The clocks have changed, the daffodils are sprouting, and spring has truly arrived in London. With it, comes an influx of new openings, from swanky wine bars to an expansion of our favourite pasta place. London is prepping for those long, al fresco dinners that are just around the corner, and we're here for it.
Here's what to eat (and drink) in London this week.
Sova Wine Bar Opens its Doors
On Wednesday, sova, a new wine and vinyl bar specialising in wines from Eastern and Central Europe will open its doors, just moments from Portobello Road. Seating 40 guests between its counter-top, tables and a small, street-side terrace, sova will focus on low-intervention and skin-contact wines produced in countries including Georgia, Armenia and Ukraine. An unfussy, sharing-style menu with subtle Slavic influences has been created by Moldovan chef Denis Calmis to accompany the wines. His contemporary vision combines classical European technique with distinctive Eastern European character. Cold starters include slow-roasted peppers with anchovies & dill oil, Beef tartare on Borodinsky bread with horseradish mayonnaise, and a selection of Slavic cheeses. Main dishes feature Whisky & honey–roasted baby chicken with green salsa; Crispy sea bass with fennel, grapefruit and garden peas finished with tarragon; and Miso-glazed duck confit served with roasted Jerusalem artichokes & plum sauce. Granted, we're suckers for a wine bar, but this one sounds particularly exceptional.
Honey & Co Open Their First Ever Wine Bar
A whopping fourteen years after opening their first restaurant, Sarit Packer and Itamar Srulovich are doing something they have never done before... On 13th April, the couple behind Honey & Co., a restaurant group that has reshaped how London eats Middle Eastern food, will open the doors to Honey & Co. Great Portland: a wine bar, deli and dining room serving a selection of wines spanning from Lebanon to Georgia to complement flame grilled skewers, salt baked whole fish and plates that sit naturally alongside a first glass.
Dishes marked as must-haves include tuna crudo with grated tomato and tahini, crispy pork with oregano and candied lemon, lamb arayes, seasoned lamb filled pitta charred on the grill with a yogurt dip, and fried artichoke with garlic, parsley and lemon. It all sounds very delicious, and while the doors open next Monday, bookings can be made today at honeyandco.co.uk.
Hackney Flea Introduces Food Traders
Launching on 11th April with free entry, Hackney Flea Market champions sustainability over fast fashion and celebrates the art of reusing and repurposing. As usual, visitors can expect a tightly curated mix of vintage fashion, statement jewellery, art, books, vinyl, cameras, cult design pieces, brocante and one-off homeware finds, alongside independent designers, jewellers and emerging makers. However for the first time, Flea will also introduce a line-up of artisan food traders including fresh bread, jams and olives, adding to the vibrant food and drink offering already on site at Hackney Bridge. Food to fuel your thrifting!
Padella: Kids Eat Free & a New Opening on the Horizon
Two points to note from the makers of the city's favourite fresh pasta. Firstly, from now until the 19th April, kids can eat their pasta for free at Padella's Shoreditch location. Secondly, a decade after opening in Borough Market, the duo behind the brand are further expanding their award-winning, hand-rolled pasta empire to central London. The opening menu will feature Padella’s much-loved fresh pasta dishes, including Pici Cacio e Pepe and Pappardelle with 8-hour Hereford beef shin ragu, alongside a newly crafted selection of Mr. Lyan cocktails. Keep your eyes peeled for the official opening date!
Alba's 7 Course Vallepicciola Dinner
ALBA London are hosting their first eno-gastronomic dinner on Wednesday. A 7-course dinner is in store, perfectly paired with outstanding Vallepicciola wines. Lorenzo Cellai, a winemaker, and Stefano Tortelli, ALBA's Executive Chef, will co-host the event and share their inspiration for each course with guests. It's priced at £250 per person and some of the dishes being served are oysters, octopus carpaccio, cuttlefish raviolo, and wild boar ragu, to name a few.
