The sun has finally hit London, and in between the odd blustery day, we're making the most of getting out and about in the capital city.
This month, London has a whole host of new offerings, from the very best Italian food in the heart of central London to a glittering West End revival, including a TV star that may feel familiar. The HELLO! team has tried and tested a whole host of these new offerings, so we can bring you the definitive guide on how to spend your time (and your money) in the big smoke this May.
For our full reviews, keep scrolling…
Best places to eat and drink
Italian tapas in the heart of Piccadilly
A stone's throw from Green Park station and a ten-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus quietly sits Cicchetti, part of the San Carlo group. Nestled on a busy street, walking distance from the Ritz, this beautiful restaurant may look pretty unassuming from the outside, but as soon as you're across the foyer, the decadent decor takes your breath away.
© San CarloI was mesmerised by the vibrant, sumptuous bar as soon as I arrived - decked out in marble, with 1920s-style ambience and glorious mirrored detail, it's a fabulous place for a girly brunch, or a romantic date night spot.
The waiters were charming and helpful, and expertly explained the small-plate concept. In case you didn't know, the restaurant's namesake, cicchetti, is the Italian term for tapas. I was pleasantly surprised with the portion size; it's recommended that five plates are sufficient for two people, yet the helpings were triumphantly generous.
There's a mouthwatering array of fish, pasta galore, and don't get me started on the pizza - nothing beats the delicious Basilicata (a spicy sausage and a dose of chilli). The Pollo Milanese was cooked to perfection, and I'll be dreaming of the Tiramisu for years to come.
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Reviewed by Laura Sutcliffe, Fashion and Beauty News Editor
A weather-proof rooftop bar
All hail a rooftop bar without the worry of the weather, as The Broadcaster has a chic glass cover. While you do overlook Wood Lane tube station and a busy road, the aesthetically pleasing decor with faux foliage makes up for the grey surroundings. We managed to time it perfectly for a sun-soaked evening, when the place was looking glorious. As it is located at the Television Centre in West London, you can often expect a side of celeb spotting with your booking.
© The BroadcasterTheir menu is packed with elevated pub grub. Classics that are delivered exquisitely include their ham, egg and chips and beer-battered fish. I went for the beef burger with Bloody Mary ketchup, and it was increasingly moreish as I chowed down. An elite option for starters is the black pudding sausage roll (trust me, it was delicious), and the disco scallops on the new spring menu already have rave reviews. Drinks-wise? Their electric passion cocktail is a fresh take on a pornstar martini that’s lighter and not too cloying. The amazing waiter Sam took care of our every need, even with our boisterous toddler in tow.
As well as the rooftop, downstairs there’s an additional bar and dining area, so walk-ins are often possible - ideal for an impromptu post-shopping-at-Westfield dinner or a cheeky wine night with the girls. Atmosphere for me is a biggie, and it was a vibe. It’s about time you added the Broadcaster to your London hit list.
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Reviewed by Rachel Avery, Homes Editor
Enjoy homely foods at the Brook and Badger
Like any British city, pubs are a dime a dozen in London; however, few can compare to the Brook and Badger in West London. Located right in the heart of Fulham, if your team has just played at Stamford Bridge or Craven Cottage, it's the perfect pitstop to toast your win or drown your sorrows. An extensive outdoor drinking area makes it the perfect place to catch up with a few friends.
© Brook and BadgerHowever, it's indoors and with its food selection that this gastropub really shines. The staples of fish and chips or steak are heartily elevated here, with the portion of fish being something that could happily satisfy a Great White Shark, let alone me as a humble punter. The triple-cooked chips, mushy peas and tartar sauce were all a treat, and my companion looked mightily impressed with the steak that they ordered. Wash this down with a handy selection of ice creams, and this proved to be the perfect nearly-summer venue.
But it was with the drinks that I was most impressed. As a lover of ciders, I was quite tempted by the one that tasted of strawberries. This unique drink had that cider hit, but then delivered a beer aftertaste in one of the more interesting things I've sampled while in London. Although the menu changes daily, if I ever saw this on a repeat visit, I wouldn't hesitate to re-order it.
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Reviewed by Matthew Moore, Senior Evening Writer
Best things to do
Dinner and a show done the Colonel Saab way
What's better than a fabulous new menu than trying said new menu before a night at the theatre? As a huge West End musical fan, I was so excited to try Colonel Saab's new menu in collaboration with the new production of Kinky Boots at the London Coliseum - and it did not disappoint.
Linking beautifully with aspects of the show, the new Kinky Boots menu at the Indian restaurant on William IV Street in the heart of London's West End was a four-course sensation. We started with the menu's signature cocktail, which was an apt bright scarlet hue and featured the perfectly balanced lightness of the raspberry flavour with the kick of the whiskey.
© Colonel SaabThe first course was a beautiful amuse-bouche served in a cone shaped like a heel and packed full of tamarind chutney, raspberry sauce and spiced cream. We then went on to enjoy the Anglo Indian Chicken Chop, which featured a pulled chicken cutlet served with a sweet-savoury tomato raisin relish, just spicy enough and a generous portion. The main course was the gorgeous Memsaab's Chicken Curry served with naan and rice, which was beautifully creamy.
The edible journey concluded with Raise You Up, a sweet finish of Rabri Chantilly cream and pineapple jalebi, pistachio kulfi, crisp tuile, and pistachio-infused oil. It was delicate, beautifully presented and suitably sweet - the perfect way to round off our experience.
We then hotfooted it over to the theatre and witnessed Strictly's Johannes Radebe and X Factor alum Matt Cardle lead the cast of Kinky Boots. The show was a complete triumph - a touching story with music that packed a punch and plenty of humorous moments. I could not recommend the experience more.
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Reviewed by Katie Daly, Lifestyle Writer
