The Weekend Guide Is Back
TGITW – wondering what this means? Well, it’s the extended version of TGIF which we totally just made up on the spot for no reason whatsoever! However, we’ve got to admit that “thank goodness it’s the weekend” is a phrase on our lips as soon as the clock strives 5pm every Friday and, if you’re reading this, we’re assured you’re feeling those vibes too. Luckily, our wonderful city is brimming with things to do over those two precious days, and we’ve rounded up just a handful of them below:
28 Of LFW’s Best Runway Shows
The next fashion week in London has begun, and runs until the 19th of February and we can’t flippin’ wait! The bi-annual babe of an event is a big deal across many a calendar and this year is no exception to the rule. The event provides us with an in-person insight as to what the new fashion season is going to triumph; from frills, to tassels, to that weird ‘dad bod’ trend that took to the catwalks in 2018. Whilst we can’t promise you a front row seat next to Iris Apfel, we can promise an eclectic range of catwalks to strut down to.
The main hub of action on the official schedule will take place at the Store Studios at 180 Strand in London, so if you’re up for a celeb spot and a peek at the latest trends then that’s where to head. Take a look at our guide here of all the best shows happening this weekend.
Website: Find Your Fashion Guide Here
London’s Most Fashionable Afternoon Tea Returns
It’s known in the fashion and food community that if you’re hunting for a designer-based afternoon tea you’re going to want to strut your sassy stuff down to Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley. The hotel’s pastry chef, Mourad Khiat, has turned to some of the most influential fashion designers in the world for inspiration, creating iconic arvo-tea’s that look so good we just don’t even want to eat them! Trends seen on the catwalks made their way into past tea’s in the form of a Gianduja chocolate mousse garnished with an individual farfalle pasta bow (Dolce & Gabbana) and a chequered chocolate and vanilla Battenburg cake inspired by Stella McCartney’s covetable chequerboard summer pumps.
Now? It’s the turn of ultra-famous fashion designer Christian Dior just in time for the arrival of the much anticipated Dior exhibition at London’s V&A Museum. Dior designs – that you’ll recognise if you’re a sucker for a catwalk – have been sown into creatively crafted cakes and patisserie to bring another outlandishly awesome afternoon tea into our lives for another year.
So who are the stars of this Christian Dior show? Well, the Bar Suit comes to mind; synonymous with Dior since it first took to the catwalk in 1947 as part of Christian Dior’s debut collection. This will be designed as a rich chocolate biscuit embellished with cream royal icing… and we’ve just gone to cake heaven, if there were such a place that is! Not finishing there, you’ll also discover fancies such as a red velvet cake inspired by that famed 1995 Lady Dior Handbag which was gifted to Princess Diana, a bottle of Miss Dior Eau de Parfum inspired by the designer’s own sister, Catherine and Christian Dior’s 1954 Muguet dress, inspired and named after his favourite lily-of-the-valley blooms into a delicate pavlova topped with coconut marshmallow and a white sugar bow.
Where: Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL
Website: www.the-berkeley.co.uk
Myths And Legends Family Festival
The Museum of London is hosting the two-day festival, which will captivate all ages with the celebration. Storytellers will exposit famous tales and workshops following these sessions will allow you to become a master orator and leave with storytelling devices such as handmade puppets and masks as a memento. The best part is the event is free and running on both Saturday and Sunday in case you miss one session or were so enthralled that you decide to go back for seconds.
On the 16th and 17th of February
Where: Museum of London Docklands, Canary Wharf
Website: www.museumoflondon.org.uk
Imagine Children's Festival
Dive into the best children’s theatre, literature and music, with plenty of workshops and free events for everyone.
Where: Southbank Centre, Lambeth, London
Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk
London Hilton on Park Lane
If you go down to the woods today you’ll find a load of cute teddy bears munching on various savoury and sweet snacks – how cute! London Hilton on Park Lane know just how to throw a half term party, providing Teddy Bears’ Picnic Afternoon Tea with all the trimmings for the kiddies. You’ll find bite-sized bits, finger food and yummy sweet treats which’ll have the youngsters running about on a sugar high, but that’s what half term is all about right? The mini menu has been curated by Executive Chef Anthony Marshall and recent winner of C4’s Bake Off: The Professionals, Pastry Chef Emmanuel Bonneau, so it’s sure to be delicious. See you there!
The tea is available on weekdays 2pm to 5pm and weekends 12:30pm to 5pm.
Where: 22 Park Lane, London, W1K 1BE, United Kingdom
Website: www.Hilton.co.uk/londonparklane
The Most Romantic Igloo In London
This igloo is SO gorgeous! Like, seriously! Give us an igloo with cutesy cherry blossoms all over it any day and we’ll send our Insta’s into overload – especially with Valentine’s Day coming up this week! Hopeless romantics are invited to igloose themselves amongst sickly sweet flowers in this creation by the pop-up giants who are behind immersive eye-openers such as Winterland. Whether it’s palentines, galentines or indeed good old fashioned Valentine’s that you’re celebrating, you just have to book yourselves into one of these lavish love huts. Yes, granted Valentine’s can be a little cheesy and low and behold things are about to get even more so! Couples of all kinds who’ve snatched up a space will get a cheese fondue to share and a glass of bubbly too.
The experience allows you to gaze intently at your partner and, additionally, the riverside scattered with views of a concrete jungle London. Last time Neverland let their creative juices slow they created an alpine experience like no other, taking inspiration from the slopes of the Alps in the 80s and 90s. So, book this igloo for your date and at least the floral decorations will get you off buying the flowers!
The oh, so romantic igloo experience runs between February 14 and 23. Find them at Neverland, Wandsworth Bridge Road, Fulham, SW6 2TY, and to book this pink paradise, visit Winterland here
Where: Neverland, Wandsworth Bridge Road, Fulham, SW6 2TY
Website: www.winterlandlondon.com
Murder She Didn't Write
Smash hit improvised murder mystery Show, Murder, She Didn’t Write, will continue their West End residency at Leicester Square Theatre with a show each month from January through to May 2019. Audience participation is key in this show, as they become both author and sleuth, being invited to help to create their own Agatha Christie-inspired masterpiece and then watch it unfold on stage.
Where: Leicester Square Theatre, Leicester Place, London, UK
Website: www.leicestersquaretheatre.ticketsolve.com
M Victoria ST
M is offering a brunch experience for you and your pup. The restaurant is running an event in aid of Dogs Trust, which features a la carte or a six-legged brunch menu. The event will also feature events for you and your pooch to partake in, including a pawsecco and prosecco reception and doggy speed dating.
Where: Zig Zag Building, 74 Victoria Street, Westminster, SW1E 6SQ
Website: www.mrestaurants.co.uk
Christian Dior: Designer Of Dreams
Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams will be the largest and most comprehensive exhibition ever staged in the UK on the House of Dior. It is the V&A’s biggest fashion exhibition since Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty in 2015, with over 500 objects and 200 rare haute couture garments. From 1947 to the present day, the exhibition traces the history and impact of one of the 20th century’s most influential couturiers, and the six artistic directors who have succeeded him.
The exhibition will run until 14th July 2019
Where: Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, UK
Website: www.vam.ac.uk
Pinter at the Pinter
The finale of the Jamie Lloyd West End event, where the playwright’s one-act plays are being put on in succession, is a spectacular Soho stop for this weekend. The series is being concluded with ‘The Dumb Waiter,’ which stars Martin Freeman and Danny Dyer. The performance is the perfect conclusion to a celebration of the acclaimed writer’s work.
Running all weekend
Where: 6 Panton Street, SW1Y 4DN
Website: www.atgtickets.com
Brick Wonders Exhibition
Take a family outing to the Horniman Museum to see intricate, large-scale LEGO models that accurately represent notable structures such as the Egyptian Pyramids, international space stations, and the Old London Bridge. Visitors will be able to participate in challenges, puzzles, and even get to attend special LEGO workshops between Monday and Wednesday during half term.
From the 16th of February until the 27th of October
Where: Horniman Museum, 100 Road, SE23 3PQ
Website: www.horniman.ac.uk
Mansur Gavriel Sample Sale
Mansur Gavriel is hosting its first ever sample sale in London with up to 70% off. Essentially, if you couldn’t sneak your way in the LFW shows then here’s your next best option. Shop ’till you drop, all!
Where: The Music Room, 26 South Molton Lane, London W1K 5LF, UK
Website: www.mansurgavriel.com
Vets In Action
If you are a fellow animal lover, this event is perfect for you! This pawsitive experience will shows how vets assure that the thousands of animals housed at the London Zoo remain healthy and happy. Kids in attendance will be able to participate in hands-on workshops where they will help the experts examine and x-ray toy replicas so that they may gain an understanding of the huge responsibility that the zoo’s vets have.
Where: London NW1 4RY
Website: www.zsl.org
Brexit Poetry Workshop
Tired of tiptoeing around the B-word? Or in need of a soapbox? This is your opportunity to release it all onto paper and blast through those feelings with a Free Movement free verse or EU inspired elegy. The two-hour workshop is being run by writer Siobhan Wall, who invites writers of all ages and talents to come and participate.
Where: 22 Betterton Street, WC2H 9BX
Website: www.poetrysociety.org.uk
