What To Do This Weekend 01.03.23

Fancy a night out with the boys? Just for Laughs is a new comedy festival at the O2. From Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th March, each night will showcase a range of talent, all hosted by famous faces including Graham Norton (Friday 3rd) and Ryan Reynolds (Sunday 5th). Stand-up acts include Joe Lycett, Katherine Ryan, Danny Beard and Phil Wang. We like the sound of Reynolds’ night when the actor will discuss the secret to his success as well as his new passion project, Wrexham Football Club. Tickets start from £20.

Peninsula Square, Greenwich, SE10 0DX

Visit London.HaHaHa.com

Portugese chef Nuno Mendes has created a limited-edition sandwich for his Fitzrovia restaurant Lisboeta. The bifana (a classic Portuguese snack) consists of a firm bread roll generously stuffed with slices of slow cooked pork shoulder, a layer of lardo, gravy, mustard and piri piri sauce. Ask for the ‘dirty version’ to have your bread soaked with extra sauce. Alongside the sandwich, daily specials now include caldo verde soup made with chouriço sausage and kale; and Nuno’s signature custard tarts – one of Portugal’s finest exports.

30 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 2NG

Visit Lisboeta.co.uk

Spinners, this one’s for you. Fitness brand Digme has updated its Reform spin class to help you take your workout to the next level. Created for seasoned cyclists and others with a decent fitness level, there are three new classes to choose from: ‘Crit’, a 45-minute class with short, sharp and fast climbs; ‘Threshold’, a 60-minute class designed to improve flexibility and stamina; and ‘Endurance’ which is 75 minutes of intervals. Available at its London studios in Bank, Covent Garden, Moorgate and Richmond, classes take place in spin studios with neon lights and high-octane playlists. Sign up for two weeks of unlimited classes for £35.

Various sites

Visit DigMeFitness.com

On Saturday 4th March, two East End institutions – wine bar Crispin and restaurant Sager & Wilde – will team up for a guest chef dinner at Crispin in Spitalfields. The evening will showcase the best of Sicilian produce and wine with a five-course dinner created by Sager & Wilde head chef Diarmuid Goodwin. Dishes include monkfish crudo with blood orange and bottarga; tomato arancini and saffron mayo; red pepper, caciocavallo and capers; spaghetti with anchovies, raisins and pine nuts; and blood orange jam biscuits with clementine sugar and pistachios. There are sittings at 6pm and 8.15pm; tickets cost £45.

Pavilion on The Corner, White’s Row, Spitalfields, E1 7NF

Visit CrispinStores.com

Chateau Denmark opened in early 2022 on Denmark Street, which is known for its musical heritage – it’s where the Sex Pistols once lived, the Rolling Stones recorded their debut album and Bowie is rumoured to have invented Ziggy Stardust. The hotel has just opened a slick bar called Thirteen. Perfect for a date night, the bar serves an extensive range of spirits from rare mezcals to Scotch whisky, and the team has got some new takes on classic cocktails. We like the sound of the ‘Rock Punch’ made with Real McCoy 5 rum, rhubarb, lime and ginger beer, and the ‘Sid’ with Hatozaki blended whisky, mint essence and soda.

Denmark Street, Soho, WC2H 0LA

Visit ChateauDenmark.com

Afghan smokehouse Cue Point has a new residency at God’s Garden in Marylebone. Head to the heated outdoor terrace on Wednesdays to Sundays to try the team’s excellent smoked meats and vegan BBQ dishes. Dishes include oak smoked lamb ribs with chutney and soured yogurt; brisket or chicken ‘nacos’ (naan tacos); and smoked aubergine with crispy onions. There’s also a Sunday roast menu featuring a selection of smoked meats, roast potatoes and charcoal grilled vegetables, served with trimmings like Yorkshire pudding, caramelised leeks, cabbage and gravy.

1 Marylebone Road, Marylebone, NW1 4AQ

Visit GodsGardenLdn.com