Lottie Keys

It’s almost festival season, and here to kick it all off in fine culinary style is Taste of London. London’s most exciting and best-loved restaurants will all be making their way to Regent’s Park this June to celebrate all things foodie. With more than 120 dishes to choose from, there will certainly be something to make your tastebuds tingle.  Fan favourites returning this year include award-winning Sri Lankan restaurant Hoppers, delish dim sum hangout Dumplings Legend, and Savile Row’s stylish Italian Sartoria. Big Mamma’s Italian triumvirate, Gloria, Ave Mario and Circolo Popolare, will be on hand to help out with those Instagram-worthy food pics. There are also some exciting festival debuts this year. Marylebone’s Junsei will be serving up authentic Japanese yakitori, the brand-spanking-new Technique by Louis Ashok will be on hand to dazzle and friend-of-Time Out James Cochran will be bringing his Around the Cluck buttermilk Jamaican jerk chicken.  Cult Malaysian hotspot Roti King will be there, while Heritage, London’s first alpine-inspired restaurant, will be serving cheesy things and Spanish bodega Brindisa will be doing its impeccable tapas. Feeling poish? Chai Wu will be bringing its elevated Chinese cuisine, while Mayfair restaurant Manthan from chef Rohit Ghai will be serving Indian comfort food. Newly released line-up additions include TV chef and rapper Big Zuu at the Fire Pit with Food Network, Michelin Green Star chef Chantelle Nicholson, rum ambassador Ian Burr

We love a London rooftop bar, so you can imagine our excitement at finding out that another one is set to open in May. The Lucky Club is joining north London’s boozy skyline with a new site in Camden.  Set in a Grade II-listed historic horse hospital, the bar has a stripped-back interior with loads of foliage and neutral colours. The building has had a £2 million facelift and is now ready to seat 130 thirsty customers. Decked out with a retractable roof and gas heaters, the venue is prepared for year-round alfresco action. You may recognise The Lucky Club name from its sister bar in Mayfair. The townhouse venue is famed for serving bao and other tasty Asian small plates. The new Camden branch is instead offering up tacos and tostadas. Inspired by Mexico City’s bustling food scene, the menu includes a cheeseburger taco, a pulled lamb birria taco and a lobster taco. Vegan options will also be available – and desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. Such crowdpleasers.   Of course, a rooftop bar is not complete without some OTT cocktails, and The Lucky Club Camden is promising just that with its seven styles of Margarita and mezcal galore. Just like the Mayfair bar, the Camden location will run a ‘Lucky Hour’ between 5pm and 6pm, Mondays to Thursdays when, if you score seven by rolling dice, your cocktail is on the house. Feeling lucky? Think seven, think seven, think seven.  North Stables Yard, Camden Market, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AH.  These are London’s best rooftop bars. And her

Calling all Londoners; Dalston needs your help. The area’s colourful local mural, known as the Hackney Peace Carnival Mural, features loads of peace protesters from the 1980s - and those faces need names. Local historian Laurie Elks is investigating who these mysterious visages are, and is desperately seeking answers. Hopefully you can help.  The mural, near Curve Garden, has been a point of fascination for Dalston Lane residents for 40 years. But, if you’re not familiar with east London’s arty wall, you might also recognise it from Rudimental’s debut album, Home, which uses the art on the cover. The piece features 41 faces, and Elks has so for identified about 10 of them.  Hackney based artist, Ray Walker, was commissioned by community arts panel chairman, Tony Banks, to paint the piece in the 1980s. Armed with the theme ‘peace through nuclear disarmament’ the mural was intended as a symbol of harmony at a time when Cold War ban-the-bomb marches were common. It features phrases such as ‘nuclear free zone’ and ‘unite for peace’, echoing the voices of Hackney residents.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mariam Aba Yeboah (@maryam_yeboah) Hackney council expressed its anti-war views at the time. It tried (but ultimately failed) to prevent trains, used for carrying nuclear waste, from passing through Hackney.  Before the mural was finished, in 1984, Walker died suddenly of a heart attack. However, the project wasn’t abandoned. Taking his prelimina

Covid can’t stop Junction 2 festival another year. London’s favourite dance fest is back.  Since 2016 it’s been staged on the funky flyover path venue Boston Manor Park, but for 2022 the festival is moving. Its new temporary residence is the rather beautiful Trent Park in north London, just a short hop away from Cockfosters tube on the Piccadilly line. Along with the relocation comes a change in dates, pushing the festival closer to the summer solstice on the weekend of June 18 and 19 – although, given the surroundings, we’re hoping the outcome is more ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ than ‘Midsommar’.  Why the move? Founder of Junction 2 Will Harold said ‘It has been quite a journey through Covid 19, to come through that and find Boston Manor Park is unavailable to us in 2022 was a real body blow.’ That’s because Boston Manor Park has been having a bit of a zhuzh and redevelopment during the pandemic, courtesy of the Heritage Lottery Fund. Works were meant to be finished this spring but unexpected delays have meant that the venue won’t be ready for June. As Harold added, though, the ‘show must go on’, and the organisers have come up with Trent Park as an alternative. But because of ‘operational issues with the Piccadilly line’ and the Queen’s Jubilee, Trent Park won’t be ready for ravers until June 18. This officially means that you cannot now plead a diary clash as an excuse not to take your nan to the local Jubilee street party. What to expect? Junction 2 is centred around the

All rise Londoners, the noughties boy bands are back. Momentarily. Get ready for an evening of chart-toppers as Blue, Five and Blazin’ Squad are all breaking out of their hiatuses for a special one-off performance.  Stylish sofa brand, Snug, is offering Time Out readers (and everyone else) a chance to win VIP tickets to the reunion of the millennium. That means you will get to meet (and greet) all the bands and take pictures to your heart’s content. This is a chance to fulfil all of your teenage dreams. Oh and there’s an after party where you can dance all night long (or until 10:30 when the event ends) with the boys. The evening will be hosted in a secret London location, rumoured to be an iconic noughties site. More to follow. Sunday April 10, 7-10:30pm. Enter the competition here. The London beer gardens you should hurry to now Ideas on how to celebrate your mum this Mother's Day in London

The arrival of springtime sun marks the start of London’s alfresco dining season. And who wants to sit inside when you could be lapping up sun rays (and starting that springtime tan) while enjoying some of London’s best food? Well, it should be music to everyone’s ears to hear that Kensington & Chelsea Council is committed to keeping outdoor dining permanent.  The council has announced its plans to grant a five-year licence which will allow restaurants, bars and cafés in the area to spill their seating out on to the streets between March and October. The hope is to create a permanent café culture to rival the mean streets of Paris (the City of Light has been leading the au-plein-air charge from the beginning).  With the environment in mind, the licence won’t run into the colder months of London’s winter as to make the experience in any way bearable would need a lot of extremely un-eco-friendly outdoor heaters.  The pandemic encouraged restaurants to explore outdoor opportunities. It was a win-win situation for both restaurant owners and customers alike. The outdoor space provided a lifeline for restaurateurs struggling with indoor restrictions, and it also allowed Londoners to meet up with friends and family over some good grub. To keep the alfresco movement going, the temporary legislation is turning permanent in March next year. Pavilion Road, Elystan Road and Bute Street, which were closed to traffic during the pandemic, are maintaining their pedestrianised identity after

We’ve all seen people dipping Maccies fries into their strawberry milkshake. It’s a controversial choice. Some claim it’s the best invention ever, while others turn their noses up at it. Well, the combo gets Jollibee’s seal of approval. The Filipino fast-food chain is releasing its own version of this. Introducing ‘ice cream fries’.  Launching today, the fries are topped with ‘Mr Whippy’-style ice cream, chocolate sauce and coconut shavings. Curious? We are too. Delicious or disgusting, you’ll have to try soon as they’re only here for a limited time.  Jollibee teased the ice-cream creation on TikTok a couple of weeks ago and it stirred up a lot of excitement. Receiving almost 2 million views and comments, Jollibee has given into the craze. Ice-cream fries are not the only new item to hit the menu today. ‘Gravy Chicken Loaded Fries’ is also joining the fast-food chain’s line-up. Think crispy chicken bites, cheesy chips and then a whole lotta gravy. Photograph: Jollibee UK Both sets of novelty fries are available from Jollibee for £4.99. Feeling hot hot hot? Find out more about this warm spring weather. Six of the best things to do in Shepherd's Bush (picked by a local).

If you have a spare £16.5 million and are looking for a cool new pad in London, then you’re in luck. The Wimbledon house in which Dame Julie Andrews resided in the 1960s and 1970s is on the market after 50 years.  The Grade II-listed mansion was built in 1894, designed by esteemed architect Edward J May. Overlooking Wimbledon Common and close to Wimbledon Village High Street, West Lodge boasts 12 bedrooms (that’s enough for each of the seven Von Trapp children and more), as well as six reception rooms and eight bathrooms.  Photograph: Knight Frank Photograph: Nick Ayliffe Photograph: Nick Ayliffe The property was split into three wings (sounds very ‘Beauty and the Beast’) in the 1950s. It was at this point that national treasure Dame Julie Andrews, moved into the, then, front wing. The property housed Andrews at the same time she was making cinematic classics including ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘Mary Poppins’.  It was from ‘Mary Poppins’ that Andrew took castmate Glynis Johns’, classic boater hat (Johns played Winifred Banks in the 1964 classic.) Upon selling the property, she passed this precious prop on to the buyers of the house. It then became a tradition to pass the straw hat to the next buyer, a tradition that the current sellers intend to keep up.  Since then, the property has been restored to its original square footage. The current owners purchased back the other two wings in the early 2000s bringing the property back to an impressive 11,000-square-foot. Check o

With Crufts just finished, Mama Shelter is continuing the doggie trend into Mother’s Day. Barcelona based booze makers, El Bandarra, is teaming up with the stylish Shoreditch hotel to host a party for dog mums (and presumably, dads). Celebrating all pup parents, the ‘Apawritif Hour’ is basically a convenient opportunity to party with your pooches.  Each ticket includes two tempting El Bandarra spritzes and, in keeping with the Barcelona spirit, a tapas board decorated with Manchego, Catalan tomato bread, olives and cured Spanish meats. There will also be some woodland-walk inspired cocktails. Think brambles, chamomile, nettles. Oh and of course vermouth, tequila and El Bandarra Al Fresco.  El Bandarra is set to placate all palettes with a wide range of drinks (including the classic white, red and rosé options) as well as botanical infusions. All are vegan certified, so your pup can rest assured no animals were harmed along the way.  After all the sipping and munching, there’s even space to spoil your furry friend with luxury pet brands Hiro & Wolf and Hoop n Loop. We’ve been told there’s a special discount for the well behaved. Better get those dog treats at the ready. Tuesday March 29, 6-7:30pm, £19.99 pp Six things you need to know about the Silvertown Tunnel Check out the top 10 art exhibitions in London right now

Hear ye, hear ye, Bridgerton fans. The hotly anticipated second series is almost here, and Netflix are celebrating its return with a chance to win tickets to the season’s premiere.  London Bridge is transforming into London Bridgerton this afternoon. Handing out Lady Whistledown’s papers in regency costumes, accompanied by a string quartet, the fancy folk by the stall in Shoreditch Boxpark will be hard to miss.  In ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ style fashion, golden tickets inside the leaflets offer Londoners a chance to win a seat at the world premiere. Fifteen winners (and their guests) will be walking the red carpet at the Tate Modern tomorrow alongside the stars of the show. Netflix’s YouTube channel will also be streaming the event from 8pm, giving fans a sneak peak before the series drops on Netflix on March 25.  The Shondaland (the production company who also created Grey’s Anatomy) romance drama has been watched by 82 million accounts, making it one of Netflix’s most successful shows. The new series is centred on the eldest Bridgerton brother, Anthony, following his quest for a wife in a regency love triangle. In true Bridgerton fashion, the show is promising to be packed full of drama and gossip.  London Bridge, Shoreditch Boxpark, 12pm John Boyega is joining Madame Tussauds hall of fame. In need of a heartwarming story? London's loneliest dog has found a home.

What did you get for your 30th birthday? A nice meal at a posh restaurant? Some sort of video game? Maybe a nice holiday? Actor John Boyega, who turned 30 yesterday, got his own waxwork in Madame Tussauds. Or at least the announcement that he would soon have one. Boyega, who shot to fame in ‘Attack the Block’ and ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’, will be joining 190 other celebs who have been waxed up, including members of the royal family, Hollywood legends and various pop stars. The Golden Globe and BAFTA winner will be placed amongst other icons of the silver screen in the London Awards Party zone.  Ecstatic is the word to use when describing how Boyega felt about his wax makeover. He said, ‘When I first got the call that Madame Tussauds London wanted to come in and make a figure of this mug, I was shocked, surprised and at the same time very, very, excited. It feels very good to be counted amongst those very special people. It’s kind of crazy. Kind of cool. And surreal.’ View this post on Instagram A post shared by John Boyega (@johnboyega) Tim Waters, the general manager of Tussauds, expressed his delight at welcoming the Peckham born actor saying, ‘We always feel a special pride when we add a born and bred Londoner to our Madame Tussauds London line-up’.  The Star Wars hero will take residence at the Baker Street fun-zone in the summer. If you can’t wait until then, updates on his wax-look will be posted on Madame Tussauds London’s socials.  Badass, wax-

Beavers made a comeback in London yesterday. The animals, which haven't been spotted in the capital for 400 years, are now stamping their tails and making waves as they enter a new enclosure in Enfield.  The North London project will follow in the footsteps of similar schemes in other parts of England, Scotland, and Europe which have so far seen real success. It is hoped that these ecological engineers will love London as much as they do other European cities and help prevent flooding. They do this through their dam-building empires, helping to restore natural habitats by filtering the water and attracting other animals. Sound like useful little fellas.  ‘Great to see @EnfieldCouncil welcome beavers to their wetlands as part of a series of projects designed to help rewild the area’, London mayor, Sadiq Khan tweeted in support of the project. He added that ‘City Hall has awarded £600,000 from our Rewild London Fund to projects across our city that will help restore nature’.  .@BeavertownBeer Not the only 🦫 in (#Enfield) town any more. https://t.co/nssbRHsy14 pic.twitter.com/ujrQblo5Ec— Enfield Council (@EnfieldCouncil) March 17, 2022 A male and female beaver have been introduced to the new enclosure together with the hope sparks will eventually fly. The beaver conservationists are anticipating (with their fingers crossed) that Mr and Mrs beaver will produce kits within a year to grow this burgeoning beaver dynasty. Move over ‘puppy love’ it’s beaver love time. The beavers do