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Tue 26 April 2016
 
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NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
 
As it goes, London, like a rolling stone, gathers no moss. With new restaurants and new bars opening everyday, neighbourhoods are constantly transformed. From Shaftesbury Avenue to Covent Garden and Hackney, read on for the latest neighbourhood crawls.
 
 
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SHAFTESBURY AVENUE
 
 
No longer just a tourist trap, Shaftesbury Avenue seems to be upping its culinary game. We first noticed it earlier this year with the opening of Shuang Shuang, London’s first hot pot Chinese restaurant. Then, for a fill of Japanese, Yumi Izakaya opened, a casual, bastardised version of the yakitori joints found all over Japan serving okonomiyaki, daikon-wrapped gyoza and selection of skewers. Last week, Soho House moved onto Shaftsbury Avenue with a traditional, glossy European brasserie, Cafe Monico. As for this week? An Indian dive bar is set to plant its flag on Shaftesbury. Talli Joe will be serving small plates (such as rasam poached shrimp and panipuri) and Indian riffs on classic cocktails.) and Indian riffs on classic cocktails.
 
 
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COVENT GARDEN
 
 
Like Shaftesbury Avenue, Covent Garden has undergone a transformation in recent years. No longer just for pre- and post theatre crowds, Covent Garden is home to the capital’s big hitters: Lima, Balthazar, Barrafina, Frenchie, Flat Iron…the list goes on. Next, The Palomar is said to be joining the list with a counter-dining restaurant in Neal’s Yard followed by Sushisamba in the Piazza. But it’s not just about food. Covent Garden has fast become our go-to for innovative installations, from Donald “Drawbertson” scaffolding to Charles Pétillon balloons, Alex Chinneck and Jeff Koons sculptures. And this season’s big reveal? Reflect London, 32,000 square feet of mirrors around the eastern façade of the Market Building.
 
 
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HACKNEY ROAD
 
 
Shoreditch, Bethnal Green, Dalston – but now, it’s safe to say all eyes are on Hackney Road. Sure, Sager + Wilde’s wine bar may have put Hackney Road on the map, but last year’s re-opening of Marksman by veteran St. John chefs Tom Harris and Jon Rotheram gave it its foodie credentials. Now, thanks to the soon-to-open Morito, it’s a bonafide foodie destination. As for cocktails? Fanny Nelsons is set to give The Natural Philosopher, hidden behind the Mac repair shop, some stiff competition. It’s the latest neighbourhood bar (by Andy Bird, part owner of Happiness Forgets and Original Sin) serving up great beers, natural wines, and forward-thinking cocktails.
 
 
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BY CS
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Calendar Picks
 
This Week’s Picks
 
   
 
EAT TRY PARTY Al fresco
 
Re-imagined classic American and French dishes at Le Bun Vivant, Le Bun’s ‘Fine Diner’ at Leicester House hotel. 1 Leicester Street, WC2H 7BL.  ‘Healthy’ junk food from burgers to ice cream at new plant-based restaurant, Farmacy. 74-76 Westbourne Grove, W2 5SH.  In a church as Secretsundaze kicks off its 2016 summer season in St John of Hackney, this Saturday. Lower Clapton Road, E5 0PD. April 30. £9.50  On Barrafina’s newly opened terrace on Drury Lane. 43 Drury Lane, WC2B 5AJ
 
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