5 Things You Need to Eat in London This WeekBy Angelica Malin

Londoners! Wondering what to eat in London this week? Get the lowdown on the best new restaurants, menus and pop-ups happening in London this week with our new guide. Here’s 5 things you need to eat in London this week:

1. For a Neighbourhood Eatery: Casa Fofó

What: Mark your calendars: a newest edition to E8’s burgeoning food and drinks scene opens its doors on Wednesday April 10th. After wandering down Dalston’s busy Ridley road market, hungry guests will be pleased to discover Casa Fofó on a quiet road, off the beaten path.

The Lowdown: Founded by Italian Head Chef Adolfo De Cecco, Casa Fofó is a small neighbourhood eatery for those seeking delicious, honest food, with a focus on natural and low intervention wines. The eclectic menu reflects Adolfo’s Italian heritage, and uses locally-sourced British seasonal ingredients with European and Asian influences. The 6-course set menu (£39), which changes regularly, features well-thought dishes, such as middle white pork neck with peanut, Vivid Choi, nori, rice and horseradish or pine with sour cherry and popcorn.

Where: 158 Sandringham Rd, Clapton, London E8 2HS

2. For a New Menu: Pret

What: Pret has announced the biggest menu shake-up in its history; the company is introducing 20 new recipes on the 9th April that reflect the UK’s changing consumer tastes.

The Lowdown: Of the 20 new products, eight are vegan, five are vegetarian, and the new menu also includes avocado-based salads pots and open sandwiches made on Pret’s first gluten-free bread. Apparently, two thirds of Pret’s salad pots are eaten outside of lunchtime and the newly expanded range will ensure even more choice throughout the day. The 20 new products include colourful salads, delicious salad pots, vegan and meaty open sandwiches on Pret’s Gluten-Free Bread, new desserts, two new vegan breakfast birchers, and a bircher smoothie. We’re particularly excited about the vegan Smashed Avo on Gluten-Free Bread, with freshly-smashed avocado, a sprinkle of chilli & red pepper salt and a wedge of lemon to finish.

Where: See all locations here

3. For a Spring Menu: Kitchen W8

What: Looking for a special dinner? Following the success of the recent Hog Feast at Kitchen W8 in Kensington, they have announced the theme and date of the second event in the series.

The Lowdown: On Thursday 25th April, Head Chef Mark Kempson will be serving a five course menu which celebrates the best spring produce (£75 per person or £120 with matched wines). Dishes will include Norfolk asparagus with potted crab butter, roast saddle of spring lamb with wild garlic, white asparagus, Jersey Royals and morels and vanilla croustade with gariguette strawberries, white chocolate and pistachio. The menu will be available in both the restaurant and the private dining room, for up to 14 guests.

Where: 11-13 Abingdon Rd, Kensington, London W8 6AH

4. For a Sakura Menu: Dinings SW3

What: To celebrate blossom season Sakura, Dinings SW3, the famed Japanese restaurant in the heart of Chelsea, will be offering an exclusive Sakura-infused menu curated by Executive Chef Masaki Sugisaki throughout April.

The Lowdown: Drawing upon the restaurant’s fresh take on Japanese Izakaya, combining traditional Japanese techniques with modern European cuisine, the menu will showcase contemporary Japanese craftsmanship. Expect dishes such as Sakura oyster, with caviar and pickled shallot, and Sakura-infused red snapper with Kinshi omelette and steamed rice. For dessert, there’s rhubarb and Sakura floating island with fresh yuzu meringue. Don’t miss the The Sakura Martini – a cleverly crafted blend of Ketel one, rhubarb liquor and Sakura essence.

Where: Lennox Gardens Mews, Chelsea, London SW3 2JH

5. For a New Lunch Menu: Senate Room

What: Wondering what to eat in London this week for lunch? Spring is finally here and with it comes a change of menu at Royal Academy’s Italian restaurant Senate Room. Their new menu is perfect if you’re looking for something a little special on a weekday lunch.

The Lowdown: Positioned within the iconic London gallery, the restaurant’s exquisite interiors offer guests a calming break from the daily hustle and bustle of central London. Senate Room’s menu features a range of pasta, secondi and small plates to suit all appetites; dishes combine a wide variety of fresh Italian ingredients with locally-sourced, fresh seasonal produce to create a delicious medley between classic Italian flavours and British favourites. Highlights include: pea and mint tortellini, Finocchiona with mortadella, buffalo mozzarella, pecorino rosso and Sicilian caponata and potato gnocchi with parmesan cream and rocket.

Where: Royal Academy of Arts, 6 Burlington Gardens, Mayfair, London W1S 3ET

And one for luck…

6. For a Pre-Theatre Cocktail Menu: Grand Marnier

What: Grand Marnier, the cognac-based French liqueur, is providing theatre-goers with a new pre-theatre experience. They’re launching The Grand Menu: a drinks-only pre-theatre menu at Café Monico.

The Lowdown: The Grand Menu will allow Londoners to say au revoir to a rushed steak frites and glass of wine before a show. Taking inspiration from set theatre menus, The Grand Menu features a trio of cocktails. Featuring The Grand 75, a twist on the French 75 with Grand Marnier and fresh lemon juice, topped with champagne, The Debauchery of Decadence with Grand Marnier, Remy Martin XO, Antica Formula, Amarena Cherry Syrup and Black Walnut Bitters, and, finally, The Elements of Époque with Grand Marnier, Benedictine, Lemon Juice, Chilli, Vanilla Infused Honey, and Fresh Sage.

When: The Grand Menu is priced at £25, available from 6th April to 6th May from 5-7pm

Where: 39-45 Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, London W1D 6LA

7. For a Burmese New Year Celebration: Lahpet