If you love a spicy marg, then you’re in for a treat this weekend.
In honour of National Tequila Day, some of our fave London hangouts are treating us to boozy tequila and taco deals and freebies.
Elsewhere there’s a whistle-stop culinary tour of India, London’s smallest pub quiz, or if you’re growing tired of Hinge, a very special speed-dating session next week (hint: there’s wine involved).
Or try out an amazing new restaurant, enjoy the sunny weekend at a rooftop bar or head to the West End for some knockout theatre.
Read on for a whole range of recommendations for July 27 and 28, handpicked as always by The Slice.
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The Slice is your weekly guide to what’s happening in London, so if you’re looking for restaurant reviews, drinks deals or just a great new exhibition to visit on a rainy Saturday in the capital, we’ve got you covered.
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If you want to do it all on the cheap, you can also find our latest batch of exclusive hand-picked offers in partnership with Time Out here.
1. Start your South Asian Heritage Month Journey at Cinnamon’s Kitchen
If you really want a taste of India, you need to embark on the wonderful gastronomic voyage that is ‘Rakesh Nair’s Railway Journey Feast.’ Take your taste buds for a ride along the enchanting route of the Himsagar Express, from the coastal splendour of Kanyakumari to the serene landscapes of Kashmir – we recommend the Kochi style mussel on mini uttappams and the classic Old Delhi butter chicken.
But the best part? You’ll feast on these cultural delights in the restaurant’s mezzanine artfully transformed into a ‘First-Class railway carriage,’ complete with evocative scenic artwork, vintage railway station cards and even a conductor who will come to take your ticket. All aboard!
‘Rakesh Nair’s Railway Journey Feast’ is priced at £45pp* and available every day from 5pm. Book here.
Every week until 17 August, The Slice will be celebrating our favourite restaurants to mark South Asian Heritage Month.
2. Find love at Davy’s Wine Vaults‘ Wine Dating
Remember the days when you’d actually go up to someone in a bar, versus scrolling through their filtered pics on Hinge/Tinder and not even recognising them when you finally meet?
Well, First Glass Events are luring singletons out of their app-based comfort zones for an evening of real people meeting each other in person, against the backdrop of a wine tasting. The event is hosted by a qualified wine professional who’ll guide you through five glasses of premium wines and involves you working with those around you to solve wine-based challenges.
And get this, they have a unique wine palate pairing system to calculate who in the room you’re most closely aligned to, which you’ll only discover at the end of the night. Who knows, you could be leaving with new friends, a future partner, a passion for wine or all three.
£39 per person. 31 July, 161 Greenwich High Rd, Greenwich. Book here.
Try these amazing tequila deals for National Tequila Day
La Bodega Negra. Cazcabel Tequila has teamed up with Soho’s La Bodega Negra to offer a £15 ‘Tacos & Tequila’ offer. The deals involves one classic Margarita and two tasty tacos from their legendary upstairs menu. All you have to do is whisper to secret word ‘Agave’. Available until July 28. 9 Old Compton St, Soho. Book here.
El Ta’koy. Covent Garden’s Hawaiian street food hotspot El Ta’koy is offering a 60-minute, £35pp deal which covers unlimited tacos including (among others) kalua pork with pineapple and sour cream, chicken annato with chipotle agave and el vegetariano with roasted mushrooms. Wash it all down with unlimited margaritas! 3 Henrietta St, Covent Gdn. Book here.
Peckham Arches. El Rayo is bringing the party to Peckham this Friday with free T&Ts (that’s a tequila and tonic, and yup, it’s really good) discounts, tunes, and some South London sunshine at cool neighbourhood spot Peckham Arches. Or look upwards to rooftop bars Forza Wine and Frank’s Cafe for 2-for-1 happy hour T&Ts on Thursday and Saturday respectively.
Best places to eat
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Be brave and try some of these wacky flavoured ice creams
The Ice Cream Project by Anya Hindmarch returns for its third year. This year, favourites like Heinz baked beans and Kikkoman soy sauce are back, along with Branston piccalilli and Maldon sea salt.
This fun concept makes for a great outing with friends if you’re willing to splurge and brave enough for the blind taste tests.
11A Pont St, Belgravia.
Like Sushi? These are some of our favourite spots
Taku Best for: a once-in-a-year experience
Michelin Star spell-binding flavours, remarkably skilful chefs and an intimate environment – this is sushi fine dining turned up to 100. 36 Albemarle St, Mayfair. Book here.
Miyako Best for: a post-work sushi
Miyako, a delightful and traditional sushi joint 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). Book here. 40 Liverpool St.
Temaki Best for: an affordable finger food delight
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.
6. 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
7. 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.
8. Try some of the best mezcal cocktails in London at KOL Mezcaleria
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.
9. 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.
What’s on
10. Chill out at Ben and Jerry’s Sundaes in the Park festival
Ben & Jerry’s annual festival returns to London at Chiswick House this Saturday, 27 July. Featuring music headlined by Shingai from Noisettes, expect unlimited ice cream, crafts and community activities. Tickets are £15 with proceeds supporting refugee charities. Tickets are going fast so book yours here!
11. 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.
12. Try London’s smallest pub quiz at Finch Wine Bar
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.
Don’t worry if you’re not the strongest on obscure sportspeople and world capitals, the lively atmosphere, strong drinks, and tasty small plates make a night here a triumph anyway. Winners advance to the grand finale at Plume Wine Bar in Covent Garden on August 28. See you there, mastermind…
Wednesdays. Granville Arcade, Unit 89 Coldharbour Ln. Book here.
13. See Six The Musical
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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