What To Do This Weekend 14.11.24

Samyukta Nair can find inspiration anywhere in the world – her restaurants already include Bombay Bustle and Jamavar (Indian), MiMi Mei Fair (Chinese), KOYN (Japanese and Thai) and Socca (French). Now, she’s turned her attention to Italy. Nipotina brings a cosy, homestyle Italian vibe to Mayfair, serving dishes made with seasonal ingredients from breakfast to late dinner. Turin-born chef Somaia Hammad leads the kitchen with a menu full of Italian classics and some unique touches like tortelli di aragosta alla vodka (lobster in spicy vodka sauce), triglia alla livornese (roasted red mullet with capers, olives and tomatoes) and Nonna Lina’s ricotta cake.

49 South Audley Street, Mayfair, W1K 2QE

Visit NIPOTINARISTORANTE.COM

Japanese concept Yari Club has just debuted in London, offering yakitori served by a robotic machine. The first UK restaurant to use this tech, its menu features eight yakitori skewers – like tsukune, kawa and momo – plus, a prawn tempura skewer. Sides include chicken karaage, corn tempura, truffle fries and yuzu pickles.

57 St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden, WC2N 4EA

Visit YARICLUB.COM

Cult Taiwanese favourite BAO is adding karaoke to its Marylebone location. The new BAO KTV room, decked out in red banquette seating and neon lights, offers over 300,000 songs and space for up to ten guests. Instead of a room hire fee, there’s a £35 a head minimum spend for a two-hour karaoke session. The menu features Taiwanese-style edamame, prawn shia song lettuce cups, classic pork belly and daikon mini baos. For a bit of courage before singing, try the homemade sake or call in an ice bucket of crisp Taiwanese beers.

56 James Street, Marylebone, W1U 1HF

Visit BAOLONDON.COM

Following in the footsteps of her Normal People co-star Paul Mescal, Daisy Edgar-Jones will be taking to the stage in a reimagining of a Tennessee Williams play. Instead of A Streetcar Named Desire, Daisy will be taking on another classic, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, alongside Kingsley Ben-Adir (Bob Marley: One Love) and Lennie James (Mr Loverman, The Walking Dead). The play follows a wealthy but disintegrating Southern family who have gathered to celebrate bullying patriarch Big Daddy’s birthday. Rebecca Frecknall – who has made her name reviving Williams’ classics – directs, bringing new levels of social insight to the 1955 play. 

Almeida Theatre, Almeida Street, Islington, N1 1TA; 10th December-1st February 

Visit ALMEIDA.CO.UK

Fondue, raclette and mulled wine are the order of the day on the South Bank this year as Jimmy’s Winter Lodge returns with a cosy pop-up that’s perfect for gathering with friends and family. Escape the chill in heated igloos, dive into Alpine fondue and charcuterie boards, and sip on warming drinks as you watch the world go by from your snug riverside spot.

Southbank Centre, South Bank, SE1 8XX; until 31st December

Visit JIMMYSPOPUP.COM

Sunglasses might not be front of mind right now, but if you've booked some winter sun, here’s something to know: SL favourite Linda Farrow is currently in the middle of a two-day sample sale. Attendees can grab up to 90% OFF everything from sleek cat-eye styles to bold, angular frames. Entry is free. 

18 Fitzhardinge Street, Manchester Square, Marylebone, W1H 6EQ; 14th November 

Visit CHICMI.COM

The Peruvian Pachamama group has gone Mediterranean again, following up Zephyr in Notting Hill with new Greek-inspired hotspot Bottarga in Chelsea . Bottarga brings an Aegean vibe with a younger, more laidback feel. The menu shines with authentic Greek ingredients including Amfissa olives, Epiros feta and Karavas Bakery rusks. Modern dishes best enjoyed mezze style include: saganaki tapioca bites with sesame and thyme honey; soutzoukakia with cumin yoghurt and spiced tomato sauce; and a whole grilled sea bass with amarillo butter.

383 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW10 0LP

Visit BOTTARGA.LONDON

The EFG London Jazz Festival is about to take over some of London’s best venues, including the Barbican, Vortex Jazz Club, the legendary Ronnie Scott's and new east London hotspot Soul Mama. Highlights at the latter include Jazz Jamaica blending jazz and reggae, a four-night residency from Atlanta’s Avery Sunshine, Rick Leon James’s first solo show since 2019, and an appearance by saxophonist Stephanie Lottermoser. Accompanying all the music, there’s an Afro-Caribbean-inspired menu including dishes like pepper prawns, scotch bonnet and mango chicken wings, and jerk oyster mushrooms.

40 Celebration Avenue, Stratford, E20 1DB; 15th-24th November 

Visit SOULMAMA.CO.UK

Raffles London at The OWO has teamed up with the English National Ballet for a festive experience. From now through to next year, guests can book the Nutcracker Nights package, which includes a two-night stay in a room or suite, breakfast, festive treats and two tickets to the English National Ballet’s Nutcracker at the nearby London Coliseum. The package also features a pre-theatre three-course menu at Saison by Mauro Colagreco and a nightcap at The Guards Bar and Lounge. For non-guests, there are festive dining packages available, including a seasonal afternoon tea and a pre-theatre set menu. Plus, the hotel’s halls are decked out with costumes from past Nutcracker performances, including Clara’s nightdress and the Mouse King’s grand attire.

57 Whitehall, Embankment, SW1A 2BX; until 13th January 

Visit RAFFLES.COM
 

After years of popular residences and sell-out meal kits, AngloThai has finally gone permanent with its very own restaurant in Marylebone. As the name suggests, it combines Thai cooking techniques and flavour profiles with seasonal ingredients from across the British Isles and UK-grown Asian produce. Standout dishes include lion’s mane mushroom and sunflower seed satay; monkfish jungle curry with holy basil; and Ryall Farm hogget massaman and black fig. On the wine list you’ll find a host of low-intervention and biodynamic bottles from cool European producers.

22-24 Seymour Place, Marylebone, W1H 7NL

Visit ANGLOTHAI.CO.UK

Covent Garden at Christmas is pure magic – and, as of this week, its festive lights are up. From Monmouth Street to Earlham Street, leading up to the iconic tree in the piazza, you’ll find 40 giant bells with bows, 12 sparkling baubles, eight spinning mirror balls and over 29 miles of gold leaf floating above. Meanwhile, the glow from 150,000 LED lights fills the streets and the Neal's Yard area. Make an evening of it with the kids, soak in the sights and get some shopping done at nearby spots like Le Labo, Elemis, Missoma and Axel Arigato.

Covent Garden, WC2H 9DG

Visit COVENTGARDEN.LONDON

After the success of its outpost in Selfridges, Jacquemus is opening its flagship boutique in London this weekend. To celebrate, the brand has a series of surprises planned for its customers. Much of the details are under wraps for now, but we do know that there is a winning ticket hidden in the store which can be exchanged for a Bisou Chain bag.

33 New Bond Street, Mayfair, W1S 2RS; 15th-17th November

Visit JACQUEMUS.COM

Luxe champagne house and cool jewellery brand, Otiumberg, has partnered with G. H. Mumm for a very special event. The entry requirement? Not a VIP name but a ‘very important moment’ that deserves a champagne celebration – whether that's getting promoted to completing a marathon. Attendees will get the full ‘VIM’ treatment which includes complimentary G.H Mumm champagne, festive snacks and a goodie bag to take home. Plus, guests at the lounge will have a consultation with Otiumberg to personalise a necklace, available in gold vermeil and silver, and will be able to select a name or word to go on the pendant. 

Bantof, 31 Great Windmill Street, W1D 7LW; 16th-17th November 

Visit OTIUMBERG.COM, EVENTBRITE.CO.UK & MUMM.COM

Inspired by the colour palette and overall vibe of the Mediterranean, Dévé is a jewellery line to know about. This weekend, in collaboration with Eudon Choi, the brand is hosting a sample sale – the perfect opportunity to get ahead on your Christmas shopping. Keep your eyes peeled for the brand’s popular Nouveau Realisme necklace as well as its enamel signet rings.

The Rose Lipman Building, 43 De Beauvoir Road, Haggerston, N1 53F; 15th-16th November

Visit STUDIODEVE.COM