by There’s a lot going on in London this weekend. But, if you’re not one of the thousands running the Battersea Park half marathon, Richmond’s favorite, or finishing training for the Hackney half, there’s plenty more going on.
For anyone not running around a park – or planning a pub crawl near the running route – London this weekend offers new restaurant openings, a modern city bar you’ll want to visit, and a quiet wine night inclusive that benefits LGBTQ+ wine lovers.
There’s also a cheesy day party, an art fair that kicks off London’s summer season, and one of the best plays out there.
As always: everything for the hungry, thirsty and culturally curious.
The hot table: abc kitchens
The latest in London luxury hotels, The Emory, has just opened next to the Berkeley in Knightsbridge, and Jean George Vongerichten has been enlisted to head up the flagship restaurant. The signature style is one of elevated comfort food – elevated high. Think £32 for fried chicken, Dover sole stuffed tacos and black truffle pizza. This is the first time Jean-Georges has brought his “abc” restaurant brand from Manhattan to London, which means reservations are already filling up. Glam up and nab table.
The Ridge, Old Barracks Yard, SW1X 7NP, very-emory.co.uk
Old favourite: Paradise by Akwasi Brenya Mensa
Paradise Soho is about to close its doors for revelry, but before it does, the popular Sri-Lankan restaurant is hosting Akwasi Brenya-Mensa for a one-off party. This weekend, the chef known for the innovative pan-African restaurant Tatale, will be serving up a bespoke range of snacks, specially created cocktails and taking to the Paradise decks to spin a few tunes into the wee hours.
11 May, 61 Rupert Street, W1D 7PW, paradisesoho.com
The drinking den: samba room
This glamorous new cocktail bar above the city’s Sushisamba is stunning, with soft lighting bouncing off the plush red banquettes. It is dark and sexy and inviting. Cocktails range from the Brazilian Negroni (cachaça, Cynar, and Byrrh Quinquina) to the Jasmine Whisper (vermouth with jasmine, Italicus birch honey and whiskey), and show a serious level of care and attention to a list that was previously lacking. Finally, a good reason to visit the Heron Tower.
Heron Tower, Bishop’s Gate, EC2N 4AY, sushisamba.com
The queer wine night: Fruit Juice at Cafe Deco
Cafe Deco celebrates the world of wine through a sharper lens. Called “Fruit Juice”, the first in a new series of wine nights will take place this weekend, bringing together, in their own words, smarter people who work in the industry, pure people who enjoy wine, or a good time. ” With food from the Cafe Deco kitchen, this is like an open invitation for a great night.
12 May, 43 Store Street, WC1E 7DB, cafe-deco.co.uk
The art fix: Wimbledon Art Fair
The first of this year’s summer art fairs unfolds, with Wimbledon playing host to around 150+ artists over a weekend of affordable art and interactive experiences. More than a stand-and-star fair, the artists are typically present in the various studio spaces throughout the venue, adding context and understanding to works available for purchase. To discover the next London-based artist, don’t miss this free weekend ticket.
9-12 May, Wimbledon Art Studios, 10 Riverside Yard, SW17 0BB, wimbledonartfair.com
Party of the day: Guilty Pleasures at Koko
Celebrating 20 years of one of London’s most popular day parties, DJs at Koko will be trading in chart-topping dance floor fillers to classic music from the Eighties, Nineties and Nineties. Think less Dua Lipa and more Madonna: this is a daytime dance that, as the name suggests, will be a guilty pleasure for a certain generation. Built to belt it out, this event is full of cheese to be full of music that might be “ancient” to Gen Z. Suits us just fine. What better way to enjoy the weekend than to dance the day away?
11 May, 1a High Street Camden, NW1 7RE, kokoalpha.koko.co.uk
Theater correction: Machine at the Old Vic
Machinal at the Old Vic is based on the real-life experiences of playwright Sophie Treadwell, who watched the murder trial and execution of Ruth Snyder, a New Yorker who killed her husband. The powerful drama traces a life in a world built for others; full of awkward loneliness, disappointment and dissociation, themes that affect the wider national psyche in the 21st century. The Old Vic is the venue for this hugely popular play and with tickets going fast, this is your sign to book one for yourself.
Until 1 June, Old Vic, 103 The Cut, SE1 8NB, oldvictheatre.com
The ticket to book now (for later): The Magic of…
the Bouchon
New restaurant event platform Sera seems to be doing everything right, selling unique dining experiences across town at some of London’s most sought-after venues. This, “magic…the Bouchon” is their latest planned takeover. Hosted by the ever-popular Bouchon Racine, the dinner will see the restaurant open for the first time on Sunday, and guests will be treated to a classic aperitif and a four-course Lyonnaise dinner. Hurry, it will be sold out.
2nd June, Upstairs, 66 Great Cross Street, EC1M 6BP, eatwithsera.com
