As the first signs of spring blossom across London, so do a number of new-season dining experiences.
While the Weather Gods have yet to bless us with the appropriate temperatures for all-day al fresco amusements, you’ll be pleased to discover there’s still a lot of indoor fun to be had in the city this April.
Need a little guidance? We’ve got your taste buds covered. Here are our picks of the best places to eat and drink in London this month:
42 at Gymkhana
In a city inundated with so-called “secret” bars, 42 is the real deal. Inspired by India’s elite high society clubs, there are few places quite as opulent or unique for cocktail hour – even with its prime Mayfair postcode. With similar matching that of Gymkhana, below (and also owned by the same group), the secret bar’s incredible cocktails are created using carefully-sourced Indian ingredients and nostalgic Indian flavors. Ultra-premium cocktails, like the ‘Very Old Fashioned’ (£500/$628), made with Fitzgerald 1953, gum syrup and Angostura Bitters, are a clear draw for the ultra-wealthy, but house classics like the Bagheera (£22/$27, with Lost Explorer Espadin, Chaprah Weaver Ant chutney, lime juice and bansura Ppppercorn) offer liquid luxury at a more palatable price point.
42 Albemarle St, London W1S 4JH
Sucre
Since opening in Buenos Aires in 2001, Sucre has been a pioneer at the forefront of ‘Fire Dining’, a culinary niche inspired by the rich flavors of Argentina, Spanish, and Italian cuisines. Think open kitchen, open fire, and a deliciously open-minded attitude to all things flavor. Their ever-changing menu is focused on the produce that will be experienced best via the parilla (the grill), but dishes like Iberico Matambre with gremolata and chimichurri-accompanied Argentine Striploin are among guests’ all-time favorites. Just make sure you leave room for the Dulce De Leche fondant (with mascarpone, hazelnuts and Maldon salt) and a night cap in Alma, the unassuming cocktail bar beneath the restaurant.
47b Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7JP
The Wine Experience Room at Savoy Grill
Housing the largest collection of fine wines in any Gordon Ramsay restaurant, The Savoy Grill’s new wine experience room is a must-visit for oenophiles near and far. Overseen by Emanuel Pesqueira, the room is a gorgeous little sanctuary within the main restaurant, meaning you can enjoy the full menu inside with a personalized wine tasting. As such, you can employ the expert sommeliers to cater to your guests’ every bottled impulse (some of the most exquisite and rare bottles already line the walls, in preparation) or attend one of the room’s exclusive wine tastings (typically presented alongside a five-star pairing menu). As the room only seats up to eight people, of course, it’s worth keeping a close eye on the restaurant’s website for upcoming events.
100 Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
Six by Nico’s New York Menu
Accessible tasting menu revolutionaries Six by Nico are launching their latest culinary journey with a six-course New York foodie exploration, available from April 8th to May 19th, and it’s one for the books. Inspired by the vibrant food scene of the city that never sleeps, chef Simeone and his team have taken cues from iconic eateries like Joe’s Pizza and Katz Deli to create an innovative and flavor-packedl homage to the New Yorker slice, Pastrami sandwich, and more.. At just £50 ($63), it’s arguably the best-value New York gastronomic experience you’ll get either side of the pond.
Six by Nico Fitzrovia and Canary Wharf
The Grand Expedition by Gingerline
Gingerline has returned to London – after four years! – with The Grand Expedition: an immersive dining experience that takes guests on a simulated hot air balloon journey around the world. Set in Dalston’s Film Shed, this culinary adventure combines food, cocktails, acrobatic acts, and choreography to bring each destination you “visit” to life around you. Child-friendly performances and menus are available, but we’d suggest adults indulge themselves in the cocktail pairing (a new collaboration with Whitebox Cocktails) either way.
Miller’s Avenue Entrance, Arcola Street, Dalston, London E8 2DS
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