Normal temperatures have returned and with them, comes the ability to venture outside again. Luckily, there's a lot happening this week to keep us busy. The most iconic steakhouse turns 20, Wimbledon begins, Stoke Newington welcomes a fun addition to its food scene, a swanky enclosure opens to watch the Henley Regatta, and a wine festival graces Kings Cross. Go outside folks- there's lots to do, see, eat, and drink in London this week.
Hawksmoor at 2006 Prices
Starting the week strong, it's Hawksmoor's 20th birthday, and they're celebrating by turning back the clock. For one day only, Monday 29th June, their new Classics Menu, the dishes and drinks that helped make Hawksmoor what it is, will be available at 2006 prices: £45 per person, instead of £75.
Starters include Old Spot Belly Ribs, on the menu since day one, Charcoal-Roasted Scallops, a gift from seafood supremo Mitch Tonks; and Potted Beef & Bacon with Yorkshire Puddings, a staff meal that escaped the kitchen and never went back. The main event is a dry-aged Longhorn Ribeye (the original Hawksmoor breed), grilled over charcoal, served with classic sauces and sides including bone marrow gravy, anchovy hollandaise, and beef-dripping chips. Desserts include the iconic Sticky Toffee Pudding, which hasn't left the menu in twenty years, and the Salted Caramel Rolos, a dish that came surprisingly close to attracting a trademark lawsuit.
The menu also features three cocktails that have helped define Hawksmoor's bar programme: Shaky Pete's Ginger Brew, the Grapefruit Picador, and a specially created 20th Anniversary Martini.
It is open to customers on the Hawksmoor mailing list only. If you're not yet on the mailing list, you can sign up here. To learn more about the new Classics Menu, check out their website.
Where to Watch Wimbledon
Today marks the official first day of Wimbledon. At The Marylebone, 108 Brasserie is taking guests court-side with televised matches throughout the Championships and a grid-worthy Grand Slam dessert of blueberry cremeux, chocolate sable, Chantilly cream and English strawberries and cream for £12. Combined with the recently unveiled rosé terrace in partnership with Château La Coste, this seems to be the place to catch the tennis action while enjoying rosé spritz cocktails, magnums of rosé poured table-side and a curated summer menu including lobster brioche rolls and a seafood platter. (We tried it last year and can confirm, it's delightful.)
Alternatively, at The Kensington, Town House is serving its take on Wimbledon’s most iconic flavour pairing, strawberries & cream, and serving it alongside a glass of Nyetimber Classic Cuvée, England’s finest sparkling wine. The limited-edition offering is available for £18.77, an homage to the year The Championships first took place at Wimbledon.
Both are available from until Sunday 12th July.
A Fun Newcomer to Stoke Newington
Breakfast burritos, chilaquiles, maple donuts, cobb salads- you'll soon be able to get it all at in none other than Stoke Newington. Julian Denis, the founder of Facing Heaven in Hackney and Easy 8 in London Fields, is opening Johnny Boy’s on July 3rd, a spot inspired by the Southern Californian comfort food he was raised on. Expect big leather booths and filter coffee in a vibrant space- all very American diner-esque. It initially is set to open for dinner and following that, will expand to breakfast and lunch on weekends. A very welcomed addition to the area.
Watch the Regatta in Style at CALA
Gorilla, the events team behind VIP experiences at Glastonbury Festival and Formula 1, has created the largest public enclosure at the Henley Royal Regatta, CALA. Across the week, more than 30,000 guests visit the CALA Club and Plaza food court, while an exclusive 300-capacity VIP riverside lounge offers front-row race views, table service and premium hospitality. Guests can enjoy cocktails, DJs and live entertainment until midnight, alongside street food from Other Side Fried, Nanny Bill's, Freewheelin' Pizza, Sen Noods and The Duck Shed. From Wednesday 1st to Saturday 4th July, watch the boating in style. Final tickets are available here.
Langosteria Comes to London
Originating in Milan, the upscale Italian restaurant, Langosteria, expanded to Paris, then St Moritz, and this week, are starting a new chapter here with their eighth location, right here in London. Set in The OWO in Whitehall, the doors will open as a soft launch on Wednesday. As of now, there's little information on the menu, however given that the location is set in none other than the iconic OWO building that has welcomed the likes of Winston Churchill, Lord Haldane, and T.E. Lawrence, we're expecting Italian luxury at its very finest, with an emphasis on seafood, of course. Plus, they promise "the same passion for hospitality and pursuit of excellence in every detail." Secure your table here.
Bar Rioja's Annual Summer Festival Returns
Following their success last year, Bar Rioja's Festival will return to their hidden Victorian courtyard just off Pentonville Road on Saturday. Expect flowing wine, vibrant flavours, a lively, sun-soaked atmosphere, and a proper party from start to finish. Expert suppliers will be on hand pouring a carefully curated selection of wines that showcase the very best of Rioja today, from crisp whites and elegant rosés to bold reds and expressive sparkling styles. Tickets are £50 and include sixteen hand-selected wine tastings from across Rioja, a plate of freshly prepared paella (mixed or vegetarian), DJ sets from mid-afternoon into the evening, and access to all festival spaces, from courtyard to terrace to bar. A steal if you ask us.
