From lobster on the Sanderson Hotel terrace to the new casual-food hangout, Squirrel, and there’s plenty of hot new openings and launches in London this August
Salads at Squirrel
There’s nothing nutty about this joint venture from the ambitious foursome, Charlie Gilkes and Duncan Stirling, of Inception Group, the brains behind Bunga Bunga and Mr Foggs, and their wives, marketeer Anneke Gilkes and nutritional therapist, Zoe Stirling. Taking its inspiration from across the Pond, Squirrel in South Kensington is a new all-day fast-casual concept set to shake up the existing ‘grab and go’ salad and sandwich market, and will embrace the best US well-being trends and offer exciting and trendy products such as tumeric lattes and reishi hot chocolate. As long as they pass Squirrel’s strict nutritional guidelines, that is.
The new J. Sheekey Atlantic Bar terrace
The shiny new J. Sheekey Atlantic Bar terrace is the place to head for a cool glass of vino and something tasty to eat. A striking combination of pillar-box red and shimmering turquoise, the terrace’s Sheekey-branded planters make for a seriously tempting dining proposition. Open from midday onwards every day, the menu features an eye-popping, double-decker shellfish platter, as well as salads and a range of seasonal fish, shellfish, meat and vegetarian dishes. Wine comes by the glass, carafe or bottle. For the recent re-launch, J. Sheekey’s have worked with Sir Quentin Blake, whose series of specially commissioned “Life Under the Atlantic Bar” illustrations adorns the walls, plates, windows and menu. And, for those who book a table on the terrace, there is a limited edition Sheekey tote bag with a Quentin Blake.
Return to the Eighties at Le Caprice
To celebrate 35 years since it underwent its 1980 revival, Le Caprice will be serving up its Classics menu until the end of September. For those yearning for a taste of those hazy, lazy, crazy days of the ‘80s, ‘90s and noughties, bang bang chicken, steak tartare, that tomato galette, chicken Milanese, butternut squash & zucchini risotto with buffalo mozzarella, Scandinavian iced berries with hot white chocolate sauce and chocolate pot with peanut caramel are all making a comeback. And, with the RA a mere stroll from Le Caprice, we can think of few better ways to spend an afternoon than taking in the new David Hockney exhibition (below) and having a late lunch at Le Caprice. Tickets are limited, so it’s worth getting onto this now. A ticket to the exhibition, two course lunch and Royal Jade cocktail at Le Caprice all cost just £35.
The Running Butler at The Wellesley
If you’re training for an ultramarathon or a first-time 5k, the complimentary new service, the Running Butler, is available throughout the summer for guests to work towards their running goals during a stay at one of London’s best boutique-grand hotels. Those about to run the local Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon can also ensure their training stays on track. The Running Butler will be on hand to tend to runners’ every need, from waiting with soft drinks and homemade protein snacks, to preparing an aromatic bubble bath to soothe tired muscles after a day’s training. Rooms at The Wellesley are available from £435 per night.
Lobster at the Sanderson Hotel
Available throughout summer the team at Sanderson have added a summer favourite to their classic menu. Guests dining in hotel’s sunny terrace courtyard garden, long bar or restaurant can order a whole freshly barbecued native lobster with chips and salad from 11:30am to 10:30pm. You can also order the lobster as part of the in-room service food menu. £25 per person.
Cocktail Masterclass at Quaglino’s
Quaglino’s in Mayfair is launching a series of Cocktail Masterclasses this summer to celebrate its new Prohibition-style summer pop-up, Giovanni’s Gin Joint, which features speakeasies, 1920s performances and gin-based cocktails. The expert bar team will be showing guests how to make three of the new cocktails, featuring bubbles, meringues, bee pollen and more. Perfect for getting tips on how to whip up a summer cocktail in your own home. Every Wednesday from 27 July to 31 August 2016.
Aubaine opens in Covent Garden
The celebrated French brasserie, patisserie and boulangerie Aubaine launches its first Aubaine Deli in the heart of Covent Garden in mid-August. Reflecting Aubaine’s Provençal roots, the seasonally changing menu will offer a range of products freshly made in Aubaine’s bakery including new products from its signature boulangerie and viennoiserie range, sandwiches made from its own breads, and authentic French breakfast dishes alongside salads and sharing boards.
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