Between a brand new Athenian taverna in Mayfair and the return of one of the UK's beloved family restaurants, this week's a big one for London eats. Plus an all you can eat oyster party, citrus-glazed hot cross buns, and a collaboration to get really excited about.
Here's what to eat (and drink) in London this week: 9th March.
BIBI X LYANESS
Lyaness, the flagship bar from the world’s most decorated bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan, is hosting Chet Sharma’s progressive Indian restaurant BiBi for a week-long partnership starting today, to celebrate the origin of spice, ingredient sourcing and the intersection of quality food and drinks. More than a menu takeover, the bespoke offering represents their unified philosophy that food and drink should be considered as one cohesive experience, with flavours and ingredients working interchangeably to create a seamless dialogue across the table. Expect Oysters with Pear Jal Jeera, Lamb Neck Nihari with Kulcha, and Cherry Blossom & Chocolate Mousse while the Lyaness team channel the bold flavours of BiBi’s kitchen through three creative pours using Cassia leaf, BiBi's spice mixes and Fermented Green Peppercorn & Lakadong Turmeric, all served with the bar’s signature hospitality. The menu is priced at £75 for three Lyaness cocktails and three BiBi dishes, available until Friday, from 5pm to 9pm. Bookings to be made in advance using this link.
THE RETURN OF POPHAMS HOT CROSS BUNS
This Easter, artisanal bakery Pophams welcomes back a selection of limited-edition offerings. Created by Executive Chef Phil King, the Hot Cross Buns are lent a distinctive Pophams twist. Traditionally flavoured with dried fruit, citrus peel and mixed spices, each bun is generously studded with raisins, currants, sultanas, candied peel, apple, mixed spice, King’s Ginger and cinnamon. A crunchy cross made from Pophams’ signature laminated croissant dough crowns each bun, before they’re finished with a citrus glaze and a maple and cardamom syrup. Best enjoyed warm with cultured butter, the Buns are available to purchase at all Pophams bakeries in London from today until Monday 12th April, at London Fields, Victoria Park and Islington.
MAZA OPENS ITS DOORS IN MAYFAIR
A nod to the 1980s Athenian taverna, Maza is a brand new Greek restaurant to Mayfair. This restaurant hails from Christina Mouratoglou and Adrien Carre, the same owners of Mazi in Notting Hill and Suzi Tros. The menu seems to still be under wraps, however we're told the restaurant will be a nod to the 1980s Athenian taverna, serving family-style dishes made for sharing, vintage Greek vinyl and generous, unhurried hospitality. Lively, alluring and elegantly unpretentious, it’s a place where lunch is loud, afternoons run long, and philoxenia - the Greek art of making strangers feel like family - rules. Doors will open this Thursday.
ALL YOU CAN EAT OYSTERS THIS SATURDAY
St Patrick's Day may not be until next week, but 40ft Brewery are starting the celebrations early. This Saturday they will be welcoming Rocks Oysters from 12pm to serve up fresh shells to pair with a pint of Guinness- name a better duo. Go for a snack, a dozen, or if you're brave, all you can eat. Also on the menu will be Beef Burgers, Fried oyster rolls, and deep fried baby potatoes. The screens will be showing the 6 nations and after that, there will be a live trad session from 6.30pm. Tickets are only needed if you’re brave enough for the All You Can Eat sessions and start at £37.50 per person. For everything else, just rock up!
JAMIE'S ITALIAN IS BACK
After seven years, Jamie Oliver is bringing back his infamous restaurant, Jamie's Italian. The fan-favourite Antipasti Plank will be making a return alongside a variety of spuntino, pizzas, and Jamie's personal favourite, spaghetti nero- a squid ink pasta dish of squid, tomato, clams, mussels, topped with chilli and parsley. It's set to open this Wednesday in Leicester Square and for the hit of nostalgia alone- we can't wait.
