Arts & Culture
Originally published on Friday, 5th September 2014
The Culturist: August
And suddenly it's the last month of summer. For those looking to see August out with a bang, we've got the calendar packed. From a new wine bar and skate park to festivals and backyard parties – we're riding this heatwave 'till the very end! Enjoy and see you in September…
CHECK OUT: HOUSE OF VANS
Opens 9 August, 228-232 Station Approach Road, SE1 8SW
Skate culture is still having a moment. First there was The Board Room at Selfridges, and now the House of Vans takeover at The Old Vic Tunnels. London's first indoor skate park, and it's not just about kick flips. Just like its Brooklyn counterpart, the 3000 square metre space will act as a music venue, gallery, artists' studios, cafe, cinema, bar, and well, skate park of ramps, bowls, and street courses.
DRINK: MISSION WINE BAR
End of August 250 Paradise Row, E2 9LE
The highly anticipated sister of Hackney wine bar Sager + Wilde opens this month in Bethnal Green. But unlike the Hackney predecessor, Mission is a bigger kettle of fish: a 60-seat counter, mezzanine bar and private dining room, with an emphasis on its food menu. The theme here is Americana: expect Californian wines (including a namesake pinot noir produced by Domaine de la Cote), cocktails and cooking. So, it's toasties no more.
EAT: HIXTER BANKSIDE
Opens 30 July Metal Box Factory, Great Guildford Street, SE1 0HS
Mark Hix shows no signs of slowing down. Having given Devonshire Square and Shoreditch their fill of chicken and steak, the carnivorous chef has set up shop Bankside around the corner from Tate Modern, in an old Victorian printing factory. And just as the previous farm-fed venues, expect a menu of chicken and steak, big bill artworks (from Tim Noble and Sue Webster) in a large space (7000 sq ft). But the bit we like the most – the subterranean Marks' Bar. Finally some stiff cocktails on the South Bank.
WATCH: GILLES PETERSON PRESENTS SONZEIRA - 'BRASIL BAM BAM BAM'
End of August Crouch End, TBC
A feature length documentary about Rio and it's not about football! Gilles Peterson has debuted his first feature documentary, filmed in Rio while recording the album, Sonzeira: Brasil Bam Bam Bam. The doco (of the same name) follows Gilles on a hedonistic journey: think samba parties, favelas and family ties, all done to a back drop of recording the album. Plus, it showcases Gilles' musical collective, Sonzeira. The film is set for its second preview in Crouch End at the end of August, but the exact details are still hush hush. Our tip: keep on the twitter updates.
BELVEDERE: LEGENDS OF THE MARTINI 1 AUG – 31 AUG
Belvedere Legends of the Martini Experience Royal Academy Senate Rooms, Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD. Free exhibition open every day throughout August. Book tickets for the Martini Experience.
And now for some sundowner martinis. From flights, tastings, and a pop up bar to a high gloss interactive exhibition, Belvedere and the Royal Academy of Arts have joined forces to give us a 101 in the classic cocktail. Watch this space for more information to come, from us…
GO: THE WICK
16 August Hackney Wick, E9 5EU
Hackney Wick has been doing some interesting summery things, from a canal terrace here and a pontoon party there, and now The Wick – a weekly festival of food, live music and beer. Every Saturday from 16 August the free 'gourmet market place' will be transformed into a music, arts and entertainments hub. Come here for back garden parties of live bands and artists, as well as DJ sets, and gourmet coffee ('tis east London after all).
PARTY: CHANDON LIDO
30 August Tooting Bec Lido, Tooting Bec Road, SW16 1RU £10. For tickets email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For a summer pool party in the city, head to Tooting Bec Lido on 30 August. The iconic swimming pool will be taken over by Chandon, complete with synchronised swimmers, wet volleyball matches, DJs and ice cream sandwiches aplenty. Head there at 4pm for a pre-party swim before the Pantone-hued huts get taken over by all things bubbly.
LAST CALL: LOVE BRUNCH IBIZA
23 August Destino, Avenida Cap Martinet, 07819 Ibiza
As you know Love Brunch is hitting up Destino on 23 August. So, for those that are Ibiza bound for the long weekend get booking now for a fun day of brunch, bubbles, and Balearic beats. For all the other days? Check out our Ibiza site and download our app for more news and island happenings. Start the festivities off now with this exclusive Love Brunch mix from Jolyon. See you on the White Isle!
