1 | For That Special Occasion: The Game Bird
The Stafford hotel is one of those enigmatic old school St. James's establishments, and its new chef has revamped the restaurant to offer proper, posh, rich British food. The Game Bird's signature dish is, unsurprisingly, gamey and will thus alter with the seasons. Like everything else here, a potentially heavy plate of food is done with fashionable refinement. It's USP: you get a hip flask on the side containing a 'bull shot' of meat juices and sloe gin (which is so good it may inspire you to take up the practice in everyday life).
The chicken kiev is pepped up by gently flavoured truffle butter and comes with a giant leather bib, which you are strongly advised to wear as explosions are common. The smoked salmon gets wheeled to your table on a trolley beforehand and ceremoniously carved in front of you, and the cheese trolley afterwards will make anyone consider eating yet more. That's if you've resisted the heart-warming Lyle's Golden Syrup sponge with good old custard. Your waistline will suffer here and the prices put it decidedly in the treat column, but a treat the whole experience unquestionably is.
16-18 St James's Place, London, SW1A 1NJ; thestaffordlondon.com/the-game-bird
2 | For St George's Day Antics: Borough Market
This Sunday's patriotic celebrations take all forms. But our pick is the fiesta happening in foodie haven Borough Market, which is opening especially for the occasion. And a fiesta it shall truly be, since St George is also the patron saint of Catalonia, inspiring a fusion feast put on by the usual traders, with additional music, dancing and general fun times. There'll be Catalonian seafood fideua, George and dragon biscuits, roast beef sirloin and plenty of English wine and mead. Cookery demonstrations by Luke Mackay are free throughout the day, and you'll also get to witness the formation of an epic human tower by the Castellers of London (who knew?).
12-4pm, Sunday 23rd April
8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL; boroughmarket.org.uk
3 | For Week Night Dinners: The Other Naughty Piglet
Andrew Lloyd Webber liked the Brixton original of this restaurant so much, he handpicked it for his Victoria theatre, The Other Palace (you see what they did with the names there?). You may feel befuddled at wandering in amongst hurrying theatregoers, but plough on upstairs and there is a charmingly relaxed dining room serving British-inspired, but decidedly quirky food. Dishes will be served one at a time – no arguments – so be prepared to share. Around four or five should do it, and the flagship is an absolute must-try: a nest of fishy XO linguine topped with a cured egg yolk. Asparagus spears come shrouded in a tasty film of lardo, beef tartare is topped with crispy spring greens (much like the seaweed you get from your local Chinese) and the rhubarb and custard will bring you childlike bliss. Places like this could easily charge more (and do) so put this one on your date night list.
The Other Palace, 12 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JA; theothernaughtypiglet.co.uk
4 | For London Marathon Duty: The Narrow
There are some people who are going to be tiring themselves out this Sunday. But if you prefer a more leisurely pace, then why not perform your spectating duties whilst enjoying some additional river views, some good food and a pint of Camden Pale Ale? Gordon Ramsay's The Narrow, in Limehouse, is a prime waterside establishment at any time, but it will be providing sustenance for all you hungry cheerleaders on marathon day by opening first for bacon and egg rolls, and then getting the barbecue fired up for the burgers. Pimms and beer will abound, and you have a roadside view of the runners as they go through. Win-win, you might say.
From 9am, Sunday 23rd April
44 Narrow Street, London, E14 8DP; gordonramsayrestaurants.com/the-narrow
5 | For That Something Else: National Tea Day at St. Katharine's Docks
This Friday is National Tea Day. So yes, you would be justified in multiple morning brews. But the nimble footed amongst you might feel like going several steps further and heading down to a vintage tea party, complete with live band, for a tea dance at St Katharine's Docks. It's free, lasts all afternoon and, alongside a selection of cuppas, Tom Aitkens's team at Tom's Kitchen will be serving homemade lemonade plus cake, scones and sandwiches. That's in addition to the usual Friday World Food Market (think Gyoza dumplings, paella, fish and chips, etc.). Tutorials run at 12pm and 5pm for keen beans but, otherwise, it's just a good excuse for something a little bit different.
12 – 7pm, Friday 21st April
50 St Katharine's Way, London, E1W 1LA; skdocks.co.uk