Arts & Culture
Originally published on Tuesday, 4th February 2014
The Culturist: February
February 2014 has hit us with a few themes (alongside gale force winds), from restaurant re-launches to literary plays and cocktail revivals. Otherwise, if you're looking for 'new', we have a music documentary and photography exhibition via 'old' favourites Red Bull Music Academy and David Bailey. And because it's February, we're broadening our horizons to a snow-capped mountain festival. Have fun, and we'll see you in March.
GO I: 1984
February 8 - March 29. More tickets go on sale February 8. Tickets from £10, Almeida Theatre, Almeida Street, N1 1TA
The Almeida Theatre has thrown a one-two literary punch, first with sell-out show American Psycho and now with the on-stage adaptation of George Orwell's novel 1984. Created by Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan, with five stars in tow from The Guardian, The Times and The Telegraph (from its previous staging at the Nottingham Playhouse) and surveillance and identity as overarching themes – Big Brother is always watching – yes, it's definitely still relevant. If you've missed out on tickets, don't worry, Almeida is re-releasing a batch on February 8.
EAT I: Re-launch of Polpetto
Opens February, 11 Berwick Street
The highly anticipated sister restaurant of Polpo, Polpetto is re-launching this month, with head chef Florence Knight back at the helm. The new-look Polpetto is little sibling no-more with space now for 70 covers (instead of 23) and a shiny new aperitivo bar. As for the food, expect the same Venetian flavours and dishes: saltimbocca, osso buco and cichetis – but with a much larger menu. Fingers crossed the fennel slaw and crispy parmesan crab get the transfer.
GO II: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas at The Vault Festival
January 28 – March 8, tickets from £21.50, The Vaults, Leake Street, SE1 7NN
And now for another literature-to-stage adaptation, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is headlining this year's Vault Festival for a five week run. Adapted and directed by Lou Stein, expect a live journey of the psychedelic and narc adventure. Audience participation is appreciated, so grab your Hawaiian shirts and seventies hand-me-downs. And to make things more interesting, there will be a Vegas game of chance, a Ralph Steadman exhibition and some tacos – five for a buck? (We assume).
WATCH: The Red Bull Music Academy Movie
Premieres in selected theatres February 17. Available online here from February 18.
The Red Bull Music Academy documentary, What Difference Does It Make? A Film About Making Music, by Cannes Gold Lion award-winning director Ralf Schmerberg, is a feature length documentary filmed last spring as the RBMA descended upon New York for a month-long flurry of concerts, installations and screenings. Featuring the likes of James Murphy, Richie Hawtin and Giorgio Moroder (to name a few), the documentary discusses the trials and tribulations of music's bright young things. Expect some good tunes alongside a heavy dose of inspiration.
DRINK: The Whip
Now open, 50 Davies street, W1K 5JE
We are welcoming the latest cocktail addition to the W1 postcode, The Whip. Situated above the Running Horse boozer, the venue may be a wee twee for us (saddles, whips and trophies), but it's their julep menu that we can really get behind. Expect one mainstay julep menu and one seasonal, all served in traditional pewter tins muddled with herbs, botanicals and homemade preserves. Now all we need is a some Ralph Lauren, a bit of sunshine and we're ready.
EAT II: Re- launch of Avenue
Opens 21 February 7-9 St James's Street, SW1A 1EE
Something's been stirring on St James street lately. First, the re-opening of Boulestin, followed by Café Murano and now, flying the American flag, Avenue is set to re-launch with an American-inspired menu. Expect dishes such as clam chowder served in sourdough with littleneck clams, flat iron steak with pastrami butter, oysters, and barbeque sauce wings. The interiors, courtesy of Russell Sage, are Manhattan power dining circa 1990 – think chandeliers, a gold decanter station, sculptural art installations, and a sleek new bar, Onyx. And their USP? The strong 200-bin wine list and Avenue's use of the Coravin wine system – allowing diners to try the wine without opening the bottle – magic.
BOOK: Horizon Festival
March 8 – 14, packages start at £199, Bansko Ski Resort, Bulgaria
Forget oligarchs and overpriced fondue, this year for our ski fix, we're looking at mountain raves by day and electro parties by night, with some luxury spa time in between. The Horizon Festival is hitting the slopes of Bansko (a ski resort at the foot of Bulgaria's Pirin Mountains) for the second year running. Expect a 50+ lineup of DJs with parties on the hills, in clubs, poolside (yes, really) and in forests. And if you want to ski, you've got 75km of tracks – from easy runs to jumps and fluffy off-piste terrain. Plus, this is one ski holiday that won't break the bank – festival and accommodation packages start at £199. Book now.
SEE: Bailey's Stardust at The National Portrait Gallery
February 6 - June 1, tickets from £14.50, St Martins Place, WC2H 0HE
David Bailey – last year we tried to guess who you were but this year, well, we're guessing no more . The National Gallery is staging one of the largest retrospectives dedicated to the iconic lens of David Bailey. Spanning his career, 250 images have been curated by the photographer himself, with portraits from both his professional and personal, never-before-seen collection, featuring everything from anonymous portraits and tribal encounters to the familiar faces of Kate Moss and Jerry Hall.
SAY NO TO DRILLING IN IBIZA PETITION PARTY
Click here to see the photos #nodrillingIBZ | #ibizasaysno
On Thursday night, Urban Junkies came out in full force to say no to proposed oil drilling off the coast of Ibiza. With a little help from our friends Dax Ibiza, Love Brunch, Deliciously Sorted, Cocoface and Active 8, we threw a petition party at Chakana. DJs hit the decks, drinks flowed (in coconuts) courtesy of Absolut, and we got a huge stack of petitions signed. Thanks to everyone who came down to show their support! If you missed out, it's not too late- you can still send in your petition (don't forget a photocopy of your passport) until February 10.
