London has a lot going for it in the sunshine, but while the weather-dependent events have remained precarious in the unpredictable June of late, there is still plenty to be excited about in the bars, pubs and restaurants around town.
From a new French spot in Covent Garden to a pub from a London legend, there’s a lot to have on your radar for this coming week.
Across the city there’s also live music, a fabulous photography exhibition and a huge new play opening at the National Theatre.
As ever then: here’s everything you need to eat, see, drink and do this weekend.
The hot table: Henri
Pronounced (we think) like the French footballer Thierry’s second name — rather than the hotel or street from which the name derives — Henri is the new Covent Garden opening from Jackson Boxer. While his Brunswick and Orasay restaurants remain classics, his 2023 opening inside Selfridges — dubbed The Corner — was arguably something of a misstep. Henri, then, looks to be a storming return to better form: a beauty of a restaurant filled with marble and candlelight, carrot râpée, and roast chicken with morels, and Brixham cod with crab bisque. It has all been executed with stunning precision. Allez, go here.
Henrietta Street, WC2E 8QH, henriettahotel.com
The old favourite: Bocca di Lupo
Bocca di Lupo remains essential, one of London’s finest restaurants with service, food and an atmosphere that any restaurateur should strive for. It’s a seasonal Italian spot in the heart of the glittering west end with a menu that changes often, ensuring regulars are never bored. The wine list is expansive, too and whilst it’s at its best when deployed for a longer special occasion, there are small plates and pasta bowls and by-the-glass drinks to allow for those shorter on time (or indeed, budgets).
12 Archer Street, W1D 7BB, boccadilupo.com
The drinking den: Lore of the Land
Guy Ritchie’s gorgeous Fitzrovia boozer has been open since 2019, but of late, it seems the service and the atmosphere of the place have levelled up. Perhaps the Netflix series (The Gentleman) gave the joint a shot in the arm following a Ritchie spotlight — who knows? Either way, the result is a winning one. The team seem friendlier than ever, the beers colder and the chat livelier.
4 Conway Street, W1T 6BB, gritchiepubs.com
The gig: Bad Breeding
The thumping metal of Bad Breeding arrives at Hackney’s MOTH Club this weekend. Expect a bold, pulsating performance from the band’s new release, Contempt, which smashes a hard punk-era attitude with some familiar metal-heavy riffs. For lovers of the genre, it’s one not to miss.
June 21, Valette Street, E9 6NU, mothclub.co.uk
The theatre fix: Mnemonic
Opening this weekend at the National Theatre is the return of Mnemonic, a British show concerning memory, our place in the natural world and how our relationships with the local and global environment impact upon local and global migration. Starring Khalid Abdalla (The Crown), the play received stellar reviews 20-odd years ago: here’s hoping for more of the same this time around.
From June 22, National Theatre, SE1 9PX, nationaltheatre.org.uk
The bakery: Bunhead Bakery
Promising the “flavours of Palestine”, the newish Bunhead Bakery near Herne Hill has proved a hit. The queues are vast and begin early, but the wait is worth it. Those Palestinian flavours include hot cross featuring Earl Grey tea soaked golden raisins rolled in a cinnamon, ginger and cardamom spice mix, while elsewhere flavours of pistachio and saffron infusions. Bunhead opens daily until all provisions are sold out, hence the earliness (and the length) of the queues.
145 Dulwich Road, SE24 0NG, bunheadbakery.com
The live event: Hampton Court Festival
The line-up at the Hampton Court festival has already featured Deacon Blue, Sheryl Crow and this weekend Paloma Faith and Jessie J headline their own shows for one night only. The open air concerts are particularly fun in later summer nights and set within in the surrounding grounds of Hampton Court Palace, it’s a glorious summertime gig.
Until June 21, Hampton Court Way, East Molesey KT8 9AU, hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com
The culture fix: Storyteller, photography by Tim Hetherington
Tim Hetherington was arguably one of the most influential war photojournalists of the past 25 years. Although that title was one he himself would have likely baulked at, this latest exhibition at the Imperial War Museum expands on Hetherington’s long work in Libya, Liberia and Afghanistan. The show is provoking and emotional, prompting curiosity, fear and unease as the symbol of an interloping photographer in these war-stricken communities is laid bare. Understanding Hetherington’s approach to his essential, artful work is a must for anyone concerned with the current myriad global conflicts.
Until September 29, IWM London, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ, iwm.org.uk
The ticket to book now (for later): Skepta’s Big Smoke Festival
Tickets are now on sale for Skepta’s Big Smoke Festival in July and whilst the first release is already sold out, the big secondary release is still available to see Skepta, The Streets and plenty more besides. Skepta’s inaugural festival comes to Crystal Palace Park in July for one day only, with a line-up that also features Mahalia, JME, K-Trap and YG Marley. This one is likely to sell out, so move fast.
