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The Best Things To Do In London In April

28.03.18

From the new Sunday roast to Easter brunch via an ABBA exhibition, we round up all the things to do in London in April

DO weeknight dinner AT bronte

Positioned on one of London’s most prolific streets, The Strand, and named after its neighbour Lord Nelson who stands in stone in close proximity in Trafalgar Square, Bronte is a stylish new hotspot on London’s landscape. Designed by Tom Dixon, every element of the interior is considered and laced with historical relevance, linking back to The Duke Of Bronte’s travels. Pink concrete and green granite appear ever-more opulent when positioned in the bright, airy space, fusing the season’s most covetable interior trends with something much more long-standing in terms of aesthetic. Even the cocktail menu features sketches inspired by the Duke’s collectable trinkets. This season, Executive Chef Andrew Lassetter and Head Chef Guy Betteridge have worked together to create a menu that offers both traditional British and classic Asian dishes. To start, try the much-talked about chorizo and prawn Scotch egg followed by the Miso Black Cod or stick to the vegetarian speciality; the Edamame and Kale pancake for something off-piste.

1-3 Strand, London WC2N 5EJ

Clink glasses at London’s four-day prosecco festival

Dedicated to Northeast Italy’s finest export, East London’s Oval Space will be transformed from Thursday 26^th April to celebrate all things prosecco: from the fizz itself to Italian food and live music. The second in what may become an annual event, the festival will take things al fresco this time around, occupying the outdoor park between Oval Space and The Pickle Factory (let’s hope the weather picks up in time). The hour-long masterclass divulges everything you need to know about prosecco as expert sommeliers guide you through the core principles of wine tasting and how to pair the drink with the right food. A ticket gets you eight glasses of prosecco. Need we say more?

29–32 The Oval, London E2 9DT

Prep for the London Marathon at Rail House Café

Ahead of the London Marathon on Sunday 22^nd April, Rail House Café in Victoria has launched two new breakfast and lunch options to ensure you are properly fuelled for the 26.2 mile route. You’ll struggle to find a better way to start your day than with its peanut butter porridge with cacao nibs – a satisfyingly healthy yet indulgent dish – which, weather-permitting, is best enjoyed on the restaurant’s al fresco terrace. Whether a runner or simply spectating, the new dishes are open for to enjoy and for every one sold, £1 will be donated to Whizz-Kidz: a charity supporting disabled children and young people in the UK.

8 Sir Simon Milton Square, Victoria, London SW1E 5DJ

Explore The Power Of The T-Shirt At The Fashion And Textile Museum

A new major exhibition at the Fashion And Textile Museum highlights the importance of the humble staple as a political and social force, first recognised by Vivienne Westwood and Katherine Hamnett back in 1964. From early messages of anti-war to the modern feminism zeitgeist captured most recently by Maria Grazia Chiuri’s “We should all be feminists” T-shirt from her debut collection for Dior, the exhibition’s spotlight on the basic tee also showcases its purpose as a form of self-expression. “It has developed an amazing power to communicate and to create a dialogue between the wearer and the world,” says Dennis Nothdruft, the curator. An incredibly interesting look at history, from the Aids crisis to environmental awareness, this is essential viewing, whether you consider yourself a fashion enthusiast or a social activist.

83 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3XF

FOR A FRESH CUT VISIT CUT AND GRIND SOHO

If you’re looking to spruce up your look but want something more from your experience than simply a quick trim, book in to Cut and Grind in Soho; a barber's parlour with a difference. Aesthetically, it would perhaps be better placed on the streets of Shoreditch than in vibrant Soho, with it’s exposed brick interior and rustic wooden floors, but we only mean that in a complimentary way – it’s a contemporary take on a must-have service and it’s one to add to the list. Choose from an expert beard trim or shave and sample the in-house coffee as you wait for your appointment.

25 D'Arblay St, Soho, London W1F 8EJ

Thank ABBA For The Music at the Southbank Centre

A critically acclaimed exhibition celebrating the music and impact of one of the biggest pop bands in history, ABBA: Super Troupers is running at the Southbank Centre throughout April. Narrated by Jarvis Cocker, the 60-minute guided tour follows the lives and lyrics of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad through a series of nine different rooms which also house personal notes, iconic costumes and various previously unseen materials. The exhibition also places focus on the Swedish band’s relationship with the UK, where their infectious melodies and camp pomp brought cheer at a bleak time in Seventies Britain.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

Experience diana's fashion story at kensington palace

Arguably this season’s most talked about exhibition, Diana: Her Fashion Story has set up residence at Kensington Palace. Showcasing a vast selection of some of her most famous fashion choices, from occasionwear gowns to demure daytime outfits, it’s a real insight into the life and style of the late Princess. Head down there now, whilst its still fresh on the culture scene to tick the box ahead of time and free up your summer diary for outdoor pursuits.

Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX

Take your fitness to the next level at Another Space

There’s no denying that health and fitness has become an increasingly prominent trend of late and there’s a host of premium studios, gyms and classes at our disposal in London. Another Space in Covent Garden does things particularly well. Designed with fresh, minimalistic interiors and stocked with enough Cowshed products to rival the spa itself, it’s not just your average gym session. The concept revolves around 3 different classes that combine to offer a well-rounded timetable; yoga, spin and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). The line-up features themed rides each week as well as Mash Up workouts, which is a combination of cycle and HIIT and arguably not for the faint hearted. But their offering doesn’t stop there. This month’s Detox Kitchen event is set to take place on 22^nd April at the studio and consists of a choice of a hot yoga or classic yoga class followed by a brunch and a talk with the Detox Kitchen founder, Lily Simpson about how she made her passion into a career. Whether you’re new to the brand or already an advocate, it’s a great way to meet like-minded individuals and add something a little different to your diary. You can buy tickets for the event here.

4-10 Tower St, London WC2H 9NP

Sip Back And Relax At Punch Room

In London, you’re never short on a new cocktail den and this month Reiss is enjoying the creations at Punch Room in The London Edition hotel. A refined reincarnation of London’s 19^th-century private clubs (think dramatically low lighting, leather chairs and oak panelling), the Punch Room captures the essence of that exclusivity (it’s a reservations-only space), but brings a touch of the contemporary through an adventurous cocktail menu called The Five. Drawing on the five distinct ingredients used to create Punch, the establishment’s new head bartender and manager, Eric Van Oers and Andy Shannon respectively, have launched The Five: Volume II: a new menu which pays homage to all the firsts in the Punch family. Aromatic, spirited and inventive, if you’re looking for cocktails that – excuse us – really pack a punch in a setting that oozes sleek sophistication, this spot has you covered.

10 Berners St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NP

Swap Out Sunday Roast For Paella

We’re not ones to usually dismiss the traditional Sunday roast, but every now and then it’s worth shaking things up. Eschew the Yorkshire puddings and dripping gravy for something a little more special with Opera Tavern’s new Sunday offering: paella. King prawns, chicken and a scattering of mussels rests upon a rich base of calasparra rice, smoky saffron and hint of paprika for a plate that’s equal parts mouth-watering and moreish. A glass of cava or cold sherry accompanies the Spanish dish as does a choice of starter and dessert, all for just £30 per person. Situated opposite Drury Lane, follow your food with a lovely stroll around an area that’s also home to the Royal Opera House, or continue the session in the two-storey restaurant and bar. We recommend something from the rosé menu. It is spring after all.

23 Catherine St, London WC2B 5JS

TRy TT Liquor for a twist on the cocktail

The latest addition to Kingsland Road has arrived and it’s a concept to rival even the most contemporary of East London hangouts, TT Liquor. The multi-faceted establishment is split into four key liquor-themed attributes spread across three floors; a cocktail bar, a specialist liquor store, an area for cocktail making classes and a level for tasting experiences. The latter will make for a particularly memorable option if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion. The experiences are set in padlocked Members Boxes that pay homage to the building’s prior use as a 19th Century police station and they house between 10 and 15 guests. If you’re looking to invest in liquor (be it gift or for personal use), there really is no better spot, as the shopkeeper at TT Liquor will guide you through a selection from the 1,000+ variations stocked. Everything you find here is also available in the cocktail bar for a special ‘drink in’ price.

17 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8AA