It’s Easter Weekend! Here’s What To Do

Anyone else feel like Easter has creeped up? Either way, we’re excited for four days to bask in the April sun (or showers…), sip cocktails along the Thames and catch one of Van Gogh’s self-portraits in person. 

If you’re looking for last-minute plans, we’ve got you covered with our edit of the best activities going on this weekend.

Step into spring with this refreshing new menu

In partnership with Bill’s 

Shake off those winter cobwebs and head over to Bill’s this bank holiday weekend for a meal to remember. Since launching in Lewes back in 2001, Bill’s has cemented its reputation as the go-to spot for healthy food. Fast forward to 2022 and it continues to provide the nation with playful options and twists on contemporary classics. 

This April sees the launch of its new spring menu, featuring an array of plant-based and meaty options. Those looking to indulge, try the Black Gold Burger, made up of chargrilled premium beef patty with black truffle fondue,  topped off with 24 carat gold flakes sandwiched on a seeded brioche bun. A dish that will have you reaching for your phone for a quick snap. Or, go plant based with the Dirty Vegan Burger or veggie with the fresh Santorini Salad, made with watermelon, feta, mint, olives, cucumber, red onion, tomato, pumpkin seeds and date molasses.

The brunching menu has also been elevated, now extending its offering until 5pm everyday so you can have breakfast at morning, noon or night. Save room for dessert and treat yourself to this adorable dish in the shape of an edible flower pot. 

Where: Available at bill’s Nationwide 

Website: www.bills-website.co.uk

Tuck into Easter afternoon tea

From adorable white chocolate rabbits to moreish carrot cake and chocolate hazelnut eggs, afternoon tea doesn’t get much cuter than The Athenaeum’s this Easter weekend. 

Available from Friday until Monday, book in to sample their selection of savouries, sweets, cakes and pastries – all packed with special spring touches.

When: 15.04.2022 – 18.04.2022 

Where: The Athenaeum, 116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 7BJ

Website: www.athenaeumhotel.com

Visit this exciting new restaurant relaunch

Hammersmith’s independent members’ club, Kindred is built around community and connection, providing Londoners with a space to come together and connect in a beautiful setting. This week saw the relaunch of their restaurant, the Cellar. 

Led by acclaimed chef Andrew Clarke, the ground floor restaurant is open to the public and will boast a menu that’s inspired by Clarke’s travels around the world. 

Showcased through a selection of small and larger plates, enjoy dishes such as home-cured sea trout with radish, kohlrabi and dill; Korean spiced tartare of Dexter beef served with straw chips; mutton merguez flatbread with pink onion, herb labneh and salsa verde; and celeriac schnitzel with cavolo nero, wild mushrooms and wild garlic butter.

OPENING DATE: 11.04.2022

WHERE: KINDRED, BRADMORE HOUSE, QUEEN CAROLINE STREET, W6 9BW

WEBSITE: WWW.WEAREKINDRED.COM

Visit London’s smallest exhibition

Scheduled to land in London this April, Small is Beautiful is a brand new retrospective that explores the beauty of art in miniature form. The exhibition, opening on Old Brompton Road, compiles the world of 32 local and international miniature artists, and will present 130 small artworks for Londoners to explore.

The exhibition will draw on the huge popularity of the #MiniatureArt movement. It strips back on scale, allowing audiences to awaken their inner child and delight in the beauty of imagination. Several artists including London-based street installation artist, Slinkachu have helped spearhead this movement, and will be on display at this new exhibit.

On display for a month, Small is Beautiful will feature 138 miniature and 80 photographic pieces, and feature artists from all over the globe. Expect to see work from the likes of Lisa Swerling, Samsofy, Camille Ortoli, Minimiam, Max Dorey and more.

When: 15.05.2022 – 15.05.2022 

Where: 79-85 Old Brompton Road, SW7 2ND 

Website: www.smallisbeautifulart.com

Book in for The Piano Works’ Easter eggstravaganza

Expect non-stop entertainment this weekend at live music venues, The Piano Works Farringdon and West End. They’ve got a stellar line-up of celebrations, including a week-long Gold Digger Easter Egg Hunt, filled with countless prizes and goodies; bottomless brunch; DJs until the wee hours; and a special takeover on Saturday 17th from Queer Femme Fire behind the decks.

When: 12.04.2022 – 17.04.2022 

Where: West End & Farringdon 

Website: www.pianoworks.bar

See Van Gogh’s Self Portrait collection at The Courtauld Gallery

See the iconic artist’s work in person at The Courtauld Gallery this weekend. The display is the first time the full collection of Van Gogh’s self-portraiture has been explored in an exhibition, offering us an in-depth look at his work over the years. 

On display until 8th May, explore the 16 self-portraits, from his early ‘Self-Portrait with a Dark Felt Hat’ to one of his last portraits, ‘Self-Portrait with a Palette’.

Vincent Van Gogh (1853 - 1890), Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat, September - October 1887, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent Van Gogh Foundation)
photo: fergus carmichael

When: Until 08.05.2022 

Where: The Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 0RN 

Website: www.courtauld.ac.uk

Start off bottomless brunch season at Smith’s Bar and Grill

Nothing says summer like a bottomless brunch in our opinion. Sunshine, mimosa’s and delicious food? We’re sold – and Smith’s Bar and Grill is the perfect place to enjoy it all.

Sit back with a feast of tasty plates, like eggs royale, washed down with unlimited prosecco, bellinis, and mimosas for 90 minutes. Located on the waterfront at Paddington, where better to while away a Saturday afternoon with friends in the sun.

Where: 25 Sheldon Square Paddington, London, W2 6EY

Website: www.smithsbarandgrill.com

Keep the kids entertained with these activities

From Easter egg hunts to petting zoos, adorable afternoon teas to stunning stage productions, we’ve rounded up the 16 best things to do with the kids this holiday season. Expect copious amounts of chocolate, themed activities and a whole lot of fun.

Read on to find out what to book this week and next.

Party the weekend away with Devonshire Terrace’s disco brunch

Boogie on down to Devonshire Terrace this weekend to soak up the ultimate party vibes this side of the city. 

With tables available from 12pm-4pm every Saturday (including 16th April), outdoors on the covered terrace and inside, expect smoke machines, disco balls, throwback tunes and plenty of glitter! Enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails and fizz as well as your choice of brunch dish: avocado with poached eggs, crispy duck salad, or flash-grilled steak and eggs. 

When: Every Saturday 

Where: Devonshire Terrace, Devonshire Square, EC2M 4WY 

Website: www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk

Catch this brilliant revival production of Jerusalem

Starring Mark Rylance as Johnny ‘Rooster’ Byron and Mackenzie Crook as his loyal sidekick Ginger, Jerusalem is the one to book this spring for a night of theatre brilliance. 

Opening in April, this is a brand new revival production of the critically acclaimed play by Jaz Butterworth. Set on St George’s Day, Johnny is serving an eviction notice, trying to find a way to escape troubles from Troy Whitworth, find time for drugs and take his kids to the local country fair. It’s a busy adventure to say the least and one that Johnny doesn’t take in his stride very well.

PRODUCTION DATE: 16TH APRIL – 7TH AUGUST

WHERE: APOLLO THEATRE, SHAFTESBURY AVENUE, W1D 7EZ

WEBSITE: WWW.THEATRETICKETSDIRECT.CO.UK

Catch One Hundred Shoreditch’s new exhibition

Our favourite new East London hideout, One Hundred Shoreditch, has partnered with Nelly Duff Gallery for an exciting exhibition takeover. On display until 19th April, the exhibition ‘Workspace’ will showcase a selection of original works and limited edition pieces from some of East London’s art scene. 

Expect works from the likes of .EPOD, Adam Neate, Voyder, Mr Cenz, Woskerski, China Mike, Soozy Lipsey, RUN (Giacomo Bufarini), Matthew Small, Will Barras, Andrew J Millar (still tbc), Stephen Anthony Davids, Miss Van & Ramon Maiden.

When: Until 19.04.2022 

Where: 100 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch, E1 6JQ

Website: www.onehundredshoreditch.com

 

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Celebrate Easter in style with bottomless brunch

Delicious brunch dishes and bottomless cocktails, what more could you want? This weekend, book in for Rake’s Cafe Bar and delight in the likes of Rake’s fritter mista with prawns, cod, squid, semolina, gremolata, heritage tomato and rouille; baked shakshuka with red bell peppers, spinach, coriander and garlic sourdough; and eggs Royale.

Go bottomless and sip on Prosecco, cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks or try their DIY Bloody Mary bar.

When: Every Sunday

Where: Rake’s Cafe Bar, 40 Liverpool Street, EC2M 7QN

Website: www.rakescafebar.co.uk

Get into the Easter spirit at Battersea Power Station

From petting zoos to Easter egg hunts, outdoor games to giant mazes, Battersea Power Station is putting on a show this Easter half term. Head down to take part in their exciting line-up of free, family-friendly activities. 

Lose yourself in the maze on their Grade-II listed Coaling Jetty or let the little ones pet some cute farm animals, from rabbits to Pygmy goats and lambs at The Mini Farms’ Petting Zoo. 

There’s also an Easter egg hunt that you can take part in to see if you can find where the little eggs and bunny rabbits are hiding. Or, just grab a bat and play a round of ping pong with friends.

WHEN: 09.04.2022 – 18.04.2022 

WHERE: BATTERSEA POWER STATION 

WEBSITE: WWW.BATTERSEAPOWERSTATION.CO.UK

Make your way through London’s hot cross bun scene

I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who loves hot cross buns more than The Handbook’s very own Megan O’Reilly. Every single day in the office, I see her head into the kitchenette, a new pack swinging in her arms, soon followed by the sweet spiced toasting smell wafting through the office. If you couldn’t already tell, The Handbook is team hot cross bun but it’s spearheaded by Megan and her constant hot cross bun themed deliveries and trips to the next door Sainsburys.

If, like Megan, you also can’t get enough of the Easter treats, we’ve compiled a list of the best bakeries and restaurants serving them up this April. 

Search for Easter treats at Hampton Court Palace

Who doesn’t love an Easter hunt? Let your kid’s dreams come true this Easter holiday and book in for Hampton Court Palace’s legendary Lindt GOLD BUNNY hunt.

Use the trail map to explore the gardens and see how many Lindt bunnies you can spot hiding in the grass. Match up the name of the important palace character on the trail to the red ribbon on the bunny statue at each location.

Can you find them all? Collect a Lindt GOLD BUNNY chocolate at the finish line…

WHEN: 02.04.2022 – 18.04.2022

WHERE: HAMPTON COURT PALACE, HAMPTON COURT WAY, MOLESEY, EAST MOLESEY, KT8 9AU

WEBSITE: WWW.HRP.ORG.UK


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