This week, Chelsea is in bloom and so too is its Spring Garden, an immersive dining experience which combines tasting menus, flowers, and champagne. If the mere thought of it triggers your hay fever, however, we know just the new spots to seek refuge.
Here's what to eat and drink in London this week.
MAAI By Nikita
The debut solo restaurant from Nikita Pathakji opens in Clapham on Wednesday. Pathakji, who just became the first chef ever to win both MasterChef: The Professionals and Great British Menu Champion of Champions, is opening the restaurant MAAI By Nikita with her sister and mother, with a menu that blends modern British and Malaysian influences. Some dishes are said to even come directly from her TV competition menus!
Bookings Open for Vespers
Every Thursday at 5pm sharp, Londoners swarm to a narrow street between Holborn and Angel to avail of their post-office wind down. Between Café Kick's table football and Shawarma Bar's kebabs, Exmouth Market has always been a hit with foodies and pubbers alike, and now there's a whole new reason to visit. While it's not quite open yet, reservations are now open for Vespers' discounted preview week from Tuesday May 26th to Saturday May 30th, and we'd highly recommend securing your table in advance. Vesper is Jackson Boxer’s new restaurant, positioned as a more bistro-style, energetic sibling to his acclaimed Notting Hill restaurant Dove, said to be one of the biggest London openings of May.
Zylia Arrives at Arcade
We mentioned Arcade's latest addition to Covent Garden last week, and this week we're happy to share news of Zylia shaping up to be one of the standout offerings inside the food hall. The Greek-Cypriot taverna from Chef Nick Molyviatis (former head chef at Kiln) opens on Friday as a standalone 50-seat restaurant with its own street entrance and identity.
Spring Garden at Chelsea Flower Show
A very luxurious food event is happening this weekend- Spring Garden is an immersive dining experience inside the RHS Chelsea Flower Show grounds combining tasting menus, flowers, live music, and champagne- sounds like the perfect weekend to us. This year's edition is led by Chef Jeremy Chan of Ikoyi and Chef José Pizarro, a pairing that blends Chan’s spice-driven fine dining and Pizarro’s warmer Spanish style. Think of it as a part food festival, part high-brow garden party. Tickets are still available here.
The First of Salt Yard's 20th Anniversary Series
This year marks a major milestone for Salt Yard Group as it celebrates 20 years at the forefront of London’s dining scene and this Friday, Patrick Powell will be the first chef in residence at Salt Yard Borough as part of Salt Yard Group’s 20th anniversary series. Originally from County Mayo, Patrick Powell has built an impressive career spanning Dublin, Melbourne, and London, including roles at Chiltern Firehouse and Wild Honey, and is currently the chef behind Allegra and The Midland Grand Dining Room. He will be dishing up a Mediterranean leaning limited-edition menu which will include Iberico Pork Schnitzel with pickled chilli and anchovy, Mussel Escabeche with grilled bread and aioli, and Grilled English Asparagus with sunflower seed romesco and Manchego. This is the start of Salt Yard's wider chef series, which also features collaborations with Ixta Belfrage, Georgina Hayden, Neil Rankin and Seamus Sam across the group’s London restaurants.
Taste of Eataly Festival
This Friday and Saturday the Taste of Eataly returns, a vibrant, two-day walk-around foodie festival celebrating the best of Italian cuisine. Think delicious food, refreshing drinks to cool down from the heatwave, and live demos across the iconic marketplace. Renowned for its vibrant marketplaces and artisanal counters, Eataly brings together a carefully curated selection of Italy’s finest produce and dishes. Expect everything from freshly made gelato and Sicilian cannoli, Arancini Cacio e Pepe, wood-fired Pizza Alla Pala, and Risotto with Parmigiano Reggiano, alongside spicy Calabria calamari, Bombette Pegliesi and freshly shucked oysters. On arrival, guests will be given a handy wine pouch and Eataly glass to take home alongside a festival map to guide through the culinary space. Each entry ticket includes tasting tokens with packages starting at £30 for 7 tokens. Tickets are still available, and can be purchased here.
Mesitzo's Own Chelsea in Bloom
If the tickets to the Spring Garden are somewhat out of budget, fear not. Mestizo Chelsea is transforming into a “Mystical Magical Mexico” to mark the occasion. Inspired by the floating gardens of Xochimilco, Mestizo will be transformed into a reimagined trajinera (the traditional, brightly coloured boats that glide through Mexico City’s historic canals). Bursting with bold colours, handcrafted florals, and intricate details, the installation will become an immersive journey into a dreamlike version of Mexico. What's more, order 2 Paloma cocktails and receive freebies from the Mexican market next door, including mini Tequila bottles and a Mexican candy kit.
