Arts & Culture
Originally published on Tuesday, 6th December 2011
The Culturist: December
The festive period is upon us once more, folks. And whether you’re a seasoned grinch, unflapping holiday romantic, or hardcore international NYE party type, we’ve got it sorted for you. Pop-up bars, gallery launches, Christmas markets, a private gig, an anticipated new restaurant … and yes, even a Christmas tree. A really, really big Christmas tree. From Lanvin. With a fairy on top.
SHOP: CIRCUS 11
The Tramshed, 32 Rivington St, EC2A 3LX
Dec 14-18, Free
If you’re already sick of trawling the high streets for festive gifts and party attire, then fear not: the Circus is coming to town! New and emerging British labels have been cherry-picked by a collective of those in the know, each creating their own concept stall within the dramatic surrounds of a disused power station in East London. Peruse their wares for everything from clothes and jewellery to ceramics and taxidermy. A cider bar, roasted chestnuts and special Christmas bakery from Lily Vanilli will keep you fed and watered while you shop till you drop.
ART: DALE CHIHULY
Halcyon Gallery, 144-146 New Bond St, W1S 2PF
Dec 5-Feb 29, Free
Ever gazed in wonder at the monumental glass ‘chandelier’ in the V&A atrium? The beautiful beast that looks a little like an exploded octopus in translucent blue and pink? Well now you can view the artist Dale Chihuly’s work without getting a crick in your neck as he takes over all three floors of the spanking new Halcyon Gallery on New Bond Street. Internationally known for his ambitious architectural installations and intricate sprawling creations, Chihuly’s latest work pushes the boundaries of glass, his freeform technique and vibrant colours seemingly defying gravity and the basic laws of physics. Prepare to be awestruck.
DRINK: SKY LODGE The Skyroom, Magdalen House, 136-148 Tooley St, SE1 2TU
Dec 7-17, £7
Don’t fancy braving the slopes this year? Well fret not. Event eccentrics Platterform are bringing the Alps to London, reinventing the best of seasonal shenanigans at a secret rooftop retreat. Billed as an ‘après ski lodge meets speakeasy’, the venue will feature a Blitz vintage clothing pop-up, fireplace storytelling, alpine street food, toast-your-own marshmallows and winter warmers from The Firewater Society. Underground performance collective Where the Wild Things Were has also devised a variety of performances inspired by customs from mountainous regions across the world. Bavarian Slapdance anyone?
FOOD: THE LIBRARY BAR
Lanesborough Hotel, Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA
Throughout Dec, £180 per couple
The Library Bar at the Lanesborough is an elegant chamber of leather bound tomes and vintage cognacs, decked in Regency mahogany and winged armchairs in lush fabrics. It’s pretty much the embodiment of romance (plus the drinks are top notch). So sure you could fill the last month of your year with the usual office parties and half-glam nights at your local … or you could cosy up with your significant other in front of a roaring fire, with a huge platter of fresh seafood, a bottle of perfectly chilled Taittinger champagne and a range of bespoke cocktails to tempt you afterwards.
EAT: THE DELAUNAY55 Aldwych, WC2B 4BB
Open now
Breakfast at The Wolseley is something of a legend – and for good reason. This week, however, also sees the launch of The Delaunay, its much anticipated little sister. And not only is the restaurant serving up a stream of regular gastronomic favourites (Champagne tea, eggs Florentine, etc.), but they’re also sporting a rather snazzy takeout deli counter open from 7am daily, and have promised us faithfully that they’ll be launching their delivery service in the not too distant future. Takeaway never looked so classy.?
MUSIC: DJ SHADOW
Rough Trade East, Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL
Dec 7, 7pm
There are certain albums that define your youth… For some of us here, it was DJ Shadow’s ‘Endtroducing’ – and this week the man is back in town with his 4th album, ‘The Less You Know, The Better’. So here’s the problem: should we a) battle the masses to catch him at the Forum on Friday Dec 9? Or b) head to Rough Trade East two days beforehand for a rare, intimate vinyl-only DJ set? Tough call? Hardly. Wristbands are being given out on the day, so we’ll see you down there good and early. Head-bopping reminiscing here we come!
ART: THE KRUG HAPPINESS EXHIBITION
The Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, W1J 0BD
Dec 13-20
Not wishing to sound like we live a persistently alcohol-tinged existence, but little kicks an evening off quite like a gallery launch with a glass of bubbles in hand. So the idea of a fine champagne like Krug crafting their own exhibition – why that’s surely the definition of Culturist heaven itself! Co-curated by Lagerfeld muse Amanda Harlech, the show features the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Tyler Brûlé and Bella Freud, who all donated “something that embodies happiness to them.” Promising to be fun, fascinating and varied, all proceeds also go to support The Royal Academy Schools.
SHOP: SOUTHBANK CENTRE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
Until Dec 24
Get into the festive spirit with a meander through the Southbank Centre’s traditional Christmas market. Tickle your ho-ho-ho itch with a selection of handcrafted toys, jewellery, tree ornaments, candles and other artisanal gifts and stocking fillers from the wooden chalets. We defy you to not feel the Christmas love after something like that. However, if the bah humbug still has you in its grip, sidestep the retail and head straight for a dose of bratwurst, gingerbread hearts and roasted almonds all washed down with heartwarming Glühwein to put a little colour in your cheeks. Prost all round.
PARTY: A NEW YORK NEW YEAR'S EVE
Underground Rebel Bingo Club, Rebel Public Assembly, 70 North 6th St, NY 11211 & Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave, NY 10010
Dec 31
To go out or not to go out – the ephemeral NYE question. And where better to do NYE than NYC? First, the go out option: subterranean rooms of revelry with the Underground Rebel Bingo Club and a line-up that includes performance collective CHERYL and a lot of number calling. Pre-tickets have sold out but sign up here to beg for leftovers. Alternatively, the stay-in option: see in 2012 from Gramercy Park Hotel Loft with a complimentary bottle of Perrier-Jouët champagne, guaranteed admission to the Rose Bar, and an American breakfast for two on the terrace (plus a much-needed late check-out).
FESTIVE: LANVIN CHRISTMAS TREE
Claridge’s, Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR
Until Jan 2
Reruns of Home Alone, the annual Coca Cola advert and Claridge’s designer Christmas Tree – just a few things which signify that the festive period has well and truly kicked off. But we challenge you to find one that fills you with quite as much yuletide delight (yes, we’re looking at you Macaulay) as Claridge’s annual topiary. Designed this year by no less than Lanvin’s head man Alber Elbaz, the French atelier’s take on the perfect festive tree sees every kind of multi-coloured bauble imaginable, twinkling lights and a veritable mountain of tasteful glitter – not to mention the ‘perfect’ French family sat beneath the needles. How very à la mode.
