We try London’s viral new Paris born spot Tigermilk – is it worth the buzz?

The guacamole is where the fun’s at, but what about the rest of the food? (Picture: Supplied)

Welcome back to The Slice!

We’re feeling like staying indoors this week, but that doesn’t have to mean being cooped up at home all day. 

We’ve been hanging out in some of London’s newest cafés, hiding out from the rain. Uchi has cosy written all over it, so cosy that you’ll be asked to take your shoes off and change into slippers after stepping inside, a Japanese cultural tradition. Once you’ve done that, it will be time to tuck into ultra-thick sandos, and indulgent desserts. Get more café inspiration below. 

We also try one of London’s hottest new Mexican-inspired openings straight from Paris, but does it live up to the hype?

Plus: Find out where you can get £6 negronis and a monthly changing margarita menu.

Do you like African and Caribbean food? Sign up to The Diaspora Dish and receive a great recipe straight from the kitchen of one of the most mouthwatering African or Caribbean food spots in the city.

Things to do this week in London

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, here are 11 of the best activities, dining, and drinking spots in the capital.

1. Try plates made with precision by Chef Franky Fernandes’ at Lanes of London

‘The green apple cheesecake arrives as a replica of a Granny Smith’ (Picture: Supplied)

By Beatrice Aidin

Franky Fernandes’ culinary experience dances along the hotels of Park Lane – he was recently head chef of the Dorchester Collection and today is executive chef of Lanes of London at the Marriott.

Chef Fernandes has designed two menus, one quick for tired hotel arrivals – inspired hoteliers please take note – another for leisurely sharing. But you can pick from both. So we feast on ginormous, succulent lemon butter grilled tiger prawns, plus salt-baked beetroot, labneh and pistachio – just as vibrant in taste and appearance.

To my surprise, Fernandes, unlike most chefs, suggests a vegan dish because he set out to make it equally as good as the rest of the menu and ‘not another risotto.’ This shows – crispy aubergine, tomato, cashew. Then comes the exceptional big hit of the night, coconut curry sauce – with a taste of his birthplace Goa. The green apple cheesecake arrives as a replica of a Granny Smith, which would delight the Mad Hatter. Cracking in, a tart, cloud-like filling awaits. Fantastic.

Starters from £10, mains from £20. 140 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 7AA. Book here.

2. Drink a selection of curated wine in a very tiny space

‘The wine list is small, sure, but wisely chosen’ (Picture: Patricia Tobin)

By Gergana Krasteva

When I first heard Tiny Wine is billed to be one of the smallest wine bars in London, I pictured a couple of wobbly stools shoved between shelves of Merlot.

Instead, I find a spot that is intimate without feeling cramped – a pocket of warmth that ticks off every box for a charming neighbourhood wine bar, even though it is a short walk from the madness of Soho.

The new local is by Maria Yanez and Carlos Socorro, founders of the Latin American restaurant group Crudo Cocina Latina. The wine list is small, sure, but wisely chosen, featuring interesting bottles you actually want to drink, rather than just recognise from the supermarket shelves. Fitting the brief for a summer night, I try the aromatic Pedro Olivares Muscat alongside small plates of prawn and octopus ceviche, and burrata with jalapeno pesto. The dishes are not as small as they are billed to be – a pleasant surprise in London nowadays – and they pack a beautiful punch. 

Tapas from £7, wine by the glass from £9. 21 Foley Street, Fitzrovia, W1W 6DR. Book here.

3. Try the Paris-born, Latin American-inspired Tigermilk

By Lola Christina Alao

London and Paris are having a fling. Cool Parisian spots Dumbo and Homer Lobster have made the journey to London, and now Tigermilk has joined them. The buzz from Tottenham Court Road sneaks into Tigermilk with me and the first dish I try is just as lively. The guacamole gets made right in front of you, and the magic is not just in the flavours, but the feeling of being part of the action. We’re talked through what goes inside as the ingredients get dramatically thrown in – punchy paprika, and fresh coriander. The mains don’t quite shine as bright as the guacamole, with the cheese inside of the carnitas quesadilla overpowering the delicate pulled pork. But for a lively meal, you’re in the right place. 

Cocktails from £9, starters from £7.50, mains from £15.90. 127 Charing Cross Rd, Tottenham Court Road, WC2H 0EW. Book here.

4. Cosy up in some of London’s newest cafés

You’ll feel nothing but calm and serenity here (Picture: Supplied)

Uchi

Best for: feeling like you’re in Japan

Whether you’re reminiscing about your last trip to Japan or still dreaming of one, Uchi feels like a little slice of the cherry-blossom nation. From authentic matcha and thick sandos to indulgent sweet treats, the menu tempts you to try it all. With its soothing atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for both cosy catch-ups and solo dates, offering a little retreat from the city’s fast pace.
144 Clarence Road, Hackney. Just walk-in.

The Slice team loves the open sandwiches (Picture: Supplied)

ScandiKitchen

Best for: feeling like you’re in Denmark or Sweden

ScandiKitchen first opened in Fitzrovia, and 18 years later, they’ve welcomed a new addition to the family. Their Victoria branch will continue to give a taste of Scandinavia with the essence of hygge and a delicious selection of bites. For breakfast, try a classic Swedish-style cinnamon bun and when lunch hits, go for an open style sandwich – our fave is the Nordic smoked salmon with egg, mayo, fennel and dill!
Fitzrovia and Victoria. Just walk in.

‘Expect products stocked from Panzers and Neal’s Yard Dairy’ (Picture: Supplied)

Corner Shop 180

Best for: feeling like you’re in New York City

Nick Jones, the founder of Soho House has opened a food concept that feels much more New York City than London. Branding itself as a grocer, baker, cafe and wine bar (we need to catch our breath after that), it’s a true all rounder. Expect products stocked from Panzers and Neal’s Yard Dairy. By day, you can grab yourself some rotisserie chicken and by evening it transforms into a wine bar – with dishes like gazpacho and chickpeas and roast pepper with aioli.
180 Strand, Temple. Just walk in. 

5. Forget Negroni Week… come to The Alchemist for Negroni Month!

Calling all negroni fans… (Picture: Crop45 Photography)

Forget Negroni Week! The Alchemist is turning things up and treating you to £6 serves… all month long. Across all UK bars, you can enjoy a daily Negroni Hour from 6–7pm, including the brand new Negroni Paradiso. It’s made with Campari, Coconut Washed Miller’s Gin, Tropical Vermouth and Pineapple & Coconut. Find out more.

6. Try a different margarita every month at Sucre in Soho

We’re cheersing to a brand new monthly changing margarita menu downstairs at Sucre in Soho. From Banana and Mezcal, to Turmeric. This month’s special cocktail is a Spicy Blackberry Margarita. Punchy and spicy with a dash of lemon. Book here.

7. Indulge in Thai and Nepalese-inspired plates at new opening Tirak

New Clapham local Tirak has just opened, serving up Thai and Nepalese-inspired dishes. Highlights include the crispy deep-fried seabass. Expect bold flavours and fun cocktails. And did we mention you can get 25% off all food when you book with code BOC25, until 5 September?

8. Get a free cookie if you’re a parent

The kids are finally going back to school, and to help parents celebrate… you can get a FREE Floozie cookie if you’re a parent who buys a matcha or coffee. All you need is the secret password! *whispers* ‘Summer Holidays Are Over’. Available 1-5 September.

9. Experience Monzo IRL

Learn about all things finance without the jargon (Picture: Supplied)

Monzo is opening an in-real-life store. But it’s not a bank, it’s actually a bookshop. Opening on 4 September for two days, you can get your hands on free personalised books, hot coral lattes and The Book of Money, a jargon-free guide to understanding money.  

10. Take part in a joyful celebration of Asia at CelebrASIA

(Picture: roundturnervisuals.com)

CelebrASIA is London’s biggest festival celebrating South East Asian food and it’s almost here. There’s plenty to discover, including 29 market stalls selling delicious food and drink – plus live music and dance performances. See more.

11. See Not Your Superwoman, a play about identity and resilience, at Bush Theatre

Starring Letitia Wright (Black Panther) and Golda Rosheuvel (Bridgerton) (Picture: Supplied)

A moving coming-of-age fantasy drama has landed at Bush Theatre, starring Letitia Wright (Black Panther) and Golda Rosheuvel (Bridgerton) and directed by Bush Theatre Artistic Director Lynette Linton (Shifters). It tells the story of Joyce and her daughter Erica as they navigate the death of their matriarch and wonder what to do next. With themes of familial expectation, identity and resilience, it’s expected to be a deeply moving production.

Tickets from £10. Holloway Theatre (Bush Theatre’s main space). Until 1 November. Book here.

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