Welcome back to The Go-To Weekend, your ultimate guide to making the most of your days off. Hosted by Sunday Times deputy food editor Hannah Evans and Foodism deputy editor Molly Codyre, we’re here delivering the hottest tips on where to go, what to eat, and what not to miss this weekend.

This week, Hannah and Molly kick things off with a chat about The Beatles, following the announcement of Sam Mendes’s ambitious four-part film project—one film for each band member. With casting details emerging, they discuss whether this approach will give fresh insight into the Fab Four or just be another rehash of rock history. They also round up the best (and worst) April Fool’s Day pranks they fell for this year, including fake restaurant openings and absurd fashion collaborations that had them momentarily fooled.

Then, it's onto a crucial topic: late-night eating in London. After a long night out, where’s the best place to grab a bite? They debate the merits of Beigel Bake on Brick Lane—iconic, but do the queues kill the vibe?—versus the newer, but equally excellent Sons + Daughters for an after-hours sandwich fix. They also throw in a few wild cards, like Noodle & Beer noodle bar, which serves steaming bowls of udon into the late hours, and Old Town 97 for a midnight roast duck feast.

Then, they’re joined by Alexina Anatole—finance-professional-turned-food-writer, MasterChef finalist, and cookbook author—for a deep dive into her journey from the world of finance to food. She opens up about the realities of making money in cookbook publishing, the challenges of breaking into the industry, and how growing up in Paris shaped her love of bold flavours. Alexina also goes in on River Cafe, delivering an unfiltered critique of its service. While she fully respects the restaurant’s legacy, she argues that for the price point, diners deserve better than a dining experience that can sometimes feel cold and indifferent. The food? Undeniably good. The hospitality? In her view, inconsistent at best.

Beyond that, Alexina shares her thoughts on dating and food, including the ultimate culinary red flags. She rounds things off with a list of her must-visit London restaurants, favourite art galleries, and go-to late-night spots. The conversation also delves into the complexities of flavour, with a discussion on umami, MSG, and how she builds layers of taste in her cooking.

Hit play for your weekend fix of food, culture, and the best things to do in London.

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