Top 5: Ways to Enjoy the Sunshine in London This WeekBy Angelica Malin
From sipping gin cocktails on a rooftop terrace to watching the World Cup outdoors – here’s the best ways to soak up the rays in London this week.
What: XECO Sherry have created a limited edition picnic hamper for the ultimate al fresco aperitif this summer. Ideal for a boozy picnic in the park, the unique hamper includes a bottle of XECO’s Fino sherry, alongside tapas-inspired snacks and tonic water.
Why: The XECO team worked with their favourite artisan suppliers to handpick the tasty bites including assorted packs of Olly’s Olives, British charcuterie and gourmet crackers from Cannon & Cannon, some award-winning Double Dutch Tonic Water to create the ultimate ‘She&T’ and the ever-versatile Govino glassware for chic cocktails on the go.
Where: Online here
2. Enjoy Gin Cocktails: Craft London x Oxley Gin
What: Oxley Gin have taken over Craft London’s impressive outdoor rooftop bar for the next three months, serving some brand new gin-based cocktails made from fresh, locally foraged ingredients. Bar Manager, Sam Mitchell, and the team at Craft London have collaborated with the team at Oxley to create a range of bespoke gin tipples, served over ice and designed for relaxing and unwinding.
Why: The new Oxley-themed menu reflects Craft London’s local and seasonal ethos, in addition to their shared values with Oxley for quality, innovation and superbly sippable drinks. The Oxley cocktail menu features: Oxley Gimlet – Oxley, grapefruit sherbet and Italicus; Garden Cooler – Oxley, homemade elderflower liqueur, grapefruit sherbet, soda and Prosecco; and Oxley Spritz – Oxley, Rouge, honey syrup and Prosecco.
Where: Peninsula Square, London SE10 0SQ
3. Enjoy Pasta Al Fresco: Pastaio
What: Pasta in the sunshine, wine on tap, and plenty of Aperol to keep you well oiled. We think it’s about time you gave Pastaio’s new outdoor terrace a visit. Tuck into a lazy lunch and feast on handmade pasta dishes alongside Pastaio’s renowned prosecco slushies (one of the only places in London that serves these alcoholic bad boys).
Why: There’s everything on the menu that your carb-loving heart desires like the Sardinian crisp bread with salt and Pastaio olive oil, courgettes and smoked ricotta conchigliette, and wild boar, rabbit and pork agnoli. The restaurant has recently launched a seafood sharing pasta for two, containing pickled white crab, mussels, clams, langoustines and prawns. Heaven.
Where: 19 Ganton St, Soho, London W1F 9BN
4. Enjoy the World Cup: Juju’s
What: With Mezcal cocktails and delicious dishes served up from the Chunky Buddha, get behind Harry Kane and co in style at Juju’s Bar & Stage. Swerve the cloudy ceiling-fan mugginess of your local pub, and book a table and watch the action unfold in Juju’s courtyard.
Why: Cheer along with a Mezcal cocktail in hand, and enjoy the highs and lows of the match all under the East London skyline. Food offerings include an al fresco dining experience courtesy of chef Lee Cahu Le’s pop-up restaurant, the Chunky Buddha. Expect a flash flood of South-Asian flavours with signature dishes including sticky icky pork ribs, vegan Vietnamese tacos, 8oz teriyaki burgers, buddha bowls and tons more.
Where: 15 Hanbury Street, London E1 6QR
5. Enjoy an Outdoor Screening: King’s Cross x Everyman Cinema
What: King’s Cross has teamed up with Everyman Cinema to bring you the Summer Love Film Festival. From Wednesday (27th June), the open air cinema on the banks of Regent’s Canal will be screening the tennis from Wimbledon in the daytime, and a selection of films at lunchtime and in the evening.
Why: Everyman has collaborated with Pride in London and Gay Times to celebrate summer love in the city through their diverse programme of musicals, family favourites and cult classics. The free screenings will take place on the canalside steps in Granary Square – and highlights from the line-up include a lunchtime showing of Grease on 27th June followed by West Side Story in the evening, and Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet on 28th June.
See the full timetable here.
Where: Granary Square, King’s Cross, London N1C 4AA
