Weekends are for fun. Weekends are for friends. Weekends are for fitting in as many activities as you can possibly cram in over such a brief – but enjoyable – period of time. Our favourite way to spend our days off is, of course, by eating great food and drinking great drinks. Living in a city like London, you'll never be lacking for a range of ace and tasty events running over the weekend. But choosing which ones are worth your precious presence (and, moreover, worth the Google Calendar invite) is a bit more difficult.
After all, there's nothing worse than spending your Saturday and Sunday at an event with limp burgers and weak cocktails. To help you make the most of your time off work and away from your glass office, we've created this handy little weekend round-up of the best food and drink events going on across the city. Anything you think we missed out? Well, feel free to be in touch with the events that you think we should be covering next week!
Without further ado, here are the events that you should be pencilling into your calendar and putting on your radar this weekend:
Bellenden Big Taster
2 May; Peckham Rye, SE15 4Q
Discover all that Peckham's Bellenden Road has to offer during this community charity event from 4pm-6pm on 2 May. You'll have the chance to buy special a Taster Card for you and your family and try food from ten different loctions including The Begging Bowl, Artusi, Made of Dough and Ganapati. Perhaps most importantly, there's also a free bar on the road thanks to the good folks at Asahi Beer. Having partnered with Plastic Free Peckham, the Bellenden Big Taster we will also be a single-use plastic free event. Not content at just doing that one good deed, all proceeds from the event will be divided between Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers and Peckham Food Bank. Exchange your ticket on the day for you Taster Card at The Begging Bowl.
Night Tales Summer Terrace Launch
2-5 May; 14 Bohemia Place, Mare Street, E8 1DU
Night Tales is launching its summer terrace and, to make the most of the big event, the East London it-spot is hosting an entire weekend of food and frivolity
Night Tales is launching its summer terrace and, to make the most of the big event, the East London it-spot is hosting an entire weekend of food and frivolity
Night Tales is launching its summer terrace and, to make the most of the big event, the East London it-spot is hosting an entire weekend of food and frivolity
Night Tales is launching its summer terrace and, to make the most of the big event, the East London it-spot is hosting an entire weekend of food and frivolity
Night Tales is launching its summer terrace and, to make the most of the big event, the East London it-spot is hosting an entire weekend of food and frivolity
Nicky Kelvin
Night Tales is launching its summer terrace and, to make the most of the big event, the East London it-spot is hosting an entire weekend of food and frivolity
Nicky Kelvin
Night Tales is launching its summer terrace and, to make the most of the big event, the East London it-spot is hosting an entire weekend of food and frivolity
Night Tales is launching its summer terrace and, to make the most of the big event, the East London it-spot is hosting an entire weekend of food and frivolity
Nicky Kelvin
Night Tales is launching its summer terrace and, to make the most of the big event, the East London it-spot is hosting an entire weekend of food and frivolity
Night Tales is launching its summer terrace and, to make the most of the big event, the East London it-spot is hosting an entire weekend of food and frivolity
Night Tales is launching its summer terrace and, to make the most of the big event, the East London it-spot is hosting an entire weekend of food and frivolity
Night Tales is launching its summer terrace and, to make the most of the big event, the East London it-spot is hosting an entire weekend of food and frivolity. Dive headfirst into street food culture with authentic Caribbean food from Mama's Jerk, buttermilk fried chicken and double beef patties from Nanny Bill's and New York-style signature pizza from Sons Of Slice. Night Tales' new Garden Spritz Bar will be pouring out a list of sunshine-inspired spritz cocktails available in punch bowls for sharing while the Club Frozen Bar will offer a cool twist on summer favourites including frozen negronis, frozen iced tea, gin and peach punch and frozen chilli and coriander mezcal margaritas. As if that wasn't enough you can also get an array of craft beers, refreshing rosés, out-there orange wines and top-shelf Japanese whiskies, tequilas and mezcal. Happy eating and drinking.
Jimmy's BBQ Club: Patch & Picnic
From 3 May; Southbank Centre, 337-338 Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
Jimmy Garcia's BBQ Club is offering a unique riverside dining experience at the Southbank Centre
Jimmy Garcia's BBQ Club is offering a unique riverside dining experience at the Southbank Centre
Jimmy Garcia's BBQ Club is offering a unique riverside dining experience at the Southbank Centre
Jimmy Garcia's BBQ Club is offering a unique riverside dining experience at the Southbank Centre
London's summer sun will be here before we know it and with it comes Jimmy Garcia's BBQ Club riverside dining experience at the Southbank Centre. The BBQ Club promises an extra dimension of fun this year with its Patch & Picnic concept. Customers will have the chance to soak-up the rays in their own riverside patch at Southbank Centre, playing classic British outdoor games while indulging in a special BBQ Club hamper, packed with alfresco food delights. Launching on 3 May – the split-level, riverside summer eatery features a walk-up BBQ Bar with incredible dishes (think grilled halloumi burgers and harissa chicken thighs) straight from the grill and the BBQ Club rooftop restaurant. Adjacent to the main restaurant is where you'll be able to find the Patch & Picnic with its bookable games areas and hampers featuring delicious dishes from the Patch & Picnic kitchen. Alternatively, you can bring your own food to enjoy a simple patch of sunshine by the Thames. Each patch is bookable for 6-12 people for a minimum of 70 minutes.
Deptford Craft Beer Feast
3-4 May; Deptford Market Yard, SE8 4BX
Hop Stuff Brewery and Taproom SE8 are taking over Deptford Market Yard from 3-4 May for a weekend of craft beer stalls, food trucks, music and – y'know – good times. Showcasing independent artisans and creatives, Hop Stuff Brewery are hosting the festival and welcoming craft beer lovers and producers (including Fourpure, Brick Brewery, Five Points, Mondo, Partizan and many more) alike to converge in one place. That place, of course, being Deptford. Ring in spring with top DJs, a plethora of beers and everything weird, wonderful and in-between.
Model Market Bank Holiday blow out
3-5 May; 196 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6LS
Street Feast's late night hangout Model Market is returning with six new traders for 2019 and, to celebrate the occasion, they're kicking things off with a Bank Holiday blowout from 3-5 May. Expect street food in spades. Growlers will be bringing a taste of Lisbon to Lewisham, serving up tender hunks of bavette steak. Meat free dim sum will be purchasable from Phung Kay Vegan. Rastawaala will be offering their signature Kolkata kati roll alongside boras and bhajas, and you can even get into some beefy stacked boys from Tucka Burger and many more. One of the newest arrivals includes James Cochran's street food debut, GOAT, a Caribbean-influenced stall which will be serving jerk-spiced goat in coconut flatbreads. Gin Salon, Can Hatch and Street Vill be on hand to pour respective selections of gin, beer and wine. After the opening weekend, Model Market will be open Friday and Saturday nights until September from 5pm to 1am, with entry free before 7pm and £3 after.
SASSY Summer Cocktail Bar pop-up at Dalston Roof Park
From 4 May; The Print House, 18-22 Ashwin Street, E8 3DL
Dalston Roof Park is re-opening to the public on 4 May and Maison Sassy are getting in on the action
Dalston Roof Park is re-opening to the public on 4 May and Maison Sassy are getting in on the action
Dalston Roof Park is re-opening to the public on 4 May and Maison Sassy are getting in on the action
Dalston Roof Park is re-opening to the public on 4 May and Maison Sassy are getting in on the action
Dalston Roof Park is re-opening to the public on 4 May and Maison Sassy are getting in on the action
Dalston Roof Park is re-opening to the public on 4 May and Maison Sassy are getting in on the action
Dalston Roof Park is re-opening to the public on 4 May and Maison Sassy are getting in on the action. For 3 months this summer, the drinks brand will be inviting Londoners to try out its handcrafted cidre at this infamous Dalston venue with a pop-up serving light and refreshing floral cocktails that'll (hopefully) make you re-think what cider is all about. Grub to soak up the tasty grog will be provided by Far Out Food through a range of dishes like Persian-style lambchetta and bad arse reuben sandwiches.
Cinco de Mayo at Pop Brixton
5 May; 49 Station Road, SW9 8PQ
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo at Pop Brixton with a mix of international live music, female mariachis, DJs, traditional dance, food and decor with a Mexican twist
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo at Pop Brixton with a mix of international live music, female mariachis, DJs, traditional dance, food and decor with a Mexican twist
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo at Pop Brixton with a mix of international live music, female mariachis, DJs, traditional dance, food and decor with a Mexican twist
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo at Pop Brixton with a mix of international live music, female mariachis, DJs, traditional dance, food and decor with a Mexican twist
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo at Pop Brixton with a mix of international live music, female mariachis, DJs, traditional dance, food and decor with a Mexican twist
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo at Pop Brixton with a mix of international live music, female mariachis, DJs, traditional dance, food and decor with a Mexican twist
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo at Pop Brixton with a mix of international live music, female mariachis, DJs, traditional dance, food and decor with a Mexican twist
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo at Pop Brixton with a mix of international live music, female mariachis, DJs, traditional dance, food and decor with a Mexican twist
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo at Pop Brixton with a mix of international live music, female mariachis, DJs, traditional dance, food and decor with a Mexican twist
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo at Pop Brixton with a mix of international live music, female mariachis, DJs, traditional dance, food and decor with a Mexican twist. Spanish sensations Candeleros are flying in just for the occasion alongside female-fronted mariachi duo Las Guadalupes and Jari Castillo. With heaps of tasty food and traditional dances throughout the weekend, Pop Brixton should be your first port of call for a classic fiesta.
Margarita Rumble
5 May; 369 & 370 Helmsley Place, E8 3SB
Dust off your lycra, embrace your inner luchador and give your liver a pep talk because on 5 May the Margarita Rumble – a bottomless festival celebrating the beloved cocktail – is arriving in the city. Taking place at London Fields Arches, the rumble is a bottomless festival that pits top bars and mixologists against each other to find the UK's best tequila cocktail. The festival is split into two hour sessions where guests can enjoy bottomless margaritas and vote on their all-time favourite once they've sampled each drink. Competitors include Caban Brasil, Tequila Mockingbird, Nine Lives, Cafe Pacifico, Benito's Hat, 12:51, Lupita, and more ace London operators. As if that wasn't enticing enough, chef James Cochran will be on hand to supply the food.
Cinco de Mayo at Santo Remedio
5 May; 152 Tooley Street, SE1 2TU
What's better than getting together with your friends and family, eating tacos, and drinking margaritas? Not much to be honest. Cinco de Mayo is an excuse to do just that. Make the most of the bank holiday weekend by spending your Sunday evening at Santo Remedio with plenty of margaritas, tequila and mezcal and live music from Latin American duo Los Soneros. A specially crafted French-Mexican cocktail called 'The Battle of Puebla' (tequila, cointreau, cassis and fresh lime) seems like fairy apt way to send it. Santo Remedio have created a new bottomless brunch to spice up the weekend in the most delicious way possible. Available from 4 May, the new brunch menu will additionally be offering versions of Santo Remedio's mid-morning classics as well as their most popular dishes, inspired by recipes found in Mexico City, Yucatan, Oaxaca and beyond. For £45 guests can fill their boots with unlimited Margaritas, bubbles or beer along with three courses and extra tasters.
'Whiskey and Wings Banquet' at Clutch
6 May; Clutch, 4 Ravenscroft Street, E2 7QG
Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is hosting an all-you-can-eat extravaganza at Clutch Chicken on Bank Holiday Monday
Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is hosting an all-you-can-eat extravaganza at Clutch Chicken on Bank Holiday Monday
Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is hosting an all-you-can-eat extravaganza at Clutch Chicken on Bank Holiday Monday
Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is hosting an all-you-can-eat extravaganza at Clutch Chicken on Bank Holiday Monday
Everyone knows that wings and bourbon go together like Kenan and Kel. Which is why Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is hosting an all-you-can-eat extravaganza at Clutch Chicken this Bank Holiday Monday to celebrate all that's good about that dynamic duo. The delectable duo of whiskey and bourbon, that is. Kenan and Kel aren't going to be around for this one. Get your lips around a Kentucky-style alcoholic iced tea before diving into an endless selection of internationally-inspired wings. All served, of course, alongside a complementing Bulleit Whiskey Sours cocktails. Each ticket costs £35 and includes access to endless wings, three cocktails and a seat at the Wings of the World Banquet table. Giddy up, partner.
Lunch at Vinegar Yard
Every Saturday and Sunday; 80-82 St Thomas Street, SE1 3QU
Sample some of the fantastic grub at London's latest street food venue, Vinegar Yard
Sample some of the fantastic grub at London's latest street food venue, Vinegar Yard
Hayden Perrior
Sample some of the fantastic grub at London's latest street food venue, Vinegar Yard
Sample some of the fantastic grub at London's latest street food venue, Vinegar Yard
Sample some of the fantastic grub at London's latest street food venue, Vinegar Yard
Sample some of the fantastic grub at London's latest street food venue, Vinegar Yard
Sample some of the fantastic grub at London's latest street food venue, Vinegar Yard
Hayden Perrior
Sample some of the fantastic grub at London's latest street food venue, Vinegar Yard
Hayden Perrior
Sample some of the fantastic grub at London's latest street food venue, Vinegar Yard
Hayden Perrior
Sample some of the fantastic grub at London's latest street food venue, Vinegar Yard
Hayden Perrior
Sample some of the fantastic grub at London's latest street food venue, Vinegar Yard
Sample some of the fantastic grub at London's latest street food venue, Vinegar Yard
Sample some of the fantastic grub at London's latest street food venue, Vinegar Yard
Get yourself within the vicinity of The Shard's shadow this weekend to sample some excellent eats at London's latest street food venue, Vinegar Yard. Meal purveyors include: Baba G's, Up In My Grill, Nanny Bill's, Sugo and Turnips. The feelings you'll get from eating at any one of those include: joy, excitement, glee and delight. You can even get naanwiches, for God's sake. Naanwiches!
Petersham Nurseries Pasta Masterclass
Every Saturday; The Counter at La Goccia, WC2E 8JD
Using the freshest ingredients, this pasta workshop is an introduction to making top shelf tagliatelle.
Using the freshest ingredients, this pasta workshop is an introduction to making top shelf tagliatelle.
Using the freshest ingredients, this pasta workshop is an introduction to making top shelf tagliatelle.
Matt Austin
Using the freshest ingredients, this pasta workshop is an introduction to making top shelf tagliatelle.
Using the freshest ingredients, this pasta workshop is an introduction to making top shelf tagliatelle.
Using the freshest ingredients, this pasta workshop is an introduction to making top shelf tagliatelle. In this interactive class, you'll learn traditional dough recipes and a range of pasta shapes including: ravioli, garganelli and tagliatelle, and a number of simple Italian sauces to drench them in. Made using organic eggs from Petersham's sister business, Haye Farm, the rich yolks transform the colour of the pasta. At the end of the workshop, you will take home your freshly made haul as well as some pasta flour, Haye Farm eggs and a homemade tomato sauce to enjoy at home.
Breddos Tacos Bottomless Brunch
12-5pm every Sunday; 82 Goswell Road, EC1V 7DB
What's the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon? Why, eating as many tacos as humanly possible, of course. For £20 you can get access to all-you-can-eat tacos at either of Breddos Tacos' tantalising taco joints for an hour and a half of Mexican food-based gluttony. With the option to choose between masa fried chicken, baja fish, sweet potato, and black bean tacos – you're not going to struggle for variety, either. For an extra £15 on top you can also join your tacos with a bottomless selection of frozen margaritas and michelada beers. Go loco.
Unlimited pasta at Palatino
Every Saturday; 71 Central St, London EC1V 8AB
Head to Palatino on Saturday's between 12pm-5pm where, for £25, you can get your fill of unlimited plates of pasta. Yes, you read that right. Unlimited. Pasta. There's not really much else that needs to be said, really. Though the dreamy carb deal also includes a free Palatino Spritz. Book ahead now to ensure you don't get left out on the linguine feast.
Rum Punch Brunch at Rudie's
Every Saturday and Sunday; 50 Stoke Newington Road, N16 7XB
If you fancy sipping on some rum-infused cocktails with some real spicy food, then get on down to Rudie's in Dalston this weekend. Running from 12-4pm every Saturday and Sunday, the rum punch brunch offer allows you to get one of Rudie's delicious main dishes (including a hearty 'Full Jamaican' of ackee & saltfish, lamb sausages, baked butter beans, sautéed spinach, boiled green banana and bakes) as well as access to bottomless rum punch for an hour and a half. All of which will only set you back a mere £18. Jerk and rum is a hard combo to top at that price, so make the most of it this weekend.
Pie and a Pint at Rochelle ICA
Every Sunday; The Mall, SW1Y 5AH
Never will you ever feel forlorn on Sunday afternoons again, because, starting from 17 February, Margot Henderson and Melanie Arnold will be on hand with pints and pastry to save the day. All you have to do is get on down to the Rochelle Canteen ICA where the two chefs will be running a series of Sunday evening 'Pie and a Pint' dining menus. An excellent pie and a pint (or a glass of house wine) for £10? Monday morning doesn't seem too bad after all.
