Arts & Culture
Originally published on Wednesday, 28th January 2015
The Culturist: February
Finally, the month of detoxes and health kicks is over. With that in mind we’ve got a couple of new cocktail spots to help with the retox: one west, one east, both whisky. In other news, a grand European brasserie is opening in the east, Hawker House is back and we’re planning our next vacation and staycation. Enjoy!
EAT: BLIXEN
Soft launch from February 3 to February 8, with 50% off food* Official opening: February 9 65a Brushfield Street, E1 6AA E1 6AA
East London is finally having a crack at a grand European brasserie, thanks to Clive Watson (The Garrison, Village East, The Riding House Café), with long-time friend and business associate Justin Gilbert by his side. The 120-cover restaurant will be focused on informal dining: laptops, coffee and mid-week suppers, but with a classic Euro twist – think a spacious, light-filled interior with a terrazzo-covered floor, mid-century furniture, brass fittings, and leather banquettes. You’ll find us out on the garden terrace, Manhattan in hand.
DRINK: MILROY'S
Late February 3 Greek Street, W1D 4NX
A whisky shop, a bar and a speakeasy, all in one? We’re listening. Stalwart whisky emporium Milroy’s of Soho is set to re-launch this month, with entrepreneur Simo, former owner of Coal Vaults, at the helm. Head into the shop and take a seat at the whisky bar for a few tasters (they sell 250 varieties, all of which are available for tasting), before descending to the speakeasy, an intimate cocktail bar in the basement serving up seasonal cocktails as well as classics on request.
STAY: THE HOSPITAL CLUB
Now open 24 Endell Street, WC2H 9HQ
There’s something happening with member’s clubs. The original Soho House is set for a reno, Blacks has had a facelift, and now, The Hospital Club has opened up 15 bedrooms – and they look good. Dark leathers, velvets, warm woods and stained glass are what it’s all about here. That and room offers from £123.
GO: HAWKER HOUSE
January 30 - April 4 (ten weekends) 260-264 Kingsland Road, E8 4DG
Hawker House is back and this year it’s taking over an unused office building in Haggerston. Start on the first floor by picking at street food stalls such as Boom Burger, Kimchinary, and Yum Bun, and digest with an aperitif at the Kamm & Sons Spritz Bar before heading upstairs to settle into the whisky bar. Alternatively, take a seat in Milk and Honey’s pop up Mercury Lounge, grab some tacos from Breddos and stay ‘til late – it’s open until midnight.
BOOK NOW: VENICE BIENNALE
May 9 – November 22 PalazzinaG, San Marco 3247, 30124 Venezia
We know, we know, Venice Biennale is awhile away (May) but word to the wise: book now. Opening weekend is the hot ticket. From gondola to gondola and party to party (with some art in between), the archipelago gets rammed. Trust us. Our pick for where to rest your head: PalazzinaG, a converted nobleman’s house in the centre of Venice. Classy, central and canal-side, perfect for those bed-to-boat days.
WATCH: ULTIMA VEZ — WHAT THE BODY DOES NOT REMEMBER
February 10-11 10 Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TF Tickets from £11
Back in the spotlight after 28 years, Wim Vandekeybus’ contemporary and somewhat brutal dance What the Body Does Not Remember is set to take the London stage via Sadler’s Wells. A trailblazer in contemporary dance, expect the aggressive routines, combative moves and frenetic pace of its 1987 production, but with an amped-up new cast for 2015.
BUY: WHERE CHEFS EAT
February 9 Available for pre-order here.
This February, the 2015 version of Where Chefs Eat hardback tome will be released. As before, expect insider tips and restaurant recommendations from chefs around the world. 3,000 restaurants in more than 70 countries, from brekkie suggestions from René Redzepi to the top tapas bars via Ferran Adrià… New year, new restaurants!
FESTIVAL: VAULT FESTIVAL
January 28- March 8 The Vaults, Leake Street, SE1 7NN
Vault is back! The now annual ‘Unthemed’ festival is heading underground for six weeks of shows, parties, exhibitions and… meatballs. Highlights include: The Dinner (Raúl Quirós Molina’s new absurdist play), Down the Rabbit Hole (an immersive circus act) and, our pick, the Opening Night Party. Expect a bit of everything from DJs and live bands to immersive theatre and live acts.
