Welcome back to The Slice!
Ice cream is having a comeback… and if the last heatwave is anything to go by, you’ll definitely want to cool down with these.
There’s ice cream and wine for you sophisticated bunch, olive oil and ice cream in leafy Notting Hill, and soft serve with crispy chocolate feuilletine at Chestnut Bakery… oh-so-chic!
It’s also South Asian Heritage Month, and we’re trying two incredible restaurants to celebrate – Nepalese restaurant The Laughing Yak and Indian restaurant Trishna. As well as a free exhibition celebrating Southall and how the community has battled against discrimination.
Read on for a whole range of recommendations for 19-20 July in London, handpicked as always by The Slice.
Welcome to the Slice
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This week in London
If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, here are 15 of the best activities, dining, and drinking spots in the capital.
1. Try bright Nepalese plates at The Laughing Yak
In a city overrun by muted palettes and industrial-chic interiors, stumbling into The Laughing Yak feels like being let in on a brilliant secret. This tiny Nepalese restaurant isn’t just colourful – it’s a full-on sensory jolt. A maximalist dreamscape of shiny crockery, cloud-like pendants, dog-shaped chopstick holders and Nepalese string puppets that swing cheerfully. It’s weird, whimsical and totally wonderful – and somehow, it’s been flying under the radar during its first year in Dalston.
The food is every bit as lively as the decor. I came for the momos, which were juicy and comforting, but not even close to stealing the show. The channa chatpate – a crunchy salad of puffed rice and potato, dressed with yoghurt and tamarind – is tangy and addictive. The thali plates (with meat, fish or veggie options) cover all the bases, giving you a chance to taste a selection of dishes. But a public service announcement: do not skip dessert. The gulab jamun – soft, spongy doughnuts with pistachio candy floss, cardamom toffee sauce and clotted cream ice cream are dangerously good. One of my favourite finds of the year.
Nibbles from £5.90, thukpa from £12.90. 499 Kingsland Rd, Dalston, E8 4AU. Book here.
2. Embrace summer at Trishna
In Medieval times, ‘a moment’ was considered 90 seconds. In Marylebone at Michelin-starred restaurant Trishna, I tasted the tenderest coconut salmon encased in a green curry leaf, which was so exceptional I had, well, a moment.
I was sampling the summer menu Taste of the Western Ghats, the mountainous range in southern India full of biodiversity where Trishna’s cuisine hails from. I kicked off with a Chilli Konkan Cooler from a cocktail collaboration with sustainable Diaspora Spice.
For obvious reasons, beef is seldom served in Indian restaurants, yet beef short rib coconut fry features as a nod to the Syrian Christian community in Kerala – a rich delightful surprise. It comes with dal, potatoes, rice and naan, as does the Goan prawn biryani, packed with luscious crustaceans. Sorry Charli XCX, this year I’m calling it Ghat Summer.
Until 31 August. 3 courses, £50; 4 courses, £55. Available from 12-2:30pm and 5-6:15pm. 15 Blandford Street, London W1 3DG. Book here
3. Sip on beer at London’s Craft Beer Festival
It’s almost time to raise a (pint) glass at London’s Craft Beer Festival. With over 100 breweries serving up over 800 different beers (all included in your ticket), beer lovers will be in brew heaven.
There’s some impressive food to help you soak up all that ale, including epic ramen from Bone Daddies and tasty fried chicken from Chick N’ Sours. Grab your tickets!
4. Try hi-fi hideaway Hidden Grooves
By Sarah Hooper
At Hidden Grooves, the devil is truly in the detail. A well thought-out selection of 1970s tracks and meticulously curated knick-knacks provide the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a cocktail with a few appetizers – I recommend the crispy dates with stilton & bacon (trust me, it works).
The drinks are as creative as the décor. Each is based on an album from Virgin Records in the 1970s, ranging from Peter Gabriel to Phaedra. ‘Punk Punch’, based on the Sex Pistols’ ‘God Save The Queen’ is a refreshing twist on a spicy margarita. The mango and chili agave give a smoky spice that’s just right, but if you’re looking for a standout drink, the star is ‘The Decanter’.
Based on 10CC’s Original Soundtrack, the self-described twist on an Old Fashioned is an absolute knock out. The smoked decanter adds drama, but the thyme and croissant syrup make it a drink that’s hard to forget. Reasonably priced, unique, and perfect for date night.
Signature cocktails from £15, wine from £10, small plates from £8. 45 Curtain Rd, Hidden Grooves, EC2A 3PT. Book here.
5. Treat yourself to some grown up ice cream pairings
Olive oil and ice cream
Best for: the ultimate dinner party dessert
As far as ice cream combinations go, this one is the trendy new kid on the block. Citizens of Soil are enhancing the sweet goodness of vanilla soft serve with rich extra virgin olive oil as part of the Olive Oil Clubhouse, the UK’s first ever olive oil bar.
In collaboration with ice cream legends Happy Endings, make your choice between vanilla soft serve or chocolate sorbet.
Citizens of Soil pop-up. 2 Blenheim Crescent, Notting Hill. 19-29 July. No booking needed, just turn up.
Ice cream and wine
Best for: feeling grown up
Whether you’re after ice cream, wine, or both, The Dreamery the chicest spot to unwind and escape the heat. Flavours are experimental and ever-changing, so expect surprises and maybe even find your new favourite.
The hand-painted ceiling is breathtaking, making it hard to leave. Be ready to queue for a bit, but it’s absolutely worth the wait.
The Dreamery, Islington. Ice cream from £4. Wine from £7.50. Walk-in only.
Soft serve with chocolate feuilletine
Best for: le chic!
Chestnut bakery is oh so chic, with their brand new soft serve combo. If you’ve never had feuilletine before, it’s made up of caramelised crêpes, giving whatever you serve it with the perfect crunch, and that extra je ne sais quoi.
Alongside it is their creamy soft serve making for a dream combination. Choose from two flavours – vanilla (vg) or chocolate, topped with feuilletine or pistachios.
Only available at their Covent Garden branch. £4.50. Just turn up.
More ice cream!
To celebrate National Ice Cream Day on 20 July, Chin Chin Dessert Club in Soho has created this one-of-a-kind chestnut mushroom sundae. If that tickles your fancy, the first 50 customers each day on 19-20 July will receive a free sundae.
You can also get your hands on a free pack of Haagen-Dazs Stickbars in all major UK supermarkets, from 17-20 July. Get your coupon here.
6. Celebrate South Asian Heritage Month
To mark South Asian Heritage Month, Gunnersbury Park & Museum is hosting a free exhibition.
Co-created with the Southall community, offers an inspiring story of how hope and creativity drove Southall’s resistance against hate. Find out more.
7. Watch the best Indian & South Asian independent cinema
The London Indian Film Festival is in London for its 16th edition this year. Taking place at BFI IMAX, look forward to the best of South Asian arts and culture – from The Mahabharata to Village Rockstars 2, shining a light on the many challenges facing young people in rural India.
8. Get a free lunch and learn about what makes a nourishing one courtesy of Gosh!
A 37 minute lunch club by Gosh! is shining a light on the importance of a good lunch and proper nourishment.
Forget supper clubs, this is an event that invites you to take some time away from your busy working day (and get a free lunch). 17 July. Get your tickets here.
9. Sip on Rioja in the sun at 100 Years of Rioja: East London’s Wine Weekender
A wine festival lands at Hackney Bridge this weekend to celebrate 100 years of Rioja.
Plus experience live demos from star chefs José Pizarro and Omar Allibhoy. Get your tickets here.
10. Try Shoryu’s new set menu and be in with a chance of winning a trip to Japan
Fancy winning a once in a lifetime trip to Japan? Shoryu is offering guests who order their new set menu the chance to win return flights to Japan worth up to £1,000.
The £28pp Yamakasa set menu, featuring bright, summer dishes like the Yuzu Paitan Ramen, is available nationwide until 31 August.
11. Give Speedboat Bar’s new Notting Hill branch a go
A second branch of Thai-Chinese eatery Speedboat Bar is now open at The Electric in Notting Hill. Expect punchy dishes and established favourites like the Tom Yam Mama noodles.
12. Eat as much chaat as you can
The Chaat Championships are back at Cinnamon Bazaar. Think you can eat 50 colourful Pani Puris as fast as you can?
Take on the challenge – if you manage to pull it off, win a year’s worth of chaat! 22 July-3 August. £10 to enter.
13. Try Mammy Pancake waffles… it’s on them if you’re quick enough
Hong Kong street food spot Mammy Pancake has made its way to London. And to celebrate the launch, they’re giving away 100 free bubble waffles at their new Notting Hill branch.
To redeem it, just follow them on Instagram and show them your screen in-store.
14. Experience all things Japan at the Hyper Japan festival
Annual festival Hyper Japan is here, the UK’s biggest and boldest celebration of Japanese culture.
Look forward to music performances, Studio Ghibli merch and incredible Japanese food to indulge in.
15. The Great Gatsby
For diehard fans of the book, this musical adaptation won’t hit all the right notes. It’s closer to Baz Luhrmann’s vibrant movie than F Scott Fitzgerald’s icon of modernist literature.
But if you’re a West End fan looking for a fun night out, this show delivers pure entertainment. It’s got dazzling vocals, more sequins than a Taylor Swift concert and Corbin Bleu from High School Musical.
Yes, some of the story’s subtle complexities are lost in translation – Nick and Jordan are reduced to a comedic double act, Gatsby isn’t such an enigma and Daisy is pitiable.
Separate the show from its source material and you’ll have a fabulous time… just don’t take your English teacher.
The Great Gatsby. London Coliseum. 16 May-7 Sept. Tickets from £20. Book here.
Want more Gatsby?
Until September 7, the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane is hosting a Gatsby themed afternoon tea, complete with savoury treats like the Gatsby Club sandwich and the Rockefeller Smoked Salmon Tart, as well as picture perfect desserts like the Lemon & Jazz Meringue Pie and Daisy’s Tropical Choux.
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