PUBS: Easter Takeovers
Most of the neighbourhood pubs have got a beer festival or two over the forthcoming long weekend, but one we don’t write about nearly enough is the Prince Albert, south of the canal on Royal College Street. For their Easter three-day epic they’ve bagged two of our fave streetfood specialists: Bell & Brisket, who dish up mouthwatering salt beef in various guises, and Donostia Social Club, the hit Pop Brixton tapas joint who are swinging by for a “basque and brisket” Sunday lunch. Yum. 14th – 17th April. 163 Royal College St NW1
COFFEE: Guy Gold
This diminutive corner has, in case you didn’t know, operated as a coffee spot and/or dining room since 1855. And its latest incarnation must surely be its smartest yet: a stylish little caff sitting alongside an osteopathy and treatment rooms. Beans are from East London roastery Climpson and Sons, the house blend full-bodied with nutty sweetness: our long black was top-notch. Sweet and savoury snacks are displayed attractively, too. 85 Jamestown Road NW1
ART: Under The Hammer
Jakbox is a Camden-based “boundary-busting” artist-led collective, brainchild of Simon Williams, who’ve dreamt up a clever idea kicking off this Monday. The plan is to hold 17 weekly virtual auctions of original artworks. Only one lot will be offered for sale each week, at 11am, with the auction closing at 11am on the following Monday, when the next lot will be revealed. Each week’s offering will be sold to the highest bidder, with no reserve; if the lot remains unsold, the work will be destroyed. Its destruction will be filmed and posted on the website. Intriguing. More info here
CAFE: Tea & Glory
Halfway between Camden and Chalk Farm is this really quite charming new tea hangout, selling “some of the finest hand-picked tea in London.” It’s a nice, unusually shaped space, with healthy salads, sandwiches and outside seating down along Hartland Road. They’ve also teamed up with street artist Dan Kitchener to create an imposing image for the security shutters. Open until 8pm Fridays. 29 Chalk Farm Rd NW1