11 New Things To Do This Weekend

Snap a photo outside Annabel’s new rainforest façade

Mayfair institute Annabel’s has once again been transformed into a magical rainforest. Created in partnership with The Lost Explorer Mezcal, this year’s facade highlights the deforestation crisis featuring five large-scale jaguars, an animal that’s under threat due to the destruction in the Amazon. 

The exteriors feature flora, fauna and some wild characters surrounding a waterfall, created using water that’s been stored in a tank and is continuously circulated around the facade. It’ll eventually be used to water the plants in the members’ club at the end of the month-long campaign. 

when: until 30.09.2022
Where: 46 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, W1J 5AT
Website: www.annabels.co.uk

Take a walk inside a hot air balloon

It’s not everyday you’ll find you have the chance to peek inside a hot air balloon but this weekend you have just the opportunity… Fields of Everywhen is a collection of artworks that’s created in collaboration with the Thamesmead community. It offers locals the opportunity to submit artwork with the chance of being featured on a giant 25m-high hot air balloon, and this weekend sees it take flight! 

Head over to Birchmere Park on Saturday and Gallions Reach Park on Sunday for the chance to peek inside what the colourful hot air balloon is like inside and snap some brilliant photos. Stay until 6:30pm to see the balloon in action (weather permitting).

When: 24.09.2022 & 25.09.2022
Where: Birchmere Park (on Saturday) & Gallions Reach Park (on Sunday)
Website: www.g-foew.art

Book your seat at London’s only Barbie-themed brunch

A Barbie themed brunch lands this weekend and we couldn’t think of any better way to wave goodbye to summer than with drag, ping pong, pizza and prosecco. 

Ping pong hotspot, Bounce recently launched a new themed brunch series and this week’s instalment comes in the form of everyone’s favourite doll: Barbie. Channel your inner Barbie this weekend and book in for an epic brunch. Think 90 minutes of unlimited ping pong, pizza, Prosecco or beer, all hosted by their resident Drag Queen.

When: 24.09.2022
Where: Bounce, 241 Old Street, EC1Y 9EY 
Book your tickets here

Grab a bite to eat at this foodie pop-up

Asma Khan, renowned Indian-born British chef, cookbook author and restaurateur, is known for her flavour-packed dishes. Earlier this year she opened up Darjeeling Express in Covent Garden. It’s currently closed while Asma and her team launch a new iteration of the restaurant later this year, but that isn’t stopping them from cooking up a storm. They’ve recently launched a pop-up at Kensington’s The Pembroke, offering a taste of the chef’s renowned dishes.

Look forward to a selection of delights such as tangra prawns with dried red chillies and garlic; chilli cheese toastie with green chilli chutney, chopped onions and chillies; methi chicken in a rich tomato based gravy; kala chana with chillies and ginger; and tamarina dal.

WHEN: UNTIL END OF NOVEMBER
WHERE: 261 OLD BROMPTON ROAD, KENSINGTON, SW5 9JA
WEBSITE: WWW.DARJEELING-EXPRESS.COM

Catch a new theatre show

Blues for an Alabama Sky follows Angel and her friends who, despite following a decade of artistic experimentation during the Harlem Renaissance, are doing their utmost to keep their artistic dreams alive when faced with the worries of the Great Depression. As she falls in love with a stranger, Angel is forced to come face to face with two paths: follow her dream or give in to reality. 

Written by Pearl Cleage and directed by Lynette Linton, the production sees Samira Wiley of The Handmaid’s Tale and Orange is the New Black star, making her UK stage debut alongside Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo, Osy Ikhile, Sule Rimi and Giles Terera.

When: 20.09.2022 – 05.11.2022
Where: National Theatre, Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PX 
Website: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Head to this month’s hottest new opening, Scott’s Richmond

A brand new restaurant from the team behind Sexy Fish, 34 Mayfair and Daphnes is opening this month. Following in its Mayfair’s footsteps, Scott’s Richmond will bring the finest fish and shellfish dishes to the table. The striking two floor restaurant will boast views out over the River Thames. 

Led by chef director Tim Hughes and head chef Tom Fraser, the menu will feature an exciting line-up of dishes including baked spiced crab with garlic and herb toast; Scott’s apple smoked salmon with pickled cucumber and baked brioche bread; and the iconic shrimp burger with kimchi ketchup and potato crisps.

When: Opens 26.09.2022
Where: 4 Whittaker Avenue, Richmond, TW9 1EH 
Website: www.scotts-richmond.com

Try your childhood favourite dishes in style

This autumn sees Mr Lyan’s latest watering hole, Seed Library, team up with the greasy spoon and North London institute, Norman’s Cafe, for an exciting partnership paying homage to British favourites. 

For the next eight weeks you have the chance to embark on a nostalgic journey through taste. On the food front, expect a few of your childhood favourites and beloved British classics to have been pimped. Think sliced ham, pickles and mustard; chip butties; cheese and onion toasties; potato similes served with red sauce; whipped cod’s roe with Frazzles; and syrup sponge and custard. 

Seed Library have crafted an extensive cocktail menu, featuring the likes of Crabapple gold rush; chive daiquiris; and old favourite, coriander seed gimlet.

When: From 21.09.2022 for 8 weeks 
Where: Seed Library, One Hundred Shoreditch, 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ 
Website: www.seedlibraryshoreditch.com

Delve into this iconic photographers work

This week saw 45 Park Lane launch its latest photographic retrospective featuring work from music photographer David Bailey. Delving deep into his archive of work, the exhibition will allow you to span the icon’s work, touching on different genres from rock n roll to jazz, Britpop to hip-hop. 

Expect to see some of the biggest musical names on display including The Beatles, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Miles Davies, Kate Bush, Dr Dre and Grace Jones.

Check out other upcoming autumn exhibitions here.

When: 23.09.2022 – 01.2023 
Where: 45 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 1PN
Website: www.dorchestercollection.com

Peruse these independent art markets

This Saturday sees Truman’s Social Club welcome not one but two craft markets. First up is the DIY Art Market which sees over 80 up-and-coming and established artists come together to exhibit their work, share experiences and sell their work. Look forward to shopping everything from prints, zines and originals to jewellery, sewn items and more.

Truman’s Social Club’s other arty fair, the Independent Ceramics Market, will welcome over 60 ceramic artists and allow Londoners the chance to shop everything from cups to art sculptures. 

When: 25.09.2022
Where: Truman’s Social Club, 1 Priestley Way, E17 6AL 
Website: www.trumanssocialclub.co.uk

See the V&A’s latest colourful exhibition in action

The V&A has launched a brand new exhibition celebrating the popularity of Korean culture. Opening this Saturday, the exhibit will illuminate the very best of Korean culture, from PSY and BTS to Parasite and Squid Game. 

Featuring over 200 different objects spanning everything from film and music to fashion, the exhibit will be split into sections. Expect a deep dive into the resurgence of Korean culture, a look into its remarkable film and drama output, fashion and beauty, and K-pop. 

When: 24.09.2022
Where: V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL 
Website: www.vam.ac.uk

Get a taste of New Orleans at Louie London

Jazz nights every Tuesday; Creole inspired dishes; 80 seat bar. Occupying the former L’atelier de Joël Robuchon site on 15 West Street in the heart of Covent Garden, Louie is the first London opening of Laurent de Gourcuff’s famed French restaurant group, Paris Society.

Indulge on Carlingford oysters, followed by a lobster roll. Not forgetting the drinks selection, Louie offers plenty of new ventures and old favourites.

Where: 13-15 WEST STREET, WC2H 9NE
Website: www.louie-london.com