There’s rather a lot on in London this weekend. But, if you don’t happen to be one of the many thousands running the Battersea Park half-marathon, the Richmond alternative, or finishing training for the Hackney half, then there’s a lot else on besides.
For anyone not running around a park — or planning a pub visit near the running route — London this weekend offers new restaurant openings, a newish city bar that you’ll actually want to visit, and an inclusive queer wine night that champions LGBTQ+ winemakers.
There’s also a cheese-filled day party, an art fair which fires the starting gun on London’s summer season, and one of the best-received plays going.
As ever then: all things for the hungry, thirsty and culturally curious.
The hot table: abc kitchens
The latest in London’s luxury hotels, The Emory, has just opened next to the Berkeley in Knightsbridge, and has enlisted Jean George Vongerichten to head up the flagship restaurant. The signature style is one of elevated comfort food — highly elevated. Think £32 fried chicken, tacos stuffed with Dover sole and black truffle pizza. It’s the first time Jean-Georges has brought his “abc” brand of restaurants from Manhattan to London, meaning bookings are already filling up. Glam up and nab a table.
The Emory, Old Barrack Yard, SW1X 7NP, the-emory.co.uk
The old favourite: Paradise with Akwasi Brenya Mensa
Paradise Soho is about to close its doors for a glow up, but before it does, the much-loved 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 a custom range of specially created snacks, cocktails and taking to the Paradise decks to spin a few tunes into the wee hours.
May 11, 61 Rupert Street, W1D 7PW, paradisesoho.com
The drinking den: Samba room
This glamorous new cocktail bar above the city Sushisamba is gorgeous, with soft lighting bouncing off the plush red banquettes. It is dark and sexy and inviting. Cocktails range from a Brazilian Negroni (cachaça, Cynar, and Byrrh Quinquina) to the Jasmine Whisper (jasmine-infused vermouth, birch honey Italicus and whisky), and indicate a serious level of care and attention to a list which was previously lacking. Finally, a decent reason to visit the Heron Tower.
Heron Tower, Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY, sushisamba.com
The queer wine night: Fruit Juice at Cafe Deco
Cafe Deco is celebrating the world of wine through a queer lens. Dubbed “Fruit Juice”, the first in a new series of wine evenings takes place this weekend, which, in its own words, “brings together queer people who work in the industry, queer people who enjoy wine, or just a good time.” With food from the Cafe Deco kitchen, this looks like an open invite for a great night.
May 12, 43 Store Street, WC1E 7DB, cafe-deco.co.uk
The art fix: Wimbledon Art Fair
This weekend sees the first of this year’s summer art fairs emerge, as Wimbledon hosts some 150+ artists across a weekend of affordable art and interactive experiences. More than a stand-and-stare fair, here the artists are typically present in the various studio spaces throughout the venue, adding further context and understanding to works available for purchase. To discover your next favourite London-based artist, don’t miss this free weekend ticket.
May 9-12, Wimbledon Art Studios, 10 Riverside Yard, SW17 0BB, wimbledonartfair.com
The day party: Guilty Pleasures at Koko
The 20th anniversary of one of London’s best-loved day parties will see DJs at Koko trade in chart-topping dancefloor fillers for classics from the Eighties, Nineties and Noughties. Think less Dua Lipa and more Madonna: this is a daytime dance which, as the name suggests, will be a certain generation’s guilty pleasure. Built for belting it out, this cheese-filled event is set to be chocka full of music which a Gen Z might call “ancient”. Suits us just fine. What better way to enjoy the weekend than with a daytime dance?
May 11, 1a Camden High Street, NW1 7RE, kokoalpha.koko.co.uk
The theatre fix: Machinal at the Old Vic
Machinal at the Old Vic is based around the real-life experience of playwright Sophie Treadwell, who watched the murder trial and ultimate execution of Ruth Snyder, a New Yorker who killed her husband. The powerful play tracks a life in a world built for others; full of awkward loneliness, disappointment and dissociation, themes which tap into the wider national psyche in the 21st century. The Old Vic is the venue for this extraordinarily well-received play and with tickets going fast, this is your sign to book one for yourself.
Until June 1, Old Vic, 103 The Cut, SE1 8NB, oldvictheatre.com
The ticket to book now (for later): The Magic of…
the Bouchon
New restaurant events platform Sera seems to be doing everything right, selling out unique dining experiences across town at some of London’s most in-demand hotspots. This, “the magic of…the Bouchon” is their latest planned takeover. Set to be hosted at the deservedly ever-popular Bouchon Racine, the dinner will see the restaurant open on Sunday for the first time, with guests welcomed by a classic aperitif and a four-course Lyonnaise dinner. Hurry, it’ll be a sell out.
