The bad news? It's still January. And no, it's not even the last week. The good news is that there's plenty happening in London to help distract you from that fact. Firstly, not one, but two new upscale bakeries grace Mayfair this week. Secondly, Burns Night is being celebrated across the city with Scottish cuisine taking over the usual Sunday Roast. Finally, the poorly-named Veganuary is still alive and well, with street food festivals and kitchen take-overs to celebrate the power of vegetables.
Here's what to eat (and drink) in London this week.
London's Boujiest Bakery Opens Its Doors
One of London's most iconic hotels has teamed up with renowned baker Richard Hart to make their mark on the ever-growing bakery scene. On Wednesday, Claridge's bakery will open to the public on Brook’s Mews in Mayfair, providing London with direct access to Hart's infamous sourdough, as well as an extensive offering of British bakes. Think sausage rolls to scotch eggs, and Jammy Dodgers to custard tarts. Of course, with it being a Claridge's bakery, you can likely expect these nostalgic classics to be given an elevated twist.
Burlington Arcade Gets Baked Goods
The scent of freshly baked goods will be wafting through the streets of Mayfair this week. Another bakery will open its doors, and by none other than Nicolas Rouzaud, the man behind the patisserie at The Connaught. Le Café will be bringing pastries and brioches to Burlington Arcade, and will open its doors on Friday.
Burns Night Celebrations
This Sunday marks the annual Burns Night, and there's plenty of places to get your neeps & tatties fix in London. Rake, known for their skilful British cookery will be celebrating with roasts featuring Scottish trimmings, including haggis in blankets and rumbledethumps. The special menu also includes Haggis pressed potato with green onion mayo, Arbroath smokies and a heavenly dessert of Caledonian cream.
Meanwhile, Chop House & Tavern (a personal favourite of ours) will be starting their celebrations from Wednesday, bringing together time-honoured Scottish flavours and warm British hospitality. Expect a menu rooted in tradition, designed to be enjoyed with a dram in hand. At Butler’s Wharf, the experience is elevated further with live bagpipes and a stirring recital of the Ode to a Haggis, setting the scene for a truly atmospheric evening beside the Thames.
Finally, the iconic Bluebird restaurants will also be joining in on the fun, with both the Chelsea and City locations dedicating the weekend to haggis-led feasting, whisky-spiked indulgence and traditional Scottish entertainment. Enjoy the unmistakable song of bagpipes (in the Chelsea restaurant only) whilst feasting on Balmoral Chicken with whisky butter sauce or a show-stopping Beef & Haggis Wellington to share.
London's Largest Vegan Street Food Festival Comes to Walthamstow
This Saturday, London's biggest vegan street food festival will take place on Blackhorse Road. Expect a full day of delicious plant-based food and drinks as Signature Brew and Feed the Village bring Veganuary Fest to Walthamstow. Expect a vibrant celebration of East London’s vegan scene with flavours from some of the city’s most-loved traders, including Feed the Village Burgers, Chickenish, and Hogless Roast. Plus the likes of Chill Gelato, Oh My Choc! and The Female Glaze for a sweet treat. Whether you’re a committed vegan, giving Veganuary a try, this is the perfect way to spend your Saturday- did we mention the tickets are free?
Ixchel launches a Veganuary special
It's a great month to be meat free- The Mexican hotspot on King's Road, Ixchel, are teaming up with Holy Carrot for a Veganuary special. Led by Head Chef Ximena Gayosso Gonzalez, Ixchel’s kitchen focuses on bold Mexican flavours, with tacos forming the backbone of the menu, while Holy Carrot has built a loyal following at its Portobello Road restaurant for food that puts flavour first with fire and fermentation under Executive Chef Daniel Watkins.
At the centre of the collaboration is Holy Carrot’s limited-edition grilled oyster mushroom taco, a dish built around king oyster mushrooms, grilled for smokiness, and paired with a roasted koji mole, using Ixchel’s toasted focaccia trim to reduce waste and house-made pickles showcasing Holy Carrot’s ferments. The Ixchel x Holy Carrot taco will be available every Tuesday until the 10th February, with just 20 portions served each evening.
