Bookings opened yesterday for the much-hyped Union Street Cafe, the new joint venture between Gordon Ramsay and the chef’s new bessie pal, David Beckham.
Becks has already been spotted visiting the SE1 site, pictured below – so perhaps we’ll be seeing more of him locally. But when the nation’s favourite footballer isn’t hanging out in the new gaff, where should he go? We make some suggestions
5. Union Street Lake
The kids are bound to get restless in this heat with all the dull foodie chat and need a leg-stretch. Daddy could cool them down with a dip in Union Street’s temporary Lake. This ever-changing Union Street site has hosted several previous temporary experiences, including the Southwark Lido, the Union Street Urban Orchard and the Urban Physic Garden. Now it is an artificial pond, equipped with inflatable toy boats and a paddling pool. It might not be Venice Beach – it’s sandwiched between railway arches and a block of flats – but it does have a sunbathing deck and juice bar. Just like being back in LA, eh Dave?
Open until the end of September. 8-12pm. 100 Union Street. Unionstreetlake.wordpress.com
4. Thames Rib Speedboats
Rumours that Posh feels a bit left out of the Ramsay and Beckham bromance have been fluttering around. But what if it is more than tabloid fluff? What if Mrs B turns up on opening night (September 16, for those quick enough yesterday to have booked a table – see more below) and throws a hissy? Becks should leave the slanging match to his vocal new business partner and jump onto a Thames Rib speedboat for a high-octane breather. We know he can drive one, we saw him do it in the Olympics. Throwback to 2012? Yes please!
Book online here (link) 0203 245 1177 Thamesribexperience.com
3. The Posh banger Boys, Borough Market
The wife may not see the funny side in the acclaimed sausage stall’s name. Nor may she fancy all those calories in its hearty fare – she might already feel challenged with the all-British pie-and-mash vibe to the menu at Hubby’s new restaurant. But if a hungry Becks needs a break from sampling all Ramsay’s dishes, Borough Market’s swankiest sausages could just do the job.
The Posh Banger Boys, 9 Stoney Street, Borough Market.
2. Karaoke at The Old School Yard, Long Lane
Wifey likes to sing. And as Becks knows, you have to practise to keep your hand – or feet – in. So why not give her some motivation we’re sure she won’t be able to resist: date-night down the karaoke? We’d love to see the couple larging it at lively cocktail bar, The Old School Yard. And no need to mingle with the hoi polloi, the bar has private karaoke rooms for hire – perfect for a pair of VIPs to fight over the mic. Or perhaps they could do some duets – wonder if they’ve got Out of Your Mind?
The Old School Yard, 111 Long Lane. Tel: 0207 357 6281
1. Doc’s Tattoo & Bodypiercing Studio, Riley Road
Beckham has said he doesn’t regret a single one of his 32 tattoos, which include inkings of each of his four children. So why not get another? And as Union Street Café is his new food baby, surely it needs some skin space. SE1 tattoo studio proprietor, Joseph “Doc” Doherty, has been in the business for over 40 years, so that A-list skin would be in safe hands. But what to get? Perhaps Becks should make the ultimate commitment to his new partnernship…
Doc’s Tattoo & Bodypiercing Studio, 21 Riley Road, Bermondsey, London, SE1 3DG. 0207 403 1600 Docstattoostudio.co.uk
Words: Sarah Fox
Try your luck if you want to check the place out. Reserve your table online at Gordonramsay.com/union-street-cafe or call 0207 592 7977
Read our top five hangouts for Mike Skinner in Brixton here
