Dancing in the street: Krankbrother return for another Shoreditch open-air party this Saturday
(Picture: Handout)Slap on the sun cream and dig out your handheld fans, because things are heating up in the capital this weekend.
In typical London heatwave fashion, things are set to be sunny on Friday, with the chance of a few showers (boo!) on Saturday and Sunday. But whatever mood the weather gods are in, there’s still plenty to do outdoors and indoors.
From new restaurant openings and specially crafted cocktails, to blinging exhibitions and a lively east London street party, here’s how to stay busy in London.
The restaurant: Mezcalito
London’s quest to rid itself of the reputation as something of a wasteland when it comes to Mexican food continues apace, and now there’s a new spot to check out in north London. Mezcalito, which has proved a hit down in Chelsea, has recently opened a branch in Newington Green. Head up to N1 for first rate tacos, quesadillas, Mexican bao (that’s a fresh spin on the beloved Asian buns), and more than 250 agave spirits, with a vibrant cocktail menu to match. No surprise they do a top margarita, while the oaxaca — a hearty, mezcal-driven riff on a Negroni — is as delicious as it is head-spinningly strong. The mariachi band is good fun, too.
63 Newington Green Road, N1, mezcalitoislington.com
The bar: Martini Day at the Connaught Bar
Sunday is, of course, a day reserved for dads in all their various forms, but June 19 is important for another reason too: it’s Martini Day. To toast the occasion, the Connaught Bar — named as the best in the world for the second year running in 2021, and renowned for its martinis — has launched a new collaboration between its director of mixology, Ago Perrone, and vodka distiller Konik’s Tail, offering a twist on the famous drink. Find it on the bar’s Of The Moment cocktail list.
The Connaught, Carlos Place, W1, the-connaught.co.uk
The exhibition: The Tiffany Vision & Virtuosity Exhibitions
Many exhibitions have been described as dazzling over the years, but this one at the Saatchi Gallery literally is. Marking Tiffany and Co’s 185 years in business, this ultra-glamorous display brings together some of the brand’s most iconic pieces — including a 128.54-carat yellow diamond last seen on Beyoncé — as well as the original Breakfast at Tiffany’s film script.
Until August 19, Saatchi Gallery, King’s Road, SW3, saatchigallery.com
The event: The Last Word festival
Things are getting wordy down at the Roundhouse, as the north London venue’s festival of poetry, podcasts, conversation and more continues into this weekend. On Friday, the Roundhouse’s resident artist Keziah Hodgson presents a work-in-progress script, Matriarch, with feedback encouraged, while on Saturday, Magdalene Abraha will chat with authors from her A Quick Ting On book series, chronicling Black British culture and history. Sunday’s session sees writer Jack Rooke giving a masterclass on how to adapt your work for TV, radio and film.
Until June 23, various prices, Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1, roundhouse.org.uk
The club night: krankbrother presents: DJ Harvey Shoreditch Street Party
Whenever party-starters Krankbrother take over a street in Shoreditch for a summer bash, you know it’s going to be a big one. Returning after a covid-enforced break, this year they’ve invited the inimitable DJ Harvey down to get involved, with a five-hour set in the offing. Saturday’s going to be hot, but maybe a bit damp too — nothing a waterproof poncho can’t handle.
