1 | Burrata Pizza @ Cecconi’s Pizza Bar
If you’re in search of a quick bite, the word Cecconi’s is not what would normally spring to mind. But the chic Italian restaurant has just opened a more casual offshoot, below Soho House on Old Compton Street. There are no reservations to be had, so you don’t need to worry about blagging your way in, and with giant windows opening onto the street, you’ll get every bit of the Soho buzz as you sit down for an Aperol Spritz (which are on tap, by the way).
As the name would suggest, pizza is the main draw here, and you have a nicely-sized list to choose from. Parma ham and burrata with rocket, mozzarella, parmesan is a complete winner. And thanks to the ample portions, highly satisfying too. Note: a few are available as smaller ‘pizzette’ if you want to try more of the menu. Which you may as well do since there are plenty of lighter options, including some fashionable courgetti for those avoiding carbs, and a basil-infused avocado dip served with refreshing crudites to start you off with. Then again, when there are meatballs to be had…
19 – 21 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 5JJ; cecconispizzabar.com
2 | Pick ‘N’ Mix Brunch @ Market Halls Fulham
If you can’t agree on where to go for brunch, then that’s where Market Halls Fulham can help. Because it’s one of these genius places that offers multiple establishments under one roof so that everyone can eat what the hell they like whilst still socialising, and there are now special brunch menus available. So within the former ticket hall of Fulham Broadway’s underground station, you have Butchies and their irresistible fried chicken (with some added avocado and egg for a breakfast vibe), the taste sensation of Calcutta Canteen (from the Darjeling Express team – just start off with the bite-sized puchkas and you won’t regret it), Ahi Poke for the healthier minded among you, and a mega pork belly Benedict from the Hot Box team. Plus more besides.
What you really need to get you in the mood is the house tool box with everything you need to fathom some Bloody Marys, DIY style. You will be handed a gardening trough of tomato juice, the boutique Our London vodka, assorted garnishes and ice, and can steadily make your way through that whilst making those very challenging culinary decisions.
472 Fulham Road, London, SW6 1BY; markethalls.co.uk
3 | Pain Perdu @ The Ninth
Jun Tanaka’s Michelin-starred Fitzrovia restaurant is an experience in itself, but as soon as some of that sun comes back (Saturday, we’re assured…) then make a beeline for the newly opened terrace. This petite Fitzrovia townhouse serves truly smart – and truly delicious – food. You might well recognise Tanaka from the TV, and the chef has trained with the best (Eric Chavot, Marco Pierre White, the Roux brothers, Phil Howard), which translates into brilliant technique but with zero fuss. So you’ll experience gurglingly good flavours and decidedly well turned out plates of food, but nothing is overly rich, nor pointedly modern, nor any such thing. It’s all just bang on.
So see if you can nab a seat outside, where duck and foie gras Scotch eggs and colourful grilled prawns and freshly made Madeleines await you. Or, embrace these strange grey skies (seriously, what is this?) and head in to the bare brick interior for a plate of pasta oozing tantalisingly with egg yolk and black truffle, and giant scallops, caramelised and served with salty seaweed butter, and a Pain Perdu that will honestly send you weak at the knees (it’s Tanaka’s signature pudding and sometimes simple can be devastatingly effective).
22 Charlotte Street, London, W1T 2NB; theninthlondon.com
4 | Quirky Cocktails @ Mr Fogg’s House of Botanicals
If gin is your thing, then you’ll already know about Mr Fogg’s – the Victorian explorer-themed gin bars in Mayfair and Covent Garden. And we have good news for you: there is a new one, in Fitzrovia, which centres on not just gin, but on the intrepid Phileas Fogg’s travels and the plants he encountered along the way. That translates into a lusciously green sort of kingdom that will make you forget your true surroundings. If not, then you will definitely need a stiff drink. Which is convenient.
At the House of Botanicals, the downstairs is for walk-ins and the upstairs requires reservations. And it’s worth being organised enough for the latter, as the menu is based on ‘the secret language of flowers’ and full of treats. Give the Cherry Blossom a go (refreshing but with surprising flavours: Star of Bombay gin with lime, pineapple, almond and tea, to be precise) or the richer Hibiscus (Scotch, red vermouth, Grand Marnier and Peroni – must be tried). But the options are bountiful so knock yourselves out and make this an evening treat.
48 Newman Street, London, W1T 1QQ; mr-foggs.com
5 | Free-Flowing Brunch @ Brigadiers Bottomless Brunch
You remember Brigadiers, right? The Indian barbecue joint in the City, opened by the team behind Gymkhana and Hopper’s. It’s hard to forget what with food that tasty, a whisky vending machine, and such plentiful screens for live sport. And now – even better – they’re launching their ‘free-flowing’ Sunday brunch as of this week.
Get yourself down there for a three-course barbecue roast (in which their stonkingly good Tandoori Masala ribeye steak is included – it has a dry rub on it and is served with bone marrow dopiaza and raita) with bottomless lager, Prosecco or Paloma cocktails (tequila and grapefruit) for just £15 extra. We think you’d call that #winning.
1 – 5 Bloomberg Arcade, London, EC4N 8AR; brigadierslondon.com
