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Most Londoners would agree that March spells the light at the end of the cold, stalagmite-encrusted tunnel known as winter. We can now leave sludge and chapped lips behind and look forward to the Easter bunny, the excessive greenness of St Patrick’s Day, and the end of Lent, AKA the resumption of all the things we pretended to stop doing for a month. March also brings with it the opening of many cool new London venues. We asked venue experts Hire Space for the hottest new spots to hang out at this month.
1. Dickie Fitz
We’re over 7,000 miles away from the Pacific, but for all those pining for a taste of faraway lands, Dickie Fitz makes it (almost) possible. Headed by Aussie chef Matt Robinson, the brightly decorated Fitzrovia joint captures the flavours of Asia and Australasia through dishes like steamed barramundi, lamb chops with sake, and tuna taco with pineapple and wasabi – along with bonafide Lamingtons for dessert. Standing on the site of the former Newman Street Tavern, the restaurant’s two floors are also hireable for private events, for when occasions call for a South-Pacific slant.
2. Sosharu
Chef Jason Atherton has made his culinary mark worldwide with restaurants including Pollen Street Social and Berners Tavern. Farringdon’s Sosharu continues his focus on British ingredients, this time applied to a Japanese menu, creating favourites from the traditions of sashimi, teppanyaki and robatayaki (which, we’ve learned, is not food cooked by robots). And it gets even more interesting. While you can dig into sea urchin with apple dashi upstairs, the basement will be a dedicated hip hop bar offering superior cocktails of Japanese whiskey and shochu, blended with the finest rap samples.
3.SiNK
If you prefer your nights out with less base and more ace, less racket and more racquet, head to Shoreditch for the spring opening of the newest ping-pong bar. SiNK serves up ten custom ping-pong tables, on the first floor above Blueberry Bar & Kitchen. The traditional game will be accompanied by the more boozy game of beer pong for all those red-cup sharpshooters. The team behind the bouncy madness has also promised cocktails, snacks and 'table tennis robots'. We’re as intrigued as you are.
4. The Sail Loft
For a more chilled-out vibe, the place to be is Greenwich, where The Sail Loft begins its voyage. The pub is adorned with nautical ornaments, creating a sailing theme that’s appropriate for the maritime home of London. Sure to be a summer hit, The Sail Loft offers outstanding views of Canary Wharf, The Shard and the numerous features on the Thames banks, while diners can dig into classic pub fare and Fuller’s brews.
5. Chinese Restaurant Syndrome
Dalston’s new Chinese joint is very hipsterly named after an ailment dating back to 1968, thought to be caused by a sensitivity to MSG. With the gastronomical history lesson out of the way, here are the details. Located above Chick ‘n’ Sours on Kingsland Road, Chinese Restaurant Syndrome will be run by the same brains behind that veritable Eden of fried chicken. Need more reasons to visit? Dishes will include the tantalisingly extravagant Tiki Pig: pork belly cooked in soy caramel, Szechuan chilli, pickled pineapple and toasted coconut.
For more awesome London venues, head to hirespace.com.