London's premier food festival is back! Plus, our favourite Mexican restaurant transforms into a margarita haven, Vagabond opens its largest location yet, and the annual chance to try soy sauce ice cream has come around one again.
Here's what to eat and drink in London this week.
A New Chapter at a Cult Favourite: Café Deco
One of London's most quietly influential restaurants is entering a new era. Café Deco has unveiled the first of its menus from new Head Chef Augusta Hood, whose cooking brings together Californian influences, French technique and the very best British produce. Expect weekly-changing dishes that celebrate the season, from broad beans with Ticklemore cheese to strawberry and elderflower sorbet. Its still very much the familiar eatery we know and love, but through a fresh lens, just in time for summer evenings!
Award-Winning Margs at Ixchel
Chelsea's Ixchel is teaming up with agave specialists HACHA for a summer residency in the restaurant's Nocturna Lounge. Running from 18 June until 31 August, the collaboration brings HACHA's cult-favourite Mirror Margarita alongside a rotating menu of competition-winning tequila and mezcal cocktails. Start the night with short rib and smoky adobo, end it in front of a DJ and a packed programme of drinks events- this could be one of London's most vibrant summer cocktail destinations.
Nick Jones Opens a New Riverside Hotel and Restaurant
After 30 years of building the Soho House group, Nick Jones has quietly added another London opening to his portfolio. St Clement is a new luxury hotel on the Strand, and at its heart is Café Clement, an all-day brasserie from former River Café chef Danny Bohan. The menu focuses on comforting, Italian-influenced cooking, with dishes such as Comté and ricotta ravioli, slow-cooked veal ragù tagliarini and Parmesan custard topped with caviar. Following the success of Corner Shop 180, we have a feeling this could be the spot of the summer- the riverside terrace, a surprisingly affordable set menu ought to help.
Vagabond Goes Large
Vagabond is opening its largest wine bar to date in the heart of Soho. The new two-storey venue on Ganton Street will feature more than 120 wines available by the glass through the group's signature self-pour system, alongside a menu of sharing plates and a terrace for summer drinking. Doors open on Thursday... did someone mention post-work drinks?
Last Minute Dinner Plans Tonight at Maison des Moments
Don't fancy cooking tonight? Take advantage of the fact that you live in one of the world's most thriving cities. Yes, it may be a Monday, but Maison des Moments is hosting a special gluten-free supper club at Hana Korean, bringing the flavours of Seoul to central London for one night only. The menu combines the restaurant's most popular dishes with new gluten-free creations, offering a chance to explore Korean comfort food in a relaxed, communal setting. Expect plenty of sharing, conversation and bold flavours throughout the evening. Tickets start from £38, and you can get the last few remaining here.
The Ice Cream Project Returns
Anya Hindmarch's Ice Cream Project returns to 11 Pont St for another summer of wonderfully unexpected (and rather bizarre) flavours. This year's line-up ranges from the familiar, including Tunnock's Caramel Wafers and Capri-Sun Orange, to scoops inspired by Paxo Stuffing, Kikkoman Soy Sauce and... Toothpaste. For the full experience, book the Blind Tasting Tea at the Anya Café and put your taste buds to the test across all 15 flavours. More information can be found on the website.
Taste of London Returns
Taste of London returns to Regent's Park this week, bringing together some of the capital's biggest restaurant names, rising culinary talent and most exciting food brands for five days of eating and drinking. Alongside exclusive festival dishes from some of London's most sought-after kitchens, visitors can expect chef demonstrations, hands-on masterclasses, wine tastings and pop-up bars throughout the park. Whether you're looking to sample a restaurant you've been meaning to book or simply spend an afternoon grazing your way around the city's food scene, it's one of the highlights of London's summer dining calendar, and it's Londoners favourite food festival for a reason. You can find more information on what to expect from our run down of last year's event, and find tickets still available on their website.
