London is graced with cultural greats – from Bowie to Gatsby to Mary Queen of Scots; here’s what’s on this weekend in the Capital
Words Helen Brown
Eat at Seven Park Place
Launched in September 2009, Seven Park Place by William Drabble was awarded a Michelin star just one year after opening. William has created a menu from his own inimitable style, influenced by classic French cuisine but made using the best British ingredients and taking inspiration from the seasons. Head over this weekend for his signature dish; a beautifully poached native lobster tail with cauliflower purée and lobster butter sauce.St James’s Hotel and Club, SW1A; book here.
AASHNI + CO Wedding Show
In peak season for Summer brides and grooms to browse for wedding attire, the AASHNI + CO Wedding Show makes a resplendent return to the UK this Sunday at the Dorchester Hotel. The show spotlights the latest bridal, occasion wear and couture collections from the top tier of the Indian and Pakistani design spectrum and will introduce buyers to distinct ensembles, whilst providing a unique shopping experience. It is the ultimate high end bridal event, recognised as an intimate platform for cutting edge, elegant designs.
Sunday 8 January, 11:30am-6:30pm
The Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, W1K; more information here.
Try The Library Bar’s Miniature Cocktail Collection
Inviting guests to try, explore, enjoy and share, The Lanesborough’s Library Bar has launched a new collection of miniature cocktails, specially created by The Lanesborough’s award-winning team of mixologists. Expect timeless favourites such as the ‘Salty Agave Margarita’ and the ‘Caribbean Old Fashioned’, alongside contemporary concoctions and perfume-inspired Champagne tipples, infused with carefully selected fruits, flowers and herbs for a delicately fragrant delight. Lanesborough Hotel, N1; more information here.
Mary Stuart at the Almeida Theatre
Two queens. One in power. One in prison. It’s all in the execution. Schiller’s political tragedy takes us behind the scenes of some of British history’s most crucial days. Mary Stuart depicts the last days of the Queen of Scots, as her cousin Elizabeth I agonises over her fate. Juliet Stephenson and Lia Williams will play the leads, tossing a coin nightly to determine who plays who.
The Almeida Theatre, Almeida Street, N1; more information here.
Bowie by Duffy at Proud
Celebrating the dynamic relationship between two of the centuries greatest artistic innovators on the anniversary of what would have been Bowie’s 70th birthday and untimely death, Proud Chelsea are showcasing the longevity of Bowie’s distinctive persona. Duffy’s iconic images offer a poignant retrospective to one of the most pioneering and influential performers of modern times. Proud Galleries, 161 King’s Road, SW3; more information here.
Gatsby at Leicester Square Theatre
The Lounge at Leicester Square Theatre is transformed into a speakeasy where the Jazz age is in full swing and, two years after the events of the book, a haunted Meyer Wolfshiem is forced down memory lane by a mysterious young woman asking after Gatsby. Cressida Bonas stars as Daisy Buchanan opposite Ludovic Hughes’ Gatsby in this intimate and atmospheric evening.Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, London WC2H; book here.
Taxi Driver at the Royal Festival Hall
As part of Film Scores Live, see Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, with Bernard Herrmann’s score performed live by the BBC Concert Orchestra. Set against a lurid cinematic vision of New York, DeNiro’s Travis Bickle is the taxi driver who becomes lost and alienated as he struggles to connect with the city he can’t understand.
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1; book here.
Wild by Cabtography at Box Gallery
This presentation of oil painted cheetahs, zebras and other wildlife by South African artist Cabtography reflects the essential magic of the African continent itself. His intricately detailed portraits perfectly capture the spirit of these magnificent beasts.
Box Gallery, 402 Kings Road, SW10; more information here.
