Welcome back to The Slice!
It’s Black History Month this October, so we’re shouting about some of the Black-owned independent restaurants we wish had more recognition – like Chuku’s by brother and sister duo serving up world-first Nigerian tapas.
It’s also getting chillier, and as the ramen fans we are, we couldn’t resist slurping some noodles as soon as temperatures got lower than 13 degrees. So we’re sharing some of our favourite spots to get ramen in the capital, including Ramen Moto for their rich broth and small plates (truffle butter onigiri? yes, please!)
Plus: experience inspiring talks at Stylist Live: The VIP Edition, and get luxury goody bags worth £360 .
Welcome to the Slice
The Slice is your weekly guide to what’s happening in London, so if you’re looking for restaurant reviews, drinks deals or just a great new exhibition to visit on a rainy Saturday in the capital, we’ve got you covered.
Click here for this week’s edit of the best things to do in town.
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Things to do this week in London
If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, here are 9 of the best activities, dining, and drinking spots in the capital.
1. Try world-first Nigerian tapas at Chuku’s
As a true foodie, I always want to try a bit of everything at a restaurant, which is why I love sharing plates. But sharing plates aren’t new to Nigerian cuisine; shared meals are a huge part of the culture. Chuku’s has lived on Tottenham High Street since 2020, after a series of supper clubs around East London. It’s run by brother and sister Emeka and Ifeyinwa, who have packed the menu with a curation of bold dishes that sing with scotch bonnet and more.
The decor is as bright and vivid as the dishes, with coral walls and Nigerian artworks (including one that says chop, chat, chill – with chop Nigerian slang for eat or enjoy life) and that’s exactly what I did.
At Chuku’s, the fried plantain – or dodo – comes tossed in cinnamon and coconut, and I instantly wonder why I never thought of trying out this combo at home. The Sinasir (rice pancakes) & Miyan Taushe (a pumpkin and peanut stew) have a sweet, nutty blend. Caramel Kuli Kuli wings arrive shining under the lights, with a moreish sweetness I can’t get enough of. And the moi moi, while not as deep in flavour as I was expecting, has that enjoyably smooth texture. It all ends with a plantain waffle, with chunks of just ripe plantain inside of a light crispy waffle. Chuku’s is a joy to experience.
Looking for the perfect time to give Chuku’s a try? This weekend, they’re hosting a special Afrobeats & Lit Brunch to celebrate Nigerian Independence Day. Expect bold Nigerian flavours, a DJ, and literature (through a fun book swap table in collaboration with UK publishers including Penguin). Book here.
Sharing plates from £6.50, desserts from £9. Or try the brunch – three sharing plates and three drinks, £40pp. 274 High Rd, Tottenham, N15 4AJ. Book here.
2. Try fresh flavours at HUŎ’s new location
By Josie Copson
HUŎ has made a name for itself offering fresh and healthy food inspired by Chinese, Thai, Malaysian and Singaporean flavours, with each dish made from scratch using traditional disciplines. The formula has worked so well in Chelsea that they’ve expanded and are now serving hungry people in Belsize Village.
Like its predecessor, the venue has a chic, neutral vibe, with driftwood, timber, and dim lighting creating an Instagram-ready backdrop. It’s not all style and no substance though, as the food is consistently brilliant. A kaleidoscopic dim sum basket is the colourful starter of dreams — the surprisingly sweet chicken dumplings were the favourite on my table, especially washed down with a round of delicate lychee martinis.
For mains, the black bean beef is perfectly tender with chilli and garlic hints coming through in each mouthful. And to finish, the toffee banana fritter is an elevated nostalgic treat — so fluffy, it’s almost potato-like in its texture.
Small bites from £10, mains from £21, sides from £12.20. 29 Belsize Lane, Belsize Park, NW3 5AS. Book here.
3. Try Kitchen at Holmes’ new Mediterannean menu
Kitchen at Holmes’ warm and inviting atmosphere sets the tone impeccably. I start with an Eastside cocktail: sharp, citrusy, and the perfect opener. The asparagus arrives next – and boy, is it big. Towering spears paired with whipped feta is so good I could have eaten it twice over. The Ras el Hanout beef is also served as a recommended starter, thinly sliced and topped with the most delicate crispy onion rings I’ve ever seen.
The main event is a generous ribeye steak, cooked flawlessly and served with a rich red wine sauce. Our host, Kostas, shares its Lake District origins, underscoring the restaurant’s passion for quality ingredients. To close, and absolutely stuffed, I play it safe with a classic affogato, before being persuaded into an ice-cold limoncello. Like Kostas himself, it’s all so very pleasant.
Starters from £15, ‘From The Grill’ from £16. 108 Baker Street, Marylebone, W1U 6LJ. Book here.
4. Embrace the cooler temperatures at some of the best spots for ramen in London
Ramen Moto
Best for: the Creamy Chicken Ramen
Ramen Moto takes its ramen seriously, serving up Sapporo Ramen enhanced with rich miso, with dishes like the Creamy Chicken Ramen. This is as dreamy as it sounds, made with soft chicken, smoked pork chashu, a sweet egg, deep-fried burdock, spring onion, and black fungus. Their smaller plates include a decadent onigiri with truffle butter, which we loved. And their seasonal special, the sakura shrimp spicy miso, is packed with flavour with the perfect bite from the crispy shrimp.
Ramen from £16. Fitzrovia. Just walk in.
Hakata
Best for: the Hakata Tonkotsu
People have been queuing down Bermondsey St for a table at Hakata for years, so that’s how you know it’s good. This no-nonsense, walk-ins-only ramen joint (with an Izakaya bar in the basement where you can stay warm while you wait) serves up comforting noodle bowls at just £14 each, making it one of the more affordable options in London. A range of broths and toppings are on offer, all including the requisite jammy egg, menma, beansprouts, spring onion, and yakinori. Not into meat? Hakata’s vegan broth is the stuff of umami-steeped legend.
Ramen from £14. Bermondsey. Just walk in.
Bone Daddies
Best for: the Yuzu Tonkotsu
There are many things you can count on Bone Daddies for, and one is their variety. They introduce a special every month, with recent specials like the Thai Fried Ramen with Rosa’s Thai, and the Frank’s RedHot Ramen. Their current special is the Kimchi Ramen, in collaboration with fermentation wizard James from Kim Kong Kimchi. Since coming onto the scene in 2012, they’ve become one of London’s ramen staples, and have since launched sister restaurants Shackfuyu and Flesh and Buns.
Ramen from £13.90. Soho, Old Street and more. Book here.
5. Experience fashion, creative workshops and more at Stylist Live: The VIP Edition
Stylist Live: The VIP Edition lands at Exhibition White City, 18-19 October for a dazzling day of style and inspiration.
Expect luxury goody bags worth £360 , inspiring talks with Elizabeth Day and Emily Atack, catwalk shows, creative workshops, roaming treatments, premium prizes and delicious food and drinks from Pho, Sipsmith and more. Book here.
6. Try a Macanese menu by Ana Da Costa at The Aubrey
The Aubrey is hosting Ana Da Costa of FAT TEA on 6-7 October as the latest in their guest chef series. Her vibrant Macanese menu features dishes such as Aubergine Sambal.
£80pp, including a welcome drink inspired by Ana’s childhood memories and flavours. Book here.
7. Grab some free cinnamon buns at ScandiKitchen
Get free cinnamon buns at ScandiKitchen this Saturday. Just quote ‘KANELBULLE’ (which means cinnamon bun in Swedish!) in Victoria or Fitzrovia.
8. Check out FINK’S at their new space
FINK’S is opening in its biggest space yet, reviving the Grade II listed Clissold House in Clissold Park, Stoke Newington. They’ll be serving up their signature seasonal cakes and pastries, and their breakfast and lunch menus will return!
We’re huge fans of FINK’S sweet treats at The Slice after trying them earlier in the year, read about them here.
9. Sip some 25% off cocktails at the newly opened Bar Brasso
Bar Brasso is the newly opened Nine Elms bar from Irish chef Robin Gill. Expect a Campari-focused drinks menu, with a daily 5–7pm happy hour featuring £5 Negronis, £6 spritzes and more.
And you can get 25% off until 11 October as part of their soft launch!
10. Smile for a free cocktail!
Londoners can trade a smile for free cocktails at The Top Hat Bar & Restaurant in celebration of World Smile Day. Get ready for some theatre, as The Monopoly inspired venue serves up theatrical serves!
Complimentary decks to participate will be given with the cocktails, and entry is free. 3-5 October. Find out more.
11. See wildlife and more at Mall Galleries
A free exhibition comes to Mall Galleries this week, including depictions of British and African wildlife, domestic animals and portraiture. Until 4 October.
12. Experience Race Across the World… festive edition!
Get your skates on, as Race Across the World: The Experience London will get a festive glow-up this winter! CityDays’ brand-new route is packed with twinkling lights, ice rinks, cosy cafes, and seasonal surprises.
Explore hidden gems, race through glittering streets, and soak up Christmas magic from November. Tickets from £25, available now here.
13. See the modern version of The Lady From The Sea
★★★★
If anyone knows how to freshen up a classic, it’s Australian director Simon Stone.
Now he’s updated a lesser-known Ibsen – The Lady From The Sea – roping in Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander and homegrown star Andrew Lincoln. The result is once again thrilling. Vikander, making a compelling British stage debut, is tortured heroine Ellida – who has been turned into a bestselling 21st-century author – not totally at ease with her privileged life. As in the original, she is torn between two men representing her present and past.
While it’s a messy watch in some ways, you have to admire the boldness of the whole enterprise and the way it goes for it full throttle – and mostly succeeds – as both comedy and tragedy. Credit, too, to Lizzie Clachan’s bold design, which includes a swimming pool that emerges from the floor and provides a memorable setting for one of the most torrid scenes. You won’t forget that, or the show as a whole, in a hurry.
Tickets from £55. Bridge Theatre. Until 8 November. Book here.
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