Five exciting ways to satisfy your hunger in London this summer
It has been a little while since we gave you some suggestions in the food department for things to try, so I am rectifying the situation with five things to try and do over the coming weeks
1. Chelsea Flower Show Inspired Food
Next week sees the 100th anniversary of the Chelsea Flower Show, one of the key events in the rather optimistically named summer social calendar. To celebrate there are several flower-themed menus popping up around the city but none more delightful than the Laurent-Perrier floral afternoon tea at the Dorchester. Laurent-Perrier is the official champagne sponsor of the show so there really is no excuse not to enjoy a glass of the Cuvee Rose and a little nibble of the Dorchester’s delicate fancies, inspired by the Flower Show.
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Tea at the Dorchester
2. Cocktail Masterclasses at Benares
If you want something a little more exotic, then you could try one of the cocktail masterclasses at Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Benares. Learn how to make a selection of cocktails and then, more importantly, drink those cocktails with a selection of canapés devised by Atul Kotchar himself. With guest mixologists each month including from Purl, the renowned speakeasy in Marylebone, it is a rather fun way to spend a few hours, especially if the weather stays as it is.
3. Kitchen Party
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The obligatory pop-up. Kitchen Party is a new immersive dining, drinking, dancing, socialising, bit of everything-ing experience devised by Bourne & Hollingsworth. From dining clubs to chef’s tables there should be something for everyone at Kitchen Party and with prices ranging from £15-50 it won’t break the bank either. You’ll find it just off Exmouth Market stuffed full of the big names in the pop-up industry — everyone from Blanch & Shock to Rack & Ruin. So if you’re keen to be in with the cool kids this is where you need to be.
4. Marshmallows
So 2011 was the year of the macaron, before that it was the cupcake and then it was meant to be about éclairs — in Paris anyway — and now I’m told it is all about the marshmallow. Smart & Simms, otherwise known by their highly ambiguous brand name — the Marshmallowists — make gourmet marshmallows. We are not talking flumps here, people, we are talking blueberry and gin or raspberry and champagne flavour marshmallows that are strictly for grown-ups. Why not give them a spin as a thank you gift for the hosts of the next dinner party you go to, or sit in with a big box of them on the sofa. Who needs friends when you have fluffy, marshmallowy friends?
Lunch at the Truscott Arms
5. Ride the Wave of Restaurant Openings
Try somewhere new. The wave of new openings hasn’t slowed up just yet. With Bird of Smithfield, Oblix at The Shard and Homeslice being just a few of this month’s offerings there is plenty to choose from. Whether you fancy a good view (Oblix) or a pop-up done good (Homeslice) you will find something to appeal. If you’re looking for something more pub-like for the weekend, the Truscott Arms has recently been revamped and offers a busy bar downstairs and a more elegant restaurant upstairs with food provided by Etienne, formerly of Galvin at Windows. As I said, lots of choice!
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