Acme Fire Cult will move into its first permanent space from this weekend
(Picture: Handout)Last weekend’s heatwave might now feel nothing but a faint memory, but things are heating up in the London cultural scene this weekend — quite literally.
One of the capital’s most buzzed about barbecue pop-ups is bringing its flame-grilled fare to a permanent location (inside a brewery, encouragingly), which promises to be the culinary must-do of the next few days.
Elsewhere, there’s a brand new bar to check out, helmed by the city’s best-known steakhouse — we’re counting on some spectacular bar snacks — as well as an uplifting new exhibition out in Ealing, and the chance to rave for charity over in Hackney.
Here’s your weekend hitlist.
The restaurant: Acme Fire Cult at 40FT Brewery
Starting life as a hugely popular Hackney pop-up, this barbecue concept from chefs Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins has now found a permanent home. Taking residence within 40FT Brewery in Dalston, the menu is veggie-first, with dishes including grilled hispi cabbage with pumpkin seed pistou, and smoked potatoes with tahini mayo and seed rayu — although there are some meaty options too. Naturally, there are plenty of beers brewed on-site to wash everything down with.
From April 1, 2-3 Abbott Street, E8 3DP, acmefirecult.com
The bar: The Lowback
Steak supremos Hawksmoor are rather handy at pouring a decent drink, as they’ve proved for more than a decade behind the bar at their Spitalfields location. Now, the group has launched a new drinking spot, The Lowback, in the Canary Wharf venue they opened in November last year. Gin martinis and bottled champagne cocktails are among the menu, with beef nuggets and bone marrow oysters for snacks. The Standard’s David Ellis and Ben McCormack made a beeline for the bar when it opened a couple of weeks ago — and can both heartily recommend swinging by.
1 Water Street, E14 5GX, thehawksmoor.com
The exhibition: Rana Begum: Dappled Light at Pitzhanger Manor
Artist Rana Begum finds a perfect home in Ealing’s Pitzhanger Manor for her latest solo exhibition. The 18th century manor house, once belonging to architect Sir John Soane, is a light-filled building, and uplifts Begum’s bright, colourful pieces. For anyone not already situated out in west London, it’s certainly worth the trip.
£7.70, Until September 11, Mattock Lane, W5 5EQ, pitzhanger.org.uk
The event: Live at the Chapel with Bridget Christie
It’s good to see the Union Chapel back in operation — the Islington venue had to take a few weeks out after being rocked by the Omicron surge at the beginning of the year — and it’s doubly good to see the return of the excellent Live at the Chapel comedy nights. The brilliant Bridget Christie is the main event this weekend, ably supported by Brett Goldstein, Tadiwa Mahlunge and Rosie Jones.
£22, April 2, Union Chapel, 19b Compton Terrace, N1 2UN, unionchapel.org.uk
The club night: Night Tales x DJ Mag: Ukraine Fundraiser
Marvellous Hackney club Night Tales has teamed up with DJ Mag for this Ukraine fundraiser. It’s a tidy line-up — Erol Alkan and Madam X are among the highlights — and all proceeds from the night will be handed over to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, helping to support refugees fleeing the conflict.
£10, April 1, 14 Bohemia Place, E8 1DU, ra.co
The wildcard: Selin Kiazim x Spiritland supper club
Banging Turkish food and banging Turkish tunes will both be the on the menu at this Thursday-night supper club, kicking off the weekend fashionably early. A collaboration between Selin Kiazim of Shoreditch restaurant Oklava and the audiophile Spiritland venue, the night promises a three-course, modern Turkish feast, while DJ Ece Düzgit of Zel Zele Records will deliver funk, disco and more.
