Originally published on Tuesday, 4th June 2013

The Culturist: June

We're feeling sunshiney great now that June is here. With that in mind, we have some summery pickings for the rest of the month: an art car boot sale, the French wine country, a Barcelona pool party, some Mexican and Cuban vibes, and a must-needed cookbook for BBQ season.

ART: GARY HUME AND PATRICK CAULFIELD AT TATE BRITAIN

June 5 – September 1, £14.50 (for both exhibitions)
Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG

The Tate Britain has had a revamp – and with it comes two new exhibitions from two complementary British artist from different generations. Royal Academy of Art-educated Patrick Caulfield – who studied alongside David Hockney – came to prominence in the 1960s with his colourful, vibrant take on still life, while Gary Hume, one of the original YBAs, exploded onto the scene with his high-gloss, abstract paintings in the '90s. Compare and contrast their brush strokes and colour ways.

EAT: CASA NEGRA

Soft opening June 10, 50% off menu for 1 week between 12pm - 5pm
Reservation lines open June 4 at noon
0207 033 7360
54-56 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3QR

The highly anticipated sister restaurant of sexy Soho spot La Bodega Negra opens this month. Will Ricker is bringing his brand of naughty Mejicano out East, Serge Becker at his side once again, though we don't think the entrance is masked this time. The style is different here – think Mexican pop up in a traditional English household. The menu is also smaller with an emphasis on sharing: ceviche, tostadas, tacos – and, of course, margaritas, made with their house-made orange liquor and sweetened agave nectar. You'll find us in the subterranean Casa Playroom club.

POOL PARTY: RA BY DAY IN BARCELONA

June 13

Now a firmly established tradition, Resident Advisor will take over Barcelona's Hotel Silken Diagonal for their annual rooftop soirée during Sónar. This year, house duo Scuba & Bicep, plus two more surprise guests, will lead the poolside party, and you can expect flowing drinks courtesy of Belvedere. Unfortunately the guestlist is tight – 237 spaces to be exact – and it's an invite-only event. We have a pair of tickets to give away for the event. If you're going to Sónar and want to attend the event, drop us a line at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The winner will be notified by the end of the week.

THEATRE: THE BOOK OF MORMON

Until Jan 2014, Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street, W1D 6AS
Book tickets here

The Evening Standard hails The Book of Mormon, now playing at London's Prince of Wales Theatre, "**** Indecently funny. The killer whale of comedy." Jon Stewart on The Daily Show declares Mormon "So f**king good it makes me angry" and The Daily Telegraph says "***** It's hilarious. God have mercy upon my soul!"

BOOK NOW: SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH

Until August 31, from £21, The Old Vic, The Cut, SE1 8NB

The Tennessee Williams bug is going round. First there was Scarlett Johansson in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof in New York, and now this side of the pond we have Kim Cattrall in Sweet Bird of Youth. Cattrall plays fading Hollywood star Alexandra Del Lago who, after fleeing the premiere of a disastrous comeback film, turns to drink, drugs… and a gigolo named Chance (played by Seth Numrich). Their relationship of convenience unravels when the pair take a trip to Chance's hometown in a bid to win back his childhood sweetheart. We've got a pair of tickets to give away for the play. Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a chance to win.

CD: EGLO RECORDS VOLUME 1

Out now, £14.99. Available from Phonica Records

Electronic music label Eglo Records celebrated its fourth birthday this weekend. They've also just released their first volume on double compilation CD, which chronicles the label's best moments. Expect diasporic sounds of hip hop, house, RnB, boogie, soul, acid, techno (and more) from the likes of Fatima and Floating Points.

ESCAPE: LES SOURCES DES CAUDALIE

Chemin de Smith Haut Lafitte, 33650 Bordeaux-Martillac, France Spa treatments from €65, rooms from €240

If you're looking for escapism this month, it has to be hotel and vinotherapy spa Les Sources des Caudalie in Bordeaux Martillac. We featured their Maison Martin Margiela-decorated Suite l'île aux Oiseaux in our Spring Travel Supplement last year, but the suite has been given a fresh lick of paint, this time by designer Maxime Simoëns. Forget the lips sofa – it's all about contrast now. Think black against white, matte against gloss and stuffed doves against crisp white sheets. We're loving the neon headboard.

BOOK: PITT CUE CO: THE COOKBOOK

Available from June 6, £20 Pitt Cue Co, 1 Newburgh Street, W1F 7RB

It was bound to happen. Now, you can recreate Pitt Cue's meaty goodness at home with their first cookbook. Make the staple dishes that saw them turn from street wagon geniuses to restaurateurs: pulled pork, smoked ribs, brisket, kimchi hot sauce, fruit ketchups and that inimitable mash.

COMPETITION: HAVANA CLUB'S CUBANO QUINCENA AT ST MARTINS LANE

Until June 10, Asia de Cuba, 45 St Martins Lane, WC2N 4HX

This month Havana Club is hosting Cubano Quincena in the Armoire Bar St Martins Lane's Asia De Cuba. Cubano Quincena – which is based on the famous El Floridita in Cuba – will bring over the bar's head "cantinero", Alejandro Bolivar, who will be shaking up his lauded daiquiris for two weeks. We're giving away a pair of VIP tickets to the closing party on June 8, which includes dinner and a party in the Light Bar. As part of the prize, the winners will receive a night's stay (on the same night) at St Martins Lane, as well as a cocktail kit for DIY daiquiris. To enter simply email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

ART: THE VAUXHALL ART CAR BOOT FAIR

June 9, £5 entry, Brick Lane Yard, corner of Brick Lane and Buxton Street, E1 6QL

If you're feeling inspired by the Venice Biennale, head straight for Vauxhall's Art Car Boot Fair this month. This isn't a slap-and-dash affair, though it may sound it – big bill artists such as Sir Peter Blake, Gavin Turk, Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and Pam Hogg are usually in attendance, selling their art directly to the public (which is often made especially for, or at, the event). The price tags are significantly lower than your usual art fair, giving wannabe collectors a chance to get their first piece of big-time art. A tip: there's no map at the event, so arrive early and get hunting.