London's Ultimate Easter Celebration Guide
Welcome back to The Slice, your exclusive weekly guide to London's most exciting events, trusted reviews, sneak previews, and amazing deals. Easter has arrived, bringing with it guilt-free chocolate indulgence, packed social calendars filled with family gatherings and reunions with old friends, and the socially acceptable adult pursuit of Easter egg hunting. However, not all Easter activities are created equal. London offers unique experiences that go beyond traditional celebrations.
Easter Egg Hunts with a Twist
Skip the ordinary chocolate hunts and embrace London's creative alternatives. The Big Mamma group's Barbarella presents a 70s-inspired Italian disco Easter giveaway featuring twenty specially designed, sparkly Italian-themed eggs created by London-based disco ball artist Sophie Lopez. These eggs contain vouchers for prizes ranging from complimentary desserts to full meals for two at Barbarella. Follow their Instagram for location clues starting April 5th at 11 AM.
For those preferring teamwork and puzzle-solving, The Great Adult Easter Egg Hunt at Old Spitalfields Market offers an immersive experience. Beginning at 1 PM on April 3rd, participants form small teams to hunt for eggs, clues, challenges, and prizes hidden throughout the market's independent stalls. This event combines competitive fun with support for local businesses, requiring quick thinking and Easter spirit.
Easter Dining Experiences
Easter Sunday roasts receive a Caribbean transformation at 2210 by NattyCanCook in Herne Hill. Chef Nathaniel Mortley reimagines the British classic with Bajan, Jamaican, and Guyanese flavors. Meat options include slow-roasted Jerk Chicken, Lamb Rump, or Turkey Wing, accompanied by Scotch chimichurri roast potatoes, jollof rice, and Yorkshire puddings. Vegetarian alternatives ensure everyone can enjoy this flavorful twist on tradition.
Restaurant Highlights: Simpson's in the Strand
The recently reopened British institution Simpson's in the Strand has regained its legendary status under Jeremy King's leadership while preserving its Edwardian charm and opulence. Original chandeliers, classic wood paneling, and the iconic roast trolleys have returned. The Devonshire Ruby Red beef undergoes nine hours of low-and-slow cooking before being carved tableside into generous slices. This traditional meal includes a giant Yorkshire pudding, rosemary roast potatoes, chunky parsnips, carrots, and greens.
The menu maintains traditional British cuisine with Hovis-style bread, prawn cocktails, bubble & squeak, and spotted dick. While not featuring bold, innovative dishes, Simpson's offers an immersive experience that transports diners to another era with dinnertime theater. Celebrity sightings, like Dame Joan Collins in her leopard print fur coat, remain commonplace at this legendary establishment.
Additional Culinary Discoveries
Dishoom's sister restaurant, Permit Room in Notting Hill, introduces new menu items including generously spiced onion bhajia and punchy chilli cheese garlic naan bites. Their classic lamb samosas remain essential orders. The drinks menu expands with new creations like the Blushing Dawn Paloma and Golden Gloaming Fizz.
Alley Cats Pizza brings New York-style pizza to Notting Hill with a cat-themed, relaxed atmosphere featuring Simpsons projections. Their thicker, breadier bases support classic options like margherita and pepperoni with jalapeno and honey drizzle.
Upcoming Food Events
Burger Fest UK 2026 arrives in Richmond this summer, showcasing patties and buns from the UK and Ireland's most hyped traders alongside craft beer, cocktails, and DJ performances from June 12th to 14th.
Taste of London returns from June 17th to 21st with participating restaurants including luxe Chinese restaurant Hakkasan and Syrian hotspot Aram. Culinary demonstrations feature rapper-foodie Big Zuu and chef Sarit Packer.
The Cinnamon Club celebrates its 25th anniversary with a retro menu featuring dishes priced as they were at the 2001 opening, offering significant savings on beautifully cooked meals.
New Openings and Seasonal Activities
Mondo Sando launches MONDO TO GO on April 10th, a grab-and-go sandwich shop in Deptford with exclusive specials and soft launch discounts of 50% off food from April 10th to 12th.
sova, a new wine and vinyl bar in Notting Hill, focuses on Central and Eastern European wines from Georgia, Armenia, and Ukraine alongside Slavic-inspired sharing plates.
The Horniman Gardens in southeast London hosts a plant fair on April 4th, featuring small independent nurseries offering cottage-garden favorites, alpines, trees, and shrubs with expert growers available for advice.
Cultural Highlight: Summerfolk at the National Theatre
Maxim Gorky's 1905 play Summerfolk receives a four-star revival at the National Theatre's Olivier Theatre until April 29th. This provocative work explores Russia's middle class anticipating massive, possibly violent societal change. The production features Paul Ready as the unlikeable lawyer Bassov and Sophie Rundle as his unhappy wife Vavara, creating fascinating observations of privileged discontent that remain relevant today.
London's Easter celebrations offer diverse experiences from creative egg hunts and international roast dinners to culinary discoveries and cultural events, ensuring memorable festivities for all preferences.
