With restaurants gradually opening their doors following the UK-wide lockdown, there’s a whole host of new collabs and pop-ups to explore in the capital. From a very sexy French burger to vegan fare galore, here’s 5 things you need to try in London this week. Eat up:

1. For a Collaboration: Honest Burgers x Boursin 

What: Known and loved for its creamy, indulgent texture, Boursin has amplified its taste credentials this summer by partnering with London favourite, Honest Burgers, to create a limited edition, Steak Frites burger.

The Lowdown: A flavoursome first from Boursin, the limited-edition Boursin burger is available for delivery or collection until 31st August. The decadent French-themed special combines a silky, green steak sauce (a recreation of one of France’s best kept secret sauces) with the smooth and indulgent flavour of Boursin Garlic and Herbs, Honest Burgers’ chopped chuck steak and rib cap patty, smoked streaky bacon, red onions and pickles. 

Where: Locations here

2. For a New Opening: Longboys 

What: Longboys has opened its second outpost in the capital, bringing serious patisserie credentials and joining the exciting foodie line-up at Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross.

The Lowdown: The ‘To-Go’ shop showcases an array of the signature lighter hand-rolled Longboys filled with flavourful and seasonal house-made compotes. Single doughnuts, boxes of three and six include indulgent treats such as strawberry and white chocolate; pistachio raspberry; and triple chocolate brownie. Vegan sweet treats are also available such as peanut butter jelly and nut-free specials like the coconut chocolate.

Where: 119 Lower Stable Street, Coal Drops Yard King’s Cross, London N1C 4DR

3. For a Burger Giveaway: Butchies

What: Butchies is launching its first South London outpost (on Clapham High Street) on Tuesday 11th August. And to celebrate, Butchies is giving away 100 free OG burgers to the first 100 guests from 12 noon on Friday 14th August.

The Lowdown: As well as serving up London’s best buttermilk fried chicken, Butchies’ mission is to “Spread Love”, so the restaurant will also support local communities by donating 100 burgers to local homeless shelter Ace of Clubs; a family-like community, providing transformative support for those who are homeless, vulnerable and otherwise marginalised in the Clapham Common area. Sandwiches include: The Original with house pickles and Butchies’ “OG” sauce; Cheesy Rider served with cheese dripping, house pickles and Butchies’ Sriracha chili sauce; and Jenny from the Block with guacamole, chipotle mayo and smoked streaky bacon.

Where: 122 Clapham High Street, London SW4 7UH

4. For a Vegan Pop-Up: By Chloe x Club Cultured

What: New York-born and London-based plant-based eatery By Chloe together with their friends at Club Cultured – who have created a range of exciting new dishes showcasing their delicious tempeh – have come together for plant-based a pop-up open until 31st August.

The Lowdown: The menu features tasty bites such as kimchini balls stuffed with vegan cheese, gochujang, spring onions and homemade kimchi, and fried tempeh wings glazed in buffalo sauce and accompanied by maple-butter glazed cornbread. Main dishes include tempeh pizza, a grilled quinoa burger, and the sell-out Gado Gado salad: an authentic Balinese dish featuring tempeh seasoned with peanut, ginger and turmeric, atop crisp and refreshing layers of sweetcorn, shredded purple cabbage, bean sprouts, toasted tender stem and kale, finished with tofu lime crema dressing.

Where: 50 Abbeville Rd, London SW4 9NF

5. For a Fast Casual Pizza Concept: GALLIO

What: In an over-saturated sourdough pizza scene, new kid on the block, GALLIO, is set to make quite a stir. This currently delivery-only brand brings a new take on pizza to the capital this month, and specialises in dough made from a mix of ancient grains that delivers not only a better taste, but a whole host of nutritional benefits.

The Lowdown: Using ancient grains to create a thoroughly modern, better-tasting and better-for-you pizza, the menu bursts with bold and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients and has been created by the GALLIO team, in collaboration with Ben Tish, food writer, chef and culinary director of The Stafford Collection which includes Norma London restaurant. Toppings reflect the richness and variety of cuisines found in the Mediterranean to create interesting full of flavour combinations. Options include the likes of spiced lamb, labneh, rose harissa and pickled chilli; and chestnut mushrooms with olive oil, spinach, Aleppo chilli and pumpkin seeds.

Where: Available to order via Deliveroo to homes and offices in Lambeth, Waterloo, Elephant & Castle, South Bank, Vauxhall and Southwark

Photo Credit: Steven Joyce