Arts & Culture
Originally published on Tuesday, 16th December 2014
The Culturist: December
The end of the year comes with some surprises. Eggs and cereal are taking centre stage, The Birdcage is back and we’re swapping our usual festive destinations for sunnier locations. Plus, we’ve got an exhibition in Paris, a new clubhouse, and a birthday party. Happy December!
EAT I: BAD EGG
December 8 City Point, 1 Ropemaker Street, EC2Y 9AWFor information and to book a screening, call Annabel's on 020 7629 1096
And suddenly, eggs are du jour. The self-proclaimed ‘egg pervert’ Neil Rankin (of Islington’s Smokehouse) will be taking charge of the menu at new diner, Bad Egg. Expect a split between baked eggs and hashes (think North African-style eggs, eggs with sambal, and chaat masala hash) and tacos, slaws, ribs and burgers. Sounds eggcellent (sorry).
EAT II: CEREAL KILLER CAFE
December 10 139 Brick Lane, E1 6SB
From eggs to cereal. The UK’s only cereal cafe opens this month. Come here between the hours of 7am and 8pm for 100 varieties of the breakfast staple, from stock standard Corn Flakes to harder-to-find Strawberry Pops. Plus, expect 20 different toppings and 12 different varieties of milk. Not enough? There will be vintage TVs playing ‘toons. Welcome to kidulthood.
INTERNATIONAL: THE MIAMI BEACH EDITION
2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140
In perfect EDITION timing (remember their launch during LFW last year?), the EDITION Miami Beach officially launches tonight during Art Basel. Not there? We say ditch the cold and book in for a toes-in-the-sand Crimbo break. Book a room with direct beachfront views, or alternatively, go big pimpin’ and book a private bungalow. Three words: Miami, NYE, bungalow. Yes!
DRINK I: DRAFT HOUSE BIRDCAGE
Opened November 30 80 Columbia Road, E2 7QB
Old stalwart boozer The Birdcage is back but it’s slightly different. Part of the Draft House group, karaoke has been replaced by live entertainment via local buskers, and trendy craft beers and cocktails (thanks to Max Chater of Bumpcaves) are now its USP. But, it’s still an east-end pub so expect a hearty pie and mash menu with low-key vibes.
PARTY I: LOVE BRUNCH IS TURNING 5
December 6 Tickets MODE, Acklam Road, W1 SQZ
LOVE BRUNCH IS TURNING 5! And to celebrate, they’re throwing a festive daytime knees up this Saturday at MODE in Notting Hill. Happy birthday LB, time flies! To get into the birthday mood, press play.
SHOP: BEYOND RETRO OLD STREET CHRISTMAS POP UP
Until 20 December Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 11.30am-6pm, Old Street, EC1Y 1BE
It’s awful right? Go on… Christmas jumper shopping, we’ve missed you. Swap diamantes for snowflakes and logos for reindeer and get stuck into the knitwear on offer at The Beyond Retro Christmas Pop Up Shop in Old Street. Think turtlenecks, 3D designs, and even fairy lights; there are no rules here. Less style – more smile.
INTERNATIONAL II: A RETROSPECTIVE AT THE PARIS POMPIDOU CENTRE
26 November – 27 April Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France
If you’re heading over the channel, make note of the Jeff Koons exhibition at the Pompidou Centre. The first major retrospective in Europe looks back at his 35-year career, meaning big, shiny objects, inflatables and kitsch everywhere.
CHECK OUT: KERB THE CLUBHOUSE
Launching December 5 and 6 105 Monier Road, E3 2PS
Another month, another food market, but we’re not complaining. This December we welcome Kerb THE CLUBHOUSE. The street food collective have found a winter roof in Hackney Wick, and it sounds fun. Taking over an old mirror factory, the new digs will be pumping every Friday and Saturday night until March with food vendors (Bleecker St. Burger, Fundi Pizza, and Crabbieshack…), bars and, of course, DJs. Word on the street is they’re also getting ready for NYE. Watch this space.
