ART: Sample the American Dream
At this new British Museum exhibition you can trace sixty years of the world’s superpower, from JFK’s assassination, Apollo 11 and Vietnam to the AIDS crisis, racism and gender politics. Kicking off with the explosion of pop art in the 1960s, the show includes works by American artists including Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns and Ed Ruscha. More info here. Till 18th June. British Museum, Great Russell St, Bloomsbury WC1B 3DG
PUB: A top sidestreet watering hole
We’re probably late on this, but a recent discovery in that hinterland between King’s Cross and Exmouth Market is the Queen’s Head, a charming old boozer on Acton Street, a few minutes’ walk south of the big termini. Owned by the same folk behind the excellent Mother Kelly’s in Bethnal Green (on Paradise Row), there’s a typically eclectic selection of ale, lager, porter and cider, plus decent food menu of sharing boards. On a weekday night it’s often so packed with thirsty post-workers that even the cute walled backyard is jumping. 6 Acton St WC1X
FOOD: Maple & King’s
After some greens if you’re overindulging this weekend? Well, we can certainly recommend a pit stop at this new arrival. The brainchild of Canadian chef Adria Wu, the simple offer is focused on seasonal and healthy salads laid out colourfully on a counter. We chose a mix of all five daily specials (at £5.95 for a very decent sized box), which included everything from kale to cauliflower, toasted seeds to shredded carrots and courgette. Protein addicts might opt for add-ons like tahini spiced free-range chicken, miso salmon or five-spice tofu in sesame almond butter dressing. The terrace is a sun-trap, too. 3 Pancras Square N1C
CLUB: Afrobeats or Promised Land?
Big Chill House is always a winner for decent choons and drinks prices, not to mention an unexpected internal roof terrace and cheap food in the week (the lunch deal includes burger, drink and fries for just £6). Over the long weekend there’s a carnival-esque Afrobeat Party takeover on Saturday night (free entry before 9pm, 257-259 Pentonville Rd N1); while a small hike up York Way superclub The Egg is holding a massive all-night house bash suitably called Promised Land with Marshall Jefferson, Terry Farley and Sandy Rivera all playing classics from 1987 to 2006 (info here). Nice. 200 York Way N7
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DAY OUT: Folkestone Harbour Arm
Just 50 mins from St Pancras on the high speed train, this relatively new addition to the seaside destination has ramped things up again for the new season. Follow the steep cobbles of the Creative Quarter – perhaps pausing for a beer at ace gallery-bar Space (7 The Old High St) – and keep on walking until you’re well out to sea. At the spruced-up arm, you’ll find a dozen or so streetfood stalls, including the Big Greek Bus, That Burger and Sole Kitchen, plus a weather-proof indoor parade: try Follies for pizza, Cockles for seafood, and, in the evenings, the Waiting Room for DJs and dancing. A champagne bar operates in the lighthouse. Open Fri-Sun till 11pm (7pm Sundays). Free entry. More info here. Folkestone Harbour Arm, Folkestone, Kent, CT20
