Have you melted yet?
We’re making the most of the heatwave with picky bits, spicy margs, live sports in the sunshine and of course, ice cream! London’s never looked hotter.
Wimbledon is finally here and the Euros knockout stage is about to begin, so there are plenty of things to do!
Or dodge the sports, visit an amazing new restaurant, enjoy the sun at a rooftop bar and enjoy…at long last, summer in London.
Read on for a whole range of recommendations for 29 and 30 June, 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!
Don’t miss
1. Book now to watch Wimbledon on the big screen
London’s iconic summer staple tennis tournament is back! If you’re wondering where you can watch the matches (hopefully in the glorious sunlight), we’ve got you covered:
FREE King’s Cross: Everyman – watch from the iconic canal-side green-steps
Chelsea: Bluebird Chelsea – expect giant tennis ball decorations
FREE Battersea: Power Station Park as part of The Wimbledon Experience
FREE Vauxhall: Metropolis London
Mayfair: Langan’s Brasserie – make sure to grab their new ‘Sidecourt Sour’ cocktail
FREE Canary Wharf: Summer screens – you can also catch other live sports and free film screenings here too
FREE Waterloo: The Refinery Bankside – one of the largest screens in the capital
FREE Paddington: Merchant Square – from 11am every day with al fresco cocktails available
Best places to eat
2. Have a dazzling afternoon tea in a West End theatre
Is there a more fitting way to mark Pride month than with afternoon tea in a West End theatre?
The Lane is doing their bit by serving up indulgent afternoon treats and donating £1 from every tea sold to Diversity Role Models.
Surrounded by the Grand Saloon’s ornate ceilings and dazzling chandeliers, guests are presented with a myriad of sweet and savoury treats served on fine bone china. The smoked salmon crumpets go down a treat, while the cakes have been given a timely, colourful twist for Pride month. Book here.
3. Try Jackson Boxer’s new Parisian-inspired restaurant Henri
Jackson Boxer is annoyingly handsome, talented and successful, isn’t he? Now, he’s only gone and opened a ‘glamorous and playful’, Parisian-inspired restaurant on the ground floor of the Henrietta Experimental Hotel in Covent Garden. It’s called Henri, and delivers Jackson’s unique take on Parisian classics like ‘Fried Pied de Cochon’, ‘Grilled Snails with Green Garlic’ and ‘Steak-Frites’ as a lunchtime staple. And don’t get me started on the decadent fried eggs with morels (see image).
A serious 1kg Côte de Boeuf is also available to share with sides such as Duck Fat Fries; Green Beans; and Pomme Purée. Drinks-wise, you’re in expertly-jiggered hands with cocktails courtesy of the Experimental Group, known for bringing Parisian cocktail culture to London, alongside a mostly-french-focused wine list to peruse.
It’s haut-brasserie-meets-gastro pub, combining enough interior wood panelling, velvet and leather that even I can’t help being grudgingly turned on by it.
Starters from £8, grill from £23. 14-15 Henrietta St, Covent Garden. Book here.
4. Scoop up these ice creams for Ice Cream Month
It’s nearly 30 degrees outside. Ice Cream Month couldn’t have come at a better time… Here are a few of our favourites:
Anita. From humble beginnings in a small Mediterranean kitchen almost 20 years ago, Mama Anita’s traditional gelato is now world famous. The flavours are 100% handmade and there are over 150 different kinds of frozen yoghurt, sorbets and more to try. Pop over to our TikTok channel for our full verdict.
Ice Cream Project. Love a weird flavour combo? So does Anya Hindmarch. Her wacky pop-up parlour is back for its third summer with bizarre serves including Heinz Beanz, Branston Piccalilli and Perello Olive. We can’t decide whether we love it or not – tell us what you think!
Pastaio x Soft n Swirly. Soho’s Pastaio are beating the heat by inviting East London legends Soft n Swirly to churn out their cherry soft serve this weekend, in a cone or as a special sundae. They’ll also £1 from each soft serve sold to London LGBTQ+ Community Centre. Sweet!
5. Build your own cheese box at Grape & Fig
Tis the season for picky bits, and there’s no better place than London’s first build-your-own charcuterie board pop-up. Located just off Oxford Street and founded by sisters Toria and Catherine, this is the grazing bar of your dreams.
Start with an empty box, and then fill it with your choice of nuts, cheese, fruits, crackers and more. They even pack it for you so it’s beautifully presented (see below!) – perfect for snapping some gorgeous pics. Now that’s what we call girl dinner! Book here.
6. Taste TA-KO’s delicious tacos
Stoke Newington is a trek for those south of the river, but trust me, TA-KO is worth the journey. Dinner at this newly opened, Asian-inspired taco joint must be started with a cocktail – I recommend the Jalapeno Spicy Marg, which is the spicy marg to end all spicy margs.
Next 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. An order of tortilla chips with white bean, miso and sesame dip is a must, along with the ‘MSG’ Fries. (Spoiler: They’re not actually made with MSG, but through some culinary wizardry, TA-KO has recreated the addictive taste down to a T. And don’t even get me started on the team’s blackberry sriracha, it’s divine. If they bottled that stuff and sold it, they’d make a killing.) Delicious drinks, game-changing food, and everything is gluten-free.
Ta-kos from £5. 8 Stoke Newington High St. Book here.
7. 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.
8. Class up your burger game with truffle burgers
Supra Burger are the newest burger kids on the block, launching five new burgers at rotisserie chicken restaurant Cocotte in Queen’s Park. Are they yummy? Yes. The Truffle Burger comes top for us (see the full selection here), with the perfect amount of that fragrant fungus (unlike the fries – totally overpowering). The burgers were packed with flavour and a generous fistful of toppings, but the smash patties are on the oiler side. Fear not if you’re here for chicken, the crispy tenders are worth adding on.
From £11.50. 79 Salusbury Road, Queen’s Park. Find out more here.
Where to go for a drink
9. 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.
10. Dance the night away at Little Violet Door
Following on from its house party siblings the Little Scarlet, Yellow, Blue and Orange Doors across London, The Little Violet Door has now opened in Carnaby. Expect kitchen discos, late night cocktails and good vibes all night long.
Book your table here.
What’s on
11. Find the perfect place to cheer your team on at the Euros
Drinks on ice, flags at the ready, national anthem nailed. The knockout stages of EURO 2024 is kicking off this Saturday, and incase you haven’t chosen where you’re going to be yet, we’ve compiled a list of the best pub gardens and big screens to watch the matches over the next few weeks.
Check out our handy guide right here.
12. Book your tickets for the FRIENDS™ Experience at ExCel
The FRIENDS™ Experience will be opening its doors in a brand-new London location at ExCeL, making the capital its permanent long-term home.
Step onto the iconic nostalgia-packed set recreations and discover some behind-the-scenes insights into the show.
Get your tickets here.
13. Laugh along to Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew ★★★
Reviewed by Gregory Robinson
Jude Christian’s version of The Taming of the Shrew at the Shakespeare’s Globe has an impressive ensemble cast who deliver lines from the classic comedy undeterred by the sound of whirring jets that fly past – it all adds to the ambience after all. Once again we see the courtship of Kate (the Shrew) and Petruchio. This headstrong Kate is unlike any other we’ve seen before, and she has a monumental moment towards the end of the show that is worth the ticket alone. Perched on stage is a giant inflatable teddy bear, which looks unlike a prop from Miley Cyrus’ garish Bangerz era. But the physical comedy (particularly Tyreke Leslie who plays Tirano), the occasional modern swear word and some magnificent audience interactions meant that even the folks who stood for over two hours until the show’s end were roaring with laughter.
From £10. until 26 October. Globe Theatre, Southbank. Book here.
14. 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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