Arts & Culture
Originally published on Tuesday, 1st July 2014
The Culturist: July
As London’s on the cusp of summer (or so we hope), things are hotting up on the culture front. There are fashion exhibitions to see, experimental operas to take in, and festivals to party at. On the food front, there’s a new take on surf n turf, Viajante’s replacement is throwing open its doors, and a caffeine and cocktail bar is calling your name. But if you’re itching to get outta town, last minute flights to Ibiza, Venice and NYC are on the itinerary. Wherever you end up, we hope you have a good one!
SHOP: OPENING CEREMONY POP UP AT ACE HOTEL
Opens end of July, 106 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ
For those mourning the temporary closure (due to renovations) of Opening Ceremony in Covent Garden, we’ve got some good news. The concept store is set for a replacement pop-up at the Ace Hotel, Shoreditch. Similar to its New York Ace Hotel outpost, there’ll be a curated selection of men’s and women’s fashion, including the OC collaborations, emerging designers, accessories and usual arty bric-à-brac. Oh, and if you need a mid-shopping pit stop, the Ace Hotel’s new roof terrace is also set for a July opening.
EAT: DF/MEXICO DINER
Open July 24 Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL
The highly anticipated DF/Mexico Diner, set inside Brick Lane’s Truman Brewery, opens this month. Although owned by the guys behind Wahaca (Thomasina Miers and Mark Selby), this is a different set-up: a 90-seat 18-month pop up, serving US/Mexican fusion. From the classic Tex-Mex chile con carne to the more original dirty tortas (all stuffed in a toasted brioche bun with smashed avocado and cucumber pickle) and takeaway popping candy, it’s a more ‘experimental’ experience, inspired by the street’s of Distrito Federal (read: Mexico City).
SHOP II: RAMS GATE FASHION MARKET
July 12-21 Ram Place (off Morning Lane), W1F 9RP
Oui oui! The Barbican is continuing its love for Jean Paul Gaultier. Inspired by the exhibition The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier, the art gallery is opening a fashion-led market in the heart of Hackney. From July 12, expect Rams Place to transform into a nine-day café, event and design space. Expect rails of local and emerging designer rails while on the weekend the space will play host to workshops, activities and performances, all gratis. Plus, there will be a café during the day and a bar (courtesy of Rita’s) by night. Gaultier is making a come back!
DRINK: BOB BOB RICARD
Premieres in selected theatres February 17. Available online here Now Open 1 Upper James Street, Soho, W1F 9DF
After an 18-month hiatus and £3m pound refurbishment, The Bob Bob Ricard Club Room is back! The new look space on the lower ground floor is, as expected, all about over the top luxury. Think red and gold leather banquettes, burgundy marble tables, bespoke Ikat wallpaper, crafted copper metalwork – and, of course, the notorious “Press for Champagne” buttons on every table. But hands down, the piece de résistance is its mahogany-inlaid backgammon dance floor. And lastly, for those who want a taste of the luxury (without the price tag), the 72-seat club is soft launching with 25% off all food throughout July.
DO: RIVERSIDE FEAST
July 10 - August 3, 2014 Tickets start from £10 Queenstown Road, SW8 4PE
It’s (still) all about Street Feast. The nomadic market currently residing in Dalston and Lewisham, is hitting yet another location: The Battersea Power Station. And it’s going large. The seven-week pop up, in collaboration with Everyman Cinema, will be outside the 42 acre power station. Expect dozens of street food stalls including Le Bun, Spit & Roast, Popdogs, Mama’s Jerk and Anna Maes, a 1000 capacity bar, as well as some outdoor cinema action. And if the food, drinks and movies can’t pull you in, the location will. It’s the last time to check out the Power Station before the re-development.
SEE: DIGITAL REVOLUTION AT THE BARBICAN
July 3- September 14 Tickets £12.50 Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
Tech heads, listen up. This month the Barbican Centre is putting on a show stopping immersive exhibition: Digital Revolution. Exploring and celebrating the transformation of art through digital technology, the exhibition joins the forces of artists, filmmakers, architects, musicians and game developers. Expect three-dimensional laser light fields, pet robotic snakes and a 101 in the future of wearable technology. Word to the wise, get there early: we predict queues of Rain Room proportions.
DRINK II: SOHO GRIND
Opens July 4 19 Beak street, W1F 9RP
Seductive neon signs, espresso martinis and rocking tunes, yep, Soho Grind has opened its downstairs bar, and it’s sexy. As with the Shoreditch original, the vibe here resembles a house party, complete with killer cocktails, friendly staff and DJs spinning. Time for some French lessons (if you don’t get it, you soon will). #UJLoves
BOOK NOW: WILDERNESS
SPONSORED LSITING
See the full line up and book tickets at www.wildernessfestival.com
Wilderness returns this year with a plethora of musical, culinary, literary and theatrical hijinks from the likes of London Grammar, Metronomy, legend Burt Bacharach, Jessie Ware and Sam Smith. Cosmic disco kings Psychemagik race the late night Valley ( click here for their Summer Of Love mix), which will also host sets from the likes of Greg Wilson, Horsemeat Disco and Future Boogie. Foodies, click here for exclusive feasting recipe from Clerkenwell bakery institution St John, who will join Simon Rogan, Mark Hix and Russell Norman in conjuring up gastrophonic delights on site.
LAST CALL: GET FIT WITH TARA STILES AT W VERBIER
W Verbier “Fit with Tara Stiles”, July 4-6, 2014
As you know, this summer it’s all about W Verbier, well, it’s now the last call for their exercise-meets-luxury yoga retreat with ‘rebel’ yogi Tara Stiles. Think high altitude yoga classes combined with live DJs, sunset parachutes, helicopter tours, picnics and recovery spa treatments. So if you want to get fit AND rejuvenate, Book now.
