While most people can’t run 100 metres in 9.58 seconds like a certain Mr Bolt, everyone can enjoy a refreshing drink and some medal-worthy food (ain’t nobody doing 100 metres in less than five minutes after that). We’ve rounded up the best Olympic events that the London restaurant scene has to offer – eating our way round the capital counts as exercise, right?
Brazilian menu at Darkhorse, Stratford (above)
What: Indulge in some 2012 nostalgia in the East Village with a Brazilian menu from European restaurant Darkhorse. Expect roast hake with pancetta, black beans and chorizo feijoada (stew) for mains and lemon custard puff pastry tart served with a cashew and coconut Batida (shaken cachaça cocktails) for dessert.
When: 5-21 August
Where: 16-19 Victory Parade, East Village, Stratford, E20 1FS
Hox de Janeiro at The Hoxton, Shoreditch (above)
What: Party like it’s the Rio Carnival at The Hoxton Hotel, with a summery Brazilian menu being served at Hoxton Grill, alongside a plethora of activities: samba classes, hula-hooping sessions, a Gymbox surf class, bikini sample sales and, if you’re brave enough, Brazilian waxing… yes, really.
When: 5-21 August
Where: 81 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3HU
Rio Special Market, St Katharine Docks (above)
What: If you’d rather eat Brazilian food than watch them throw javelins, pop by this one-night-only market by Epicurean Events. On offer will be a variety of exotic dishes, including everything from flavoursome halloumi wraps to mouth-watering beef hot dogs from Brazilian streetfooders Tico's (pictured).
When: Friday 5 August
Where: St Katharine Docks, E1W 1AT
Brazilian hub pop up at Bunga Bunga (above)
What: Bunga Bunga never fails to be absolutely bonkers, so they’re celebrating the Rio Olympics in style. Its pop up will include a Caipirinha bar, an Olympic-themed cocktail menu, a Brazilian-inspired food menu and Samba dancers. Upstairs venue Cocobananas is also hosting opening and closing ceremony parties, with a Brazilian-inspired supper club hosted by Latina chef Natalie Salmon.
When: 5-21 August
Where: 37 Battersea Bridge Road, SW11 3BA
Olympic pop up dinners at Cinnamon Kitchen (above)
What: To ensure Brazil doesn’t get all of the attention, Cinnamon Kitchen is hosting a series of pop-up dinners showcasing foodie treats from various competing nations. Covering Asia, Africa and South America, these dinners will take you around the world faster than even Usain could.
When: 1-3 August (Asia with Papi’s Pickles), 8-10 August (South America with Luciana Berry), 15-17 August (Africa with Adam Rawson)
Where: 9 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YL
Sexy Olympian cocktail at Sexy Fish (above)
What: While nabbing an actual sexy Olympian might be a tough task, you can at least get one in cocktail form at Sexy Fish. Consisting of Yaguara Cachaça, lime juice, elderflower cordial and Riesling, this star cocktail even comes with a own gold medal. Sexy? Na: it’s well fit.
When: 5-21 August
Where: Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, W1J 6BR
Brazilian Menu at Bodean’s (above)
What: Tickets to Rio might be a tad on the expensive side, but luckily London restaurants are offering some great deals. Bodean’s BBQ is offering a game-changing (get it?) Brazilian barbacoa dish with a Rio-inspired cocktail for just £15.
When: 5-21 August
Where: Bodean’s Balham, Clapham, Covent Garden, Fulham, Soho and Tower Hill
Brazilian cocktail at Blind Spot, Covent Garden (above)
What: Get in the mood for winning (at hangovers, not races) with a Brazilian cocktail, made up of lemongrass and chilli Caipirinha, and served with complimentary pãos de queijo (small, baked cheese rolls that sell like hotcakes in Brazil).
When: 5-21 August
Where: 45 St Martin's Lane, WC2N 4HX
Road to Rio at The Institute of Light, Hackney
What: Catch the Olympic opening ceremony after a few too many cocktails and some grilled meat (churrasco) at The Institute of Light. Screenings of classic Brazilian films and sporting events will be played before the big event at 11pm, so get there early.
When: 5 August
Where: Arch 376, 10 Helmsley Place, E8 3SB
This article was published 2 August 2016