With summer on the horizon, London is gearing up for a stretch of long leisurely lunches, spritzes in the sun, and al fresco dinners. With brand new martini terraces, food festivals, and Italian restaurants gracing us this week, we have high hopes for what's around the corner...
Here's what to eat and drink in London this week.
King's Cross Gets a Martini Terrace
The Hawksmoor Terrace, created in partnership with GREY GOOSE vodka, officially opens this Friday 1st May. Bringing Hawksmoor's much-loved Martini culture into the open air, this terrace marks an exciting al fresco evolution for the brand, with a 30-seat cover and a drinks menu built for summer. The cold, crisp GREY GOOSE Martini cocktail leads the way, alongside Hawksmoor’s own Steakhouse Martini cocktail, a savoury, peppercorn-laced twist that has been a hit since the indoor bar opened last November. There’s also the sweeter variations for those who haven't quite acquired the taste for the real thing yet- Espresso Martinis, Melon Deuces, and the Ultimate Vodka Soda for those sunny afternoons.
What's more, if you order a selected cocktail, you will receive a key to unlock one of a series of numbered boxes behind the bar, revealing a selection of prizes, from exclusive gifts and unexpected treats to dining experiences at Hawksmoor. If you need an incentive to bite the bullet and finally try a martini, this is it.
Decimo's Kitchen Gets a Switch Up
The vibrant tenth-floor restaurant and late-night destination at The Standard, London, has entered a new era. Paola Arenas now leads the kitchen at Decimo, placing Mexican cooking firmly at the heart of the restaurant- just in time for cinco de mayo! New additions to the menu include Halibut, corn husk and pumpkin seed cooked using ancestral prehispanic techniques and Wild bream, pistachio mole. The drinks lean into citrus, spice and smoke flavours with distinctive serves of Pimenton Paloma and Hoja Santa Negroni. All to be enjoyed overlooking the same iconic skyline views.
Heinz Hosts a Pop-Up
Heinz are launching a brand new Ranch Sauce, and to celebrate they'll be taking over Vincenzo's Shoreditch, turning it to Ranchenzo's. From 12-8pm on Thursday 30th April, all you have to do is turn up to grab a seat and try Heinz's brand new creation. They will be dishing out circular pizza made entirely of crusts, the perfect base for dipping.
Theo James, Ed Templeton & Naz Hassan Open Second Restaurant
Last June, LUPA in Highbury was set to be the opening of the summer, driven by actor Theo James, restaurateur Ed Templeton and chef Naz Hassan. Almost a year later, the restaurant continues to bustle with those as eager for a taste of the bucatini all'amatriciana as they are for a sneak peak of The Gentlemen's star himself. Now, the team are opening their second location on the 1st of May in Hackney. Ornella is another Italian, but this one is influenced by Milan, where Chef Naz grew up. Expect risotto alla Milanese, tagliatelle al burro e Parmigiano, and a waitlist.
Oudh 1722 Opens in Borough
Another set of doors being opened on the 1st of May is those to Oudh 1722. The brains and skill behind it all, Chef Aktar Islam, is the same man behind Opheem, the first Indian restaurant in the UK to be awarded two Michelin stars. Sat in a Grade II–listed Victorian building, this restaurant will be the latest addition to Borough's string of fantastic culinary options. The focus is on Awadhi cooking, which is shaped by the intermingling of Persian, Mughal, and Central Asian influences and famed for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs, saffron-scented biryanis, and subtle slow-cooked curries. We have no doubt that this one is destined for success.
London's First Korean Food Festival
This weekend marks the first Korean food festival in London. On Friday from 12-8pm and Saturday to Monday from 11am-6pm, Canopy Market in King's Cross JUNG Festival is a Korean food festival bringing together curated food, dessert, and independent culinary brands to showcase the depth and diversity of Korean cuisine. While dishes like kimchi, bibimbap and Korean fried chicken are becoming increasisngly familiar, JUNG Festival offers a chance to experience Korean food beyond a handful of well-known dishes- as a rich and evolving food culture. Inspired by Jeong- a sense of warmth and connection formed through shared food and experiences- the festival invites you to explore Korean cuisine in a more immersive and meaningful way.
Cato Goes All Out for the Kentucky Derby
Finally, if you're keen to watch the Kentucky Derby this weekend, we've found just the spot to do so. Cato in Covent Garden are bringing a slice of Churchill Downs to Central London for one day only, with an exclusive race day experience. Just 20 tickets are available- each paired with one of the 20 competing horses. Pick your runner, back it to the finish, and if your horse wins, your entire experience is on them! The £55 ticket includes a welcome Pickleback on arrival, followed by three bespoke Mint Julep cocktails and a selection of food. Fantastic cocktails, Southern snacks, and a little friendly competition- grab your ticket before they sell out!
