April at a glance
We’re all guilty of ignoring what’s on our doorstep, so we’ve made it easier for you. Here’s what’s happening this month
THE glorious twelfth is nearly upon us. April 12 that is–the date when inessential shops, pub gardens and alfresco restaurant spaces can re-open to the public. First up, pubs. The 300-year-old Duke of Hamilton pub, in Hampstead, NW3, once frequented by actor Richard Burton, was recently acquired and refurbished by two brothers and their childhood friend. The kitchen makes a mean truffle macaroni cheese croquette (www. thedukeofhamiltonnw3.com). For Georgian gentility, try The Albion Islington, N1, one of London’s prettiest pubs and part of the Barnsbury Conservation Area. The wisterialaden façade is hard to miss and the walled garden is worth visiting even after restrictions have been lifted (www. the-albion.co.uk). Some way south, The Herne Tavern, East Dulwich, SE22, has such a big garden that there’s room for flowerbeds, planters and... a table-tennis table (www.theherne tavern.co.uk). And so to bars. For a good view, book a table at The Nest, a rooftop bar and terrace on top of the Treehouse Hotel in Marylebone, W1. A minimum spend applies (www. treehousehotels.com/london). April showers don’t matter at The Boundary Shoreditch, E2, thanks to the heated orangery and covered bar, grill and outdoor terrace that look out across the City and East London (www.boundary. london). Last, but not least, the restaurants. Competition for a table at Mazi in Notting Hill, W8, is fierce at the best of times, so book ahead. The tiny terrace is strewn with olive trees and partially covered by a vine-laced pergola (w w w.mazi.co.uk). Watch the world go by from a pavement-side seat at 45 Jermyn Street, SW1. If you’re there for breakfast, don’t miss the Bloody Mary menu–there were five to choose from last time we checked (www.45jermynst.com). Few do neighbourhood-style dining better than Llewelyn’s in Herne Hill, SE24. At the weekend, it’s worth combining with a dip in neighbouring Brockwell Lido (www.llewelyns-restaurant.co.uk).