From pancakes to Brazilian street food, there’s always something new for foodies to discover in London. Here’s our pick of the best new restaurant openings and events.

Yalla Yalla Pops Up in Shoreditch
Middle Eastern eatery Yalla Yalla has opened a pop-up branch in Shoreditch High Street. Specialising in Lebanese and Middle Eastern street food, the new restaurant will be open for at least six months. The space is covered by a canopy, with heaters and a mixture of cushion seating and tables with stools. On the menu you’ll find mezze, lamb and chicken shawarma and wraps, along with a choice of Lebanese wines and beers.

Pancakes at Shutterbug
If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate Pancake Day on Tuesday, why not head to new “crepe and cocktail speakeasy” Shutterbug, where they’re combining pancakes with a Mardi Gras party. Parisian chef Romain Ragouin has been making crepes for more than 15 years, and current favourites include chorizo, egg, roasted peppers and fresh chilli; and red velvet crepe with mascarpone and strawberries.

Rio Carnival at Guanabara
The sights, sounds and tastes of Rio Carnival are coming to London’s Guanabara for a six-day Brazilian festival, starting today. Chef Pietro Rocha will be creating delicious carnival favourites, such as corn dogs and feijoada (a black bean, sausage and beef stew) and there’ll be rum cocktails and Brazilian Brahmas beer. Daily entertainment includes samba dancing, live music and DJs.

The Spaniards Inn
The historic Spaniards Inn near Hampstead Heath has reopened following a refurbishment. Built in 1585, The Spaniards was immortalised in Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The interior, with its oak-panelled walls and chandeliers, has been spruced up and the outside boasts an al fresco bar, barbeque and dog wash. You can choose from a changing menu of classic pub dishes and an extensive selection of beers.

Look out for more restaurant news soon.

Rebeca Vallim, a singer from Rio de Janiero, tells us about the exciting Brazilian music scene in London for our World in London project.

How long have you been living in London?
Almost six years now. What I really like about living in London is all the different cultures in one place.

Where have you performed in London?
All around London, including Guanabara, Ronnie Scott’s, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Favela Chic, Pizza on the Park, Rose Theatre Kingston, On Anon, Barbican and The Green Note.

I’ve also performed at different London festivals, like Thames Festival, Carnaval del Pueblo, Summer in Holborn and Bloomsbury Festival.

What is your favourite place to perform?
It’s really hard to say!  Probably the Southbank Centre as they’re very supportive of artists, and encourage and promote Brazilian music, like with Festival Brazil this summer. The audience are great too, people aren’t busy drinking or chatting – they come to appreciate the music.

What is the Brazilian music scene like in London?
The Brazilian music scene in London is very varied, with rhythms from North to South of Brazil. It’s exciting, there’s so much happening.

You can hear all kinds of Brazilian music in London: bossa-nova, samba, maracatu, forró, samba-rock, pop, country, chorinho, samba-reggae and others…

Where do you go to listen to Brazilian music in London?
The last places I’ve been to hear Brazilian music were Guanabara for a concert by Diogo Nogueira, a great sambista of the new generation; Royal Albert Hall to see Gilberto Gil, an icon of Brazilian music; and Koko to see the great singer Maria Rita.

I also recommend the Tia Maria restaurant in Vauxhall, which has live samba and choro every Thursday.

So where can we see you perform?
I perform in a number of different bands: Rebeca Vallim & Band, Mafua de Yaya, Viramundo, Umpatacum and Maracatudo Mafua.

My next gig is Brazilian Night at Ronnie Scott’s Bar, upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Soho, on 9 Dec from 8pm.

• Our favourite way to start the Easter weekend, is a trip to Guanabara‘s Chocolate Shot Ball. There’s free entry before 9pm and everyone gets a chocolate egg filled with Sagatiba Premium Cachaça. 1 Apr
• But if a chocolatey, Brazilian-style celebration isn’t for you, try superclub matter instead. John Digweed, Danny Howells and Guy J are all taking to the decks. 1 Apr
• You might have lazed around all Bank Holiday Friday, but that’s no reason not to let loose at Jailhouse Jam. Dress in prison chic and sing along to prison ditties at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club. 2 Apr
• On Saturday night, head south of the river and check out Plan B‘s new sound system. There’ll be a rare London appearance from The Shapeshifters. 3 Apr

Sunday is your last guilt-free night to party so make the most of it!

• Hed Kandi is offering Tokyo-themed clubbing at Ministry of Sound (buy four tickets and get one free using promotional code “Easter”). 4 Apr
• Neon Noise Project‘s Kitsune Maison Party includes Yusek Live, Crystal Fighters and a DJ set from Friendly Fires. 4 Apr
• If you want to start early, head to The Old Queen’s Head from 3pm for entertainment including a live set from Adam Freeland. 4 Apr

Happy clubbing!