Life as we know it has turned into a big repetitive step count report. One sunny day it’s 20-odd thousand (that you round up to 25) and on another it’s 112 - only because you were playing catch with your phone in bed. But if you’re looking to wander with a little purpose, and with a delicious prize in mind, then it’s worth checking out these pop-ups.
THE POP-UPS
London Fields Courtyard
Where: London Fields, E8 3SE
When: April 15th - 18th
Cocktails, cod’s roe, and Ararat naan with celeriac and coco bean miso are on the menu at London Fields Courtyard, where Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins (both formerly of St. Leonards) are manning the BBQ. The outdoor pop-up has a 180-person capacity, is covered and heated, and is also open on Sundays this time around. You can book here.
Where: Catalyst Cafe, WC1X 8LT
When: Friday April 16th, 1pm
For one day and one day only the West African spot in Brixton that was one of our restaurants of 2020 will pop-up at Holborn’s Catalyst Cafe as Joké Bakare cooks a range of dishes for takeaway. Things start at lunchtime and there’s beer, wine and coffee too. Get down there early to avoid missing out.
HOT 4 U x The Prince Arthur
Where: The Prince Arthur, E8 3BH
When: April 12th to indefinite
Hot 4 U are two chefs formerly of parishes such as St. John, Cub, and Silo and now the duo are taking residence at the Prince Arthur in London Fields. Expect things like their smoked ox tongue reuben bun, a psychedelic burrata (!) and more.
Cue Point
Where: The Chiswick Pavilion, W4 2SP
When: April 15th to indefinite
If the idea of a drive-thru BBQ sounds immensely appealing and also extremely messy, then head over to The Chiswick Pavilion. The enormous beer garden in west has got Cue Point in the kitchen making their British-Afghan naan-taco hybrids, smoked brisket bun, and lots more.
Where: Newcomer Wines, E8 3DF
When: Thursday to Saturday, April - May
The Dalston wine bar is collaborating with SSAW Collective for a five-course set menu that focuses on celebrating British ingredients and supporting regenerative farms that work to reverse climate change. There’s gonna be talks and panel discussions once indoor dining resumes as well.
Where: Stoney Street, SE1 9AA
When: April to indefinite
Chef and Irish beef ambassador Tom Cenci is resuming his residency at Stoney Street in Borough Market. The changing menu will focus on sustainable British produce and grass-fed Irish beef amongst other things, and aims to use every bit of every ingredient to minimise food waste. You can reserve here.
Where: Wandsworth, SW18 1SW
When: Monday - Sunday
Formed during lockdown, the Lockdown Bakehouse are baking and delivering sourdough, brioche, focaccia, pies, sausage rolls, and more. The bakery is open seven days a week, morning until afternoon on weekends.
Where: St. John Bread and Wine, E1 6LZ
When: Friday - Sunday, 11am til 5pm
Not quite a pop-up but turning itself into something more like a permanent fixture is St. John Bread and Wine’s weekend offerings. The celebrated Spitalfields restaurant will now be open all weekend with freshly made bacon sarnies, deep-fried fish and aioli buns, those doughnuts, hot cross buns, and more. There are of course plenty of St. John bottles on offer too.
ASAP Pizza
Where: Flor, SE1 9AL
When: Thursday - Sunday
Flor’s pizza pop-up, ASAP Pizza, has been one of the great successes of the pandemic - and it’s currently guest chef galore at the spot in Borough Market. They’re inviting chefs and friends from all over the world, including Aziz Ansari and chef Matty Matheson, to create their own pizzas. And at the end of the week, £3 of every pizza and £1 of every slice will then be donated to a charity of the guest chef’s choice. Sarah Minnick of Lovely’s Fifty Fifty pizzeria in Portland is this week, with her potato and fontina cheese creation, and next it’s this anchovy number from Philip Krajeck. Check their Insta for updates.
The Horatia
Where: Holloway Road, N7 8JE
When: 20th March - June
Eggs ’n Stuff, purveyors of enormous brunch brioche sandwiches, are popping up at The Horatia on Holloway Road. There’s sausage, egg and cheese, one with a hash brown, and generally lots of things that sound suitable to stuff your face with as you wander around Highbury Fields.
