April is the cruelest month, remarked T.S. Eliot, but it doesn't have to be! Spring is finally here and now the clocks have gone forward, Londoners will be enjoying more daylight and (hopefully) a bit more sunshine. If you're not going away, and not sitting at home eating Easter Eggs, here are few things that we, here at La Gaffe, would recommend in the capital this month...
1.Enjoy the 'Passion of Jesus' play in Trafalger Square
Good Friday, this year, falls on April 19th and to celebrate there is the free, annual, Easter performance of ' being held in Trafalgar Square. This is the ninth year running that the Wintershall Players will be enacting the story of Christ's arrest, trial and crucifixion. More than 100 actors and volunteers will be taking apart, all in authentic dress, with a few donkeys and doves besides! The two performances, at12 pm and 3.15 pm are also going to be televised live onto large screens, so that the thousands expected to attend the event won't miss anything.
Trafalgar Square, London (Leicester Square or Charing Cross tubes)
Tel:+44 (0) 207 983-4000
2. Go on an Easter Egg Hunt
There are Easter egg hunts all over London around the latter part of April, but the one we're encouraging you to go on is close to our restaurant, in leafy Hampstead? At Fenton House, during the Easter holidays, there will be a guided trail that you can negotiate yourselves. This beautiful home has a garden that has a huge wall around it and full of "nooks and crannies" which will give you a few headaches, trying to locate the contraband! The chocolate eggs will be spread all over the grounds, including the orchard, sunken garden and hidden paths. Work up an appetite and when you're finished, come and have lunch with us. For more about our menu take a look at: https://www.lagaffe.co.uk/restaurant/
3. Cheer on runners at the London Marathon
London's annual marathon kicks off this April - Sunday 29th to be precise - with participants running the course under rainy or sunny skies (it's England, so weather cannot be guaranteed). The runners will begin at Blackheath in south London and trace its way through many well-known points in the capital, ending at The Mall in St. James's Park. It's an extraordinary sight, watching masses of people running through London so put on some comfy clothes (you could be standing around a while), pack a picnic and find yourself a good spot from which to watch. Oh, and don't forget your umbrella either!
4. Visit the 'Van Gogh and Britain' exhibition at the Tate Britain
Van Gogh killed himself at the age of 37 but achieved a great deal in his brief life. Moving between the Netherlands, Belgium, France and England throughout his life, he spent two years in London (1873-75). # Tramping the pavements of the city (he worked in Covent Garden and had lodgings in Lambeth) he was deeply influenced by Dickens and the dirt and grime of the capital. It was in London, indeed, that he made his decision to become an artist (most people do not realise that for only a decade the maestro was painting!) It will be fascinating to see what marvellous paintings the Tate Britain is showcasing at this exhibition. https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/ey-exhibition-van-gogh-and-britain
5. Browse the stalls at 'Alfie's Antique Market' in Marylebone
Whether you're a serious collector or just feel like a browse, Alfie's Antique Market in West London is a great place to visit. Set over five floors, and home to 75 specialist dealers. Furniture, lighting, glassware, jewellry...there are also sorts of unusual things on sale here and the traders themselves are a colourful bunch (many of whom have been in business for donkey's years)! An added bonus is Alfie's Roof Top Kitchen (which, you've guessed it, can be found at the top of the building). In this quirky little cafe, you can enjoy wonderful views over London (they also have a terrace, for warmer weather) and partake of some brunch (the eggs florentine are supposed to be very good, as well as the home-made cakes!) What are you waiting for?