The short-lived summer has already started to fade away, but this week, as ever, London is its brilliant, exciting self.
For beer lovers, we have the return of the London Craft Beer Festival as well as pints going for just £2 across the capital.
We’re continuing our South Asian Heritage Month journey, with reviews of a new Nepalese Momo restaurant and the spectacular Frankie Goes To Bollywood production.
And if decorum is more your vibe, we have our top picks for where to go for Afternoon Tea Week.
Read on for a whole range of recommendations for August 10 and 11, handpicked as always by The Slice.
Welcome to the Slice
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.
Click here for this week’s edit of the best things to do in town – and if you want get the next edition before anyone else, sign up here!
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.
Don’t miss
1. Afternoon Tea Week
Afternoon Tea week (12-18 August) is set to arrive next Monday, 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).
2. London Craft Beer Festival
Something’s brewing at Wapping’s Tobacco Dock this weekend, as London Craft Beer Festival returns for a two-day fest of the good stuff. London breweries big and small will be pouring pints alongside food from Bone Daddies, Chick N’ Sours and Flesh & Buns, plus DJ sets and a country acoustic stage. Get your ‘all-in’ (entry AND beer) ticket from £59.90 here.
3. Check out Cocktails in the City’s summer series
Prefer a fruity little number to a pint? Cocktails in the City’s summer series continues with a boozy ‘Celebration Edition’ featuring stunning tipples from the likes of Zetter Townhouse, Bar Americain and Hutong. And to mark welcoming their 100,000th guest this summer, 100 lucky revellers will get their drink FREE on arrival.
4. Bag your free burger at Truman Brewery
This is actually happening next Wednesday, but we had to let you know. The Beefy Boys are bringing their famous patties to the Big Smoke to celebrate their new book launch, and they’re giving away 200 burgers for FREE.
Across two services from 12-3pm and 5-7pm, the first 100 lucky visitors to Brick Lane’s Truman Brewery will get a free patty straight from the book’s pages. Tunes from DJ BBQ and more surprises on the day. This is a run, not a walk affair.
5. Find the best place to watch the Olympics
Whether it’s the Men’s 100m Final or the splash-tastic Kayak Cross, we’re loving watching the action at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Head to official Team GB fan zones at Mayfair’s Grosvenor Square, Power Station Park in Battersea, Lewis Cubitt Square outside King’s Cross (which is also hosting Olympic-themed activitives, live music and medal celebrations with returning athletes) or Westfield Square to watch non-stop HD sports coverage.
You can also catch the Games at many of London’s cracking pop-up big screens, including Riverside East in London’s very own Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and Canary Wharf’s Summer Screens. Come on Team GB!
Best Olympian feasts
Champion Sports Bar at Harry Gordon’s. Best for: watching the action
Iconic sports brand Champion has set itself up in Selfridges’ equally iconic Harry Gordon’s Bar and Kitchen for the summer of sport. Catch the Games live-streamed and snack on classic American sports snacks. Mains from £8.95. LG Floor, Selfridges, 400 Oxford St. Book here.
OXBO Bankside. Best for: a breakfast of champions
A gold medal-worthy Olympic Brunch is coming to OXBO Bankside, complete with Olympic bunting, themed cocktails (we’ll be having the ‘Torch Bearer Blush’) and a decadent brunch spread. From £42pp (without alcohol), 10-11 August. Hilton Bankside, 2-8 Great Suffolk St. Book here.
Searcys St Pancras. Best for: if you’re on your way to Paris
If you’re taking the Eurostar to the Games, start your journey with a limited edition Afternoon Tea with a Parisian twist (mini Croque Monsieur anyone?). No time? They’ll do a to-go drinks package (from £45) including a bottle of bubbly, two travel glasses, and a chiller to keep it crisp all the way to Paris and beyond. From £49pp, St Pancras Station. Book here.
6. Continue your South Asian Heritage Month journey at Eat Momo
Eat Momo draws its inspiration from the rich tapestry of regional recipes across Nepal and is served ‘canteen-style’ with an open kitchen, riverside terrace as well as a grab and go hatch for a quick Momo stop – an ode to how you’d find the staple food in every corner of the country, from small street vendors to fancy restaurants.
There’s something for everyone with chicken, pork, and beef dumplings flavoured with coriander and spices and vegetable dumplings with a ginger kick – along with delicious tomato chutney dipping sauce and spicy chili pickle. The momo-making emphasises fostering family and community bonds while celebrating the joy of simple, communal dining.
Momo from £13. Arch 229, 1 Bank End, Borough Market. Book here.
More places to visit for South Asian Heritage Month
Every week until 17 August, The Slice will be celebrating our favourite restaurants to mark South Asian Heritage Month.
Here are some of our recommendations:
India: Cinnamon Kitchen, Battersea
If you 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 – we recommend the Kochi style mussel on mini uttapams and the classic Old Delhi butter chicken. All aboard! £45pp. Available every day from 5pm. Book here.
Bangladesh: Dhakaah, Camden Market.
Pani puri fans will love Dhakaah’s Fuchka, a Bangla twist on the classic, featuring a crunchy shell and flavorful filling. But the true star was the pistachio kulfi – a sophisticated, subtly sweet traditional ice cream that feels just like a holiday. Watch our video review here. Small plates from £6. 2nd Floor, Hawley Wharf Market, Camden Lock. Walk-ins only.
7. Celebrate National Prosecco Day with unlimited prosecco and a main meal
In celebration of National Prosecco Day, Pivot Bar & Bistro is launching a bottomless prosecco offering which includes a main course and 90 minutes of unlimited prosecco for £35pp.
The offer begins on Tuesday 13 August and will be available between 12-6pm all week.
Best places to eat
8. Go all out at London’s Michelin-Starred West African restaurant
by Hiyah Zaidi
A few days later and I can still taste Akoko. It’s hard to believe the West African restaurant only received its first Michelin star this year, but then again, their Nigerian chef Ayo Adeyemi had only taken over less than two years ago. And in his reign, he has created a menu 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.
But it’s towards the end of the meal where Akoko cinches its lasting legacy. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 the meal.
It is both a beautiful oasis and disorientating – as you’re never quite far enough away from the goings-on of a chic hotel. However, come here for the food and your focus will be transfixed to your plate. 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.
11. Enjoy a meal in the sunshine at The Broadcaster
By Kate Rice
Sunshine, cocktails, and a hell of a lot of food — there’s little to fault at The Broadcaster. The rooftop restaurant offers the classic combination of views and booze to accompany British summer time (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). While it’s not the cheapest spot in town, there are still more affordable options on the menu, and a vast drinks list if you’re just looking to have a sip in the sun.
Bar snacks from £5, mains from £16. 89 Wood Lane, White City. Book here.
12. Try Richmond’s new Pasta Emporium with a self-serve wine machine
The brand new Emporium is Pasta Evangelists’ very first dedicated restaurant space and a lot of work has gone into making it a real experience — 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.
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. The only downside is the price: you’ll need a side on top of the £20 short ribs if you’re hungry. But 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.
13. 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.
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.
15. 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.
16. 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
17. 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.
18. Experience a life of luxury at Churchill Bar & Terrace
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.
Just like Churchill, it borders on cartoonish, but due to a quite exquisite cocktail menu, it works. The marine-inspired excellent Sailor’s Serenade menu is the fresh and cost-friendly cocktail option, with the signature menu sporting some small wonders such as its Espresso Zabaglione – made some a vodka sauvelle infused with left-over pain au chocolat from breakfast.
But it is the Unity menu that steals the show here. 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. Do the themes of the high-class, cigar-smoking Churchill quite work with a nautical theme and sustainable rainwater harvesting? The sum of its parts might feel disorienting, but the parts themselves? Splendid, Sir.
Cocktails from £14. 30 Portman Sq, Marylebone. Book here.
19. Grab a bottle at Bottles
Bottles is a gorgeous little spot. There’s wine bottle upon wine bottle stored in wooden crates that stretch up to the bamboo-covered ceiling lined with fairy lights. It has a busy and 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 a small food menu with which the chefs very nearly steal the wine’s thunder, with the pea and smoked ricotta arancini, and the lamb-ragu gnocchi both exceptionally and deliciously creamy. 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.
20. 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). The cheeseburger with caramelised onions and fresh gherkins is simple but delicious – a no-brainer for a balmy late afternoon – and there’s a range of classic cocktails too, our pick being the refreshing (with a kick) Picante. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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
24. Frankie Goes To Bollywood
There’s nothing that connects me more to my roots than Bollywood; I grew up absolutely enraptured by the glitz, glamour and of course, drama of B-town and wanted to ‘go into the movies’ – just like Frankie.
Frankie never sought stardom, but a chance encounter with a director lands her in the glittering world of Bollywood where she must fight to stay true to herself amid the indulgence of fame. 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!
Frankie takes her audience on a ride to expose the reality behind the reels without losing the charm and love at the heart of B-town cinema, turns out it really is all about loving your family…
From £15. Until 18 August. Queen Elizabeth Hall, South Bank Centre. Book here.
25. 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 Friday at the iconic Lord’s ground before The Eliminator at the Kia Oval on Saturday 17.
26. Watch ‘the most entertaining’ show in the West End
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.
27. 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:
28. 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.
29. 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.
Wednesdays. Granville Arcade, Unit 89 Coldharbour Ln. Book here.
30. 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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