What To Do This Weekend: 1st – 3rd April
Working at The Handbook, we are so often asked “Where’s a good bar in Fulham?”, “I’m in Shoreditch, where should I go to eat?” and whilst we are lucky enough to have access to the most exciting new openings before anyone else, when it comes to our own social lives we of course have our old favourites as well. This is the first in our ‘What to do this Weekend’ series compiled by a member of The Handbook team. First up it’s Deputy Editor, Fran to guide you through her perfect weekend – from Friday night drinks to Sunday brunch, here’s what her weekend is shaping up to look like…
100 Wardour St
Kickstart the weekend
My new favourite destination for when you don’t quite know where to go once dinner is over and the night is still young. Start with a civilised drink at the upstairs bar before descending the spiral staircase into the downstairs club. Try and nab a table by the stage because come 10.30pm, the DJ will make way for live music. A few espresso martinis in, everyone will be on their feet.
Where: 100 Wardour Street, Soho, London, W1F 0TN, United Kingdom
Website: www.100wardourst.com
Urban Food Fest
Rugby-inspired street food
Still basking in the glory of England’s Six Nations win we’re now looking forward to Twickenham’s next big event; HSBC London Sevens. Although this isn’t until the end of May, they have teamed up with Urban Food Fest for a street food feast fit for a 90 kilo beefcake, a preview of which is taking place this Saturday. A selection of stalls will be sampling international street food to create a rugby atmosphere. Players in attendance will make it all the more authentic.
Where: Euro Car Parks, 162-167 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch, E1 6HU
Website: http://www.urbanfoodfest.com/england-rugby/
Quaglino’s
The latest bottomless brunch
A weekend is not a weekend without brunch. Whilst I do have my favourite spots, there are far too many great places offering a hollandaise fix to stick to just one place. This weekend is the launch of Quaglino’s new bottomless brunch. Classic dishes are available as a two or three-course meal with the option of free-flowing bubbles, although there’s no question really.
Where: 16 Bury Street, St James's, SW1Y 6AJ
Website: http://www.quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk
Royal Academy of Arts
Culture hit
Visiting an exhibition once a month is easier said than done but with so many world-class galleries on our doorsteps there’s really no excuse. Vogue 100: A Century of Style was a recent favourite but next on my list is Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse at the Royal Academy and with less than a month left there’s not much time. Priceless masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Matisse will stimulate the senses and get you excited for summer. The Royal Academy is not far from Quaglino’s so plan your day accordingly – art may be a whole lot more interesting a few glasses of Prosecco down.
Where: Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD
Website: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/painting-modern-garden-monet-matisse
Broadway Market
Foodie heaven
If the thought of Borough Market on a Saturday has your inner-claustrophobe running for the hills, head East to the less-touristy foodie haven, Broadway Market. With artisanal vendors all the way from Inverness to the south of France, it is enough to drag me from South West London to the exotic-sounding Haggerston just for a few free tasters. Grab a takeaway coffee from Climpson & Sons (you probably won’t manage to nab a seat) and find The School Yard for some Instagram-famed dumplings from Dumpling Shack. Alternatively, stock up on flowers at Columbia Road or stay South, under the arches of Maltby Street Market.
Where: Haggerston, E8 4QJ
Website: http://broadwaymarket.co.uk
