We all know London is a hub for brilliant food from all around the globe, and this week, our recommendations are more proof of that.
From two dreamy Floral Court Italian-inspired restaurants to our next South Asian Heritage Month pick – the brilliant Indian restaurant Kahani with its broccoli that’s ‘to die for’ – we’ve got all you foodies covered.
And if you’re looking for something more chill – we’ve found the best new food halls in the capital for you to visit.
Wash it all down with some gorgeous cocktails from Mexico or a good old fashion beer.
London really has got it all.
Read on for a whole range of recommendations for August 17 and 18, handpicked as always by The Slice.
Don’t miss
1. Visit London’s best food halls
KERB Holborn. Best for: grab and go
Traders that make the line up at KERB include Filligrillz – think smoky, BBQ-ed Filipino goodness – and Faté, with its Middle Eastern favourites like shawarma wraps and dolma. And the best thing? All market profits will be reinvested by KERB’s social enterprise to help people from less advantaged backgrounds start street food businesses, so you’re helping the community too.
Hand Court, Holborn.
Metropolis. Best for: when you can’t decide what cuisine you want to eat
With big international flavours and an even bigger atmosphere, Metropolis brands itself as ‘more than just a market hall’. And it’s not wrong. From loaded fries and a smoked BBQ feast at Chipsy, to OTT brioches at the award-winning Sexy Bun, it’s got every type of food you could dream up – and then some.
72-73 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall.
ArcadeX. Best for: making the most of the sun
Based at Battersea Power station, ArcadeX is full of classic restaurants like Bao (serving up the fluffy national dishes of Taiwan) and Solis, a chicken and steak grill with influences from Spain, Portugal, Uruguay and Argentina. Live DJ performances and refreshing drinks including an exclusive menu of premium tequila cocktails help it all go down smoothly.
Until 31 October. The Coaling Jetty, Battersea Power Station Pier, Battersea.
2. Have dinner at one of Covent Garden’s beautiful Floral Court’s Restaurants
By Rob Buckhaven and Jeremy Ullmann
We’ve all found ourselves passing through Floral Court. Whether we’re tourists or seasoned Londoners on a stroll, discovering the gorgeous flower arrangements through the restaurant’s glass windows, with glistening reflections of the lights draped around the courtyard’s iconic elephant statue has long felt like an accidental stumble into a secret garden. The Petersham is the more formal option in Petershams Nurseries’ Floral Court restaurant complex, and it has just launched its summer menu using ingredients from a Devon family farm for its ‘farm-to-fork’ approach. You pay in part for that sustainability ethos, but fortunately you can also taste it. The beef tartare has such a sweet freshness to it, the burrata has an imperfection to its texture that only enhances the flavour, while the chestnut and thyme risotto was a favourite dish – so distinctly earthy that it tastes like it was birthed right out of the soil. Not everything wows here (the Langoustine Gnocchi is unnaturally sweet), but it’s more than enough an experience to warrant saving up for.
Yards away at airy al-fresco Italian La Goccia, you basically choose one item from each menu section to share between two, Italian tapas-style. Of note are the line caught tuna carpaccio and the richly delicious orecchiette alla Norma with aubergine, tomato and ricotta. The doughballs with burrata and Parma ham were small-but-dense savoury doughnuts and the mini pizzetta Petersham was a carby saviour on a very hot August day. They really are doing the Lord’s work over at Petersham Nurseries.
Mains from £24 at The Petersham; small plates from £10 at La Goccia. Floral Court, Covent Garden. Book here.
3. Afternoon Tea Week
Afternoon Tea week (12-18 August) is here, bringing with it lots of lovely deals to help you enjoy Britain’s most delicious pastime.
To help you find the right one for you, we at The Slice have curated a tried and tested list of the best afternoon teas in London (in no particular order).
4. Visit Shoreditch’s gorgeous new bar Chiave
By Jeremy Ullmann
Probably the best part of the Chiave experience is sitting on the table that stretches the width of the bar facing out onto Redchurch Street – with the full vibrancy of a Shoreditch neighbourhood on constant display in front of you like a cinema screen. It’s to Chiave’s credit that even a man riding a penny farthing down the street is merely a quirky addition, rather than a distraction from the calming space and fantastic cocktail menu. Expect a list of eccentric cocktail names (because…Shoreditch) including the Electric Lullaby, Doomsday and Libertango. The Street Spirit was a personal favourite, with the sweetness of the salted caramel wonderfully contrasted by the liquorice tones from the Rakı spirit. ‘Chiave’ is the Italian word for key, and on select nights, Chiave’s secret is unlocked, and you can head downstairs to their intimate dance floor for an after-hours boogie.
Cocktails from £11. 36 Redchurch St, Shoreditch. Book here.
5. Enjoy these restaurant deals by showing your A-Level results
Chains across London are offering discounts for A Level students collecting their results. For a celebratory meal – or if you want to eat away your disappointment – bring your results to Frankie and Benny’s for a free margherita or pepperoni pizza (when you buy a large drink). Over at Bella Italia, you can get a 30% discount on your whole bill (for tables up to six) across three weekends in August when you show off your results. If you’d rather just have something refreshing to sip on, you can get a free drink from Bird & Blend’s summer menu.
Continue your South Asian Heritage Month journey at Kahani
By Luke Matthews
It’s unlikely you would stumble upon the elegant entrance to Kahani by chance but fine-dining Indian food in a warm atmosphere makes it well worth seeking out. Don’t be afraid to put your experience into the hands of renowned chef Peter Joseph and the excellent staff to serve up some unknown gems alongside new twists on old favourites. The small plate offering of Mango Pani Puri – an Indian street food – with sweet potato, black chickpea and spiced mango juice served inside a crispy puri should be mandatory with any visit, and for the tandoori broccoli – and it’s hard to hype up broccoli – but I would die for that dish. Head along on a Thursday to pair the incredible food with a backdrop of live jazz.
Mains from £16. 1 Wilbraham Plc, Chelsea. Book here.
Our South Asian Heritage Month series continues over on our TikTok with Tamarind Kitchen.
6. Get 2-4-1 Mojitos for National Rum Day at 100 Wardour Street
As part of their partnership with Havana Club and their Cuban-style summer event series, 100 Wardour Street is offering 2-4-1 Mojitos on National Rum Day (16 August). The Mojitos can be paired with a Cuban style tapas menu – book your spot here.
Best places to eat
7. Go all out at London’s Michelin-Starred West African restaurant
by Hiyah Zaidi
It’s hard to believe that Akoko only received its first Michelin star this year, as since the start of Nigerian chef Ayo Adeyemi’s reign, a menu has been created here that sparks inspiration.
Neon greens and zesty oranges appear as traditional Nigerian flavours stuffed with spice that lead to immediate silence and verging tears. The potato/beef tatase relish, or Gambian Stew, sets the tone for the meal, creating an air of suspense for what comes next, as every course that comes after effortlessly produces its own pleasant surprise.
And dessert? Zobo, a watermelon granita that flirts with hibiscus, creates a homage to the flavours that came before and amplifies the white, pure dessert that follows. No matter your favourite course, you’ll leave hazy with delight, and with a reframed palate that brings you pleasure.
Tasting menu from £120. 21 Berners St, Fitzrovia. Book here.
8. Dine like a celeb at Julie’s
By Janice Okes
Back in 1969, acclaimed designer Julie Hodgess opened Julie’s Restaurant in Notting Hill. What followed was a runway of famous faces visiting the West London spot including Kate Moss – who even hosted her 22nd birthday there. Reopened under new ownership, Julie’s is back in the spotlight, and deservedly so.
It radiates – almost arrogantly – a cosy, bohemian vibe, and an elegance that beautifully pays homage to its fashionable heritage. And the food and drink? Simply couture. The scallop and crab tortellini was sensational, with fresh, seafood flavours and a strong, enticing aroma that hits you like the first hint of a new fragrance. The silky-smooth vanilla cheesecake with a zesty, blood orange kick finished off what was an exceptional meal, guided along with appropriately floral noted cocktails (we recommend the Jasmine Blossom Sour).
The owner – like fashion – might change, but as Coco Chanel said – style really does remain.
Starters from £8, mains from £10. 135 Portland Rd, Notting Hill. Book here.
9. Try the fantastic food at Bar Antoine’s Riveria-inspired lavender terrace
There’s a quaint mix of a bougie hotel lobby and the extravagance of the Riveria on display at the Four Seasons’ Bar Antoine this summer. At the new ‘Twilight Terrace,’ wooden beams hold up draped canopies of Mediterranean colours and twinkling festoon lights, complete with fresh lavender and a passing violinist to serenade you throughout a brilliant meal.
The food It really is good, with the creaminess of the exceptional seabass carpaccio twirling in your plate an absolute standout. Gaze away for too long and you’ll be hyper-aware of being in a hotel restaurant, but slowly digest a spoonful of the elegant amaretto and chocolate souffle, spot the swaying lavender out of the corner of your eye, and the magic of Bar Antoine might just work.
Mains from £26. Hamilton Pl, Mayfair. Book here.
10. Enjoy a meal in the sunshine at The Broadcaster
By Kate Rice
The Broadcaster offers the classic combination of views and booze to accompany British summertime (when it decides to actually rear its head). Located in White City, you can take in a 360-view of West London on the restaurant’s rooftop, enjoying some classic Gastro pub-style food.
Highlights include monkfish scampi — which comes with a curry tartare so good you could drink it with a straw — and pan roasted cod. The Smoked and Spiced Margarita is also an absolute must-order for all tequila lovers out there (you can thank me later). Sunshine, cocktails, and a hell of a lot of food — there’s little to fault
Bar snacks from £5, mains from £16. 89 Wood Lane, White City. Book here.
11. Try Richmond’s new Pasta Emporium with a self-serve wine machine
The brand new Emporium is Pasta Evangelists’ very first dedicated restaurant space. There’s a pasta counter where you can watch your food being prepared and see exactly what you’re getting, self-service machines to allow you to fully customise your order, and outside you might even spot a branded Vespa which Deliveroo drivers will be rocking up to your house on when you order food.
Read our Food Writer Courtney Pochin’s full review here.
12. Visit Covent Garden’s new Churreria Aguamiel
Covent Garden is now home to @aguamiel.ldn, London’s first authentic “churreria”! Indulge in fresh churros, iced horchata, and mouthwatering churro ice cream sandwiches.
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13. Bask in the sun at From The Ashes BBQ
Saturday afternoons in the sun are bliss at Five Points Brewery, elevated by the smoky haze of From The Ashes, a sizzling food truck serving up slabs of proper BBQ grub. Smoke ring galore can be found in the succulent short ribs, while the porchetta is melt in the mouth and the tacos moreishly juicy. If you’re looking for BBQ classics and a beer in the sun, things don’t get much better than this.
61 Mare St, Hackney. Book here.
14. Visit Somerset House’s new veggie cafe
This cafe from the brains behind Tendril in Oxford Circus proves indulgence doesn’t have to mean dairy. Almost everything is vegan – including the stunning tiramisu and burnt Basque cheesecake.
Perfect for a summer lunch, eaten in the stylish pastel interior or outside, in Somerset House courtyard. Try the butter bean and spring onion tart, its richness cut with warming chilli oil, or the crispy leek fritter for the winning combination of caramelised leeks, rich aioli, soft brioche, and fresh fennel and herbs.
Pastries from £3.50, sandwiches from £8. South Wing, Somerset House. Book here.
15. Try Ladurée gorgeous new cafe
Ladurée are best known for their very pretty macaron shops – but their newest concept is this gorgeously stylish cafe in Notting Hill.
In addition to their signature macarons you’ll also be able to order a coffee with a macaron on top, the Latte Plaisir Sucre. Or if you fancy something cooler, their soft serve is a fab option too! Warning – it’s very sweet.
Where to go for a drink
16. Enjoy the sun at a rooftop bar
From terraces on top of skyscrapers to vibey rooftop restaurants, London is full of high up perches to get soak up the sunshine and incredible views with a glass in hand.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite central London suntraps here.
17. Experience a life of luxury at Churchill Bar & Terrace
By Jeremy Ullmann
The leathery smell of tobacco lingers in the air at the Churchill Bar Bar & Terrace. Though likely to come from customers’ own cigars, it might as well be Churchill himself, considering the bronze statue of him with a cigar in hand, or the numerous portraits of the former prime minister watching over the nautical-themed terrace.
The marine-inspired excellent Sailor’s Serenade menu is the fresh and cost-friendly cocktail option here, but it is the Unity menu that steals the show. Cocktails mixed with a variety of tonics made from harvested rainwater and with ingredients from across the globe result in a taste that is both distinctly homemade and yet exotic. Touches of mango make the Destiny cocktail a customer favourite, but the Middle-Eastern spices in the Purity cocktail won it for me. Splendid, Sir.
Cocktails from £14. 30 Portman Sq, Marylebone. Book here.
18. Grab a bottle at Bottles
Bottles is a gorgeous little spot with a colourful aesthetic that seems to mix an authentic Mediterranean wine bar and a French bohemian dining spot.
There’s an exhaustive (and we mean exhaustive) wine list focusing primarily on Italy and France but includes a ‘new world’ section ranging from New Zealand to Georgia – some using indigenous grapes, others are organic, vegan, riserva or orange. There’s also an excellent small food menu with which the chefs very nearly steal the wine’s thunder. Is Bottles a date spot or a post-work food stop? Frankly, we don’t know and we don’t care. Just go and crack a bottle. It’s a 10 either way.
Wine bottles from £35. Mains from £16. 67 Brushfield St, Tower Hamlets. Book here.
19. Have a beer and chill under the arches at Bird House Brewery
A couple minutes walk from Herne Hill station, you’ll find it hidden this laid-back, outdoor brewery under a rustic railway arch (think Bermondsey Arches vibes but less crowded). With great food and delicious cocktails, it ideal for a family day out (it’s dog friendly!) or a night with friends with live music (or DJs at the weekend), a big variety of quality beers on tap, and just all-around fun, chill, vibes.
Burgers from £9. Cocktails from £11. Arch 1127, Bath Factory Estate, Herne Hill. Book here.
20. Catch the sunset at Searcys at Horizon 22
This August you can watch the sun set over the city in style at Searcys at Horizon 22. Usually only available for private events after dusk, they’re opening up Level 58 of the City’s tallest building for a sparkling sundowner every Friday for a month.
£29.50pp and include a glass of Searcys Champagne. 22 Bishopsgate, The City. Book here.
21. Try some of the best mezcal cocktails in London at KOL Mezcaleria
Sleek and simplistically designed with a jagged bar top, alebrijes statues and palms dotted all around – this is a space that feels decades lived in, aiming to recreate the authentic and atmospheric vibes of a classic Mexican cantina.
Mezcaleria’s cocktail menu has the same clear ethos as the Michelin Star restaurant upstairs – a devotion to Mexican recipes and spirits but made from British-sourced ingredients (expect the likes of whisky, lager and chamomile to appear across the menu). Our favourite cocktail was the Hot&Cold, a devilishly sweet mix of cacao, woodruff, white chocolate cream and – of course – don cafe mezcal.
Cocktails from £16. 9 Seymour St, Marylebone. Book here.
22. Try elegant Indian cocktails at Mint Leaf
The signature cocktail menu at Mint Leaf – the chic Indian restaurant in Bank – is full of winners. We recommend the ‘Hanging Garden’, a creamy and mango-infused twist on the classic Pina Colada. For the food, the duck paired with figs blends sweet and savoury together beautifully, while the Lamb Chettinad curry for a main might just be one of the most tender pieces of meat you have ever tried. A date night must.
Signature cocktails from £16 and mains from £23. 12 Angel Ct, Bank. Book here.
What’s on
23. Get your mind-blown at The Paradox Museum
The Paradox Museum has finally arrived in London. The worldwide brand has been captivating visitors for years and has set up in Knightsbridge. Expect captivating optical illusions, mind-bending exhibitions and wacky photo opportunities.
90 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge. Book your tickets here.
24. Expect the unexpected at The Circus
HERE at Outernet is transforming into a big top this weekend with the launch of EE Home Presents: The Circus, a spectacular live action, immersive theatre performance with jaw-dropping stunts and acrobatics for families to enjoy. Tickets for a 2-hour slot are £5, and can be purchased via here, with all funds raised going to Home-Start, a UK charity focused on equipping families with the necessary skills, confidence, and strength to nurture their children.
25. Strike a pose with Taylor Swift (sort of)
Eras Tour stops back off in London this weekend, meaning Swifties will be descending on Wembley in their thousands. Awaiting them is a unique open-air FREE photo exhibition that has opened at Wembley Park’s Outdoor Photo Gallery. Made up of 17 photos of Tay Tay’s most iconic moments from the tour, it’s perfect for posing next to with your bedazzled cowboy hat.
26. Enjoy a week of free activities at Eccleston Yards
Limber up at Eccleston Yards for the launch of STRETCH, a programme of FREE al fresco fitness and wellness classes ranging from pilates and yoga sessions to HIIT workouts. For some post-workout relaxation, Belgravia is also hosting summertime film screenings of A League of Their Own on 16 August and She’s The Man on 18 August. The fitness fest runs until 20 August – find the schedule and register your interest here.
27. Catch ‘Frankie Goes To Bollywood’ before it ends
Rifco Theatre Company’s latest production encapsulates what it means to be a British Indian and dream of home, family and heritage in this powerful and colourful musical with everything from heroic fights, typical Bollywood-style, wind-blowing romance, spectacular song and dance numbers and melodrama!
From £15. Until 18 August. Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank Centre. Book here.
28. Be bowled over by The Hundred
The Hundred has been bowling over fans across the country with ultra-fast games, fireworks and live music this summer, and there are a few more key games to be had in London.
The Group Stages continue this weekend with limited tickets left for The Eliminator at the Kia Oval on Saturday 17.
29. Watch ‘the most entertaining’ show in the West End
By Hugh Montgomery
WOW. What a difference a medium makes. Unlike the screen musical released in January that felt like a very pale imitation of the original 2004 film – on stage, Mean Girls the musical has its own high-octane energy and this near-flawless production inspires awe.
Where to start with the praise? The design is wondrous, Casey Nicholaw’s direction and choreography create some brilliant visuals, many of the songs resonate in a way that they simply didn’t on screen, and as for the performances, they are uniformly excellent, from Charlie Burn as conflicted heroine Cady to Georgina Castle as a formidable, statuesque Regina. Spin-off musicals from movies may be ten-a-penny these days, but this one really is a cut above most – in fact, you won’t find a more entertaining evening in the West End right now.
Tickets from £25. Savoy Theatre, West End. Book here.
30. Party away at the latest ‘Little Door’ venue
Known for their Orange, Yellow, Scarlet, and Blue Little Doors counterparts, a Violet has joined them in Carnaby. The Little Violet Door is a permanent house party. Or, as they describe it, it’s “a flatshare turned bar and restaurant” where you’ll find a DJ spinning on an island turntable. Watch our video review here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C-ATkSoIm3W
31. Try London’s smallest pub quiz at Finch Wine Bar
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Introducing London’s smallest pub quiz at the whimsical Finch in Brixton Village, where the cozy micro bar enhances the competition. Inspired by the owner’s quirky style, this event adds a new twist to the classic British pub quiz as locals and visitors alike join a weekly battle of wits. With a fine wine selection, teams of up to four compete in this vibrant, eclectic setting.
Wednesdays. Granville Arcade, Unit 89 Coldharbour Ln. Book here.
32. See Six The Musical
By Kristina Beanland
Thanks to casting TikToker Hannah Lowther, Six The Musical is gaining quite the following online, with videos of the famous MegaSix finale posted daily. But, it turns out that the show really does live up to the hype.
This is a story that attempts to reframe the historical narrative – giving a voice to the six women who have for centuries only been known as a King’s wife. It’s feminist and fabulous – and at times pretty emotional too. You can book tickets for the London show until May 2025, it’s also touring, so check out if it’s coming to a theatre near you.
Tickets from £34.50. Vaudeville Theatre, West End. Book here.
See you next week!
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