Lifestyle

But more importantly, it also means that the erstwhile cheesy Covent Garden square is finally getting its first dose of cool in ages. Even better it’s part of a trend that’s spreading throughout the area…

Over at the old Theatre Museum, for example, rumour has it that The Ivy’s Richard Caring and NYC restomogul Keith McNally are working on a UK branch of the seminal Balthazar bistro (after apparently pipping the Wolsely crew to the lease).

At the new St. Martin’s Courtyard development, meanwhile, Shoreditch’s Hawksmoor are launching a Central outpost of their julep-and-ten-tonne-steak line in early October (we’re salivating at the very thought of their promised super-posh hotdogs) alongside the surprisingly good Dishoom and Jamie’s Italian. Plus Bill’s Produce – the Brightonian organic store-cum-restaurant who make the most awe-inspiring, übergarnished cakes on this fine Earth – are set to land in November.

So welcome to the New New Covent Garden. Where bellies shall grow, pockets empty and the tourist tat finally decline. And we don’t mind one little bit.

Info
Apple Store
1-7 The Piazza, WC2E 8HA

Dishoom
12 Upper St. Martin's Lane, WC2H 9FB

Jamie's Italian
Unit 33, 10 -12 Upper St Martin's Lane, WC2H 9EF

Ah, winelists. So you nabbed yourself a nice table at a hot resto… only to find yourself facing a ten page conundrum of a list, turning an erstwhile easy dinner into a minor ‘mare. Well, here to make your life ever easier, our WineChap is on hand to help you out at two gorgeous eateries – the first, Daniel Boulud’s new–ish spot at the Mandarin Oriental; the second a tasty wine list–refresh at Sam’s Brasserie, an established and fabulous Chiswick favourite. Bottoms up!

Read the full feature…

As the dog days of summer take hold, you hear from passing cars & open windows the anthems that are going to define the summer of 2010(Gyptian, Swedish House Mafia) and a few choice cuts from summers gone by (Nas, Jay–Z) plus inescapable bangers by Rihanna & Eminem. This mix is one to (low)ride to – whether it’s down Soho’s Marshall Street or out to the dirty South or the dirty West. Or wherever you else go with the top down…

Listen to the mix…

LAUGH – at the songs and stories in the cabaret cum stand-up comedy of LA John Joseph. 8:30pm, Royal Vauxhall Tavern, 372 Kennington Lane. SE11 5HY. £7.

WATCH – two social outcasts fall in whirlwind-style love in the play, Danny and the Deep Blue Sea.. 7pm, Pheonix Artist Club, 1 Pheonix Street, WC2H 0DT. £10.

LOOK – at Summer Frere's moral ideas about the technological age in Interpolating. 10am-7:30pm, Tenderpixel Gallery, 10 Cecil Street, WC2H 4HE. Free.

LISTEN – to the uplifting melodies and tropical summer-time grooves of Fool's Gold. 8pm, Madame Jojo's, 8-10 Brewer Street, W1F 0SP. £5 - £6.