1 | A Revamped Classic: Joe Allen
When it was announced that theatre-land institution Joe Allen was being booted out of its home by Robert de Niro's swanky new hotel development, there was outrage. But a matter of centimetres away, the New York-style bistro has re-opened in its new dwelling after a mere six-week hiatus to decorate. And all of the vintage posters have made it (along with some new ones), not to mention the cosy wooden panelling on the walls and the all-important piano. Old favourites stand firm on the menu (sticky ribs and the not-so-secret burger among them) with a few lighter options to bring things up to date. Think flat-iron chicken, grilled swordfish and spicy lobster rolls on brioche, and here, you always finish with pecan pie. A welcome return.
2 Burleigh Street, London, EC2E 7PX; joeallen.co.uk
2 | The End Of Summer Rooftops: The Elephant At John Lewis's Gardening Society
Make the most of the last traces of summer with a final visit to one of those delightful rooftop pop-ups that abound when the sun is out. Because before you know it, it'll be all blankets, hot chocolates and alpine-themed entertainment, and you need some time to brace yourselves first. Michelin-starred Torquay restaurant, The Elephant, is displaying its wares at John Lewis's Gardening Society (which, luckily, has a roof and heaters in case the weather doesn't play ball – it's not merely a tent). Until the end of the month, sample Simon Hulstone's mainly British food, kicking off with some fiendishly addictive chicken crackling sprinkled with salt (trust us on this – it must be tried) and giant prawns to be dipped in South Devon black garlic aioli. Move onto cured trout, Brixham hake and all sorts. A charming evening out that won't break the bank.
Until 24th SeptemberJohn Lewis Rooftop Garden, 300 Oxford Street, London, W1C 1DX; johnlewis.com
3 | Weekend Treats: Crosstown Doughnuts
It's Friday, and that means you are officially allowed a treat. So it's handy that Crosstown Doughnuts have opened a new site, on Piccadilly, today. This is the fifth branch for the oh-so recognisable sourdough doughnut brand, which is brilliant at coming up with interesting (and not too sickly) fillings; new ones to celebrate the opening include boysenberry and apple, strawberry and elderflower, and yuzu and matcha (the latter two being vegan, in case that sways you). Equally, you'll never go wrong with a plain-glazed if you prefer to keep these things simple. Coffee and nitro cold brews will be on offer alongside, plus a whole host of hot drinks including special Australian hot chocolates and chai lattes. Happy weekending!
35 Piccadilly, London, W1J 0DW; crosstowndoughnuts.com
4 | A mixed-up menu: Flavour Bastard
Forget what you thought you knew about strict rules when it comes to mixing cuisines and styles of cooking as this new Soho spot invites you to forgo 'Authenticity, Ceremony and Rules' in favour of 'Flavours, Ideas and Fun'. Though that may sound like a bad marketing pitch, you'll be sold after a few mouthfuls. Although some menu items (white lentil, chorizo & pecorino doughnut or roast sweet potato, fennel yoghurt and chilli popcorn) might sound incongruous, there's a lot more thought behind the flavour pairings than they're letting on. If you needed any further reassurance, it's got Chef Pratap Chahal, ex Claridge's, Chez Bruce and Cinnamon Club, running the kitchen so you're in safe hands. Sip on the Trifolium, a gin and Rosé Vermouth cocktail which is perfectly perfumed, and don't leave without one of the churros with rose petal marmalade ice-cream.
63-64 Frith St, Soho, London W1D 3JW, www.flavourbastard.com
5 | Music and mountains of food: OnBlackheath
When it comes to scenic countryside festivals, we prefer ours as far away from the actual countryside as possible – anything to avoid those spaghetti strand roads and existentially terrifying 4G signals.
To that end, there's no beating this weekend's OnBlackheath, the stunning food and music festival held next to Greenwich Park in south-east London.
Bringing together cooking classes, celebrated street food stalls and a stellar line-up of music (including The Libertines, Metronomy and Kate Tempest), OnBlackheath is the festival you need after months of midweek drinks and three-day hangovers. Think of it as the soothing Sunday pint send-off that your summer deserves.
Tickets available here. Travel directions here.
