Welcome back to The Slice – our exclusive guide to what’s on in London, where we bring you trusted reviews, sneak previews, and amazing deals and discounts.
It’s the first full week of 2026, and we’re starting as we mean to go on. That means bringing you the best deals, and hottest new openings.
To help your wallet recover this January, we’ve got plenty of tasty deals, including rolling the clock back with OG menu prices from the likes of Cinnamon Club and The Mayfair Chippy. We’re also reviewing the undeniably Instagrammable new opening ACRE by Thomas Straker. Just one look at their signature burger and you’ll be drooling like us…
And if you’re tired of eating or drinking to excess post-Christmas, get your wanderlust fix at the annual Adventure Travel Show, where Simon Reeve will headline the HX stage.
Plus: We’d love to know if Dry January is in your calendar this year. Either way, we’ll have you covered!
Welcome to the Slice
The Slice is your weekly guide to what’s happening in London, so if you’re looking for restaurant reviews, drinks deals or just a great new exhibition to visit on a rainy Saturday in the capital, we’ve got you covered.
Click here for this week’s edit of the best things to do in town.
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If you want to do it all on the cheap, you can also find our latest batch of exclusive hand-picked offers in partnership with Time Out here.
Things to do this week in London
If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, here are 7 of the best activities, dining, and drinking spots in the capital.
1. Visit ‘hidden gem’ restaurant and deli, ACRE, by viral chef Thomas Straker
Thomas Straker’s ACRE is a hidden gem in Notting Hill that you really don’t want to miss. You’ll be welcomed into the cosy spot (I counted less than 10 tables) by warm staff. Once seated, and enjoying the jazz-fusion playlist, indulge in one of ACRE’s creative signature cocktails. CTRL+ALT+TEA’s subtlety of green tea-infused vodka, with potent jasmine verte, mellowed out by lemon juice and soda, is a real treat.
As a ‘snack’ (perfectly suitable as a starter too), flatbread with whipped ricotta gives a blend of citrus and cream, easing you into a flavour-packed evening. Yellowfin tuna crudo with Tropea onion and lime will be the highlight, mouth-wateringly sour to begin with, perfectly balanced to end. Pan-seared seabass will melt on your tongue, perfect with the potato pavé side – which literally falls apart when picked up. It would be a crime not to try the ACRE Burger that the restaurant is famous for – a cloud-like bun, high-quality meat and chilli jam – however be aware it is up to the chef’s discretion if they serve the feast on any given night.
Small plates from £4, big plates from £14. 60 Golborne Rd, Notting Hill, W10 5PR. Book here.
2. Try American-Italian food done well at hot new opening MOTORINO
Opened at the end of last year to great fanfare, this white-hot American-Italian opening is a joint venture between Luke Ahearne (Lita, Luca), and Stevie Parle (Chef-Owner of also-new Town and Pastaio). It’s chapel-grand and 150 covers-sizeable, again with Parle’s signature, mid-century modern-space-ship aesthetic, bold and glossy with cosy booths and an open, oblong kitchen.
The menu is laid out Italian-style, with snacks, starters, pasta, mains. That includes the peppery tuna carpaccio (his signature dish at Lita) and rich Delica Pumpkin, light and playful starter material. By far my favourite menu item of the evening is the Gigli al Gin, Motorino’s take on Penne alla Vodka; made with fennel sausage, tomato and Fords gin, it’s rich, winter-warming and subtly herbal. There’s also a high-end diner-like bar if you don’t feel like chowing, with cocktails curated by the great Kevin Armstrong. And if you love Motorino, you’ll love Town (we’ll be reviewing that too) and vice versa.
Starters from £16, mains from £24. 1 Pearson Square, Soho, W1T 3BF. Book here.
3. Indulge in Latin BBQ and tacos at Out-Back BBQ’s new residency
By Andy Gaudion
Currently enjoying a residency at the charming Hawke Pub in Victoria Park, Out-Back BBQ is the perfect destination for warm, homely vibes paired with surprisingly complex and unexpected flavours. Curated by talented chef Lewis Simmons, the menu masterfully combines vibrant Latin American techniques with the finest, freshest British produce. There are a selection of dishes that give both premium meats and seasonal vegetables the spotlight they deserve.
Guests can enjoy a varied selection of small plates, including loaded tostadas and tacos. For heartier fare, indulge in a mouth-watering smoked cheeseburger or pork belly ribs that simply melt away on the tongue, all perfectly balanced by an array of pickles and salsa verdes. Balance is truly the keyword when it comes to Out-Back, with intriguing combinations taking your tastebuds on a smoky journey, such as the Lamb Birria taco, which mixes a spicy kick with a soothing cinnamon finish. The signature charred leeks with hot honey and labneh offer smooth, earthy tones, while the Iberico tomatoes provide a sharp, salty punch. Chef Simmons isn’t afraid to experiment with a varied menu of constantly evolving items. This flavourful residency is not one to be missed.
Starters from £16, mains from £24. Hawke Pub, 235 Victoria Park Rd, Hackney, E9 7HD. Wed-Fri, 5:30-9pm. Sat, 12:30-10pm. Sun, 12:30-6pm. Book here.
4. Get incredible deals as restaurants go back in time with throwback prices
The Ivy
Best for: luxe for less!
The Ivy is relaunching its £19.17 two-course menu (in honour of the year they opened) – who says luxury has to mean splurging? Expect dishes warming and comforting for winter, like The Ivy Classic Shepherd’s Pie, made with slow-braised lamb and beef, a Pan-fried Aegean Sea Bream and more. And for dessert, we’ve got our eye on the Sticky Toffee Pudding… you can’t go wrong.
Available until 28 February. Not available on Valentine’s Day. Book here.
The Cinnamon Club
Best for: incredible Indian food without the price tag
The Cinnamon Club is taking us back to 2001 to celebrate their 25th birthday. So from 12-24 January, they’ll be offering their one-off Retro Menu with dishes that showcases Executive Chef Vivek Singh original menu. Find dishes on the ‘Retro Menu’ like sweet potato cake with crisp okra and spiced yoghurt for £5 and sandalwood‑flavoured tandoori chicken for £6.
Available until 31 Jan. Book here.
The Mayfair Chippy
Best for: indulging in a British favourite
We’re really going back in time this week. At The Mayfair Chippy too, they’re going all out for their 10th year celebrations, and will be selling their Mayfair Classic for £13.50 (that’s the exact price it was in November 2015 when they first opened their doors). And it’s a real bargain if you ask us, they use only responsibly sourced fish with the option of haddock or hake, and of course you’ll get your chips, mushy peas, tartare sauce plus either curry sauce or HP. Yum!
£13.50. Available Sunday to Wednesday. Until 31 January. Book here.
More deals below!
At Toum, you can get a real lunchtime steal. For £20, poulet lovers can get a quarter rotisserie chicken, fries, side salad and a sauce. Upgrade to a sirloin steak if you’re feeling fancy, for £23. And for the veggies out there, tuck into the Aubergine Schnitzel served with yoghurt and tahini dip, mixed herb salad and fries.
Cocotte’s new mid-week offer is one we have to shout about. January blues where? The set menu deal is available from 5pm every Sunday to Thursday where for £20, diners can get one starter, a quarter chicken, one side and one sauce. Plus: upgrade for only £4 and get a tasty dessert like the Vanilla Crème Brûlée.
The Alchemist is reviving its 2010 menu with £6 cocktails. It features the return of some of its beloved cocktails like the White Chocolate Raspberry Martini and the Colour Changing One. Happy sipping! Book here.
5. Experience some January adventure at The Adventure Travel Show
Want some adventure? The Adventure Travel Show returns to Business Design Centre in Islington this weekend, where you’ll get to soothe your wanderlust and hear from 125 travel organisations and specialists. Get your tickets.
6. Get your hands on some goodies at The Giant London Flea
The biggest outdoor flea market in London, aptly named The Giant London Flea, is happening at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. You’ll be able to get your hands on clothing, vintage home decor, and other bits and bobs – plus food and drink.
7. Score discounted tickets to some of the best theatre shows
London Theatre Direct’s Winter Theatre Sale has launched, and runs all the way into March, giving you plenty of time to get a bargain. Prices start from £15, so whether you want a night out with friends, or a romantic date with that special someone, you can do so without breaking the bank. So what’s available? You can see MAMMA MIA! for as little as £35, and you can save up to 54% on Starlight Express.
Find out more here.
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