Once again London feels fit-to-burst busy. While a number of headwinds facing hospitality and the wider culture sector dominate the headlines, the capital’s world-beating artistic institutions, music venues, restaurants and bars are still finding a way to thrive.
This week, there’s a new restaurant opening, the launch of a brunch, new pop-ups and chef residencies and a flurry of new cultural happenings, from the best in photography to the final days of a dark and fantastical art show. It’s time to get out there.
The hot table: Yasmin
Open just in time for the warmer weather, Yasmin is Tom Cenci’s new joint on the roof of 1 Warwick in Soho. Previously a private member’s space, things have opened up to the public and the food offering looks appealing enough. Spinach and feta borek, za’atar mushroom skewers with black garlic aioli and sumac smoked duck served with a corn salad punctuate this Middle Eastern leaning menu. Sundowners — particularly the “Wild Soul” with Ojo de Dios mezcal, passionfruit and yuzu — are essential.
1 Warwick Street, W1B 5LR, yasminsoho.com
The old favourite: Murger Han
Brunches can beleaguer any seasoned eater but Murger Han looks to be launching London’s most tolerable. The small Xi’an restaurant group is launching a cracking mid-morning offering this weekend at their Elephant and Castle outpost. Pillowy steamed buns, crisp scallion pancakes and hearty millet congee all feature on the menu, alongside murgers (think of these as a kind of regional Chinese burger) with pork, spicy beef or duck. The traditional tasting set is just £12.99, so excellent value too.
4 Castle Square, SE17 1EN, murgerhan.co.uk
The drinking den: Chiave
Little-known Chiave, a new bar on Redchurch street, is keeping its cards close to its chest. The menu published online is small and well-formed; with drinks like the Spy Break (a take on the martini) blending vodka, a vermouth mix, olive oil and fino sherry. The scant snaps that are available elude to a soft, intimate space, geared towards close gatherings rather than a big blowout. There are plenty of great bars in Shoreditch and Chiave looks like it’s discreetly added its name to that list.
36 Redchurch Street, E2 7DP, chiaveshoreditch.com
The big chef residency: Ixta Belfrage's residency in Isla
Ixta Belfrage has taken over the ground floor restaurant Isla at the Standard, a space that has long needed a big draw, and Belfrage has provided just that. Belfrage’s dishes include the now-famous king prawn lasagne, the generous roast duck tacos with chipotle crema and moreish little plantain fritters to finish. On until June, this residency should be at the top of your “to-visit” list.
10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG, standardhotels.com
The tiny takeover: Cafe Pier
This weekend, Cafe Pier is hosting a one-day tapas takeover, with chef Charles Bryant cooking up a storm from this former cabbies shelter. Think crispy calamari sandwiches with aioli, classic tapa of pan con tomate and the finest Iberian bellota courtesy Cinco Jotas. Open Saturday from noon until things sell out, this one’s not to be missed.
April 20, from 12 noon, Chelsea Embankment, SW3 5RJ, instagram.com
The art fix: Sibylle Ruppert, Frenzy of the Visible
This weekend is the last chance to see Sibylle Ruppert’s dark, astonishing works at the Project Native Informant gallery in Bethnal Green. Ruppert’s work is marked by its depiction of collapsing, tumbling human forms, an abrupt distortion of writhing bodies and macabre figures. Knowing that the artist was born during a Second World War air raid is to only begin to understand the rebellious nature of these arresting pieces. Don’t miss out.
Until April 20, Project Native Informant, Units 1 and 3, 48 Three Colts Lane, E2 6GQ
The culture fix: Zineb Sedira, Dreams Have No Titles
French-Algerian artist Zineb Sedira’s films have long challenged the status quo, creating scenes that are both dreamlike and accessible. A beautifully performed tango in the unceremonious surroundings of a quiet pub is disarming but enthralling, and her studious recreation of her Brixton flat envelopes the viewer in a transportive way. Nothing that blends art and film and performance quite like this does will be on in London for some time.
Until May 12, 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX, whitechapelgallery.org
The exhibition opening: Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition 2024
This weekend, the Sony world photography awards exhibition opens at Somerset House. Set up by the World Photography Organisation, the awards celebrate the very best in global photography, with a talk and career retrospective by Sebastião Salgado fixed within the exhibition space too. Crossing immaculate portraiture, still life, interiors and much more besides, this is the very best of global photography coming to town.
From April 19, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA, somersethouse.org.uk
The gig: Lord Apex
British Rapper Lord Apex is playing Koko this weekend in one of his first live shows since the release of his debut studio album, the Good Fight. With a sound that leans into relaxed alt hip-hop beats, redolent of MF Doom or J Dilla, with the likes of Madlib producing, Lord Apex is far from your typical British rap artist. At about £21 a ticket, this is the perfect chance to discover your new favourite artist.
April 20, Koko, 1a Camden High Street, NW1 7RE, koko.co.uk
The ticket to book now (for later): All Points East
The full line-up for All Points East is live, and it’s time to get booking. Nas, Loyle Carner, LCD Soundsystem, Phoenix, Jai Paul, Kaytranada and Thundercat all feature on various days throughout the two weekends late August. The eclectic mix of stellar bands and artists spans so many genres that there’s little not to get excited about. Save the date and book this.
