This week sees a dose of happy colour arrive on the London scene, counteracting any thoughts of grey autumnal depression. With bright, bold flavours from northern Thailand, a glittering new West End musical, and a green burst of fauna in Spitalfields, things have rarely felt so joyful.
Elsewhere, there’s a vibrant South African Afro-rave, plump oysters alongside live music, and a bold Shanghai import to mark your calendars.
But if the autumn mizzle does prove too much, there’s more. Why not head to a new cocktail pop-up, which brings a cool martini made with London rainwater? Better than it sounds, honestly.
Here’s everything to eat, drink, see and do this weekend.
The hot table: Khao Bird
Rebecca Dickson
The latest Thai spot to hit London comes from restaurateur Mike Palmer and chef Luke Larsson, both of whom are opening in the capital for the first time. Larsson spent a considerable time on research trips in Thailand seeking inspiration. He brings a menu that includes dishes such as pork hung ley, a Burmese curry with roasted pork, peanuts and wild ginger, and Chiang Mai barbecue chicken with lemongrass, white pepper and coriander root. The doors open on Friday, and there’s a soft launch offer: 50 per cent off until October 4.
Opening September 20, Globe Tavern, 8 Bedale Street Upstairs, SE1 9AL, khaobird.com
The drinking den: The Emory X TATO
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The Argentinian bartender Renato ‘Tato’ Giovannoni arrived in London for a short residency at the Emory last week and that matters for two reasons: one, Tato heads up one of the best bars in south America, Floreria Atlántico; two, he’s serving martinis using London rainwater. The bar boils it down (three times) before filtering, and with only a few drops added to each drink, we’ll leave it up to you as to whether you can really taste what is clearly an unusual addition. The views from the stunning new rooftop, usually only open to residents, will help make the evening special regardless.
The old favourite: London Oyster Championships at Bentley’s
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Last year, Richard Corrigan’s beloved Bentley’s hosted some top talent to determine the finest shuckers in Blighty and beyond. Last year’s winners were Gabriel Waterhouse of the Waterhouse Project and — checks notes — Bentley’s, who won the speed shucking round. It might seem suss until you learn Federico Fiorillo of the restaurant went on to the World Oyster Opening Championship (yes, really). Tickets are £75 a pop and include a glass of Champagne, an oyster masterclass and much to eat, entry to the London Oyster Championships, and access to the after party.
The arty party: Toya Delazy at Tate Modern
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In celebration of and in partnership with the acclaimed Zanele Muholi photography exhibition at Tate Modern, the South African singer Toya Delazy presents an Afro-rave with fellow artist Nakhane. Set to blend a buzzy evening with performances spanning music, dance, and poetic song, there will be special DJ sets from PRNCSS and Sweetny, while Ivy will close out the evening in the hyper-hip subterranean space Tanks at Tate Modern.
September 21, Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG, tate.org.uk
The theatre fix: Why am I so single?
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Danny Kaan
The team behind the acclaimed musical SIX have brought new musical Why Am I So Single? to the Garrick. It’s a feel-good show: witty with genuinely comedic writing and, importantly, full of cracking tunes. Writers Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow have done a great job: the script is intelligently self-aware, constantly breaking the fourth wall while never allowing overindulgence in its own cleverness. In short, it always lets you in on the jokes. It’s also big and camp and legitimately a good evening out, and we predict a long run. Best to go see it sooner rather than later.
The pop-up market: Green Rooms x Old Spitalfields Market
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Botanical specialist Green Rooms is popping up at Spitalfields Market this weekend for a festival of all things flora and fauna. A host of independent traders will be on hand to advise on everything from keeping your succulent alive to the best way to manage a temperamental orchid, as well as selling the very best in plants and pottery to help you create your own little botanical paradise.
The ticket to book now (for later): Bastard at Carousel
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Described as being on the forefront of the new wave in Shanghai, Bastard is the sharply named wine bar and small plates restaurant where wagyu tartare in a crispy roll is served alongside natural wines that would make even the most stoic wine snob swoon. The London pop-up is likely to serve an adapted menu rather than out-and-out copies of Shanghai originals, but that’s no hardship when they include Xianjing-style Dan Dan noodles and Mala beef cheek pancakes. Only on for a few days, this one is not to be missed.