Tue 5 Nov, 2013 THE PUB REVIVAL Back to basics Pub was a dirty word for a while. Gastro joints – with their generic "country" paint jobs, scuffed wooden floors and chalkboard menus – killed it for us. But now, after years of high concept bars, speakeasies, and hipster hole-in-the-walls, we're going back to basics. And thanks to London's trailblazers, we're ready for a pub comeback. Russell Norman (of Polpo and Spuntino) is leading the renaissance with The Ape & Bird Public House, a 5,000 square foot Victorian-style pub. A "pub for people who don't necessarily like pubs", the Ape & Bird Public House is a charming old-school boozer, done on a larger scale, with a dash more polish: expect iron chandeliers and a vintage mahogany bar. There's an unabashed focus on (all day) food: think expertly executed classics like pan haggerty (layered potatoes, onions, and cheese), as well as dishes with a twist, such as Scotch eggs with celeriac fries, plus American and British craft beers, of course. Meanwhile, in Soho, Duck & Rice is the name on everyone's lips. The new venture from Alan Yau – the guy who bewitched the London palate with Asian flavours at Hakkasan and Yauatcha – is set to open in early 2014. With Yau, we expect something innovative, and with rumours of a Chinese-style pub floating around, we're sure he'll deliver. There won't be any sausages and mash here: expect Asian-style street food and Chinese-inspired tipples served up in the 4,500 square foot former The Endurance space. Now to Marble Arch, where ex-Nobu and Wabi chef Scott Hallsworth is getting in on the action with Kurobuta, a Japanese izakaya (that's pub to you and I). Slated to open this autumn, Kurobuta is set to be a swanky all-day affair, melding a Japanese menu (sweet corn kakiage, BBQ pork belly steamed buns), with Asian-inspired drinks (our pick: the Kirin Frozen Head, a beer topped with frozen foam that's all the rage in Japan). Can't wait? A Kurobuta pop up is currently open on King's Road. And just like that, a trip to the pub is on the cards.   Info The Ape & Bird Public House, 142 Shaftesbury Ave, WC2H 8HJ, opens November 2013 Duck & Rice, 90 Berwick Street, W1F 0QB, opens early 2014 Kurobuta pop up, 251 King's Road, SW3 5EL, open now LINK TO THIS FEATURE: Eat & Drink by NN Calendar Picks This Week’s Picks DRINK BOOK NOW SEE SHOP Go south for Sorry, No Vacancies, a drinking, eating and dancing pop up. Expect cocktails from Soul Shakers, haute hotdogs, and DJs on decks 'til late. 378 Brixton Road, SW9 7AW Foxlow's soft launch received 10,000 enquiries within 3 hours. Book now for carnivore heaven, courtesy of Hawksmoor's Will Beckett and Huw Gott. 69-73 St John Street, EC1M 4AN Head to Masterpieces of Chinese Painting 700-1900 at the Victoria & Albert Museum for a rare look at Chinese artworks sourced from around the globe. Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL Shop the future at iMakr's 3D printing pop up, on the ground floor at Selfridges. There's even a 3D body scanner set up so you can create a mini-me. 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB CLICK HERE FOR MORE LISTINGS W VERBIER SEARCH FOR A RESIDENT DJ FINALS By now you know that W Verbier's search for a resident DJ to ski all day and spin all night is heating up. The semi-finals are taking place on this Wednesday through Friday, so to catch all the competing DJs in action, be sure to head down to the lounge at the W London, Leicester Square- for more details click here. The finals are taking place this Saturday, November 9, with three DJs battling out on the decks, the winner will be chosen on the night. Good news: you're invited-to attend, simply email wyld.bar@whotels.com to apply for the guest list. Whilst there, enjoy a Ciroc Vodka après cocktail, the specially created Negowski cocktail, inspired by Switzerland's world famous chocolate. Even better, the first two people to apply for the finals guest list will also receive a pair of Casio G-SHOCK watches (one for them and one for their + 1s), gratis. See you there! W Verbier search for a resident DJ Finals | Email to apply for the guest list | 8.30pm-10.30pm | November 9 | W Lounge, W London Leicester Square, 10 Wardour Street, W1D 6QF LIKE SHARE FORWARD PREVIOUS EDITION (c) 2013 Urban Junkies. All rights reserved. Reproductions of any portion of this website only with our express permission. Urban Junkies is a free daily mailer. All listings and features are editorial: We do not receive any payment from venues, artists or promoters. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information listed but we cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.