London truly blossoms in the summer. Soon, there will be punters spilling out of riverside pubs on balmy Thursday evenings, parks will play host to weekend picnics and open-air activities will overtake cosy fireside plans.
There is lots to look forward to in the city in May 2024. With two bank holidays set to receive soaring temperatures and glorious sunshine, the Affordable Art Fair pitching up in Hampstead from 8 -12 May, and the Urban Village Fete bringing street food, live music and craft workshops to North Greenwich, London is gearing up for a jam-packed month of May.
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Best restaurants to visit in London in May
Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay is London's most elevated brunch
I had high expectations for Lucky Cat, Gordon Ramsay's swanky pan-Asian and robata grill restaurant in London's affluent Mayfair.
When I dined on a sunny Saturday afternoon, I opted for the new brunch offering, which is available on weekends and bank holidays. As soon as I stepped into the dimly lit, buzzy restaurant reminiscent of the 1930’s Tokyo kissas and Shanghai’s drinking dens, I knew this was going to be a high contender for the most elevated brunch experience I've had in London.
Expect to start with an omakase sushi selection, which is exceptionally presented and deliciously light. If you're an adventurous foodie, the brunch is then followed by beetroot and umeboshi and tomato and strawberry with tofu cream canapes. The unique flavours were vibrant and light, though admittedly not my favourite.
The brunch truly shines on the third course, where moreish ‘GFC’ fried chicken, bao buns and mushroom tempura promise divine flavours. If you're not already full, two more courses follow, of which we shared the succulent baby chicken teriyaki asian chimichurri and light tom kha pumpkin glass noodles.
It wasn't until the dessert arrived that I was truly blown away - it almost looked like art. The 'Lucky' matcha and raspberry iced lollipops were a true highlight.
Available Saturdays between 11am and 4pm for £95 per person. To book, visit www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com/lucky-cat/
Reviewed by Georgia Brown, Senior Lifestyle & Fashion Writer
Experience culinary genius at Galvin La Chapelle in Bishopsgate
Chris and Jeff Galvin have been at the helm of British cuisine steering it to wondrous places for more than two decades. With their eponymous offering, Galvin at Windows perched amidst the top floor of the Park Lane Hilton, it’s a restaurant I truly treasure for imparting some wonderful culinary memories.
I had high expectations of dining at another Galvin locale, La Chapelle. Sitting resplendent amid the suited city workers and revellers of Bishopsgate and once a grade two listed former school, its imposing nature is quickly banished as you enter. The high exposed beams of the illustrious ceiling ensure the cacophony of happy dinners bounce from every wall enveloping you in a heady atmosphere.
Dining at La Chapelle will whisk you away to heavenly vistas. The tasting menu with wine pairings gleefully brought to us by our wonderful sommelier Francesco was truly a joyful adventure. The Foie gras and ham hock semifreddo was the highlight, the beautifully decorated green sphere of godly goodness parting easily under the gentle push of a fork to reveal the sumptuous pink flakes lurking inside. Also of note was a perfect cylinder of Cornish cod doused in a dashi ‘beurre blanc’. There were perfect mouthfuls on every bite and I wish I had ordered bread to mop up the buttery liquor.
One issue we encountered was a wait time for the dessert. On flagging this with our attentive server, however, they immediately brought my dessert over with a candle, a smile and a Happy Birthday wish. Guilt ensued not long after I realised that was why we waited a little longer than anticipated. It also looks like I don’t have to start saving again for our next visit - they also do a phenomenal and reasonably priced Sunday lunch too.
5 course tasting menu costs £125. Add selected Sommelier wine pairing for £75 or a Great Classic wine pairing for £130. To book, visit Galvin La Chapelle.
Treat yourself at Knightsbridge's iconic Sale e Pepe
This iconic Knightsbridge restaurant has attracted a wide range of A-listers since it first opened back in 1974, including the likes of Rod Stewart and Priscilla Presley – and it's not hard to see why.
Warm and intimate is how I'd describe the ambience of the cosy establishment, which has recently been renovated to emulate the classic designs of Milan's townhouses. Tucked away down a side street, Sale e Pepe is a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of central London.
When we arrived at the restaurant, I was greeted by the friendly staff, who couldn't have been more attentive throughout the evening. After being shown to our table, we were soon treated to a delicious glass of Chardonnay from Umbria in Italy, which was quickly followed by an outstanding course of starters. We demolished the burrata, which is shipped in from Italy especially, as well as the warm red prawns and smoked salmon.
The burrata was creamy yet light and perfectly complemented the saltiness of the salmon and fresh, buttery prawns.
For mains, we opted for the grilled seabream, which was bursting with rich flavour, as well as the chicken Milanese, which was perfectly tender with a satisfyingly crispy breadcrumb coating. We paired the meal with roast potatoes, which were dangerously moreish, sautéed Broccolini, and a tomato salad.
While we were full to bursting at this point thanks to the generous portions, we couldn't resist ordering dessert after pursuing the tempting menu. The brownie, which was blended with chocolate chip cookie had the best of both bakes, with a deliciously gooey centre and crispy exterior. The lemon meringue tart was equally as delightful - fresh, zingy and sweet.
If you're a fan of authentic Italian food, this iconic Knightsbridge restaurant is a must.
To book, visit https://www.saleepepe.co.uk/
Reviewed by Nicky Morris, Senior TV and Film writer
Best things to do in London in May with the family
'Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty' at Matilda The Musical
With May delighting us with two Bank Holidays, treating yourself and the little ones of the family to a fun day out to the West End is a no brainer. One show that is worth a visit is the Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre.
Expect great music, fantastic scenes and an unforgettable 185 minutes full of joy and magic. A particular favourite for me and my seven-year-old son was The School Song, where the 'big kids' introduce Matilda to the terrifying Crunchem Hall with an alphabetised list of terror.
I also can't describe just how terrific the character of Miss Trunchbull really is – some highlights include when she prompts the children to sing that they are maggots in Latin, when she forces poor Bruce to finish a chocolate cake to the tune of a revolutionary tune worthy of Les Miserables, and her hilarious PE lesson that finally sparks Matilda's powers. It's no wonder that the character is so iconic!
Best luxury things to do in London in May 2024
Sink into relaxation at Aire Ancient Baths London
If you live in London, your lifestyle is most likley fast paced and fuelled by high doses of caffeine. It's in our nature to be always-on-the-go, partly driven by the ever evolving excitment of the city.
It wasn't until after a blissful visit to Aire Ancient Baths that I recognised the importance of taking a moment to breathe. The facilities are an oasis of calm in the city, located deep underground beneath the bustling footfall of The Strand.
Expect a labyrinth of underground pools, with everything from freezing cold plunge pools, 40-degree pools, tepidariums and floatation pools as well as super bubbly rooms which were like giant jacuzzis.
Every pool was blissful, with soothing music playing out over the speakers, but the salt water floatarium was where I finally found myself able to truly switch off.
After 60 minutes sinking into relaxation in the baths, I headed for a Full Body Massage - the perfect tonic to soothe my muscles after running the London Marathon.
I emerged from the treatment room a far calmer version of myself, practically floating to the train after my massage left me feeling deeply relaxed.
The Aire Ancient Baths are a rare find in London; if they're not on your 'must visit list', they should be.
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