Spring is in the air and London is in full bloom. There’s no better time to get into the midst of it all and embrace what the capital has to offer – from thought-provoking art exhibitions to unique dining experiences. Below, we’ve compiled an edit of the best ways to spend your time (and money) this month in London.
Alba
Alba was designed by the award winning architecture studio, YODEZEEN, and captures La Dolce Vita in the heart of Knightsbridge. A vast room is filled with real citrus trees, which perfume the air, and a handmade Venetian floor. Drawing on al fresco dining culture, the design seamlessly merges the joy of indoor and outdoor dining within the restaurant. The menu reflects the very best of Italian food. La Figliata di Battipaglia, or ‘a pregnant mozzarella’ as they call it in Campania, sits alongside Culatello di Zibello, or “little ass” in Italian, while cured meats exclusively crafted in eight towns within Parma's province are a highlight. Can't quite make it to Italy, but fancy a slice of what the country has to offer a tube ride away? This is your place.
Shiro
Shiro, which is located at Liverpool Street's buzzy Upper Broadgate Circle development, is where you'll find some of the best sushi in the capital. Shiro cuisine is inspired by Japan’s foodie hot spots; Ginza, Shinjuku and Shibuya in Tokyo, and the restaurant promises to offer an authentic taste of Ginza in the heart of the City, and that is does. Highlights on the menu include Kabocha pumpkin gyoza, botan ebi & avocado crystal sushi, akami tuna edomae and wagyu beef & sea urchin.
Where? 100 Broadgate, City of London, London EC2M 2QS
Brunch at the Shard
If you're after brunch with a view, there's only one place to head. The Shard doesn't just offer spectacular views across the city, but one of the most delicious weekend brunch menus. The three-course brunch comprises dishes like the fluffy pancakes to start, followed by the Shard Breakfast, made up of British favourites like Cumberland sausage, maple cured bacon and black pudding, and Jimmy Butler’s Pork Chop, with apple purée. Top it all off with a Chocolate Dome or baked Alaska. It's true indulgence in the finest of settings.
Where? The Shard, 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG
How much? £65 per person
The Art of Japanese Whisky
Whether you’re already a Japanese whisky lover or are keen to learn more about it, this exclusive masterclass at The Aubrey will only heighten your knowledge about and enthusiasm for the spirit. Hosted by The Aubrey’s Head Sommelier Maxim Kassir, the event delves into the origins and craftsmanship of Japanese whisky, while offering a harmonious pairing of whiskies with traditional Japanese dishes and innovative culinary creations.
When? 19 March, 23 April
Where? The Ukiyo Room, The Aubrey
How much? £198 per person
World Tiramisu Day at Daroco
Yes, World Tiramisu Day is a thing: make the most of it with a beeline straight to Daroco in Soho. From the 14th March, the buzzy Italian restaurant is launching an exclusive Tiramisu Menu featuring three new flavours – pistachio, hazelnut and matcha – created by Executive Chef Daniele de Luca. On the day itself (21st March, note it down), the Daroco team is taking things even further, by offering a complimentary tiramisu to its guests.
When? New menu from 14th March; complimentary tiramisu on 21st March
Where? Daroco, Soho
Harvey Nichols x Trullo
Islington’s beloved Italian restaurant Trullo is bringing its iconic menu of seasonally-focused dishes to Knightsbridge as part of a three-month residency at Harvey Nichols. Setting up on the iconic department store’s fifth floor, the pop-up restaurant will be built around Trullo’s core of regional Italian dishes, including their iconic beef shin ragu and pici cacio e pepe, with the addition of luxurious flourishes like tagliarini with Beluga caviar; grilled dover sole with Palourde clams and Datterini tomatoes.
When? Until June
Where? Fifth floor Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge
Quo Vadis & Friends: Swaledale
Quo Vadis & Friends, now in its ninth year, has seen Chef Proprietor Jeremy Lee MBE invite his friends from some of the most impressive kitchens in London and further afield. This month, Quo Vadis welcomes Swaledale, the restaurant’s stalwart suppliers of the finest British meat. Jeremy, along with Swaledale’s masterful George Ryle, has designed a four-course feast that showcases each element of their produce and includes everything from sweetbreads to tongue, heart and the crowning glory of a mutton suet pudding with kidneys.
When? 7pm, 19 March
Where? Quo Vadis, Soho
How much? £85 per person
Wine tasting at Toklas
Beloved Mediterranean restaurant Toklas is hosting an exclusive guided wine tasting with Cecilia Diaz, the passionate winemaker behind La Mariota, a rising star of the Roussillon region. Join Cecilia as she guides you through a tasting of their exceptional wines, sharing insights into their winemaking philosophy and the unique character of Roussillon’s terroir.
When? From 6pm, 6 March
Where? Toklas, 180 The Strand
How much? £25 per person
London Calling Afternoon Tea
Haymarket Hotel’s new afternoon tea, ‘London Calling', celebrates London's landmarks with a uniquely British tradition. A selection of savoury treats will be served, alongside homemade pastries that pay tribute to the capital's sights – from dark chocolate and orange Big Ben to Trafalgar Square Victoria Sponge.
When? Daily, from 12pm – 4:45pm
Where? Brumus, Haymarket Hotel
How much? £50 per person / £62 per person with a glass of Langham Estate 'Culver Classic Cuvée' or the 'London Buzz' cocktail
The Emory Cigar Merchants
Located on the tenth floor of The Emory, the Cigar Merchants is a new rooftop sanctuary where cigar lovers can gather to sample the world’s finest cigars against the backdrop of London’s stunning skyline, while enjoying a drink from the neighbouring rooftop bar. The Merchants’ collection includes nearly 200 different cigars available by the stick, or by the box. The collection is predominantly a Cuban selection, varying from current production stock, to Limited and Regional Editions, special release humidors, Gran Reservas and pre-Castro cigars.
When? Now open
Where? The Emory, Knightsbridge
St. Patrick’s Day at Langan’s Brasserie
Iconic Mayfair institution Langan’s is honouring its Irish roots this St. Patrick’s Day, with a special set lunch menu featuring traditional items like smoked salmon with soda bread, Dublin Bay prawn cocktail, Irish oysters and roast cod with colcannon and mussel sauce. There’ll also be lively Irish entertainment, complimentary whiskey courtesy of Jameson Black Barrel, and plenty of the ‘black stuff’, a.k.a. Guinness.
When? 12-4pm, 16 March
Where? Langan’s Brasserie, Mayfair
How much? £95 per person
Broadwick Soho x Acme Fire Cult Pinsa
Broadwick Soho’s Bar Jackie has opened its doors to the buzzy Dalston restaurant Acme Fire Cult. From 8 January - 31 March, guests at Bar Jackie can discover a limited edition Pinsa inspired by Acme’s signature dish: Coal Roast Leeks with Pistachio Romanesco. A live-fire concept from chefs Andrew Clarke & Daniel Watkins, Acme Fire Cult has become a hit in East London, which now exists in the heart of London's entertainment district. The highight? The Catalonian classic 'calçots con salsa romesco' (limited-edition Roast Leek & Pistachio Romesco Pinsa Romana), which is cooked on the fiery coals in front of you.
When? Until 31 March
Where? Broadwick Soho
Ivan Orkin residency at Kaia
You’ll likely know Ivan Orkin as a Chef’s Table favourite, the no-nonsense cook who took Japan by storm during the noughties and 2010s through his singular, original bowls of ramen. Orkin, who now operates in New York, has set up temporarily in The Ned, taking over in-house-restaurant Kaia for the next six weeks. There is Ibérico pork collar tsukemen anchored by a suckling-pig broth; a bright and clean tori shoyu wonton men; and a luscious lobster mazemen, created with thick rye noodles and made punchy with house-made XO sauce and scallop floss. There’s also a truffled shoyu ramen for vegans. This is perhaps the best noodle spot in town right now.
When? Until 20 March
Where? Kaia, The Ned
Leigh Bowery! at Tate Modern
Artist, performer, model, TV personality, club promoter, fashion designer and musician Leigh Bowery led a boundary-pushing career in 1980s London before his tragic death at the age of 33. A new Tate Modern exhibition will celebrate his life and work, displaying some of his looks and collaborations with the likes of Michael Clark, Charles Atlas, Nick Knight, Lucian Freud and more.
When? 27 February – 31 August
Where? Tate Modern, Bankside
How much? £18
Six Nations
Rugby fever is in the air, as the Six Nations tournament kicks off for another year and England, France, Italy, Scotland, Wales and Ireland battle it out for the title. Games take place at venues including Paris’ Stade de France, Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, and London’s very own Twickenham Stadium but those without tickets can catch games in pubs and beer gardens all across the capital.
When? Until 15 March
Where? Around London
How much? Free
The Seagull
Thomas Ostermeier's new production of Chekhov’s The Seagull, showing for six weeks only at The Barbican, stars Cate Blanchett as larger-than-life actress Arkadina and Tom Burke as her writer lover. The timeless story unfolds in a gripping tale of vanity, power and sacrifices made in the name of art.
When? Until 5th April
Where? Barbican Theatre
How much? From £20
La Môme London
Looking to escape the London winter? Step out of the cold and into The Berkeley, where French restaurateurs Ugo and Antoine Lecorché are bringing the glamour of the French Riviera, with their latest iteration of legendary Cannes restaurant La Môme, adored by movie stars, dignitaries, locals and visitors alike. Expect seductive interiors, tableside theatre and quintessential Mediterranean dishes that recall summertime in Provence.
When? From February
Where? The Berkeley, Knightsbridge
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