This weekend is unsurprisingly dominated by Easter-themed goings-on. Egg hunts, special menus and a plethora of Easter events and things to do all provide just enough eye-rolling egg-based punnery to make sure none of us forget about the long weekend.
But away from the Easter celebrations, there’s also a stellar line-up of things to get up to across town. From a few hot new restaurants to more under-the-radar gems, old bars and art galleries and tickets to snap up now, this is everything else London has to offer this weekend. Egg-cellent (sorry).
The hot table: Crispin at Studio Voltaire
Fresh from the success of Bistro Freddie, the team that also gave us Crispin and Bar Crispin is launching south of the river for the first time this weekend. Crispin at Studio Voltaire takes over the mixed-use gallery and restaurant space latterly occupied by Juliet’s. The menu somewhat echoes that of Bistro Freddie, with dishes such as Welsh rarebit with anchovy, and slip sole with creamed spinach. With Alex Price continuing to lead the wine, here’s hoping the new location proves a hit in SW4.
1A Nelsons Row, SW4 7JR, crispinlondon.com
The (other) hot table: Camille
Nabbing a table at Camille is no easy feat, especially since isn’t the slew of great reviews of the French bistro. Head chef Elliot Hashtroudi has some serious pedigree: he’s been popping up in 107 Wine Bar (formerly P Franco) and Pasero, and now his first bricks-and-mortar space appears to have won over the hearts and minds of the food world. Another boon for Borough Market, too, which with openings like Kolae, Rambutan and Akara, is having something of a restaurant renaissance.
2-3 Stoney Street, SE1 9AA, camillerestaurant.co.uk
The old favourite: Dinings SW3
Dinings SW3 is one of those slightly tucked away little restaurants that deserves far more attention than it gets. The lunch menu is hearty, considered and fulfilling fare — expect bouncy udon noodles in gorgeous broth and thinly sliced, succulent duck — made even more delicious with the addition of chef Masaki Sugisaki’s house-made chilli sauce. Excellent value at £35.
Lennox Gardens Mews, Walton Street, SW3 2JH, diningssw3.co.uk
The drinking den: Tap and Bottle
Tap and Bottle is one of those wholesome little venues that can remind us what a thrill London is. This bar feels like the low-key antithesis to all the showy, glossy art-filled money pits, serving a first rate selection of wines with a breadth of by-the-glass options likely to make any oenophile’s heart soar, with just enough punchy labels — big Burgundies and rich nebbiolos also feature — to keep the traditionalists happy.
64 Union Street, SE1 1SG, tapandbottlelondon.co.uk
The family-friendly party: Dinky Disco at Doña
It’s rare we throw in an option for the toddlers, but should the overload of chocolate this weekend mean that a sugar rush needs burning off, tire your tikes out at the Dinky Disco at Doña in Hackney. New here is an inclusive party series to ensure mums and dads (and little ones) aren’t missing out on a good time, inventing along the way the so-called “croobie” (a mix of a crawl and a boogie). All ages are welcome for this free-to-attend daytime party.
92 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 7NY, bardonalondon.com
The art fix: Betty Parsons
Showcasing 30 years of artistic practice by the legendary American gallerist and artist Betty Parsons, the current retrospective at Alison Jacques focuses on the prolific period of creativity found in the three decades before Parsons’ death in 1982. With a stunning range of colour deployed across both canvas and sculpture, this latest free exhibition helps reaffirm Alison Jacques’s place in the landscape of essential London galleries.
Alison Jacques, 22 Cork Street, W1S 3NG, alisonjacques.com
The culture fix: Legion, life in the Roman army
Beset by controversy, the British Museum has needed a showstopper of a new exhibition for a while now, and Legion: life in the Roman army, delivers. The Roman Empire spanned millions of square miles, was backed by millions of soldiers and slaves, and lasted centuries. Legion explores life in various settled military communities, from Scotland to the Red Sea, through the real experiences of the people who lived through it. No wonder so many men spend so much time thinking about it.
Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG, britishmuseum.org
The ticket to book now (for later): The Culture Exchange at Viajante87
Viajante87 is one of London’s finest new bars and its so-called “culture exchange” program continues to push the envelope with chef and mixologist residencies serving a blend of new creations. On April 3, Bolivian chef Marsia Taha of Gustu in La Paz and the bar Florería Atlántico, found in Argentina, will set up shop in W11 for a one-night special. Taha, who specialises in showcasing indigenous ingredients from the Andes and the Amazon, is set to serve a four-course dinner with a taste of Bolivian heritage, while Florería Atlántico brings a range of bespoke pours. This one looks a treat.
