Lifestyle -- 1 day ago
Words: Aobh O'Brien-Moody
The weather is heating up and so are London’s offerings. This June, there are restaurant openings, art exhibitions, theatre productions and pop-ups aplenty. There’s frankly no excuse to stay at home, but if you don’t know where to begin, peruse our expertly curated edit of the best ways to spend your time (and money) this June.
Motcombs Mayfair
Since it was first established on Belgravia’s Motcomb Street 43 years ago, Motcombs has become a neighbourhood institution. In 2024, the restaurant expanded to St. John’s Wood, and now it’s bringing its classic British flair and signature charm to Mayfair. Nestled on Pollen Street, just moments from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Circus and Regent Street, Motcombs Mayfair feels like an elegant oasis. Menu highlights include the caviar rosti, hand cut steak tartare, chicken pot pie and duck ragu pappardelle, while the vintage-inspired bar serves up classic cocktails like the Vesper Martini and Paloma, alongside creative house cocktails like The Jungle Bird, made with Goslings rum, Campari, lime, pineapple and cane sugar.
When? Now open
Where? Pollen Street, Mayfair
Jukebox Sessions at Caia
Audiophiles should make their way to Notting Hill restaurant and bar Caia for its fornightly Tuesday night Jukebox Sessions, curated and hosted by Reed Breckenridge. Each edition explores a different genre or musical mood, ranging from timeless classics and psychedelic rock to old-school hip hop, global disco and deep cuts from across the decades. Bring your own records for the selector to spin or choose from an expertly curated edit on arrival. Caia's menu of fire-cooked dishes and creative cocktails will be available throughout each evening.
When? 17 June, 1 July, 15 July
Where? Caia, Notting Hill
illycaffè at Taste of London
Taste of London is returning to Regent's Park this June. Coffee lovers should make a beeline for illycaffè's pop-up, which will be serving expertly crafted coffees, indulgent coffee soft serves and punchy espresso martinis. There will also be a series of immersive masterclasses. ‘The Art of Entertaining’ offers guests a lesson in making the perfect espresso martini, while 'The Art of Coffee' explores the art of brewing the ultimate cup of coffee at home.
When? 18-22 June
Where? Regent's Park
How much? From £24
Silo 10 Years X Ruinart
To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the world’s first zero-waste restaurant Silo, chef Doug McMaster will collaborate with his long-term friend, the artist and visionary Joost Bakker to create a unique ticketed six-course dinner, showcasing the very best of Silo’s zero-waste dishes. The meal will be paired with special bottles of 18th and 19th Edition Blanc Singulier, acknowledging Silo and Ruinart’s shared belief in the importance of intentional design to combat climate change.
When? 17 June, 6:30pm - 10pm
Where? Silo, Hackney Wick
How much? £145 per person
Hello JoJo
All-day bakery and restaurant Hello JoJo is the latest addition to Camberwell Church Street, a neighbourhood foodie favourite that’s also home to the likes of Nandine, Silk Road and the Camberwell Arms. Colourful interiors complement a playful menu of elevated takes on classic modern European favourites, including BBQ chicken with smokey tomatoes and guindilla peppers; hake with coastal greens and cider beurre blanc; and the must-order garlic ripple bread and butter.
When? Now open
Where? Camberwell Church Street
Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London Flower Menu
Mauro Colagreco, the renowned chef at the helm of the recently-opened Mauro Colagreco at Raffles at The OWO, is celebrating the arrival of summer with a special flower-themed menu showcasing the abundance of colours and shapes of seasonal flowers. The menu, which can be paired with specially-chosen wines or a temperance pairing, features inventive dishes such as flower veil with line-caught seabass and Isle of Man honey dressing, and grilled lobster with garam masala and potato foam.
When? 28 May - 28 June
Where? Raffles at The OWO, Whitehall
How much? £175 per person for five courses, £205 per person for seven courses, plus wine or temperance pairings
Ixta Belfrage’s Journey Through Italy
Renowned London-based chef Ixta Belfrage is joining forces with Peroni Nastro Azzuro for a pop up dining experience at Carousel in Fitzrovia. The menu, titled 'Journey Through Italy' draws inspiration from Ixta’s travels and brings to life five iconic Italian destinations – Tuscany, Venice, Rome, Sardinia and Capri, with dishes inspired by each location. Tickets are free but in limited supply, so nab yours now!
When? 24 and 25 June
Where? Carousel, Charlotte Street
How much? Free
Town
In the works since late 2023, the highly anticipated Town is finally ready to be unveiled. The design-led restaurant and bar from Pastaio’s Stevie Parle promises seasonal British ingredients cooked simply, with a dash of Italian influence. Kevin Armstrong of Satan's Whiskers is in charge of cocktails, so expect great things.
When? Open now
Where? Drury Lane, Covent Garden
Black Bear Burger at Westfield, White City
Having recently been crowned Best Burger in the UK at the National Burger Awards, Black Bear Burger has made its way to Westfield in White City, where it's opened its biggest site yet. The 100-cover restaurant is serving up bestselling items like its award-winning Double Miso Bacon Burger and Brisket Spring Rolls, alongside soft serve cones, Guinness on draught and classic cocktails.
When? Open now
Where? Westfield, White City
Leigh Bowery! at Tate Modern
Artist, performer, model, TV personality, club promoter, fashion designer and musician Leigh Bowery led a boundary-pushing career in 1980s London before his tragic death at the age of 33. A new Tate Modern exhibition will celebrate his life and work, displaying some of his looks and collaborations with the likes of Michael Clark, Charles Atlas, Nick Knight, Lucian Freud and more. For discounted tickets, buy a National Art Pass here.
When? Until 31 August
Where? Tate Modern, Bankside
How much? £18
Silent Pool Gin X KEF: A Sensory Journey
High-end audio brand KEF is teaming up with Silent Pool Gin for a series of 90-minute immersive, sensory experiences at the newly opened KEF Music Gallery in central London. The experience begins with guests guided down a darkened staircase to the sound of birdsong, evoking the peaceful spirit of the Surrey Hills, the home of Silent Pool Gin. The experience then continues with a uniquely soundtracked Martini masterclass and guided tasting, before guests step into the Ultimate Experience Room where KEF’s exceptional Muon loudspeakers and Ci-Reference architectural speakers will deliver a deep, immersive sound experience. A truly one-of-a-kind experience that will rejuvenate the weariest of Londoners.
When? Until 7 June
Where? KEF Music Gallery, Great Portland Street
How much? £25 per person.
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