Something for the Weekend: July 1- 3
We know just where you need to be in London this weekend
Pizza, Pimm's, regattas, rock 'n' roll – and a Mr Whippy for good measure. Weather: we're starting summer without you
Words by Charlotte Cox
NIGHTLIFE: Defected in the House: Road to Croatia
It's not that often that Farringdon gets compared to a Croatian beach. But we're about to do it. Because on Saturday, the area's super-club Ministry of Sound becomes filled with Dalmatian coastline vibes, to get us right in the mood for Defected Croatia festival 2016. Taking to the decks are Roger Sanchez – who's having a busy weekend – along with Sam Divine, Simon Dunmore, Franky Rizardo, Dario D'Attis and Man Without A Clue. House hedonism guaranteed; Croatian sunshine not so much, we're afraid.
2 July; £26
103 Gaunt Street, Elephant & Castle, London, SE1 6DP
FOOD: Heist Bank
It's true that everyone likes getting flowers. But it's even more true that everyone likes getting flowers and cocktails and pizza AND Mr Whippy ice cream. This is very much the philosophy behind new Paddington canal-side hangout Heist Bank, which brings you all of the above things under one roof. What's more, the pizzas are traditionally wood-fired, the flowers on sale are by Botanique and the cocktails put new twists on classics such as the Dark & Stormy. There are even bikes for hire for a ride along the water. Though probably not after too many Dark & Stormys....
Now open
Heist Bank, 5 North Wharf Road, Paddington, W2 1LA
POP-UP: Fentimans Cocktail Court
Ah, Wimbledon. Green grass, quintessential British cocktails, tennis galore… Oh, and hours and hours of queuing just to sit on a hill. But what if we told you it's possible to skip that last bit and just get the good stuff? Welcome to Fentimans Cocktail Court, a stylish new pop-up at the London Marriott Hotel County Hall. Bringing you stripy-mown lawns and beautiful botanicals, here you can kick back in deckchairs and watch all the on-court action. Only – and this is where it gets REALLY good – while sipping specialty Sipsmith cocktails, such as the Wimbledon Spritz (gin, mint, orange and rose lemonade) and the Swan and the Fox (gin, vanilla, lemon juice and tonic). This versus Murray Mound? It's game, set, match.
Until 10 July
Gillrays, London Marriott County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
FOOD: Zia Lucia
Dough. It's the new rock 'n' roll. And at Zia Lucia, Islington's newest pizza joint, it's well and truly the star of the show. Choose from a 48-hour fermented sourdough, healthy wholemeal, gluten-free or vegetable charcoal black base – topped with such wonders as pecorino cheese, truffle honey, asparagus, spicy orange sauce and toasted almonds. And the dough-based daredevilry doesn't end there: this place has an open kitchen, promising us 'acrobatic pizza-making' (now a thing); plus, there's even a dessert pizza in the works. We are, indeed, all about that base.
Now open
Zia Lucia, 157 Holloway Road, N7 8LX, 020 7700 3708
EVENT: Chinawhite at Henley Royal Regatta
Think Henley Regatta, think rowing, champagne, Pimm's and hats. What might NOT spring to mind is London club Chinawhite – but it should. Because returning for its fourth year, the Chinawhite hospitality enclosure hosts headlining superstar DJ Roger Sanchez, plus a mini street-food festival, pop-up salon, VIP garden and a Taylor Morris boutique ( and the likes of Leo diCaprio, Kendall Jenner and Rihanna in attendance) . Oh, and boats. And champagne. And Pimm's. And hats. It's still Henley, you know.
Temple Island Meadows, Remenham Farm, Henley-on-Thames
ART: Mumford & Sons x Lights of Soho: Johannesburg
You may have heard of Mumford & Sons. They're quite famous. What you may not have heard is that they've curated a pop-up exhibition based on their new mini-album 'Johannesburg', filling the Lights of Soho gallery with free music, art, photography, film, food and drink inspired by South Africa. Expect never-before-seen tour footage, photography by collective Gentlemen of the Road and even a one-off commission by director JJ Abrams. Plus, Friday sees DJ sets by SA's Petite Noir and Okzharp, Saturday hosts an Afrobeat Dance Party with live drumming (yes!), and on Tuesday there's South African wine-tastings and art. Meaning Mumford fan or no, it's pretty unmissable.
Until 8 July; free
Lights of Soho, 35 Brewer Street, W1F 0RX
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