12 New Pop-Ups In April, From Jazz To Food
The clocks going forward means we can finally start planning some after-work activities again, and April sees a host of fun pop-ups landing in London. Whether you’re looking for a new exhibition to visit, a foodie event to savour or a jazz festival, here are all the best events happening this month.
Songkran at Rosa Thai
Those watching The White Lotus might have been perplexed when our trio of favourite passive-aggressive women were sprayed with water guns by the locals. That’s all part of Thailand’s Songkran festival, which takes place this month.
In celebration, from the 12th to the 21st of April, Rosa’s Thai will offer a Songkran family feast menu at all restaurants. Priced at £30, the 3-course menus include two limited-edition specials – a fiery Chicken Larb Salad and a vegetarian Aubergine Egg Salad – created with Thai New Year festivities in mind.
When: April 12th – 21st
Where: Across London
Website: www.rosathai.com
Brick Lane Jazz Festival
Bringing together London’s vibrant underground music community for three days at the iconic Truman Brewery site and beyond, the Brick Lane Jazz Festival will return in 2025, showcasing some of the most exciting new and established acts on the scene today.
The festival champions an eclectic and genre-defying wealth of artists that represent London’s bubbling underground music scene, from nu-jazz to hip-hop, neo-soul, electronic and more. Artists on the bill in 2025 include Judi Jackson, Yakul, Fehdah and Isobella Burnham.
When: April 22nd – 24th
where: TRUMAN BREWERY, 91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QR
Website: www.bricklanejazzfestival.co.uk
Sinhala and Tamil New Year at Kolamba
On Monday 14th April, guests dining at Soho’s Sri Lankan restaurant Kolamba will receive a traditional Coconut Rock to mark the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
A classic New Year treat in their native Sri Lanka, co-founders Eroshan and Aushi Meewella will recreate Kokis (coconut rocks) — a crispy, flower-shaped confection made from rice flour and coconut milk — to bring a taste of home to London for the day.
When: April 14th
where: Kolamba, 21 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5QA
Website: www.kolamba.co.uk
Lolo x Cinco Jotas
Lolo from Jasé Pizarro is hosting Cinco Jotas for an exclusive evening celebrating the world-renowned 5J Ibérico pork with a unique five-course tasting menu that dives deep into the rich Spanish traditions and history behind this exceptional delicacy.
Cinco Jotas, the producer of Ibérico pork, has been perfecting the art of raising and curing this legendary breed of Iberian pigs for over 140 years. The evening promises to offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the intricate flavours. Throughout the night, guests will indulge in a carefully curated five-course meal, each dish thoughtfully designed to highlight the distinct taste of 5J Ibérico pork in all its forms.
When: April 14th
Tickets available here
Sony World Photography Award
Enjoy an afternoon of exploration and view over 300 photographs by more than 60 photographers across the West and East wings of Somerset House. On show is an international curation of images, from South Africa to Peru, China to Iceland, and the United States to the United Kingdom.
View over 300 photographs by more than 60 photographers
When: April 17th – May 5th
Where: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Website: www.worldphoto.com
Forza Taps
You know Summer is coming when Forza Taps opens its outdoor area. From 17th April until September, the alfresco spot beneath Forza Wine at the National Theatre is back, pouring drinks on tap and serving the finest of picky bits for long days in the sun.
Expect snacks like taralli, garlic toast, and Forza roasted ham and pickles, alongside the stars of the show Arrosticini, Forza’s playful take on Abruzzo’s famous kebab-like skewers.
when: fROM April 17th
Where: National Theatre, London SE1 9PX
Website: www.forzawine.com
Taste of Eataly Festival
Celebrating all things Italian, the Taste of Eataly Festival, from 24th to 27th April 2025, welcomes guests to a weekend of walk-around tastings, dining, drinking, and celebration at Eataly London.
The line-up of dishes and drinks for four days of feasting includes homemade tiramisù, crispy pizza alla pala, fresh oysters and cheesy lasagne. Get ready for drink stations from Campari, illy, and more.
when: April 24th – 27th
where: 135 Bishopsgate, City of London, London EC2M 3YD
website: www.eataly.co.uk
Martha Jungworth at Thaddeus Ropac
Head to the Thaddeus Ropac gallery for a new exhibition all about Austrian artist Martha Jungwirth. The exhibition, Der letzte Tag ist der schlimmste, was created following her celebrated career retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in 2024.
Known for a colour palette of sensuous pinks and reds, some of these latest works feature also bold, bright yellows and turquoise hues, and the paintings and drawings utilise her trademark sparing but expressive painterly gestures.
When: From April 12th
Where: Ely House, 37 Dover St, London W1S 4NJ
Website: www.ropac.com
Andaz London Liverpool x Hoko
In a collaboration made in breakfast heaven, Andaz London Liverpool Street is bringing East London cult favourites HOKO and Eggslut to the hotel, with the launch of Breakfast Club.
The series kicked off this week [from 1st April] with a six-week exclusive takeover by HOKO, bringing their legendary Hong Kong French Toast to the hotel. Guests can celebrate the depth of East London’s food scene by either dining at Rakes or ordering the menu items through room service.
When: From April 1st
where: 40 Liverpool St, City of London, London EC2M 7QN
Website: www.hyatt.com
Bluebird Chelsea x PerfectTed
Starting on 2nd April, Bluebird Chelsea will be powering up an energy-boosting collaboration with the matcha brand, PerfectTed. The venue will transform into a vibrant green haven for spring with PerfectTed’s organic and antioxidant-filled matcha. Matcha lattes will be available in Bluebird Cafe, and the restaurant will also serve a matcha-infused margarita.
When: From April 2nd
Where: 350 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UU
Website: www.danddlondon.com
La Trattoria x Il Mercato
This April, I La Trattoria by Alfredo Russo is taking a culinary journey to Lombardy with Il Mercato, showcasing the rich flavours and traditional dishes of this iconic northern Italian region. Inspired by the lively atmosphere of an Italian market, the restaurant will transform into a celebration of regional produce and specialities, with each month dedicated to a different part of Italy.
April’s menu highlights include the luxurious saffron risotto with bone marrow and the classic veal Milanese. Hosted on the 3rd and 17th of April, these special evenings offer a true taste of Lombardy, crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Alfredo Russo and Head Chef Roberto Roncolato.
where: 15 Cromwell Pl, South Kensington, London SW7 2LA
website: www.collezione.starhotels.com
Quaglinos
Mayfair dining destination, Quaglino’s has announced it will welcome chef and TV personality Matt Tebbutt as the next guest in the Chef Series with a one-night-only menu.
Available on Thursday, April 17th, Matt will join the celebrations at Quaglino’s as guests explore the three-course menu created alongside Executive Chef Jack Smith. Expect a menu inspired by hearty British cuisine, celebrating the arrival of spring with rich, seasonal ingredients and Quaglino’s signature flair.
when: April 17th
where: 16 Bury St, London SW1Y 6AJ
website: www.quaglinos.co.uk
