It is the last week of May and it's hot, really hot. Too hot for cooking, in fact. However, with Farang's new picnic options and The Compton Arms' breezy air con, we come with solutions. Plus, this week sees some fabulous new openings, from a welcomed addition to Exmouth Market to a generous new terrace courtesy of The Sea, The Sea.
Here's what to eat and drink in London this week.
The Compton Arms New Friday Hours and Air Con
London's beloved local, the Compton Arms is welcoming the heatwave with a trio of updates. Firstly, you can now swing from 12pm on Fridays to start your weekend early with what is said to be one of London’s best pints of Guinness and Rake’s viral Ray Wing Crumpet. Secondly, new air conditioning has been fitted throughout to maintain breezy comfort all summer long. Finally, the hidden garden is open and ready for the season. If our Zoom backgrounds look a little different this week, you'll know why.
National Mint Julep Day at Cato
Covent Garden cocktail bar cato (aka The House of Julep) is throwing a Julep Party for National Mint Julep Day on Saturday the 30th. If you weren't aware that was a thing, mark it in your diaries because it means £10 Mint Juleps, freshly shucked oysters, and a taste of Kentucky, in the heart of London. Few places are better placed to celebrate the occasion, with cato being named after Cato Alexander, for whom the mint julep was said to be the drink of choice. The best part? No booking required. Doors open from 3pm!
Farang in the Park
Nestled in between Clissold Park and Highbury Fields, Farang is taking advantage of its convenient location and embracing the heatwave. If you didn't manage to nab one of the limited tables outside, you can get the signature Gai Prik fried chicken served with burnt chilli sauce and fresh lime and a crisp pint of Singha to-go and devour in one of the nearby green spaces. Fuss-free picnic-ing for this week only!
Vespers Opens its Doors
Last week, we gave you a heads up secure your tables (don't say we don't do anything). Joining the likes of Café Kick, Shawarma Bar, and Morchella, Vespers arrives at Exmouth Market on Tuesday as it opens for a discounted preview week until Saturday. In case you missed the notice, Vesper is Jackson Boxer’s new restaurant, positioned as a more bistro-style, energetic sibling to his acclaimed Notting Hill restaurant Dove. At the time of writing, the menu is still yet to be revealed but we've heard whisperings of oysters, raw beef tostadas, and sole fritters. Given Boxer's experience, we can safely say it's set to be a hit.
The Second Lady of the Grapes Arrives
Lady of the Grapes, the wonderfully-named Covent Garden wine bar, is opening up a second (significantly roomier) location inside the grand Menier Chocolate Factory theatre building in Borough Market. Wines from female winemakers will be served alongside French, bistro-style dishes and nibbles across a 60-seater restaurant and 20-seater terrace. Meanwhile, downstairs you’ll find Forbidden Fruit: a 45-seat wine bar restaurant with over 400 bottles. A very welcomed addition to Borough.
The Sea, The Sea Goes Bigger
Chelsea’s favourite fishmonger is moving! Albeit not far. Their new location right across the street is a bright, airy space spread across three floors with dedicated retail and bistro floors, a boundless kitchen and a generous terrace on the beautiful Pavilion Road. We can just picture it now, sipping chilled rosé, slurping oysters and devouring fresh lobster. Pure bliss.
Copper Chimney Celebrates the Mango
With temperatures over 20 degrees, the tropical fruits usually reserved for summer holidays have entered our kitchens. Watermelon, pineapple, mango, albeit more effort to prepare than the humble apple, are well worth the sticky hands. A kitchen following suit is that of Copper Chimney, the award-winning North Indian restaurant established in 1972. This week, they introduce a limited-time mango menu celebrating the Indian Alphonso mango, the king of fruits at its seasonal peak! The Laal Aloo with Chargrilled Mango is a sweet, smoky delight of baby potatoes and charred mango pulled together with bold, hand-pounded spices while the Patiala Mango Dahi Bhalla takes a cooling approach, pairing lentil dumplings with chilled yoghurt, ripe mango and a gentle dusting of chaat masala. Meanwhile, Mango Chilli Cheese Naan is a pairing that is as unexpected as it is delightful. In season for just a few weeks, this is a rare chance to taste Indian summer's best gift at its most vibrant. The menu is available now alongside Copper Chimney's full offering of tandoor grills, slow-simmered curries and fragrant biriyanis.
