A long-overdue heatwave is expected this weekend – perfect for going out and pretending it’s been a ‘long hot summer’ (Girls Aloud fans, do read on).
If it inevitably rains however, we’ve got you covered with the fun and fashionable vibes July should have been, with daiquiris, mezcal cocktails, and a bar so popular with celebrities that even Kate Moss celebrated her birthday there…
Read on for a whole range of recommendations for July 13 and 14, handpicked as always by The Slice.
Don’t miss
1. Dine like the celebrities 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 highlight of the meal, however, was the aged rib-eye steak. Tender and cooked to perfection, with an accompanying gravy which added depth and richness to each bite. 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). For the high-celebrity history of Julie’s, the prices aren’t cheap, but a three-course meal can come in under £60. Of course, at a place like this, it doesn’t take a lot for the bill to grow (ours hit £200), but to hang out where the crème de la crème hung out, with this standard of food – count us in. 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.
🎥 You can watch our video review on our Instagram channel here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C9CZXUsIDd4
2. Try some of the best mezcal cocktails in London at KOL Mezcaleria
By Jeremy Ullmann
At the bottom of a Marylebone spiral staircase underlit in a beautiful golden glow, you’ll find – seemingly carved straight out of stone – 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. KOL are mezcal masters so ensure you try a sip of their own mezcal – bottled in England but sourced in Mexico in collaboration with the Sin Gusano project. Ask the waiters for the history of whichever mezcal you try – the detail of the production (right down to the type of equipment used) is an education in mezcal production you might never have realised you needed.
Cocktails from £16. 9 Seymour St, Marylebone. Book here.
3. Grab yourself a free ice cream
🍦 To celebrate National Ice Cream Day on 21st July, Oxford Street’s Kebhouze is giving away a free tub of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream with every kebab meal purchase. All you need to do? Quote ‘Ice Ice Baby’ when you order. We don’t make the rules…
Best places to eat
4. Discover delicious Egyptian cuisine at Alaz
Filled with community charm, Alaz (meaning ‘more delicious’ in Arabic) is the restaurant born out of Sabrina Tolba’s hugely popular Egyptian catering business with her business partner Abeer Abdelghany. One of the most endearing aspects of this vibrant dining experience is that there are very few shallow-end entry points for the Western palette. Authenticity is key here, and homemade street food favourites such as the carb-heavy Koshari and the rich Molokheya made from jute leaves have all the traditional flavouring that takes a few bites to acclimatise to but rest assured, you’re rewarded handsomely. There are no stereotypes here so don’t expect to see statues of pharaohs and pyramids to enchant you in, instead let good food do what good food does best – make you nostalgic for a place you might have never visited before.
Mains from £11.95. 448 Chiswick High Rd, Chiswick. No need to book – walk-ins are encouraged. Find out more here.
5. Visit Somerset House’s new veggie cafe
Entering Cafe Petiole, you are instantly drawn to the counter loaded with pastries, cakes, and overflowing, colourful salads. 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.
6. Like Sushi? These are some of our favourite spots
Taku. Best for: a once-in-a-year experience
We’re not kidding, at £160pp for a lunch tasting omakase, this is in the very top tier of affordability for most Londoners, but trust us when we say it is worth saving up for. 1 Michelin Star spell-binding flavours, remarkably skilful chefs and an intimate environment – this is sushi fine dining turned up to 100. But good lord, is it an experience. 36 Albemarle St, Mayfair. Book here.
Miyako. Best for: a post-work sushi
Of the thousands who commute into Liverpool Street station, most have probably passed Miyako – a delightful and traditional sushi joint. It is very reasonably priced for what is standard but deliciously fresh sushi, and a variety of excellent sake options (plus sake-based cocktails). Try the Nasu Dengaku (miso-infused aubergine) – there’s nothing quite like it. Book here. 40 Liverpool St.
Temaki. Best for: an affordable finger food delight
Brixton Market is an underrated foodie gold mine – and Temaki is a SW2 local favourite for a reason. Set up like a traditional sushi house – you get a full authentic experience but for a fraction of the cost of the higher-end restaurants. The Wagyu tataki stands out here; melt-in-your-mouth, salty, crispy, garlicky, heavenly. 12 Market Row, Brixton. Book here.
7. Visit Richmond’s new rotisserie paradise
If you’re looking for somewhere to go for bottomless brunch or dinner this weekend and fancy escaping central London for a bit, rotisserie chicken spot Cocotte has opened a brand new restaurant in Richmond this week. The new 62-seater eatery is serving up chicken, burgers, chicken & truffle croquettes, as well as French Remoulade, with a range of tasty sides and their famous secret sauces.
Customers can sit inside, or if the weather is good this weekend there’s also an outdoor terrace where you can catch some rays while sipping on a Margarita, Amaretto Sour, or a mocktail of your choice.
8. Try the world’s best pizza – in Chiswick
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Europe’s best pizza would be found in Italy, somewhere like Rome or Naples. Luckily for us, it happens to be right here in London.
Napoli On The Road, which has restaurants in Chiswick and Richmond, was recently crowned the best pizzeria in Europe in the 50 Top Pizza Awards 2024. If that wasn’t enough, owner Michele Pascarella, a chef from Naples who has been making pizza since he was 11 years old, was crowned the best pizza chef in the world at the most recent World 50 Top Pizza Awards. And the pizza really is that good – read our full review of Napoli On The Road here.
Pizzas from £11.95. 9A Devonshire Rd, Chiswick; 12 Red Lion St, Richmond. Book here.
9. Indulge in Le Choux’s juicy cookies
Le Choux has become a new London favourite (and staple) when it comes to the bakery game, and we can see why. Founded by the lovely Abigail with humble beginnings at Old Spitalfields Market, she’s grown the business to her own kitchen & shop in Notting Hill! The team are French choux pastry specialists, offering profiteroles and french patisserie in London with some pretty fun concepts like the profiterole choux-eclair. If you’re looking for large juicy cookies, crispy choux or if you just fancy a sweet treat when you’re in West London – this is the place for you!
10. Taste TA-KO’s delicious tacos
By Courtney Pochin
Stoke Newington is a trek for those south of the river, but trust me, TA-KO is worth the journey. Order the veggie tacos – sublime char siu jackfruit is just like eating pulled pork, but my favourite had crispy cauliflower with black bean and tamarind ragu, avocado and pepper mayo, it has such a good crunch. Delicious drinks, game-changing food, and everything is gluten-free.
Ta-kos from £5. 8 Stoke Newington High St. Book here.
11. 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
12. 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.
13. Try elegant Indian cocktails at Mint Leaf
A chic champagne bar and a cosy cocktail lounge are not what you typically expect to find in an Indian restaurant, but we can confirm – it works. On arrival at Mint Leaf, you’ll also be greeted by a resident DJ playing mellow house music while clutching a pair of maracas in each hand. The signature cocktail menu is full of winners, but we recommend the ‘Hanging Garden’, a creamy and mango-infused twist on the classic Pina Colada. Onto the food. For starters, 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.
14. Embrace your love for bubbles and ballet at The Landmark
Step into the Rose Garden at The Landmark London’s champagne bar to enjoy cocktails as ballerinas gently dance around you. The beautiful floral setting, designed by Mary Jane Vaughan, is filled with fresh pink and white flowers from English farms, celebrating the hotel’s British heritage. Each sip of champagne, surrounded by the sweet scent, makes for a delightful summer experience in the heart of Marylebone.
What’s on
15. 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. Book your tickets here.
16. 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.
17. Revisit Barbie Land at the Design Museum’s new exhibition
💕 Hiya Barbie! A year on from the doll’s billion-dollar film mega hit, a special exhibition has launched at the Design Museum which explores the evolution of the world’s most famous doll. Book here.
18. Take the kids out to Babylon Park
Ideal summer holiday fun particularly on a rainy day (which, let’s face it, we can probably expect more of them), for children and those looking for nostalgia. Spread over two floors, there are things for children of all ages, including a roller coaster and retro games. The unlimited pass is worth paying for, if it’s available.
8 Castlehaven Road, Camden. Book here.
See you next week!
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