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Maki & Ramen has landed in Soho, taking over the former La Bodega Negra spot and bringing its well known Japanese menu to the centre of London. Already established across England and Scotland, the brand arrives in the capital with a mid-range dining concept that fits seamlessly into one of the city’s busiest food neighbourhoods. Ww stopped by during its opening night to get a first look inside. The evening offered a taste of what’s to come, with a spread of freshly prepared sushi paired with a selection of mocktails, setting the tone for a relaxed but lively experience. The space leans into Soho’s late-night energy, with a licence that keeps things going well into the evening. On launch night, guests were also treated to a few playful touches, including a sashimi cave that added something a little different to the usual restaurant opening. With its mix of casual dining, quality Japanese dishes and a setting built for both dinner. with colleagues and late-night plans, Maki & Ramen’s Soho opening feels like a natural fit for the area. Address: 9 Old Compton St, London W1D 5JF For more information click here Written by: Stephanie Sowaha Photo courtesy of Maki & Ramen

Just outside the hustle and bustle of Victoria Train Station, in the new Cardinal Place, you find the plush but welcoming interiors of Brown’s Restaurant. The large glass exterior lends to the open and light feel of the restaurant, perfect for a bite to eat or drink with colleagues or friends before you journey home. They offer pre theatre menus, which is handy in the location. And if you aren’t theatre bound, the Spring Menu is the perfect way to sample the best they have to offer. With five mains, and four starters and desserts to chose from there is plenty of options from meat, fish and veggie eaters alike. The set menu is offered for £29 for two course, and £35 for three. I tried a Rhubard Martini off the cocktail specials, which was perfectly delicious with a squeeze of tart! Then for starters we opted for the Sticky Hot Honey Chicken & Scottish Mussels. The coriander yoghurt dip was a stand out with the succulent chicken, which was perfectly marinated in honey. For mains the Duo of Lamb was our favourite, with a red wine jus adding the perfect amount of taste, especially alongside the crispy pomme Anna (crispy sliced potatoes!). The Miso glazed salmon gave a more Asian inspired feel, with shimeji mushrooms, soya beans and crispy sushi rice cake. The portions were generous, and we accompanied the meal with a bottle of Gavi white wine, which was crisp and elegant. For dessert we went for the English favourite of Bramley Apple & Rhubarb Crumble, which had the ideal ration of filling to crumble and was accompanied by stem ginger ice cream. I managed to squeeze in a taste of the Belgium Chocolate Mousse, which was decadent. Overall we enjoyed the friendly service, the light and airy space, the modern European flavours with a twist, and the thoughtful but affordable Spring Menu. Address: 2 Cardinal Walk, Greater, London, SW1E 5JE For more information click here. Written by Polly Robin Photos courtesy of Browns Bar & Brasserie

The Capturist has been swept up in Elvis Mania thanks to the release of the Epic Elvis Presley concert movie, Elvis Evolution, the immersive experience at Immerse London Excel, and the City Cruises London Elvis Tribute Cruise. We were invited to shake, rattle and roll our way down to Westminster Pier to board City Cruises London Elvis Tribute Cruise, starting from £119. The dress code was smart casual (rhinestones optional) so we donned some sparkles and our “blue suede shoes” to enjoy a 3 hour looping voyage sailing East towards Tower Bridge leisurely displaying a panorama of London’s most iconic riverside landmarks including the perpendicular gothic architecture of The Houses of Parliament, The Shakespeares Globe along with the towering presence of The Shard, while enjoying a complimentary glass of prosecco accompanying a 3 course meal served by friendly efficient staff. The three course meal, offers both meat, fish and vegetarian options. I tried the the fish-based starter, Salmon Gravadlax, which was nice and fresh with the dill and mustard dressing, which was a delight. The seasonal vegetables in my main course were cooked to perfection; they complemented the Lyonnaise potatoes and herb and garlic chicken breast perfectly. My dining partner had the vegetarian starter, a Burrata Salad with Basil Pesto, which was full of flavour and left her wanting more. The main, an oyster mushroom and white bean cassoulet with Lyonnais potatoes, was rich with depth, while the crunch of the seasonal vegetables provided an enjoyable ASMR experience. We both finished off with the Tiramisu, a nice and indulgent dessert to end the meal, leaving us happily satisfied, no need to “return to sender.” We enojyed delicious Mojitos, served from the bar on board, while being serinaded by the multi award winning Elvis impersonator, Elvis Smelvis, and his very commited sideburns. We loved the fabulous outfit changes of the meticulously crafted costumes made by the very same designers who created stagewear for Elvis Presley himself. Leaving an unmistakable air of authenticity, while the deep resonent quality of his voice channeled Elvis’s iconic sound made us think the king never left. Lyrical support from the die-hard Elvis fans on board and a very enthusiastic hen party brought the experience to “the promised land.” In short, the London Elvis experience is iconic and completely over the top, we loved it! Fancy being serenaded by Elvis? The next City Cruises Elvis Tribute Cruise is on 23rd May and can be booked here. Written by Stacey Reeves Photo courtesy of City Cruises

Thousands of original artworks from £100, over 100 galleries, and one of London's most beloved settings for the art calendar. The Affordable Art Fair's Hampstead edition is back for another May run on the Heath. This year's edition boasts the best in contemporary art from across the world, with eight new galleries making their UK debut alongside familiar returning exhibitors. The headline addition is Ceramics Unbound, a new spotlight curated by artist Caroline Jackman, celebrating the booming popularity of contemporary ceramic work. The medium, renowned for its historical roots, is being reimagined through extraordinary craftsmanship, compelling storytelling, and a renewed perspective on ancient materials. The summer lates on Thursday and Friday evenings offer a different kind of art browsing, with DJs, complimentary drinks, and the Heath's only rooftop bar, the Treetop Terrace, with sunset views over north London. Families are well catered for too, with a drop-in Kids' Creative Corner running weekend mornings featuring a treasure hunt, face painting, and hands-on activities. This year's charity partner is the Royal Free Hospital, with a £5 donation option available when booking tickets online, to book, click here. Venue: Lower Fairground Site, Hampstead Heath, London NW3 1TH Written by Claire Selby Photography courtesy of Affordable Art Fair

Borough Market opens its doors after hours for a wonderful evening dedicated entirely to exceptional seafood on 20th May. Evening of Seafood is the latest instalment in the market's growing series of specialist after-hours events. The event promises oyster shucking contests, fish-filleting demos and informal talks hosted by food writer and Borough Market podcast host Giulia Crouch. Traders bringing the ocean indoors include eighth-generation oystermen Richard Haward's Oysters, hand-dived scallop specialists Shellseekers and Furness Fish Markets with their seasonal catch. Expect special menus from Tacos Padre (ceviche tostadas), Applebee's and Brindisa, whose Spanish-inspired spread of gildas, pintxos and boquerón-topped crisps is reason enough to show up. The Tinned Fish Market rounds things out with artisanal tins and small bites, while Oak & Smoke brings traditional Scottish smoked fish to the table. Drinks pairings from Cartwrights Wines, Utobeer and London Cider House are on hand to complete the picture, with more traders still to be announced. At £7 a ticket, it's a genuinely affordable way to spend a Wednesday evening at London's most popular food market! To buy a tickrt, click here. Written by Claire Selby Photography courtesy of Borough Market

Set just a couple of streets away from the throng of Covent Garden and nestled inside the luxurious 5-star Middle Eight hotel, Sycamore feels like somewhere you can ease into rather than arrive at with intent. We went for a late lunch after a spot of shopping, and ended up staying into the early evening, which probably tells you more about the place than anything else. The hotel’s interiors are worth noting because they help to shape the overall experience. Award-winning, but not in an obvious way. There’s a strong organic thread running through the design: natural wood, soft curves, and a relaxed sense of flow throughout the space. The long, curved bar stands out as the focal point in what is a very large bar/restaurant space, its ceiling festooned with an ambling, bronze laser-cut leaf design, accentuating the grand height of the room. Staff at Middle Eight are on the ball and friendly. After being greeted and shown to our table, lunch was unhurried. The dining room has a relaxed, low-key vibe, tables are generous, large enough to spread out, with booth seating ideal for business meetings as well as social gatherings. The restaurant menu leans into rustic Italian, and we started with a classic dish - mushroom arancini. Crunchy on the outside with a rich interior, with the mushroom coming through properly rather than getting lost. The basil aioli added a clean, herbal lift. The crunch was notable, actually one of the best arancini I’ve had in a long-time. The chargrilled chicken skewers were served in a very decent-sized portion and were thoughtfully presented. The lemon, thyme, and smoked paprika came through well, nothing overpowering, just a satisfying balance. For mains, I went for the miso-glazed aubergine, which turned out to be a highlight. The aubergine itself was cooked down to that point where it becomes almost creamy, taking on the miso glaze, sweet and umami. The Asian slaw alongside the sesame and chilli cut through with freshness and a bit of texture, which kept the dish from feeling too rich. The wild mushroom risotto, made with farro grains rather than rice, had a bit more bite and nuttiness than a classic risotto. The king oyster mushrooms gave it depth, and the aged parmesan brought that necessary sharpness to round it out, a quality filling dish. Everything worked particularly well with a light, crisp Sicilian organic white wine, clean, mineral, and bright enough to carry through the meal without dominating it. A very ‘easy drinking’ wine. The restaurant has a selection from many notable vineyards and organic offerings. Dessert was an almond chocolate cake infused with orange. Made with almond flour, it had a light, slightly nutty texture. The orange lifted it just enough, keeping it from leaning too heavily into sweetness. A good finale dish for sharing, with the help of leafy green tea and a smooth aromatic Chai latte. The pricing is sensible, à la carte starters and light bites around £10.00 and mains in the region of £20.00, with a set pre-theatre menu available from £33.00pp, making it excellent value for a central London restaurant. Beyond the food, Sycamore opens out into different moods. The bar leans into that Italian aperitivo feel, wine, small plates, a bit of movement and music as the evening builds. Check the website for weekly vinyl DJ sets and live performances. We went for a late lunch and ended up staying into the early evening without really noticing the shift. Sycamore, much like Middle Eight itself, manages to be both relaxed and considered. Address: Middle Eight Hotel, 66 Great Queen St, London, WC2B 5BX For more information, click here. Written by Claire Bloom Photography by Emma Pharaoh

Blending classic Italian dining with a polished, modern central London feel, Faros is located just moments from Oxford Circus, a great shout if you want some post shopping or pre night out dinner in the West End. A stylish all day destination, they offer a broad menu of Italian favourites; fresh pasta, risotto, seafood, and grilled dishes, cocktails and indulgent desserts. The restaurant itself has a contemporary Mediterranean feel, stylish interiors, warm lighting, and a lively energy that gives it more personality than your average chain style Italian. We arrived at 6.30pm and there was a real buzz with every table full. Easing in with a cocktail; a negroni and a spicy margarita, both were solid deliveries of classic cocktails, a good sign that they have experienced bartenders. For starters, I had the caprese; buffalo mozzarella and tomatoes. It was simple but fresh and well executed, quiet light with just a basil drizzle so I added to the flavouring with the balsamic vinegar which helped boost the flavour. My friend had the gamberi, which comes with prawns in garlic, chilli, and white wine with artichokes and asparagus which she thoroughly enjoyed. For mains, I went for the pappardelle ai funghi; fresh pappardelle with portobello and shimeji mushrooms, garlic, onions, balsamic, chilli flakes, and parmesan. It was rich, earthy, and comforting, with plenty of depth from the mushroom mix, and Unami tones which I loved. My friend chose the risotto mare, made with prawns, squid, clams, chilli, garlic, and tomato sauce. It was well balanced and generously packed with seafood. The portions were sensibly sized for pasta and risotto dishes, which was well received as it stopped us overeating or wasting. Dessert was a highlight for me, I don’t think I can ever visit an Italian restaurant without trying the tiramisu. It was light, creamy, and nicely layered, a great end to the meal. Overall, Faros delivers more than just good food, it offers the full central London dining experience: stylish surroundings, energetic atmosphere, attentive service, and a menu with broad appeal. Prices are on the higher side, but the location, setting, and service justify this. Address: 22 Great Portland St, London W1W 8QS For more information, click here. Written by Jordan Crowley Photography courtesey of Faros

This May, one of the world’s most talked-about, reality-warping experiences is landing in the capital, ready to flip your perspective and leave you questioning everything you see… Welcome Museum of Illusions opening in Tottenham Court Road in May. Packed with immersive design, hands-on exhibits, and illusions that will have your brain doing backflips, this brand-new attraction brings its signature magic to one of the globe’s most vibrant destinations. Step into a spinning vortex that feels all too real, or strike a pose in a gravity-defying scene where it looks like you’re clinging to the side of a building. It’s not just fun, it’s a playful dive into the science of perception. There will be exclusive installations inspired by the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks where, naturally, nothing is quite as it seems. Expect a lineup of fun Instagrammable moments, from the mind-boggling Building Illusion to the disorienting Reversed Room, plus an all-new Ghost Room designed to blur the line between reality and illusion. Each space is crafted to trick your eyes, challenge your senses, and turn your world upside down. The London launch marks the next phase of its UK expansion, following the successful debut of its first UK site in Manchester two years ago. It’s a great place to explore with friends, the family or a date, this is your ticket to an afternoon packed with fun, laughter, and a touch of scientific magic. And before you leave, don’t miss the London-inspired gift shop, perfect for taking a little piece of the illusion home with you. Address: 15–17 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 1BJ To book tickets click here www.moilondon.uk Photo courtesy of Museum of Illusions

If you're looking for a great spot to support friends and family during the greatest marathon in London make a beeline for Corner Corner. Situated conveniently at miles 8 and 11 of that 26 miles slog, you can rock up from 8am and enjoy discounted Volcano coffee to keep fired up and be ready to cheer everyone on. There will be a pop-up Beavertown Brewery bar and Cano Water goodies as well as a live DJ all day from BMC Radio, keeping everyone motivated and moving! The spot is open until 10pm for celebrations afterwards too - if you're a runner you can show your medal, ID and race result and your first drink is free. For more information click here. Written by Claire Bloom Photo courtesy of Corner Corner

Ever since opening its first branch on Charing Cross Road, Donutelier has been stealing hearts left, right, and centre, and not just because their doughnuts look like edible works of art, but because they taste ridiculously good. Many times I have walked past and found a big queue, with people practically glued to the window, mesmerised by what’s inside. Earlier this week, we stopped by their Strand location, and stepping through the doors felt less like entering a doughnut shop and more like walking into a luxury patisserie at a five-star hotel. Think marble tabletops, artistic mirrored walls gleaming brass cake stands, and rows of vibrant, picture-perfect doughnuts. Donutelier promised “visual masterpieces,” and they absolutely delivered. In fact, choosing what to order becomes a whole experience in itself, most people stand there for a good minute or two, completely spellbound before they can even begin to decide. I was one of them… Donutelier also offers croissants ideal for a breakfast treat if you prefer something on the savoury side. Pair it with a coffee or matcha latte and you'll find your favourite new breakfast spot! Watch the masters at work One of the highlights? The large window into the kitchen, where you can watch the magic happen in real time. Glazing, sculpting, shaping, it’s like a live performance by pastry pros. It’s oddly hypnotic, and the staff are incredibly friendly, so I’m sure if you go near the window for a gander they won’t mind. Take the experience home Planning to take one of these beauties home, or become the office hero by bringing a box back to your desk? You’re in for a treat before you’ve even taken a bite. Each doughnut is carefully tucked into a sleek, luxury gift box that feels more high-end boutique than bakery. From the moment you walk in to the second you leave, every little detail has been considered. It’s not just a doughnut run, it’s a full-on luxury experience, with a very sweet ending. Address: Donutelier, 442 Strand, London, WC2R 0QU For more information click here. Photography by Nyla Sammons

For the 2026 TCS London Marathon, New Balance, Official Apparel and Footwear Partner is throwing open the doors to something special: London Run House. It’s a community-powered hub celebrating the runners, crews, and creatives who make London’s running scene what it is, all rooted in one simple belief: if you run, you belong. Set inside Somerset House’s Embankment Galleries, London Run House is being reimagined as a high-energy, immersive space where community, craft, and performance collide. Across the weekend, it’ll bring together everyone from elite athletes to first-time marathoners, run clubs to cheer squads, all experiencing New Balance through a uniquely London vibe. Those visiting can enjoy immersive workshops and panel discussions to installations and screenings, along with: Bar & Lounge — coffee, refreshments, snacks and seating Compression Boots & Massage Guns — post-marathon recovery support Film Screening & London Community Portrait Exhibition by Vivek Vadoliya Medal Engraving T-Shirt Heat Press Printing with London-focused designs Test & Trial treadmill stations featuring the latest New Balance running footwear Product Showcase including FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5, Ellipse v1, 1080v15 and RC apparel collection British Sign Language (BSL) Education Race-Day Ready Nails & Hair Styling Friday 24th April Pre-Race Body Regulation Session | 14:00 – 17:00 | Hosted by Mikey Kratzer and Jay Levine Runner Beans Workshop | 18:00 – 19:00 | Make your mark in an arts and crafts workshop hosted by Runner Beans run crew Saturday 25th April Race Ready | 10:00 – 16:00 | Massage, hair styling, sign-making and more LES Run Workshop | 16:00 – 18:00 | Guided collage experience hosted by Toni-Ann Murphy Relaxation Lounge | 18:00 – 22:00 | Women’s community-led pre-race recovery space hosted by LES Run and PASSA Ellipse Sunset Run | 19:30 – 20:30 | A relaxed 5km evening run with the opportunity to test the new Ellipse, hosted by The Greenstreet Collective Sunday 26th April Spectator Party | 09:00 – 13:00 | Cheer packs, sign-making and support stations Finisher Party | 13:00 – 17:00 | Medal engraving, finisher posters and celebrations Pillar Post Marathon Stretch & Mobility | 13:00 – 14:00 & 16:00 – 17:00 Pillar Post Marathon Pilates | 14:30 – 15:30 Cheer Zones | Mile 8, 16.3 & 25 | Join London run crews bringing energy and support across the course Open throughout the 2026 TCS London Marathon weekend, London Run House  will serve as a welcoming destination for runners and visitors alike, somewhere to prepare, recover, connect and celebrate together. Address: New Balance London Run House, Embankment Galleries, Somerset House, WC2R 1LA Opening Hours Friday 24 April | 14:00 – 17:00 Saturday 25 April | 10:00 – 18:00 Sunday 26 April | 09:00 – 17:00 Sign up for what's on via: https://www.newbalance.co.uk/london-marathon-events-2026.html

Fitzrovia Quarter is delighted to announce the return of its Wellness Festival, a dynamic, week-long celebration dedicated to health, wellbeing, and balance. Bringing together a curated mix of top-tier fitness studios, wellness pioneers and beauty clinics, this year’s festival presents over 50 special activations and offers, designed to inspire and rejuvenate. Taking place alongside Mental Health Awareness Week (11th–17th May) and embracing its theme of Action , the festival underscores the powerful connection between physical and mental wellbeing. From energising rooftop workouts to cutting-edge treatments and thoughtfully designed experiences, Fitzrovia Quarter invites Londoners to rethink the ‘too busy’ mindset. Demonstrating how just 30 minutes of purposeful activity can ease stress and restore equilibrium, the festival provides a refreshing, accessible blueprint for feeling better, both physically and mentally. The programme includes: F45/FS8:  The boutique fitness studios, known for functional training and pilates-inspired workouts, are offering £1 rooftop exercise sessions. The proceeds will be donated to the charity. Book here (Password: FITZ ). Sun Kyeong : The energy and wellness centre, invites guests to start their day with a peaceful 30-minute sound vibration meditation. Thoughtfully designed to open and balance primary energy centres, this experience helps guests to connect more deeply with universal love and light to feel grounded and uplifted for the day ahead. Friday 15th May, 7:30am & 8:15am. Book here . (Password: MeditateSK ). Health & Performance Studio:  This premium gym presents a £1 Mobility Reset class led by practitioner Alexander Kharadi. The proceeds will be donated to Marie Curie. Designed specifically for those dealing with desk fatigue, stiffness and poor posture, this practical 30-minute session helps guests move better and stay energised throughout the day. Thursday 14th May, 12:30pm & 1:15pm.   Book here   (Password: FITZ ). KEF Music Gallery:  Immersive music and art gallery presents Breathwork & Sound with March Russell. This transformative 30-minute journey combines rhythmic breathing with KEF’s immersive sound technology to create a seamless fusion between sound and technique. Wednesday 13th May, £5. Book here . The Ludorum Club:  This private training and wellness space is offering four limited complimentary 45-minute 1:1 coaching sessions specifically for executives and founders. These private sessions focus on identifying desk-based imbalances and improving posture and mobility. Reserve via jake@theludorumclub.com Influencer Run Club: Lifestyle and fitness influencer Georgia Brown   will host a special edition Run Club on Saturday 16th May at 10:00am. The run club is free and open to all levels with a focus on community, movement and motivation. Book a spot on the run club here . Rovi by Ottolenghi:  Celebrating vegetables from root to tip this restaurant by Ottolenghi is offering mindful diners who quote ROVIWELL  for lunch will receive a complimentary wellness drink, the ‘Ottolenghi Botivo Spritz’. For the full line up and to book tickets, click here . Photography courtesy of Fitzrovia Quarter