London's Ultimate St Patrick's Day Guide: Guinness, Spice Bags & More
Welcome back to The Slice, your exclusive weekly guide to what's happening in London, bringing trusted reviews, sneak previews, and amazing deals. With St Patrick's Day approaching next Tuesday, there's a wealth of exciting events right on your doorstep. While a pint of Guinness at your local pub is a classic choice, don't miss out on other fantastic offerings, including free Jameson, Ginger & Lime cocktails, an abundance of spice bags, and even frozen Irish coffee if the weather cooperates.
First, a quick reminder: Mother's Day is just around the corner on 15 March. Whether your mum enjoys singing along at an uplifting gospel brunch, indulging in a proper Sunday roast, or cozying up with a nostalgic feel-good film, we've compiled some brilliant treats to make her day extra special and earn you plenty of brownie points.
Top Activities and Dining Spots in London This Week
If you're seeking something to do this weekend, here are eight of the best activities, dining, and drinking spots in the capital.
1. Noodle Nova
Nestled behind an unsuspecting stained glass window between a pizzeria and a Tesco Express, Noodle Nova is the new home of traditional Northwestern Chinese food in London. Once inside, prepare for a night of succulent meat, rich broth, fresh vegetables, and a variety of noodles. The hand-pulled Lanzhou noodles, served in beautiful 'kraak ware' bowls, are the specialty, with the restaurant's Chinese name translating directly to 'Lanzhou noodles in blue and white porcelain.'
Spicy braised cabbage offers a satisfying crunch, soy-infused cucumber cleanses your palate, and boiled beef in fiery chili broth may just be the main event. For the adventurous, try signature plates like tender hand-grabbed mutton or wok-fried chicken. Their mantra is 'food that's warm and satisfying, meant to be enjoyed slowly,' and it certainly delivers. Sharing a filling set menu between two can be challenging, so consider ordering less than your tastebuds suggest. Hand-pulled beef noodles start from £13.80, and signature rice and noodle bowls from £13.80 at 229 Strand, Temple, WC2R 1BF.
2. The Great Indian Gastro Pub
Situated in a restored 1898 pub in Archway, The Great Indian Gastro Pub serves delectable pub food with a strong Indian influence, catering to meat-lovers and plant-based enthusiasts alike. Standout dishes include the Gunpowder Chicken Wings, which are succulent and spicy, and Rangra Chilly Paneer. For mains, the Chicken Biryani with perfectly crispy rice and Tandoori Paneer Tikka Masala are must-orders, both blending heat and rich flavors balanced with garlic yogurt.
Pair your meal with a unique cocktail like the Maharani Secret, which comes with a mini ice-cream vanilla cone pegged to the glass, offering a light, tropical cooler to counteract the spice. Starters from £5.50, main courses from £9.90 at 139 Marlborough Rd, London, N19 4NU.
3. St Patrick's Day Celebrations in the Capital
Berners Tavern has launched exciting Irish-inspired classics for the big day. Start with Jameson Irish Whiskey paired with two oysters, followed by a traditional meaty Shepherd's Pie, and finish with an ultra-rich Chocolate Guinness Cake.
Spice bags have gained popularity in London in recent years, but they are Ireland's ultimate late-night order. To celebrate St Patrick's Day, Burger & Lobster is introducing a 'posh' spice bag where chicken is swapped for luxurious fried half lobster and breaded prawns, available from 17 March for four weeks at £25 per person.
Sip on Irish cocktails at Homeboy, an Irish cocktail bar with a brand-new drinks menu focusing on simplicity, balance, and Irish storytelling. Enjoy hot or frozen Irish Coffees perfect for any weather, and when hunger strikes, try curry chips, a herbed pork and black pudding sausage, and more.
Irishshpice is taking over Clapton pub Moyletts for the ultimate Irish-Chinese crossover. This pop-up is chef Garreth's love letter to the original spice bag creator, The Sunflower Inn, which he lived opposite growing up. Expect crisp chicken and plenty of heat, capturing everything loved about the humble takeaway at £12 each, available for its last weekend until 15 March.
4. Mama Li's New Canary Wharf Location
Mama Li's new Canary Wharf outlet is a welcome addition for both fans and newcomers to this Cantonese restaurant, featuring an expanded menu tailored to this rapidly evolving corner of London. The intimate space, where booking is highly recommended, welcomes you with the comforting aroma of tea and exceptionally friendly service.
The signature roast meats are the main attraction, with duck, chicken, and pork offering remarkable depth of flavor and a melt-in-the-mouth quality. For dessert, the Pineapple Bun with Butter is a standout treat—naughty but undeniably delicious. Navigating the menu feels like a culinary 'choose-your-own-adventure,' with every path leading to new delights. Roast meats from £14.30, chef specialities from £10.80 at Canary Wharf, London Wall, and Tower Bridge locations.
5. Mother's Day Treats
The Brush East London Grand Café: Perfect for a laidback mum and daughter date, indulge in a Sunday Roast with choices like beef, half roast chicken, whole grilled seabass, or mushroom wellington. Then, get comfy with iconic musical Mamma Mia or Disney favorite Freaky Friday. All mums dining on 15 March receive a complimentary glass of bubbles. Tickets £50 per person including Sunday Roast, film, cocktail, and popcorn.
Farzi: Ideal for the mum who already has everything, Farzi offers polaroid pictures of meals with families as a keepsake. Join their signature brunch from 12-5pm for an incredible Indian street food experience with dishes like Murg Pahadi Tikka and Paneer Butter Masala. Mother figures also receive homemade macarons to take home. Tickets £37 per person on 15 March.
The Refinery Regents Place by Drake & Morgan: Great for musical mums, experience a Gospel Motown Brunch with live music featuring hits from Stevie Wonder, Sister Act, and Beyoncé. Opt for a bottomless upgrade with 90 minutes of free-flowing Aperol Spritz, Bloody Marys, Mimosas, or Rum Punch for £25 per person. Gospel Motown Brunch includes starter, main, and a welcome drink for £44.95 per person, with a Sunday Roast upgrade for an extra £10 on 15 March from 12-4pm.
For more Mother's Day fun, join the Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz special at Big Penny Social, featuring six quiz rounds for all the family from 11am-1.30pm.
6. LEON's Nostalgic Chippy Weekend
LEON Regent Street is transforming into a nostalgic British chippy for one weekend only, complete with seaside-inspired décor. The first 100 Fish Finger Wraps will be given away for free each day, plus scratchcards for prizes and more. The LEON Chippy will be open from 12-8pm on 14-15 March.
7. 27 Old Compton Street's Birthday Giveaway
Celebrating its first birthday, 27 Old Compton Street is hosting a not-to-miss giveaway on 16 March at 12pm. Be one of the first 100 people at the door to receive a free portion of Negroni Spaghetti to take away—spaghetti tossed with a sauce made using the famous cocktail, topped with mascarpone.
8. Broken Glass at Young Vic
This psychological what-dunnit by Arthur Miller, written in 1994, explores profound questions about responding to genocide from afar. Set in 1938, it follows Brooklyn housewife Sylvia Gellburg, mysteriously paralyzed from the waist down, as she grapples with disturbing images from Germany. Pearl Chanda delivers a smoldering performance as Sylvia, culminating in a deeply shocking premonition. Tickets from £15 at Young Vic until 18 April.
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