What To Do This Weekend 12.07.23

France celebrates its national day on Friday. Get in on the action at Maison François which is hosting a Fête de l’Escargot (snail festival) on Friday 14th July. Celebrations will kick off at the neighbouring Chequers Tavern with escargot-related entertainment, including a snail race and freshly baked baguettes piled high with buttery garlic snails. A traditional accordion player and mime act will also set the scene, before guests head to Frank’s, the bar below Maison François, for a Gallic feast. Dishes will include crudités like anchoïade, tapenade, panisse and aioli; confit de canard with a niçoise salad; and a classic tarte aux fraise – all while waiters keep glasses topped up with Minute Rosé. Tickets cost £60.

34 Duke Street, St James's, SW1Y 6DF

Visit MaisonFrancois.London

Headed up by former Good As Gold chefs George Genn and Laurence Pengelly, Earl of Derby is a new boozer in New Cross to have on your radar. It’s all about top-notch food, local beers and organic wines here. The pub is split across two floors with a spacious garden and private dining room – expect dark oak interiors, moody lighting and quirky artwork. Guests can choose local beers on tap from Villages Brewery, Peckham’s Brick Brewery, Gipsy Hill Brewery and Brockley Brewery, as well as proper pies, chargrilled meats and weekly changing specials. We like the sound of the chicken and ham hock pie, and the Yorkshire Tea ice-cream with warm whisky sauce. 

87 Dennett's Road, New Cross, SE14 5LW

Visit EarlOfDerby.uk

The Wimbledon finals take place on Saturday and Sunday and there are plenty of screens around the capital showing the action. Our pick? Duke of York Square opposite the Saatchi Gallery has a huge screen on the green where visitors can set up for the day with picnic blankets and chairs. Order food from Chelsea’s Fine Food Market and Pimm’s from the bars, and drop the kids off at the nearby pop-up court for free tennis lessons (rackets are provided). If you don’t fancy sitting on grass, nearby Stanley’s Chelsea will have two large screens on its terrace with Wimbledon-themed drinks.  

Duke of York Square, Chelsea, SW3 4LN

Visit DukeofYorkSquare.com

Spin studio Psycle is about to open its fifth location. The new studio at Eccleston Yards is set inside a repurposed warehouse formerly known as the Ice Factory – the design looks seriously cool, and the studio is completely powered by renewable energy. Visitors and members can book its signature Ride and Barre classes – like all Psycle sessions, expect an immersive experience complete with epic playlists and prepare to leave feeling challenged from head to toe.  

Eccleston Yards, Victoria, SW1W 9NF

Visit PsycleLondon.com

Italian restaurant and bar Tozi has launched a ten-strong negroni list. Diners can choose from its signature ‘Barrel Aged Negroni’ which infuses citrus fruit and spices into the gin, Campari and vermouth trinity, and is served straight from the barrel. Or there are contemporary takes like the ‘Wake Me Up’ with Seven Hills gin, Campari, Mancino-infused coffee and orange bitters; or the ‘Just One More’ made with Berto aperitivo, Tanqueray No. Ten and Cocchi Americano. Enjoy yours with generous bowls of pasta and slabs of pistachio tiramisu. 

8 Gillingham Street, Pimlico, SW1V 1HJ

Visit ToziRestaurant.co.uk