Taylor Swift might try to claim exclusive rights on sparkle and worm-level pop, but the weekend guide is far sexier than that. Here we only deal in leather, booze and hip-hop.
Some of London’s most exciting events, restaurants, bars and club nights are here, alongside exceptional art and theatre, and brilliant live music from some of America’s best-loved artists (Swift aside).
As ever, then: the very best things to eat, drink, see and do this weekend.
The hot table: Lolo
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There’s a few newish restaurants (Agora and Tollington’s to name a brace) which offer diners more informal drop-ins over longer sit-and-linger occasions. Now Lolo is the latest spot (from the brilliant Jose Pizzaro) to do this, and do it well. Mussels in escabeche on crisps sounds like a 3am post-service foggy-brained concoction, but it’s fabulous, as is the “bikini”, an Iberico and truffle toastie sandwich, trimmed to shape. It’s also his first all-day joint, so dropping in has never been easier.
102 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3UB, josepizarro.com
The old favourite: The Camberwell Arms
The Camberwell Arms has just turned 10, but rather than yellow cake and frosting and sprinkles, Mike Davies gives us a swoon-worthy British pub menu. Friggitelli peppers with vinegar, skate with a crab bisque and beetroot with pistachio cream all mark a menu that’s maturing like a fine wine. Davies' new cookbook also reveals a few of his best recipes, including scotch bonnet pork fat on toast. Trade secrets never tasted so good.
65 Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8TR, thecamberwellarms.co.uk
The drinking den: Queen of Hoxton Rooftop
The Queen of Hoxton makes a belter of a summer drinking den; namely because it’s quite a lot of good fun in an area of concrete and glass, otherwise bereft of joy. The rooftop is the place to sink a few sundowners, eking out a nighttime view of the city below, and for anyone staying on, there's a glut of reputable club nights in the basement bar beneath.
1 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX, queenofhoxton.com
The night out: Klub Verboten, Summer Fist
Klub Verboten is a celebration of sexuality, liberation and well… fetish. It’s something of an underground club night, with lore of the best kind, and a door policy that makes Fort Knox seem accessible. But it’ll be worth it. You’ll need to don some leather, go with the best intentions of fetish fun and get ready for a night out like no other. This one’s not for the faint-hearted...
August 18, exact Hackney location to be revealed, klubverboten.com
The theatre fix: The Death of England
Multiple narratives within two families are explored in this ambitious theatrical undertaking. The two male monologues,Michael and Delroy (played by Thomas Coombes and Paapa Essiedu, respectively) explore working-class structures in Britain today and the Black British experience, while the tertiary “Closing Time” dialogue from Sharon Duncan-Brewster and Erin Doherty provide additional gravity and class. Following a successful run at the National, the move to the West End confirms the Death of England as essential theatre this season.
Until September 28, 4 Soho Place, Charing Cross Road, W1D 3BG, sohoplace.org
The gig: All Points East
So you don’t like Taylor Swift and you couldn't bag tickets to this weekend’s Kaytranada afterparty? Us neither. Fret not, there are still a few tickets left to probably the best day of All Points East. Loyle Carner headlines alongside legends NAS and André 3000, debatably two of the best rap lyricists alive (though granted, André may well be on his flute). It’s the first time Carner has played in London for a while, so don’t miss this.
August 17, Victoria Park, E3 5TB, allpointseastfestival.com
The art fix: Ranjit Singh: Sikh, Warrior, King
The Wallace Collection is a gem of a gallery in central London: it’s known, and well positioned, but much less frequented than some of its more famous counterparts. A real reward awaits intrepid sorts who discover this Sikh, Warrior, King exhibition though, exploring the life of Ranjit Singh: a man who at 22 captured the Punjab and established the vast Sikh Empire. Art and artefacts from his life are diligently curated, making this an essential show to see before its autumn closure.
Until October 20, Hertford House, W1U 3BN, wallacecollection.org
The ticket to book now (for later): Ganymede Provenance dinner
Michelin-starred Simpson’s in Birmingham is making the trip south with a “Provenance” menu which, as the name suggests, celebrates all things hyper-seasonal and hyper-British. Cornish red mullet with razor clams and bisque and strawberry and apple marigold tart feature on this light, delicious looking menu. Lunch at five courses or dinner at eight are both available.
August 27, 139 Ebury Street, SW1W 9QU, ganymedelondon.co.uk
The (other) ticket to book now (for later): CAIA Wine Confluence
Caia have been hosting a great little sommelier series with Alex Price of Plates and Juste Karbauskaite of Morchella already taking over the wine lists. Next week though, the third and final dinner of the series sees Sager + Wine — the wine arm of Sager + Wilde — legend Mariana Fonseca arrive in W10. Exceptional female-led wine events and old-school hip hop? Sign us up.
