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Dirty Martini review: Sustainable sipping with the limited-edition Vegan cocktail menu
Trying Vegan cocktails at Dirty Martini
With the rising popularity of Veganuary and more people making sustainable lifestyle choices, veganism is becoming more mainstream. With that in mind, Londoners are seeking more options when drinking or dining out. For a short time only, Dirty Martini have a limited-edition vegan cocktail menu. On offer until the end of March, the menu features a choice of five dairy-free, boozy creations, all priced at £9.
A 24 Carrot Gold (left) and The Pink Garden (right)
I went along to the Covent Garden branch last week to try them out with a friend. Upon entering the subterranean space, we were given a cosy, leather booth in the corner which was perfect for a girlie catch-up over cocktails. Despite being a Tuesday night, the atmosphere had just the right amount of party with a DJ playing a mix of new and classic hits in the background. We dove straight into the new vegan menu, with my eye naturally being drawn to the gin cocktails. I ordered The Pink Garden (Beefeater gin, basil liqueur and beetroot shrub with pomegranate, raspberries and citrus), while my friend opted for the 24 Carrot Gold (Havana 3 year rum, green Chartreuse, carrot, ginger, mango, pineapple and citrus). The Pink Garden was a unique flavour – with the beetroot, pomegranate and basil really coming through strong. Surprisingly, the contrasting sweet and savoury flavours worked really well and it was my favourite concoction of the evening.
Next up, I continued with the mother’s ruin theme with a more traditional-esque cocktail – the Lemon and Ginger Collins – a modern twist on the Collins (Beefeater gin, elderflower, ginger and lime, topped with soda). It was refreshing and light and would make a fabulous drink at a spring or summer party. Meanwhile, my friend wanted a sweet treat with the Smooth Operator (Absolut vodka, Kahlua, vegan cream and vegan chocolate), which she declared was a delectable dream and was drunk very quickly!
Delicious drinks aside, we also ordered food to accompany our drinks – well it was a school night! Having ordered vegan cocktails, it was only right to go for the vegetarian sharing platter. The board included Mac & cheese bites; vegetable dumplings; grilled halloumi, vegetable & pesto kebabs; Korean vegetable samosas and grilled flatbreads with mint yoghurt and hummus. Despite being a carb fest, the food was perfectly cooked and wasn’t oily. I particularly loved the mac and cheese bites and the kebabs, they were a great accompaniment to our cocktails. Overall, we had a fabulous evening. The cocktails were experimentally excellent, while the food, service and ambiance were also brilliant.
- The special Vegan cocktail menu are available at all Dirty Martinis until 31 March 2019. London branches at Bishopsgate, Covent Garden, Hanover Square, Islington, Monument, St Paul’s and Minories. For more information, visit the Dirty Martini website.
For a guide to what’s on in London in March, click here.
For more of Metro Girl’s bar reviews, click here.
Cocktails In The City London goes subterreanean for its 2019 spring edition
It’s nearly that time again as one of my favourite festivals returns to the capital. If you’re like me and can’t resist a cocktail, then you can’t miss this three-day mixology extravaganza.
Cocktails In The City is a bi-annual cocktail festival featuring some of London’s best bars all under one roof. This year, the spring edition of the event will be moving to the atmospheric tunnels underneath Waterloo station. The Vaults will be transformed into a maze of sensory drink experiences over 4 – 6 April 2019. Expect plenty of drinking establishments, hidden rooms and top mixologists showing off their skills as they compete to be crowned the best bar.
Cocktails In The City is moving to The Vaults this April
This year, CITC will be curating seven arches offering different drinking experiences:
- The Secret Garden
Discover a world full of flora and fauna, overflowing with plants and botanicals. Explore B&H Buildings’ sensory Greenhouse on the mezzanine where you can choose your garnishes from the hanging plants discover new botanical cocktails with Mr Fogg’s and enjoy a drink in the garden.
- The Good Times Vault
Your favourite party bars such as London Cocktail Club will be ready to play. The drinks are always strong, the music is always loud and the night is always young.
- The Experimental Lab
Learn from the famed industry mavericks driving the city’s cocktail trends. Marvel at their cocktail wizardry in the experimental lab and get a sneak peek of the innovative techniques used to create award-winning drinks. Read the rest of this entry
Roy’s People Art Fair returns this April with affordable and accessible art
The Roy’s People Art Fair will take place at OXO Tower Wharf in April
Calling all art lovers – the Roy’s People Art Fair is returning to London this spring and is set to be the biggest yet. This bi-annual show provides an alternative platform for artists to show and sell their work. The spring edition of the fair will be taking place at Bargehouse in the Oxo Tower Wharf from 4-7 April 2019.
Roy’s People Art Fair differs from other art fairs as it aims to provide accessibility and community within the art world. The event is artist-led and affordable so artists aren’t seeing their sales dented by rental fees and big corporations taking a cut. Visitors will be able to meet and buy art direct from the 85 artists taking part in a relaxed ‘non gallery’ atmosphere.
During the fair, there will also be live painting, creative workshops, live music, and interactive installations, including a unique installation in the entrance hall by urban artist My Dog Sighs and goody bags worth over £100.
Roy’s People Art Fair was created by artists Roy Tyson and Samuel Peacock. Roy originally started the fair after his own experiences applying and exhibiting at art fairs. He teamed up with Sam to unite their knowledge to bring the fairs to the next level. They aim to work closely with the artists in the run-up to the fair to make sure the event is a successful experience for all participating.
- The Roy’s People Art Fair is running from 4-7 April 2019. Open Thur 5pm–8.30pm, Fri 2pm-8pm, Sat 12pm–6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm. Tickets: Free on the website. At Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, South Bank, SE1 9PH. Nearest station: Waterloo, Blackfriars or Southwark. For more information and to register for a ticket, visit the Roy’s People Art Fair website.
For a guide to what’s on in London in April, click here.
Celebrate St Patrick’s Day with fine food and drink at the Taste the Greatness of Northern Ireland showcase
The Taste the Greatness of Northern Ireland showcase is coming to Borough Market in March
Why not celebrate St Patrick’s Day with some of the finest food and drink from Northern Ireland? This month, traders from the region will be bringing their wares to London’s historic Borough Market. The foodie destination will host the ‘Taste the Greatness of Northern Ireland’ showcase from Wednesday 13 March to Saturday 23 March.
Throughout the event, guest traders from the country will be setting up shop in the Market Hall. Expect to see a wide range of products for sale, including meats, traditional breads, snacks, sauces and spirits including gin, whiskey and rum. Among the traders will be Indie Fude (13-17 March) – who established NI’s first cheese collective – and the Krazi Baker, aka Mark Doulas, with his soda and potato breads (20-23 March).
Food fans will be able to watch the Krazi Baker making the bread and get to sample it fresh from the griddle. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland celebrity chef Paula McIntyre will be in the demonstration kitchen (13–17 March), cooking up delicious traditional dishes using products available at the showcase.
On St Patrick’s Day on Sunday 17 March, Borough Market will open their doors for a free celebration. Families are invited to attend this fun event, with food, drink, cookery demos, live entertainment, as well as the fine produce of Northern Ireland to sample and purchase.
- ‘Taste the Greatness of Northern Ireland’ showcase runs from 13-17 and 20-23 March 2019. At Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL. Nearest station: London Bridge. Opening times: Wed-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 8am-5pm, Sun (17 Mar only) 12pm-4pm. Free entry. For more information, visit the Borough Market website.
For a guide to what’s else is on in London in March, click here.
An immersive dining treat for book lovers and foodies as Plateau launches Supper Tales
If you’re a fan of The Great Gatsby, why not eat in style like Jay Gatsby with an immersive dining experience?
© Warner Bros
If you consider yourself a foodie and a book lover, there’s a special dining experience that could be right up your (Diagon) Alley. Docklands destination Plateau is launching a series of immersive four-course dinners inspired by some of literature’s most loved novels. Launching on World Book Day on 7 March, Supper Tales will feature menus inspired by The Great Gatsby, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and Harry Potter.
For the first meal on 7 March, head chef Frederick Foster has turned to F Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel for inspiration. Diners will be transported to the glitz and glamour of the 1920s as they are invited to dress in suitable attire. Kickstart your evening like playboy Jay Gatsby with Champagne and canapés of smoked salmon and caviar on toast, duck liver pate and oysters on arrival. While being entertained with jazz era music and Art Deco-style interiors, feast on warm asparagus with Hollandaise sauce followed by Forsters mouth watering herb-crusted lamb rack with artichokes and rosemary-infused sauce. Finally to finish a sweet treat of caramelised lemon tart with Champagne poached rhubarb.
Taking place once a month, Supper Tales will continue on Tuesday 16 April with a Charlie And The Chocolate Factory-inspired menu (perfect for Easter!) and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone on Thursday 23 May.
Enjoy a four-course feast at Plateau
- Plateau Restaurant, Bar & Grill, 4th Floor, Canada Place, Canary Wharf, E14 5ER. Nearest station: Canary Wharf. For more information, visit the Plateau website.
- The Great Gatsby Supper Tales will take place on Thursday 7 March 2019 at 7pm. Visit D&D London for tickets.
For Metro Girl’s restaurant reviews, click here.
Guide to what’s on in London in March 2019
Find out what’s on in London in March 2019, including festivals, St Patrick’s Day celebrations and more.
Spring is on its way
Spring is apparently here… although we know there’s always a strong chance of changeable weather. With the days getting longer and warmer, Londoners can expect to see more festivals and events taking place across the capital in March. This month sees a selection of big events, including International Women’s Day, St Patrick’s Day and Mother’s Day.
- 28 February – 3 March : The Spring Knitting & Stitching Show
Haberdashery festival featuring hundreds of workshops, demonstrations, interactive features and 200 exhibitors selling specialist craft supplies. Open Thu-Sat: 10am-5.30pm, Sun: 10am-5pm. Tickets: Adults £14, Children £6. Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the Knitting & Stitching Show website.
- 2 – 3 March : London Film And Comic Con Spring
A Spring edition of the hugely popular London Film and Comic Con. The chance to meet your favourite stars including George Lazenby, Robert Englund, John Simm, Joseph Marcell, Sylvester McCoy, Karyn Parsons, Colin Baker, Charles Dance, Lucy Davis, Peter Mayhew and many more. Tickets: Adults £18 (Sat), £16 (Sun); Children £12 (Sat), £10 (Sun). Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the London Film & Comic Con website.
- 4 – 10 March : International Women’s Day @ Seven Dials
A week of events, offers and promotions celebrating women at the stores and businesses of Seven Dials supporting this year’s theme of #balanceforbetter. Highlights include a live podcast, hub featuring activities and events, film club, pop-up shops, panel discussions and more. At venues and stores around Seven Dials, Covent Garden, WC2H. Nearest station: Leicester Square or Covent Garden. For more information, visit the Seven Dials website.
- 4 – 15 March : Russian Maslenitsa
The Russian sun festival, featuring a host of events including Maslenitsa doll making workshops, Russia, Royalty & the Romanovs exhibition, culinary extravaganza, Shrovetide celebration for families with music, dancing and games and the Maslenitsa Celebration Concert. Venues include Concert Hall St John Smith Square, Russian Culture Centre, The Queen’s Gallery, Zima restaurant and Pushkin House. For more information, visit the Maslenitsa website.
- 7 March : International Women’s Day takeover @ Nine Lives
Neighbourhood cocktail bar Nine Lives hosts a female takeover on the eve of International Women’s Day. Artist Trinity Tristan will be creating a breast print artwork, Jenna Ba from Bulleit Bourbon and Kate Jackson from Ketel One will be mixing special cocktails, while DJ Vanille will be spinning on the decks. Nine Lives, 8 Holyrood Street, London Bridge, SE1 2EL. Nearest station: London Bridge. For more information, visit the Nine Lives website. For Metro Girl’s review of Nine Lives, click here.
- 7 – 10 March : Affordable Art Fair @ Battersea Park
A chance for people to buy a unique piece of art or photography for their homes at an affordable price. There are over 100 galleries, with pieces for sale ranging from £100 to £6,000. Tickets: £8-£25 in advance, more on the door. Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ. Nearest station: Battersea Park or short bus ride from Sloane Square tube. For more information, visit the Affordable Art Fair website.
The Affordable Art Fair returns to Battersea
- 7 – 30 March : Crystal Palace International Film Festival
Tenth anniversary of the CPIFF, featuring shorts and feature-length screenings, animation night, premieres, horror/sci-fi night, and documentary night. Tickets: £8-£22. At various venues including Everyman Crystal Palace, PictureHouse West Norwood, Stanley Halls & Anerley Town Hall. Nearest stations: Crystal Palace, Norwood Junction and West Norwood. For more information, visit the CPIFF website.
- 8 – 9 March : Women Of The World Festival
A festival of talks, debates, music, film and comedy celebrating women. Angela Davis, Naomi Klein, Lady Sanity, Jo Brand, Chidera Eggerue and Catherine Mayer among the featured names. Events range from free to £25, while or many included with day pass £30, two-day pass £55, three-day pass £80. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information and booking, visit the Southbank Centre website.
- 8 – 10 March : Move It
The world’s biggest dance event featuring performances, classes, workshops, shopping, and talks by experts from all genres, including Aston Merrygold with BASE Studios, Italia Conti, Khronos Agoria – The Brit School, English National Ballet, Neil & Katya Jones and more. Tickets: Adults from £19, Children from £15 (multiple day passes available). ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest station: Prince Regent (DLR). For more information, visit the Move It website.
- 8 – 10 March : Glamour Beauty Festival
Glamour magazine hosts a three-day celebration of beauty, including big beauty brands, treatments, talks, goodie bags and more. Celebrity guests include Maisie Williams, Maya Jama, Laura Whitmore, Mollie King, Rylan Clark-Neal, Katherine Ryan, Pixiwoo, Megan Barton Hanson, Georgia Toffolo and more. Open Fri 5pm-9pm, Sat & Sun 9.30am-6.30pm. Tickets: £49-£80. Saatchi Gallery, King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 4RY. Nearest station: Sloane Square. For tickets, visit Eventbrite.
- 9 – 10 March : Vegan Life Live
Two day festival celebrating and exploring the vegan lifestyle, featuring clothing, cosmetics and food stands, talks, live music, cookery demonstrations, workshops and Q&A sessions. Open Sat 9 10am-6pm, Open Sun 10 10am-5pm. Tickets start from £12 (under 16s free). The West Hall, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY. Nearest station: Alexandra Palace. For more information, visit the Vegan Life Live website.
- Now until 9 March : Qu Leilei – Echoes
A solo exhibition from Qu Leilei at the newest branch of the international 3812 Gallery. The show features pieces in water and ink, the ancient medium for painting and calligraphy in Chinese culture. Mon–Sat 10am-6.30pm. 3812 Gallery, 21 Ryder Street, St James’s, SW1Y 6PX. Nearest station: Green Park. For more information, visit the 3812 gallery website.
- 10 – 15 March : London Design Week
Interior design festival featuring over 100 events, including talks, demonstrations, showrooms, installations, food and drink. Open 9.30am-5.30pm. Free entry, but register in advance. Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, SW10 0XE. Nearest station: Imperial Wharf. For more information, visit the London Design Week website. Read the rest of this entry
Peterborough Court: An Art Deco temple to journalism standing on Fleet Street
The Daily Telegraph may have moved on, but its imposing offices remain.
Peterborough Court was built on Fleet Street in 1927-1928
The newspapers have long moved out of Fleet Street, but their buildings remain. Standing halfway along the iconic street is an art deco temple to journalism. Peterborough Court is the former home of the Daily Telegraph. Although the publication has moved on to Victoria, there are still subtle signs of the building’s former use on the façade.
The colourful Art Deco clock
The Daily Telegraph was founded in 1855 and its first offices were in the Strand, before it moved to 135 Fleet Street in 1862. In 1882, the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII – 1841-1910) opened the Telegraph’s new offices made of Portland stone and Aberdeen granite, designed by architects Arding, Bond and Buzzard. The building remained until the twenties when it was torn down to make way for the current design.
Peterborough Court was built in 1927-1928 to a design by architects Elcock and Sutcliffe, with Thomas Tait (1882-1954) and Sir Owen Williams (1890-1969) as consulting engineers. Tait worked on Adelaide House (the City’s tallest office block in 1925), later phases of the Selfridges department store on Oxford Street and the pylons of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Meanwhile, Williams was the head engineer for the original Wembley Stadium (1923-2003) and architect of The Dorchester. The building was named Peterborough Court after the Bishop of Peterborough, who used to have a house on Fleet Street. The name inspired the ‘Peterborough’ diary column in the newspaper, which remained for decades until it was renamed in 2003.
The entrance features bronze detailing and typical art deco styling
Likes it predecessor, Peterborough Court is also made of Portland stone. The building’s façade features a combination of art deco and neoclassical details. Large Doric columns give the building a sense of heritage, while its modernist elements represents the present. Standing tall with six storeys and a recessed top storey, Peterborough Court features seven windows across each storey. The centrepiece is the ornate coloured clock on its third floor level, full of Art Deco details such as diamonds, chevrons and sunburst motifs. Read the rest of this entry
Fool Britannia @ Vault Festival review: An hour of silliness at Britain’s worst school
Fool Britannia. Brick Hall @ The Vaults. Vault Festival 2019.
Dan Lees and Neil Frost in Mad Etiquette’s Fool Britannia
One of the opening shows at this year’s Vault Festival was Fool Britannia. The two-man show is the brainchild of Dan Lees and Neil Frost, with the premise being an insight to Britain’s worst school. Lees and Frost’s company Mad Etiquette are famed for putting on shows combining modern clowning and interactive performances.
Arriving at the Brick Hall venue within the Vaults below Waterloo, we were a little worried when we were placed in the second row. When it comes to comedy and immersive theatre, I (like many others) prefer to stay far away from the accessible seating to the cast as possible over fears of being singled out. Fortunately, we needn’t have worried as the interactivity was at a perfectly comfortable level.
After a build up of some suitable school-esque music, such as Pink Floyd’s Another Brick In The Wall, we were introduced to Lees, wearing a gown and mortar board as the headmaster of the so-called worst school. His beginning of term address eased us in to the humour style with some throwaway comments about some rather dodgy goings on in school, suggesting the headmaster wasn’t so professional as you would hope. His co-star Frost soon joined him on stage as a meek and terrified supply teacher, who we were invited to throw plastic balls at. The physical comedy continued as we were taken on a haphazard story through Britain’s history, with caveman being nonsensical, Hadrian getting dismal dating advice from his builder and Vikings rowing their boats. A scene educating us about Shakespeare and the snobbery around his plays was particularly funny.
During the history segments, the show felt like a series of sketches. I really liked their choice of handmade props, which really added to the silliness. As the one-hour show progressed, the audience had really got caught up in the silliness of it all and were drawn in at times to become a part of the narrative. It took me a while to warm up to the humour style, but by the end I was laughing along at the whole ridiculousness of it all.
- Vault Festival 2019 takes place from 23 January – 17 March 2019. The Vaults, 10 Leake Street, Waterloo, SE1 7NN. Nearest station: Waterloo and Lambeth North. Other venues include Network Theatre, Travelling Through…, The Horse & Stables and Unit 9. For booking, visit the Vault Festival website. For more information on Mad Etiquette, visit their website.
For Metro Girl’s top shows to watch at this year’s Vault Festival, click here.
For a guide to what’s on in London in February, click here.
Dabbers Social Bingo review: Pink gin, prizes and very saucy rhyming
Party at the bingo at Dabbers Social Bingo
If you think bingo is just for pensioners, you’re very much mistaken. In recent years, modern approaches to bingo has been gaining popularity with younger generations. In late 2018, London’s first permanent modern bingo hall opened and I went along to check it out last month. Like traditional bingo, it involves dabbing your numbers in the hope of winning a prize when your numbers are called. However, Dabbers Social Bingo involves a lot of saucy innuendo, cocktails galore, fabulous food and a general party atmosphere.
Pink gin cocktails while you dab
Dabbers Social Bingo is located on Houndsditch, where the City meets the East End. From the street, you enter a medium-sized bar with outdoor terrace (would be great in summer, but definitely not in January thanks!). I liked the fact the cocktail bar gives no hint of the wildness to come downstairs! After a glass of Prosecco to loosen us up, we headed down to the expansive bingo hall in the basement. It was a surprisingly large space with a variety of tables to suit different sizes from couples to larger groups of friends.
After my companion and I grabbed a well-situated table with a view of the stage, we started with simple, but refreshing pink gin cocktails and settled down for some pre-bingo grub. The food menu has been inspired by bingo balls so features many physically round dishes. It consists mostly of sharing plates, sort of tapas style portions in the spirit of the ‘social’ part of the game. They range from £4-£9.50 and have a wide choice, with a decent amount of vegetarian options. I was pleasantly surprised by how good the food was as I had expected it to take a back seat to the bingo, entertainment and cocktails. We really enjoyed the seared prawn tiger skewers, buffalo glazed chicken skewers, mozzarella ball skewers and pizza bread. It’s worth noting they have brunch bingo on Saturdays and family brunch bingo on Sundays.
Round food rules! Meatballs, arancini and greens
Once we were fed and watered, it was time for the main event to kick off. Our compere for the evening was the fabulous Boogaloo Stu. After Stu gave us an introduction to the night, it was over to host James Loveridge and the glamorous bingo calling duo. Bingo newbies are given an explanation to the rules and prizes, before the first game kicks off at a steady pace. While there’s some traditional bingo lingo like ‘legs eleven’, be prepared for some very saucy numerical rhyming, which can be hilariously distracting when you’re trying to strike off your numbers. At various points during the game, a special ball being drawn kicks off a mini disco with the crowd encouraged to drop their dabbers and throw some shapes as the DJ cranks up the music. Throughout the game, people who win one or two lines or a full house are invited on stage to compete for a prize. By this stage, the alcoholic lubrication and the building excitement in the room had clearly got some of the winners as they got on stage so their enthusiastic celebrations were pretty jubilant and amusing to the rest of us in the room.
Overall, we had a really fun evening and it was probably the most raucous Wednesday night I’ve seen in years! The food and drink were brilliant and there was a really fun, high-energy atmosphere. Dabbers certainly offers a more entertaining alternative to the usual catch-up in the a pub, with the added bonus of being able to walk away with a prize. I would particularly recommend Dabbers for group nights out, particularly for birthdays and hen nights.
- Dabbers Social Bingo, 13-22 Houndsditch, City of London, EC3A 7DB. Nearest stations: Aldgate, Liverpool Street or Fenchurch Street. Open Mon-Wed and Sun 12pm-11pm, Thu-Sat 12pm-3am. For more information, visit the Dabbers Social Bingo website.
For more of Metro Girl’s restaurant and bar reviews, click here.
Guide to what’s on in London in February 2019
Guide to what’s on in London this February 2019, including festivals, Chinese New Year events, winter pop-ups and more.
It’s February and winter is in full swing. The weather is pretty freezing, so a host of London’s events are taking place inside. Halfway through the month, things get a bit soppy for Valentine’s Day. Throughout the month, there’s music, beer and winter pop-ups. There will also be celebrations for Chinese New Year in the West End, while half-term means there’s plenty of family-friendly events on around town.
For a guide to London’s Valentine’s Day events for singles and couples, click here.
- 1 – 2 February : London Remixed Festival
A two-day celebration of emerging talents from the worlds of Latin Grooves, Afro beats, Tropical Bass, Vintage-Remix, Desert Remix Balkan Beats, Urban Roots, Acoustic Soundclash and Brass Band Remix and more. Open: Fri 8pm-1am, Sat 8pm-4am. Tickets: £11.19–£21.79. Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street or Old Street. For tickets, visit the London Remixed Festival website. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post on the London Remixed Festival.
- 1 February – 7 April : Lost Lagoon
Bompas & Parr have created an immersive, subterranean journey inspired by the world’s most famous buccaneer Captain Henry Morgan. Expect whirlpool cocktail station, beach-inspired food and entertainment. Tickets: £20-£30. West 12 shopping centre, Shepherd’s Bush, W12 8PP. Nearest station: Shepherd’s Bush. For booking, visit the Lost Lagoon website.
- Now until 1 February : French Winter Village @ The Langham
The Langham Hotel are teaming up with Grey Goose to create a winter paradise in their courtyard garden. Expect hot and cold Grey Goose vodka cocktails, festive food from the woodfire, heaters, cosy blankets and more. Open Wed-Sat 4pm–10pm. Minimum spend of £60pp (for bookings between 6-60 people). The Langham Hotel, 1c Portland Place, Regent Street, W1B 1JA. Nearest station: Oxford Circus. For more information, visit The Langham website.
- 2 February – 14 July : Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams @ V&A
Exhibition of Christian Dior designs, from 1947 to the present day. Open daily 10am-5.45pm. Tickets: £20-£24. Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, SW7 2RL. Nearest station: South Kensington. For more information, visit the V&A website.
- 3 February : The Vintage Collections
Vintage fashion fair comes to the stunning art deco surrounds of Freemasons Hall, featuring 50 traders, cocktails and afternoon tea. 11am-5:30pm. Entry: £5 (£2 with NUS card). Freemasons Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 5AZ. Nearest station: Holborn or Covent Garden. For more information, visit the Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair website.
- 3 – 9 February : Pisco Sour Week @ Mr Foggs Society of Exploration
A special menu will be on offer all week celebrating Peru’s iconic cocktail. Relax with a concoction in the Map Room or the Train Carriage. Open Mon-Sat 4pm-12am. Mr Foggs Society of Exploration, 1A Bedford Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9HH. Nearest station: Charing Cross or Covent Garden. For more information, visit Mr Foggs website.
- 3 February – 19 March : Festival of New Masculinity
Inaugural festival from the Book of Man, featuring 10 events across two east London venues. Exploring issues facing modern men today. Including live podcasts, special guest panels, photography exhibition, grooming lounges, boys brunches, and a Penis Gallery. Ticket prices vary. Hoxton Bar & Kitchen, 2-4 Hoxton Square, Hoxton, N1 6NU and the Book Club, 100-106 Leonard Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 4RH. Nearest station: Old Street. For more information, visit the Book Of Man website.
- Now until 3 February : London International Mime Festival
Festival at various events across London including performances of physical theatre, dance, circus, puppetry and live art. Workshops also available. Tickets range from £12.50-£30. Venues include the Barbican, Jacksons Lane, Platform Theatre, Sadler’s Wells, Shoreditch Town Hall and Southbank Centre. For more information, visit the Mime London website.
- Now until 3 February : Take A View exhibition
Exhibition of the winning and shortlisted images from this year’s Landscape Photographer Of The Year are on display on the balcony at Waterloo station. Open during station hours. Free. Mezzanine level, Waterloo Station, SE1 8SW. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information, visit the Take A View website.
- Now until 3 February : Destinations – the Holiday & Travel Show
Travel show, featuring tourist boards, travel agencies, cultural entertainment, world food and drink, travel celebrities, talks, presentations, workshops, panel sessions and more. Open 10am-5.30pm. Tickets: £11 in advance. Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information and tickets, visit the Destinations – Holiday & Travel Show website.
- 4 February : The WineBarn’s Annual Portfolio Tasting
An evening of German wine, featuring over 120 to choose from and learn more about how the wines are made. 6pm-8pm. Tickets: £35pp. Army & Navy Club, 36-39 Pall Mall, St James, SW1Y 5JN. Nearest station: Green Park. For more information, visit the Wine Barn website.
- 6 – 7 February : Dining With Daisy Supper Club @ The Little Blue Door
Hollyoaks actress and foodie Daisy Wood Davis teams up with the flatmates to host a supper club over two nights. The four-course menu features sentimental dishes with names such as The Hangover, Scampi Fry @ The SU, and Lambrini Sundae. 7pm-9.30pm. Tickets: £40. The Little Blue Door, 871-873 Fulham Road, Fulham, SW6 5HP. Nearest station: Parsons Green. For more information and booking, visit DesignMyNight. Read Metro Girl’s review of, The Little Blue Door.
- 8 February – 2 June : Swinging Sixties exhibition
New exhibition celebrates the fashion, textiles, homewares and furniture of the Swinging Sixties. Including vintage designs by Mary Quant, Laura Ashley and Terence Conran. Open Tues-Sat 11am–6pm, Thurs until 8pm, Sun 11am–5pm. Tickets: £9.90. Fashion & Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3XF. Nearest station: London Bridge or Tower Hill. For more information, visit the museum website.
- 9 February – 10 March : Orchid Festival
An orchid display is coming to the Princess of Wales Conservatory for four weeks, with this year being inspired by Colombia. General entrance tickets to Kew Gardens includes orchid exhibition: Adults £18.15, Children (4-16yr) £4.95. Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, Kew, TW9 3AB. Nearest station: Kew Gardens. For more information, visit the Kew Gardens website.
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Chinatown and Trafalgar Square
- 10 February : Chinese New Year
Festivities to mark the Year of the Pig take place across Chinatown, Shaftesbury Avenue and Trafalgar Square. The parade from north of Trafalgar Square to Shaftesbury Avenue will start at 10am. From 11am-6pm there will be performances from Chinese artists in Trafalgar Square. Free. Nearest stations: Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square. For more information, check out Visit London.
- 11 – 28 February : #LoveSpot installation
Over Valentine’s Day and throughout February will be a special light installation in Wembley Park. The #LoveSpot is a huge pulsating love heart that will provide the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram shot. Located outside Sunglasses Hut at London Designer Outlet, Wembley Park Boulevard, Wembley Park, HA9 0QL. Nearest stations: Wembley Central or Wembley Park. For more information, visit the London Designer Outlet website.
- 13 – 17 February : Ealing Music and Film Festival
Five day festival in Ealing featuring musical performances, film screenings and walks. Events take place at various venues, including St Mary’s Church in South Ealing, St Mary’s Perivale, University Of West London, the Brentham Club, St Barnabas Church and MetFilm School. Tickets range from free to £25. Nearest stations: Ealing Broadway or South Ealing. For booking, visit the Ealing Music & Film website.
- 13 – 24 February : Imagine Children’s Festival
Two week children’s festival at the Southbank Centre, including art, theatre, books, music, performances and workshops. Including Jacqueline Wilson, Malorie Blackman, Chris Riddell, Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Peppa Pig, Nadine Kaadan, the Singing Mermaid and more. 10.30am-4pm daily. Many activities and events are free, but some go up to £16. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information and booking visit the Southbank Centre website. Read the rest of this entry
