Arts & Culture
Originally published on Monday, 1st August 2016
The Culturist: August
It’s the last month of summer, so we’re making the most of it with neon jungles, tropical blowouts, Carnival after parties, and playful swimwear. Plus, for those looking to escape, we’ve got a new lakeside destination on our radar. Happy August!
PARTY: FLAMINGO PIER
August 13, £10 5pm-3am Mick’s Garage, Queens Yard, Hackney Wick, E9 5EN
It’s compulsory to have a tropical blow in August and Flamingo Pier ticks all the boxes with its neon flamingos, kombutcha cocktails and canal-side location. Now in its second year, we’re promised a no-holds-barred jungle boogie to take us until 3am. Taking over Mick’s Garage, tunes will be courtesy of Rinse FM regular, Auntie Flo, with food supplied by Hawaiian inspired kitchen, Poke, and grills from BBQ shack, Shuk Shuk (from the Berber & Q team).
EAT: VIRGILIO MARTINEZ X ALBERT ADRIÀ ONE-OFF COLLABORATIVE DINNER AT LIMA FLORAL
August 7, £120 per person, extra £50 for wine pairing, To book: call 020 7240 5778 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 14 Garrick Street, WC2E 9BJ
In terms of blockbuster dinners, this is it for the month. Virgilio Martinez and Albert Adrià are set to join forces to host a one-off collaborative tasting/dinner at LIMA Floral, with the help of Jorge Muñoz (head chef of Nikkei restaurant, Pakta) and Robert Ortiz (head chef of LIMA Floral). The menu may still be TBC, but seeing as this is the restaurant collaboration of the year, with the world’s best chefs, we’re not too worried.
DRINK: SUMMER JUNGLE AT LIGHTS OF SOHO
10 August – 10 September, Free entry but reservations will need to be made in advance by emailing: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , 4pm -12am, 35 Brewer Street, W1F 0RX
Now go deep into a ‘Summer Jungle’ and head to Lights of Soho. The pop up neon forest (courtesy of Fentimans) will be decked out with a series of jungle-themed neon lights, complete with refreshing libations such as boozy ice teas and cherry colas. But the best bit? For the pop up, the gallery has relaxed its post-6pm members only rule. So for those who’ve ever wanted to know what goes on there after dark, now’s your chance.
STAY: IL SERENO, LAKE COMO
Opens August 5, Via Torrazza, 10, 22020 Torno CO, Italy
If you’re looking for a lakeside summer break, it has to be Lake Como, if only for the newly opened Il Sereno. The new sleek, cutting-edge digs on the lake’s edge has it all: first class views, a private beach, suspended infinity pool, private boat and only 30 rooms—which are all suites. Book now.
BOOK: LAZARUS THE MUSICAL
October 25-January 21, Tickets from £17.50, Good’s Way (by King’s Boulevard), N1C 4TB
Calling all Bowie fans: tickets for the musical take on The Man Who Fell to Earth are on sale. The hallucinatory science fiction musical, Lazarus, co-written by David Bowie at the end of his life, will finally be performed in London, at King’s Cross Theatre. Be quick, tickets are sure to be stardust.
PARTY: SOUTHBOUND CARNIVAL PARTY WITH MIKE SKINNER
August 28 £10, 7pm – 3am, Paradise by way of Kensal Green 19 Kilburn Lane, W10 4AE
For post-Carnival parties, Paradise by Way of Kensal Green never disappoints. This year, the Southbound Carnival Sunday session promises to be as raucous as ever, thanks to The Streets frontman, Mike Skinner, and his brand of old school garage, heavy bass and hip hop. Prepare for a big one.
SHOP: PANDORA SYKES X HUNZA G
Now available exclusively at HunzaG.com £120-£175
First made famous as that cut out dress worn by Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, Hunza G, with it’s stretchy, figure hugging fabric, made a comeback in 2015 – for those in the know—but circa 2016, the brand is the summer must-have, thanks to its latest five-piece capsule collection with fashion ‘it’ girl Pandora Sykes. Think playful frilly swimwear and puff-shouldered crop tops… we’ll have ‘em all.
