What To Do This Weekend 23.08.23

Ben Weatherill’s new comedy starring Sir Ian McKellen and Roger Allam opens at The Other Palace theatre on Friday 8th September, following two sold-out weeks at Theatre Royal Bath. Frank and Percy is a poignant and witty take on an unexpected relationship that blossoms between two men. Devoted to their canine companions, they believe that human connection is far more temperamental, but, as their dogs play in the park, can Frank, a widowed schoolteacher, and Percy, a somewhat radical elder statesman, find the time for new love, or should they just let sleeping dogs lie? Tickets start from £25.50.

12 Palace Street, Victoria, SW1E 5JA; until 3rd December 

Visit TheOtherPalace.co.uk

Japanese ramen bar Tonkotsu has teamed up with Indian restaurant Kricket for a new special. Available at all Tonkotsu sites, the ‘Pandi Pork Curry Ramen’ features thin-cut homemade noodles in pork broth with lardo and a pandi curry base, topped with slow-cooked curried pork belly pieces, pickled chillies and fennel, fried ginger and curry leaves, and a marinated egg. Order sides like edamame beans, pickled cucumbers or tempura prawns and wash it down with a Japanese beer.

Various sites; until 13th November

Visit Tonkotsu.co.uk

Afrobeats is having a moment. Burna Boy recently became the first African artist to headline a stadium in the UK, with Wizkid set to follow next month. Learn about the origins of the genre at The Africa Centre which has opened an exhibition on fuji music, a vital scene in Nigerian history that led to the creation of today’s Afrobeats. The exhibition includes never-before-seen archive footage and artefacts that explore its origins and celebrate its rich culture from the early 1960s to the present day.

66 Great Suffolk Street, Southwark, SE1 0BL; until 28th August

Visit FujiOpera.com

One of our favourite pubs in Chelsea is hosting a live music night in its Rose Room on Thursday 24th August. Head to the Cadogan Arms, then sit back and listen to acoustic sets from singers Lautier and Emily Sanbrook. Later in the evening, vinyl DJs will keep the party going. Alongside all the usual drinks and snacks from the bar, there are some special Casamigos tequila cocktails. Tickets are free – just book a table at the link below.

298 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UG

Visit TheCadoganArms.london 

Hot Sauce Society is taking over Shepherd’s Bush Market for Carnival weekend. Wander along to try over 30 sauces, including Ed Sheeran’s Tingly Ted, and put your spice tolerance to the test. You can also book masterclasses to make your own (£25pp), take the kids to family activities like face painting and arts and crafts, and shop vinyl at the pop-up shop by Next Door Records. The market’s food stalls will be serving dishes using some of the hot sauces on offer. 

184 Shepherd’s Bush Market, Shepherd’s Bush, W12 8DF; until 2nd September

Visit ShepherdsBushMarket.org

American chef Andy Ricker will take over the kitchen at Spitalfields’ Thai restaurant Som Saa on Thursday 24th August. Expect a three-course set menu inspired by dishes from northern Thailand. Tuck into an amuse bouche of laap plaa dip (catfish salad with mint), followed by meatballs with turmeric oil, lamb shoulder curry with pickled garlic and ginger, spicy beef tendon soup, and melon with ice and coconut cream. Drinks on the night will be taken from Ricker's former bar menus – look out for a Tamarind Whiskey Sour, a Makrut G&T and the Mango Alexander. Tickets cost £95pp and include a cocktail on arrival. 

43A Commercial Street, Spitalfields, E1 6BD

Visit Resy.com