Welcome back to The Slice!

We’re feeling like staying indoors this week, but that doesn’t have to mean being cooped up at home all day.

We’ve been hanging out in some of London’s newest cafés, hiding out from the rain. Uchi has cosy written all over it, so cosy that you’ll be asked to take your shoes off and change into slippers after stepping inside, a Japanese cultural tradition. Once you’ve done that, it will be time to tuck into ultra-thick sandos, and indulgent desserts. Get more café inspiration below.

We also try one of London’s hottest new Mexican-inspired openings straight from Paris, but does it live up to the hype?

Plus: Find out where you can get £6 negronis and a monthly changing margarita menu.

1. Try plates made with precision by Chef Franky Fernandes’ at Lanes of London

Franky Fernandes’ culinary experience dances along the hotels of Park Lane – he was recently head chef of the Dorchester Collection and today is executive chef of Lanes of London at the Marriott.

Chef Fernandes has designed two menus, one quick for tired hotel arrivals – inspired hoteliers please take note – another for leisurely sharing. But you can pick from both. So we feast on ginormous, succulent lemon butter grilled tiger prawns, plus salt-baked beetroot, labneh and pistachio – just as vibrant in taste and appearance.

To my surprise, Fernandes, unlike most chefs, suggests a vegan dish because he set out to make it equally as good as the rest of the menu and ‘not another risotto.’ This shows – crispy aubergine, tomato, cashew. Then comes the exceptional big hit of the night, coconut curry sauce – with a taste of his birthplace Goa. The green apple cheesecake arrives as a replica of a Granny Smith, which would delight the Mad Hatter. Cracking in, a tart, cloud-like filling awaits. Fantastic.

Starters from £10, mains from £20. 140 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 7AA. Book here.