To carnival or not to carnival: here are the options.
PREPARE
Polpetto
What: Sister restaurant to Venetian bacaro Polpo opens above a small Soho pub serving tapas-style dishes, plus new additions including soft-shell crab in Parmesan batter and duck and porcini meatballs.
Why: You’ll need something to soak up the alcohol.
When: Mon.-Sat., noon-3 p.m. & 5:30-11 p.m.
Where: Upstairs at The French House, 49 Dean St., W1D 5BG (020 7734 1969).
PARTY
The Gallo Rosé Fete
What: Jade Jagger and the Jezebel Sound System transform the outdoor bar of the old Georgian mansion into a free beach party complete with sand, summery cocktails and a BBQ.
Why: You couldn’t get a flight to Ibiza.
When: Sun., 1-11 p.m.
Where: Beach Blanket Babylon, 45 Ledbury Rd., W11 2AA (020 7229 2907).
AFTER-PARTY
Paradise by Way of Kensal Rise
What: Keep the good times going long after the Notting Hill Carnival’s early closing time with help from DJ Adam Freeland and live music from Katy B.
Why: A gastropub with clean bathrooms.
When: Sun., noon-3 a.m.; Mon., noon-2 a.m.
Where: Paradise by Way of Kensal Green, 19 Kilburn Ln., W10 4AE (020 8969 0098). Tickets £5-£15.
E.T.A
What: Done dancing in the street? Move on to the nearby venue where the lineup of DJs includes Hugo Heathcote (fresh from Ibiza, speaking of), dance act Lazersonic and a live performance by South Africa’s biggest dance act, Goldfish.
Why: A light show, LED-lit hula-hoopers and face painters brighten up your night.
When: Sun., 7 p.m.-5 a.m.
Where: The Forum, 9-17 Highgate Rd., NW5 1JY. Tickets online (£20) at estimatedtimeofarrival.com or at the door (£25).
AFTER THE AFTER-PARTY
QMS Medicosmetics
What: Bring sun-scorched skin back to life at the recently opened Chelsea spa that uses products by Dr. Erich Schulte, an aesthetic surgeon who developed the range to help with post-op scaring.
Why: Liquide Proteins is our new favourite moisturiser. It’s lightweight, protects against free radicals and makes skin silky.
When: Mon.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 43 Cadogan Gds., SW3 2TB (020 7730 8090).
Photo: Courtesy of Polpetto
