territory during their time in the basement, we get a glimpse of who Danny is behind the school-bully mask. The pair bond during their basement tutor sessions and shared video game banter – tender yet ludicrous moments, where you’d think they’v

There’s nothing quite like being a preteen, stuck between childhood and coming of age, hung in emotional turbulence. It’s a universal feeling, a tender bruise many of us still carry – and László Nemes knows exactly where to press. His third film follows Andor (Bojtorján Barábas), a frustrated, isolated boy navigating the aftermath of the 1956 Hungarian uprising. Like Son of Saul, Nemes’ Oscar-winning debut, Orphan traces a hazy memory of a father-son bond. Andor idolises his missing father and longs for his uncertain return. It’s a heartbreaking watch, although where the final scenes should be rife with emotion, they fall a bit flat. This film bites off a bit more emotional weight than it can chew.  The film opens through Andor’s eyes. He’s taken from the orphanage as a young child in a disorienting blur, reunited with his mother, who’s essentially a stranger. Andor’s shallow breaths bleed into the sound, and Nemes puts us in the shoes of this small, bewildered human being, seeing the world as he does. Nemes paints a film of ugly truths bathed in stunning cinematography What follows is a testament to unbelonging. Andor isn’t necessarily an orphan – his mother is very much alive – but he’s kept at arm’s length, effectively orphaned, and set to find his footing alone. Scenes flit by in quick succession: a door closed, a back turned, and a mother fiercely guarding her past. Andor is constantly running to some other place, from his school to the grocery store where his mother wo

South London’s beloved anthropological museum is going big with the birthday celebrations this year. To mark its 125th anniversary, the Horniman is hosting a series of fun-packed, family-friendly events completely free of charge this June.  Visitors can flock between three stages hosting local and young musicians, DJs and musical storytelling for youngsters, as well as taking part in craft sessions including birthday hat and hedgehog highway sign-making sessions.  Guests can also partake in a variety of interactive trails and tours, including birdspotting and a recently added AR ‘Animals Everywhere’ trail, which allows you to interact with a series of 3D-animated creatures around the museum, including the Horniman’s most iconic resident, the overstuffed walrus. Prefer IRL interactions? Make a beeline for the Butterfly House, which is offering reduced-cost tickets for the weekend, or get hands-on at the Handling Collection.  There’ll also be all the usual street food stalls and bars that you may have seen at the Horniman’s regular spring fairs and late openings, so you can fuel up after a busy day of activities. Tickets are free but are being snapped up fast – grab yours  here before they’re gone!

Moira Furnace Museum combines two things you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find together: a rich industrial history and 36 acres of beautiful parkland. And better yet, the unlikely gem in Ashby, Leicestershire could see a whopping £2.4 million invested in the site’s future. The Moira Furnace Museum reopened just last month following the first phase of a major regeneration project. It was closed for just over a year to undergo £490,000 worth of extensive repairs to treat water damage. Now open, plans are being laid out for the next phase of the redevelopment, which could see the museum get a brand-new visitor centre with a café and a playground. Constructed in 1804, the Moira Furnace is one of the best-preserved examples of an Industrial Revolution foundry in the country. It was designated a scheduled ancient monument back in the 1970s, with North West Leicestershire District Council now running the site in partnership with the Moira Furnace Museum Trust. Visitors can tap into exhibitions retelling the history of the foundry in full operation, complete with recreated historic cottages so that you can get a real sense of the experiences of people who worked at the site all those years ago. Photograph: National ForestMoria Furnace, Leicestershire Beyond the walls of the museum is the National Forest, plus a 36-acre country park with picnic spots, woodland trails and cycle paths, which are all dog-friendly. You can also grab a seat on the 100-year-old narrowboat that runs alon

History buffs, you’re going to love this one. Some of England’s most celebrated historic museums have been closed since February, but the wait is nearly over. The National Trust has confirmed the reopening of its newly acquired sites in Shropshire which are widely regarded as the birthplace of the industrial revolution.  Three Ironbridge Gorge museum sites will reopen just in time for half-term, with more to follow throughout the year. First up is the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron and Furnace Kitchen, set to reopen on Wednesday May 20, followed by the iconic open-air museum Blists Hall Victorian Town on Thursday May 21.  The museums closed in February during a period of ownership transition, in which the National Trust acquired the sites from the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust. It was one of the largest acquisitions in the National Trust’s 130-year history, made possible by a £9 million government investment.  Today Ironbridge Gorge is a serene and scenic spot, sat on the wooded banks of the River Severn, but for centuries it powered the modern world. It was heavily mined from the 1500s, with furnaces and foundries transforming the landscape from the 1700s onwards. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. Blists Hill Victorian Town transports visitors back to the living, breathing 19th-century complete with its authentic shops, cottages and costumed craftspeople. At the Museum of Iron, you can stand before the original blast furnace where Abraham Darby I perfected the

Running is very in at the mo, and it’s safe to say that the hype isn’t set to slow down any time soon. Of London’s races, there are few more popular than the Hackney Half, a 13.1-mile route traces through the best of east London and brings the culture with it, boasting DJ sets, food stalls and all-around great vibes. Have you seen all the hype around the Hackney Half this weekend and been inspired to run in next year’s event? Can’t blame you – it’s terrific fun, and is getting even more popular every year. The 2026 edition sold out in minutes, with general entry closing just two days after the 2025 race took place.  In other words, if you’re thinking of running next year, you need to think fast. Here’s everything you need to know about entering the Hackney Half Marathon in 2027. MORE ON THE 2026 HACKNEY HALF📍 The route and best places to watch.⏱️ All the start times and waves.🍺 The best freebies and perks for runners.⛔️ All the east London road closures to know about. When is the Hackney Half Marathon 2027 Next year’s event is set to be held on May 16 2027.  How many people will take part? The Hackney Half is one of the largest half marathons in the UK – and the largest half in London. Nearly 30,000 took part this year. How to enter the 2027 Hackney Half Good news – if you’ve taken part in this year’s race, you’re already eligible for the 2027 race. Don’t worry if you’re a newbie though, as you can still pre-register to purchase your entry. And pre-registration is free – it

London does brunch well, plain and simple. With so many spots to choose from, we at Time Out have done the legwork and compiled our latest picks for the best cafés in London – and there’s one that takes the crown, hands-down.  And the winner is… Oula in Fitzrovia. Tucked away inside Ibraaz, a six-storey cultural centre celebrating art in the form of music, film, exhibitions and food from the Middle East and North Africa, Oula is the creation of French-Tunisian chef Boutheia Ben Salem Ben Salem launched the café as a self-described ‘living archive of women’s rituals and memory’ that honours matriarchal culinary traditions. The service is warm and unhurried, and though the pink-hued womblike interior may sound striking, it’s inviting, intimate and homely. The café opened in October last year, yet it has the ease of an establishment that’s been there for years. Oula’s menu goes far beyond your typical avo toast. Our best bite is the half-moon filo pastry that’s ‘fried to perfection and finished with a generous squeeze of lemon juice; our new favourite brunch.’ The rest of the menu runs from kastrout (Tunisian-style stuffed baguettes with bread from Quince Bakery) to drô gourmand, a sorghum porridge served with pumpkin seeds, coconut chips and pomegranate. You can read Time Out’s full five star review of Oula here. India Lawrence for Time OutOula It’s the perfect spot to take your mum – or to simply treat yourself – out to a brunch that’s genuinely special and rooted in traditi

Donkey rides along the coast, coupled with salty fish and chips and sticky candyfloss, are a fond childhood memory for many of us. So it might come as a shock that this beloved, century-old tradition is coming to an end for one stretch of beach in south Wales. At Coney Beach, Porthcawl, donkey rides will no longer be allowed to take place. Bridgend Council has introduced a ban on all animals on the beach between May 1 and September 30, effectively ruling out any chance of a license for seasonal donkey or pony rides during the summer months. For some local residents, this comes as good news. ‘It’s an outmoded tradition with donkeys exploited to stand out in the sun,’ said one local resident. Summer months can be harsh on pooches and donkeys alike, so it’s pretty understandable. Photograph: ThreeEyedRavenProductions / Shutterstock.comDonkeys on the beach at Porthcawl, Wales The ban is part of the wider Porthcawl Waterfront Regeneration Scheme, which has already seen the closure of the beloved Coney Island Amusement Park in October, which operated for 107 years. In its place will stand 1,100 new homes and expanded green spaces, including a revamped Griffin Park, a 3.7-acre waterfront green space set to anchor the town’s new look.  The restrictions cover Coney Beach, Rest Bay, Town Beach and Trecco Bay. Newton Beach, Sker Beach and Pink Bay remain animal-friendly year-round. The best UK seaside towns to visit in 2026. ICYMI: this abandoned seaside lido is being turned into a sp

Le Marathon de Londres, c'est un peu l'événement le plus select de la capitale britannique. Des runners en Hoka neuves, shootés aux électrolytes fluo sous le soleil d'avril, même les moins sportifs d'entre nous avouent que ça donne envie. La course a ce pouvoir étrange de ressusciter les bonnes résolutions de janvier qu'on croyait définitivement abandonnées, et d'attirer au passage quelques célébrités inattendues sur le bitume. La compétition est féroce : en 2026, pas moins de 1 133 813 personnes ont tenté leur chance au tirage au sort londonien, un record. Voici comment prendre tout le monde de vitesse avant même le coup de pistolet. Quand aura lieu le Marathon de Londres 2027 ? La prochaine édition se tiendra le dimanche 25 avril 2027. Mais peut-être aussi le samedi 24. Les organisateurs étudient en effet la possibilité d'un marathon sur deux jours. Une première dans l'histoire de la course, pas encore confirmée à ce stade. Combien de participants ? Si le format sur deux jours est validé, l'édition 2027 doublera de volume : 100 000 coureurs prendraient le départ sur le week-end des 24 et 25 avril, soit environ 50 000 par jour. Quand ouvre et ferme le tirage au sort ? Vite, il est encore temps. Le ballot a ouvert le vendredi 25 avril à 9h et ferme le vendredi 1er mai à 16h. Après un tirage entièrement aléatoire, les heureux élus seront fixés début juillet. Combien coûte l'inscription ? En faisant un don de votre frais d'inscription et en payant 49,99 £ (environ 60 €) d'avan

The London Marathon might just be the city’s most exclusive cool-kid event. The sight of eager runners in fresh Hokas, sipping fluorescent electrolytes under the April sun can become inspiring pretty quickly, even if you don’t typically consider yourself the run-club type. There’s something about the race that brings once-fading New Year’s resolution energy out of the woodwork, with some unlikely sleb participants jogging along the route too. And competition’s tough – a record-breaking 1,133,813 people entered the ballot in 2026. So, here’s how to beat everyone to the ballot before the real race has even begun. Check out our winning guide to this year’s London Marathon here. RECOMMENDED: Full list of London Marathon 2026 results, including all the celebrity times. When is the London Marathon 2027? Next year’s race will be held on Sunday April 25 2027. However, it might be that date and Saturday April 24. The organisers are currently exploring a one-off two-day marathon over the weekend, though it’s yet to be confirmed.  How many people will take part? Next year’s marathon will be twice the size if the two-dayer gets the go-ahead. This means 100,000 runners could be taking part from April 24-25, with around 50,000 runners each day. When is the London Marathon ballot announced? Act fast – the ballot is open. It opened at 9am on Friday April 24, and will close at 4pm on Friday May 1. After a completely random draw, you’ll find out if you’re one of the lucky ones by early July. E

East London Brewing Co combines two things that east London does best: craft beer and incredible live music. Better yet, it’s just got the green light to keep good vibes going late into the night in a kitted-out new unit. With its curfew extended an extra hour across a few weekdays, ELBC can now host live performances sans the manic rush to finish up and get out while the night’s still young. The operator of the brewery, Ronnie Finch, asked Waltham Forest Council for permission to make these changes on April 16.  Live acts can wow pub-goers until midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Thursdays are basically part of the weekend now anyway, especially for us WFH folks. Outside, the music curfew will be 10pm.  Better yet, these later performances come with a brand-new backdrop. ELBC sits on the Blackhorse Beer Mile, an industrial area-turned-brewery hotspot that is just a short walk from Blackhorse Road station. Its new unit is a worth addition to the mile, fit with an outside bar primed for live DJ sets, and an outdoor terrace lined with benches and tables to make the most of warm summer evening air. Photo: Ronnie Finch No time's being wasted, with the new spot launching May bank holiday weekend (May 1-3) in line with the Blackhorse Road birthday festival. With a food truck takeover by Play With Fire, expertly crafted cocktails by Tiempo Tequila, live music, DJs, and even some entertainment for the little ones, there’s plenty to cheers to. ELBC wears its east London

Late-night cravings keeping you up? A world-renowned cookie chain is here to deliver a promising new midnight snack ritual, and is set to open its first London outpost. Founded in a dorm room in 2003, Insomnia Cookies takes its scrappy student origin story and runs with it. It’s more than founder Seth Berkowitz’s side hustle, now a multi-million dollar business with hundreds of locations worldwide. Its UK locations range from Birmingham to Liverpool, but the bakery is yet to settle down in the capital. With Laura Todd coming to Gloucester Road this summer, Insomnia Cookies is here to pull on the capital’s sweet tooth a little more.  An application has reportedly been submitted to Camden Council to open up a new cookie shop at 177 Camden High Street between the hours of 11pm and 5am, seven days a week. If given the go-ahead, Insomnia Cookies will take over the site of Martin’s, an independent butcher which closed almost a decade ago. Photograph: ZikG / Shutterstock.com Insomnia Cookies is exactly what you want at 2am: fresh, warm cookies delivered straight to your door. The brand’s classic flavours include the usual white, milk and triple chocolate, while their deluxe stuffed cookie range boasts favourites like Biscoff and Reece’s Peanut Butter. Beyond the cookies, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into, too. With ice cream cookie sandwiches and cookie-flavoured milkshakes, sundaes and more at hand, Insomnia Cookies has pretty much anything and everything that’ll make your t

Mile End’s beloved cinema is turning 27, and it’s bringing the gifts to you. Celebrating in style, Genesis Cinema is pricing tickets like it's 1999, meaning your next cinema trip will cost you no more than spare change. Tickets are on offer for just £3.50, with popcorn combos for a fiver, served alongside a hand-picked selection of the finest films to grace the big screen across the last two decades. Among the unmissable flicks are Céline Sciamma’s arthouse gem Petite Maman, the BAFTA-winning How To Have Sex, and, in all his ogre glory, none other than Shrek. There will be a particularly special screening of Wim Wenders’ ’80s classic Paris, Texas, followed by a bar-side conversation with Nick Walters of Cult Classic Collective. Have your questions at the ready. Fancy something a bit more hardcore? Film bros assemble: Scarface is back in all its blood-soaked glory, featuring Al Pacino in his prime. Or revisit Patrick Bateman’s nightmare-warped universe in American Psycho, before Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming adaptation takes over the cultural conversation. You can catch them all from May 8-22, and head over to the official website to see the full birthday lineup. Take a look at the best cheap cinemas in London.

When you’re soaking up some good tunes in the sun, few things kill the vibe quite like a creeping corporate presence – the feeling that someone, somewhere is trying to sell you something.  However, this annual celebration of community-led arts and music is offering a welcome escape from advert overload. In a sea of conglomerate-owned festivals, Shambala is leaving its future to the people who bring it all together: the employees.  Held in Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens in Northamptonshire, the four-day festival is a staple on Time Out’s list of the best music festivals in the UK. Shambala will transition to an Employee Ownership Trust, cementing its future as an independent event so that the team on the ground shares directly in its success. Founded by a group of music-enthused students in the late ’90s, Shambala’s commitment to championing indie artists has lived on for a quarter century, and its ethos has yet to dwindle. ‘All of us at Shambala have an emotional stake in what we have built over 25 years; now everyone has an ownership stake too,’ said co-founder Chris Johnson. ‘We would be nothing without our people, and they deserve to carry on the Shambala legacy as beneficiaries.’ Shambala takes place over the August bank holiday each year. Visitors can indulge in the scenic countryside and winding lakes between catching live performances, which span pretty much every genre. From funk and soul to drum and bass and underground techno, there’s something for everyone at Shambala.

From a former industrial wasteland to a ravers’ paradise to north-central London’s retail therapy hot spot, Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross has rapidly evolved in the past few decades – and it’s not slowing down any time soon.  The prestigious shopping and dining area will soon welcome three new outlets: two well-known clothing brands and a local, family-run bakery. Global fashion retailer Anthropologie will open its 21st UK store in a 2,852 sq ft unit at Coal Drops Yard this May. For more adventurous types, modern outdoor clothing brand the Outsiders Store is upgrading its existing occupancy in Coal Drops Yard. The Manchester-founded brand has signed on for a further 10 years and plans to relocate to a larger 3,000 sq ft space.  Cheesecake shop La Maritxu has also signed a 10-year lease for a site on Bagley Walk. La Maritxu is famed for its San Sebastián style, authentic Basque cheesecakes, and won a Great Taste Award in 2023.   Photograph: Andrei Nekrassov / Shutterstock.com Anthropologie’s new store at Coal Drops Yard will open on May 6   Did you see that two mighty London institutions are in the final of UK Museum of the Year 2026? Plus: the Shoreditch bistro that is officially the best vegetarian restaurant in London in 2026. Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to