9 Cool Things To Do In London This Weekend

Catch the opening week of Saatchi Yate’s new exhibition

This week sees Saatchi Yates unveil a brand new gallery space in the heart of St James’s and to celebrate it has gone all out with its first exhibition. Opening on Thursday 26th January, the gallery will present a solo exhibition of paintings by Lebanese artist Omar El Lahib. 

Boasting over 18 large-scale paintings, the exhibition is set in the nocturnal world, where darkness reigns, mysteriousness takes place and where the unconscious is at liberty to make itself heard. 

Dr Larissa Kikols comments: “El Lahib’s work oscillates between figuration and abstraction. Using lights and colours in a more targeted and subjective way, moods, figures, and sceneries are arranged as if in a dream. Often depicted by El Lahib is the same woman with long hair, captured almost in an exact same pose – slightly crooked, slightly bent forward, arms mostly hanging down.”

When: 26.01.2023 – 15.03.2023
Where: Saatchi Yates, 14 Bury Street, St James’s, SW1Y 6AL
Website: www.saatchiyates.com

Get a Mediterranean experience without the plane fare

January is getting us all down. While our summer soireés to Italy might feel like forever away, you can get that Mediterranean experience right here in London courtesy of Harvey Nichols’ latest venture, Lucarelli’s. 

Having opened up towards the end of last year, this restaurant opening may have flown under your radar but it’s definitely worth venturing to for an authentic Italian dining experience. Boasting space for up to 60 diners, the kitchen is led by Italian celebrity chef Aldo Zilli, who has brought a few of his signature dishes with seasonal ingredients across the sea for the London launch. 

Home to an open kitchen and Mediterranean-inspired alfresco dining, expect dishes that Italian is renowned for. Think tomato-topped bruschetta, signature seafood dishes, freshly made pasta, risottos and pizzas topped with the finest delicacies. 

Where: Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ 
Website: www.harveynichols.com

Get your brunch and fitness fix at One Hundred Shoreditch

Working out can be a bit of a drag but One Hundred Shoreditch is determined to help you keep up your new year’s resolutions in style. The East London hotel has teamed up with fitness experts Retroglow Studios to bring you a fun exercise class you won’t want to miss out on. 

This Sunday 29th, Retroglow will be pumping out the 80s power ballads in an emergising pilates class. Taking place in One Hundred Shoreditch’s Room, expect panoramic views of the city and a class that’s dedicated to getting you linking your movement with your breath. 

After the class, you’ll be led to The Rooftop restaurant where you can enjoy Californian-inspired vibes and plenty of brunch dishes. 

Looking for more brunch options? Check out our mega guide to brunch in London.

When: 29.01.2023 
Where: The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch Hotel, 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ 
Book here

Catch a glimpse of the moon up close

Artist Luke Jerram has returned to the Old Royal Naval College this winter with another epic large-scale installation. Following the success of his sell-out installation Gaia in 2021, Museum of the Moon has caused just as much of a stir around London. 

Head over to the Painted Hall this weekend and take in the illuminated lunar landscape as it sits with a Baroque backdrop. Perch underneath or lie down on one of the daybeds to really take in the beauty.

When: 05.02.2023 
Where: Old Royal Navel College, SE10 9NN
Website: www.ornc.org

Brighten up your weekend at Battersea Power Station’s Light Festival

This month saw Battersea Power Station’s annual free festival return, helping to brighten up Londoners’ dreary winter. 

Running until the 5th of March, this year’s festival features its most extensive collection of installations to date – no ticket required. Expect bursts of colour, rainbow illuminations and masterpieces curated in partnership with the Light Art Collection on display both outdoors and inside the Grade II* lighted Power Station. 

Read more about what to expect at Battersea Power Station’s Light Festival here.

When: Until 05.03.2023
Where: Battersea Power Station 
Website: www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk

Grab a show at the London International Mime Festival

Truly get your culture fix this weekend with a visit to the London International Mime Festival. Taking place at various venues across the city, the festival is running until the 5th of February and is a celebration of contemporary visual theatre. 

Now in its 47th year, the festival has been a huge success so far with daily events selling out within minutes of going on sale. There are still some gems to come including this weekend’s Thick & Tight at Shoreditch Town Hall, a mix of mime, dance and humour rolled into one and next week’s adult puppet show Dorothy James & Andy Manjuck at the Barbican

When: Until 05.02.2023
Where: Venues across London 
WebsitE: www.mimelondon.com

Try a Korean-inspired supper club

Annandale is a thriving Korean community located in Washington, D.C., populated by some of the best Korean restaurants in the world. At the top of the helm is self-taught Southern Californian chef, Justin Ahn. 

Making his way across the pond this January, Ahn will bring an exciting menu inspired by global cuisines and his Korean roots. Dishes include Korean tartare of Asiatic pears, sesame oil, mustard grains, quail egg yolk and puffed tendon; wild mushroom arborio risotto with dashi and pecorino romano; and pork cheek ssam with radish kimchi, walnut ssamjang, roasted onions and pickled napa cabbage.

WHEN: 24.01.2023 – 28.01.2023
WHERE: CAROUSEL, 19-23 CHARLOTTE STREET, FITZROVIA, W1T 1RL
WEBSITE: www.carousel-london.com

Stop by Anna Hindmarch’s sleep-inspired concept store

Anna Hindmarch bangs out a new pop-up nearly every month and she never misses a beat. This winter’s edition comes in the form of sleep. 

Aptly named Anya’ZZZ, the pop-up store brings together everything you need in order to have a good night sleep, from gentle lighting and neutral colours to inspire your bedroom abode to luxury pieces from the Anya Hindmarch collection including pyjamas, soft blankets and playful eye masks. There’s even a king-sized bed that looks ever so dreamy to sink into. 

On Monday 30th, the pop-up concept will welcome its final ‘sleep talk’, a series of chats from experts in the sleep realm. Monday’s session will be led by Anya and joined by Professor Russell Foster as he discusses his life’s work into the science of body clocks.

When: Until 12.02.2023 
Where: 11 Pont Street, Chelsea, SW1X 9EH 
Website: www.anyahindmarch.com

Book ahead & treat yourself to a Galentine’s do

Duck & Dry is the perfect place to get lovesick this Galentine’s with gorgeous group styling areas, Maison Mirabeau cocktails on tap, and brand new LOVELY hairstyles. 

This Galentine’s the popular London salon group will be going all out with four Valentine’s special looks. Take your pick from the ‘Ooh La La’, ‘Low Tide Waves’, ‘Top Knot’, and ‘Braided Twist, while you get preened to perfection with a pink Negroni in hand. 

Blow Dries from £35, Updos from £45, Manicures from £20, Cocktails from £7

When: Throughout February 
Where: Chelsea, Soho, Islington & Mayfair 
Website: www.duckanddry.com