After years of rotating the world’s best chefs at their multi-space Carousel venue, Ed and Ollie Templeton have made things permanent in the old wine bar. Cometa has taken it over with a tight menu inspired by Mexico City’s seafood institutions – particularly Contramar. In the kitchen, José Lizarralde Serralde and Alejandra Juarez apply Mexican technique to pristine British produce – look for zingy ceviches, aguachiles with bite, crab rice rich with brown butter, and lobster lifted by chintextle. Drinks lean smoky and sharp – count on tepache, mezcal old fashioneds and spicy margaritas.

19-23 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 1RL

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Irish-born Steve Ryan’s 40ft Brewery is hosting St Patrick’s Day parties at its two venues. Blackhorse Road is teaming up with Rocks Oysters for 90-minute all-you-can-eat oyster sessions, plus Irish stew, live music and Six Nations on screen. Over at Dalston, there will be a Swift cocktail bar shaking up Irish coffees, while DJs and Acme Fire Cult keep energy levels high. There will also be plenty of stout – including a collaboration with St. John – and a lively Ireland v Scotland kick-off at 2pm.

Various locations; 14th March

Visit 40ftBrewery.com

James Acaster and Ed Gamble are taking cult podcast Off Menu to the grand stage of the Royal Albert Hall. Each night, a returning guest will reveal their fantasy tasting menu, featuring strong opinions and at least one deeply questionable course. The chemistry is quick, the format slick, and seeing it unfold live adds a new level of unpredictability. Tickets start from £24.

Kensington Gore, South Kensington, SW7 2AP; 13th-16th March 

Visit RoyalAlbertHall.com

At KOKUM, chef Sanjay Gour (ex-Gymkhana) is hosting hands-on sessions at which you will prep three signature dishes from scratch before sitting down to demolish your own handiwork. Amid the layered spices and serious techniques, there will also be a takeaway bundle of recipes and pantry goods. 

58-60 East Dulwich Road, East Dulwich, SE22 9AX; 14th March 

Visit KokumLondon.com

The steak-focused group behind Goodman and Beast has pivoted to Tokyo with Wild Izakaya. With counter seating, group tables and Japanese films flickering overhead, the room channels neon-night energy. In the kitchen,  exec chef Satoru Hashimoto (ex-Koyn, Nobu) oversees a menu that moves from nigiri and toro rolls to skewers of wagyu and duck, via comfort dishes like karaage and sea bass nitsuke. There’s sake, Japanese beer and highball-style cocktails to match. 

33 Old Jewry, City, EC2V 8EY

Visit WildIzakaya.co.uk

The Natural History Museum’s after-hours silent discos return beneath its famous blue whale skeleton. Three DJs, glowing headphones and drink in hand – this isn’t how you usually experience the Hintze Hall. It doesn’t usually stay open until 1am either. Tickets start at £40.

Cromwell Road, South Kensington, SW7 5BD; 27th March 

Visit NHM.ac.uk

Forza Wine has landed in Soho, taking over the former Daroco site on Manette Street. Joining its Peckham and National Theatre outposts, this is the biggest Forza yet – 100 covers plus terrace – which means more parmesan-heavy indulgence for everyone. Expect the greatest hits (including the Custardo), alongside fluffy brioche loaded with cheese, pane carasau with gorgonzola, ox cheek Genovese and pistachio olive oil cake. The wine list majors in low-intervention bottles, the vermouth is pleasingly affordable, and the whole thing feels like an Italian holiday.

Manette Street, Soho, W1D 4AL

Visit ForzaWine.com

The National Portrait Gallery hosts the first major UK museum show dedicated to Catherine Opie. Across three decades, Opie has documented queer communities, political gatherings, surfers, school athletes and herself. The exhibition spans her early ‘Being and Having’ series through to grand, painterly portraits. 

St. Martin’s Place, West End, WC2H 0HE; 5th March-31st May 

Visit NPG.org.uk

Hurvin Anderson is getting his first major retrospective at Tate Britain. Spanning more than 80 works, the exhibition traces his exploration of identity, diaspora and memory – from barbershop interiors to layered domestic scenes. Rich colour, architectural composition and emotional tension run throughout. 

Millbank, Pimlico, SW1P 4RG; 26th March-23rd August

Visit Tate.org.uk

For the first time, David Hockney is exhibiting at the Serpentine North Gallery. The centrepiece is A Year in Normandie – a sweeping, 90-metre digital frieze charting seasonal change at his French studio. Alongside it sit new still lifes and portraits unified by bold composition and recurring motifs. It’s a vivid reminder that even in his 80s, Hockney remains restlessly experimental.

Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, W2 3XA; 12th March-23rd August 

Visit SerpentineGalleries.org