A new Bancone, a new Jolene, and a new lease of life arrives in London this week. Marathon-runners get well-earned free fuel across the city (including an entire roast) and the rest of us get a week of promised sunshine. It's a win for everyone.
Here's what to eat and drink in London this week: 20th April.
Fortnum & Mason Introduce Caviar to Their High Tea
Last week, Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon launched a brand new Caviar High Tea, inviting guests to build their own experience from a choice of exceptional caviars, including Golden Oscietra and Beluga. Four, light and airy miniature crumpets- exclusively made for this service by the artisan brand Moore’ish - are served warm alongside an indulgent selection of accompaniments, including crème fraîche with chives, stuffed baby potatoes and quail eggs. A curated selection of Fortnum & Mason tea is served throughout the experience, with one tea per guest included, poured tableside by the Tea Salon’s expert team. Gyokuro Green Tea is recommended, offering a delicate balance to the richness of the caviar. This experience can also be paired with the Classic Afternoon Tea for the ultimate indulgence, allowing guests to tailor the experience to their occasion. Bookings are available here.
Jolene Comes to Soho
Unless you've been living under a rock, you've likely heard of Jolene. The trendy cafe has been quite a talking point over the past year, featuring in both the celebrity gossip headlines as well as many a TikTok review. In any case, Jolene have been staying in their own lane, focussing on their new launch in Soho. The new cafe will sit inside The Aries' flagship store, serving up coffee, pastries, and herbed egg mayo sandwiches and will open this Thursday. What's more, Jolene and Aries are said to be collaborating on one-off merch, perhaps a new tote bag to add to the collection?
Padella Opens its Doors Tomorrow!
This is not a drill! Last week, the opening date of Padella's new location was postponed but luckily, we didn't have to wait long. We can now confirm that Padella Soho is finally ready to open its doors on Kingly Street tomorrow. Pici cacio & pepe here we come!
Bancone Opens its City Location
It's looking like a beige diet kind of week as Bancone open the doors to their new location on Wednesday. This one is slap bang in middle of the City of London, on Princes Street. It's the fifth addition to their empire of pasta bars, music to the ears of those who struggle to get a reservation in the other central locations. We have no doubt this one will be just as successful as the sister restaurants, with booths and counter seats. After all, everybody loves Bancone.
Cue Point Sets Up Shop in West London
Just in time for the good weather, Cue Point London has found a permanent home to serve up their sizzling meats. The award-winning Afghan-Texas BBQ has appeared at pop-ups and festivals around London over the past 10 years, and on Wednesday, they're officially setting up shop at The Garden Bar Grill and Smokehouse by Cue Point London. Bringing British produce, Afghan flavour, and Texan technique (as well as a drum smoker) to the pre-existing pub, we have no doubt that the garden will be thriving with happy Londoners dining al fresco all summer long. Sunshine, a spritz, and an oak-smoked wagyu brisket steak with Texas naan & saffron butter- we couldn't think of anything better.
Jimmy's on the South Bank Gets a Rebrand
After 10 years of the iconic Jimmy’s BBQ Club, the seasonal summer pop up restaurant on the South Bank will be home to a brand new concept- Rotate by Jimmy, opening Wednesday. Centred around delicious, golden rotisserie chicken (or cauliflower for veggies and vegans) so those strolling the South Bank will be able to see the cooking unfold. The new layout also means that every table now has a riverside view!
Free Post-Marathon Fuel
Finally, if you're running the marathon on Sunday, here's where you can get some well deserved praise (and free food) afterwards.
Free pasta at Emilia’s Crafted Pasta
The team at Emilia’s Crafted Pasta will be at the finish line handing out their medal shaped pasta tokens valid for a bowl of any of their delicious fresh pasta at any site. Think homemade pistachio pesto, yellowfin tuna puttanesca, and soft pillowy gnocchi with slow-braised lamb shoulder ragu.
Free pancakes at Polo Bar
Polo Bar will offer free stacks of their award-winning pancake for medal holders, available day and night. Runners can choose from a variety of generous toppings, including fresh berries and cream, Biscoff banoffee, and cookies and cream, all served in hearty portions perfect for refuelling post-26.2 miles. No booking needed, flash your medal to staff.
Free Roasts at Kitty Hawk Rooftop & Restaurant
Kitty Hawk believe that crossing the finish line deserves more than a medal. And so, they're generously offering runners a well-earned reward: a complimentary Sunday roast for anyone showing their medal. Whether it’s oysters and bubbles or a full roast with all the trimmings (and even bottomless red wine), it’s the perfect post-race indulgence. Plus, the restaurant is just moments from the marathon’s iconic finish!
Complimentary roasts are available for tables of four or above, with one marathon runner present.
Chaat Dish at Cinnamon Bazaar Covent Garden & Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea
Keep the celebrations running with a complimentary Chaat at Vivek Singh’s Cinnamon Bazaar Covent Garden and Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea. Enjoy traditional Indian street food bursting with sweet, tangy and spiced flavours - from Punjabi vegetable samosa to spiced green potato cake with chickpea vermicelli and chutney.
Pint of Camden Hells at Castle Pubs across London
Enjoy a draught pint of Camden Hells and stop by favourites like The Gipsy Moth in Greenwich, The Sun Inn in Barnes, The White Horse in Parsons Green, or The Engineer in Primrose Hill to toast your achievement. Stick around for a bite to eat and continue the celebrations with seasonal dishes and classic pub-grub favourites on the menu.
Pint or Glass of Bubbles at The Brush East London Grand Café
In the heart of Shoreditch, The Brush is rewarding runners with a well-earned drink post-marathon - settle in, soak up the atmosphere and raise a toast to your success.
Glass of Sparking Wine at Kaya Great Northern Hotel
Heading home via King’s Cross after the marathon? Kaya Great Northern Hotel are ready to welcome you with a hard-earned glass of sparkling wine at the Kaya GNH Bar. Be quick though, it’s only available for the first 45 runners to celebrate the 45th year of the London Marathon. The hotel is also offering a 10% discount to those booking its Marathon Package, which includes a runners’ goodie bag filled with treats to get you through.
Pint or Small House Wine at The Lamb, Bloomsbury
Runners can enjoy a very well-deserved drink at The Lamb in Bloomsbury, with a complimentary pint of their choice or a small glass of house wine.
Pint of Jubel at Bow Street Tavern, Covent Garden
Cross the finish line, collect your medal and head straight to Bow Street Tavern in Covent Garden where London Marathon finishers will be treated to a free pint of Jubel.
Recovery Boost Smoothie at Lanes of London, Mayfair
Just moments from Hyde Park, Lanes of London is helping runners refuel with a revitalising Recovery Boost Smoothie. Fresh, vibrant and naturally energising, this well-earned blend combines banana for sustained energy, antioxidant-rich berries, hydrating coconut water, orange juice and Greek yoghurt, finished with a touch of honey.
Pint or Glass of Bubbles at TOZI Pizzeria & Cicchetti Bar, Battersea
Marathon runners can enjoy a complimentary pint or glass of bubbles at TOZI Battersea, perfect for raising a toast. Stay on to refuel with TOZI’s Italian cicchetti, pizzas and sharing plates in the lively Battersea Power Station setting.
