What To Do This Weekend 01.02.24

Ranjani Shettar Courtesy Talwar Gallery, New York, New Dehli

GET OUT INTO NATURE:

The Conservatory x Ranjani Shettar

The Barbican’s conservatory may be something you’ve already crossed off your London must-do list, but it's always worth a revisit if you are in need of some grounding. For this month and into March, the space has had a makeover – thanks to Indian artist Rajani Shettar – and is now filled with five dream-like sculptures suspended over the greenery. Specialising in large-scale art, Rajani has had work displayed at top spots including New York’s Met and MoMA. Her first major institutional show in Europe, ‘Cloud Songs On The Horizon’ is a mixed-media production reflecting the complexity of nature. There are late-night openings on Fridays to offer visitors a chance to explore the oasis after hours. Can’t make it this weekend? Every first Monday of the month, from 8-10am, you can kickstart your week with a mindfulness session inspired by Rajani’s artistic journey.

Barbican, Silk Street, Barbican, EC2Y 8DS; various dates until March

Visit Barbican.org.uk

Kate Hockenhull Photography

BOOK AHEAD:

Vault Festival

Vault Festival is London’s answer to Edinburgh’s Fringe. Until now, it’s been held in the atmospheric subterranean levels below Waterloo station, but this year it’s sprawling over Waterloo and Bankside into venues including The Glitch, Sino Thai, Union Theatre and Alaska. Throughout February and into March, the festival will be laying on top-drawer new and ‘work in progress’ comedy, cabaret and theatre. Many big stars have their roots at this festival, so book ahead to catch the next Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Various locations; 12th February-10th March

Visit WeAreVault.org

TRY NEW FLAVOURS:

Kerb’s Seven Dials Market

Out with the old, in with the new. The food hall at Seven Dials Market has some fresh faces for 2024. Kerb’s flagship space has been at the heart of the capital's street food scene for years, with Kerb supporting indie vendors to eventually move onto bricks and mortar. Club Mexicana, Truffle, El Pollote and Curry on Naanstop are the latest to move on and make room for four newbies: Mother Flipper, famed for their dirty cheeseburgers; a cool Indian wrap place called Kolkati; Lucky’s Hot Chicken, a Nashville-inspired chicken sandwich joint; plus a Colombian taco spot run by ex-Padella chef Sebastian Clavijo Largo.

Earlham Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9LX

Visit SevenDialsMarket.com

PLAN A STAYCATION:

At Sloane

Whether you are coming to London for fashion week, planning a Valentine's day treat or just need some TLC, At Sloane is where it's at. Created by Jean Louis Costes, the hotel has the same look and feel as Hotel Costes in Paris – and the same elegant French dishes. Set in a 19th-century brick mansion just off Sloane Square, the property has been carefully restored with the addition of a sixth floor that houses the restaurant. Elsewhere, there are 30 rooms with monochrome interiors and original features like wood panelling, ceiling cornices and stained-glass windows – timelessly chic.

1 Sloane Gardens, Chelsea, SW1W 8EA

Visit AtSloane.co.uk

GET CRAFTY:

Rachel Jackson Amulet Pop-Up

For one day only, from noon to 5pm on Saturday 3rd February, Liberty will be playing host to Rachel Jackson’s Amulet bar. It’s an in-store experience where customers can individualise their own amulet necklace – and not just engravings, but the pendant, the gemstone, the charms and the chain itself. Loved by stars (Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Zoe Ball, Clara Amfo…) and the fashion set alike, Rachel Jackson specialises in thoughtfully designed and collectible jewellery made to wear every day. P.S. Mother’s Day is coming up.

Regent Street, Carnaby, W1B 5AH

Visit RachelJacksonLondon.com

Rachel Jackson Jewellery

PLAN VALENTINE’S DAY:

Aire Ancient Baths

If finding a table on Valentine’s Day seems more stress than it’s worth, Aire Ancient Baths London is offering a relaxing alternative. If you haven’t heard of Aire before, it’s a wellness spot that draws inspiration from ancient bath houses – picture exposed brickwork, pools of blue water, candlelight and vaulted ceilings. To celebrate the big day, the spot has put together a few packages. This experience begins with a tour through the different thermal waters of the Aire Center: the warm Tepidarium (36º); the hot Caldarium (40º); the cold Frigidarium (10º and 14º); the Vaporium steam bath; the Balneum with its 1,000 jets and the salt-water Flotarium. Then guests can enjoy a relaxing massage of their choice, alongside their partner. As a finishing touch, there’s rosé and macarons. Prices start from £265 per couple.

2-3 Robert Street, Embankment, WC2N 6BH

Visit BeAire.com

@breaudreygraham

ROUND UP THE GIRLS:

A Table For Two Event

On the 8th February, foodie-to-follow Bre Graham will be debuting her new cookbook at Anthropolgie’s Kings Road store. Joined by SL contributor, and much-beloved, Alexandra Dudley, the two will discuss easy yet impactful recipes from the new book – and speak about the love shared over intimate meals. There will be cocktails and canapes from the book to sample, so you can get a taste, too. The event is free and bound to sell out, so get in there quick.

131-141 King's Road, Chelsea, SW3 5XR

Visit EventBrite.co.uk

TAKE THE KIDS:

Houseplant Takeover – Plants Before Time Exhibition

If you fancy getting out of London this weekend, the Royal Horticultural Society’s garden at Wisley is only a short train ride away – and there are regular shuttle buses from Woking train station. On at the moment is a fun exhibition that aims to transport visitors back to the Jurassic period. The glasshouse has been transformed so ferns and cycads sit alongside fossils and footprints – kids will love the giant rib cage filled with exotic and tropical plants. Tickets are £20 per adult, but there are family concessions available, plus kids under 5 go free.

Wisley Lane, Wisley, Woking, GU23 6QB; 3rd February-10th March

Visit RHS.org.uk

TAILOR YOUR CLOTHES:

SOJO

Trousers too long? That skirt isn’t fitting right? Don’t fret, clothing alterations and repairs platform, SOJO, has opened its first permanent location on the 3rd floor of Selfridges London. Old or new, customers can repair, tailor or alter to breathe new life back into their wardrobe. Customers can book a complimentary in-person fitting or consultation via the online portal, offering 15 minute appointments with SOJO’s expert tailors to discuss any tailoring and repair needs. And, if you are in a pinch, SOJO offers same-day altering.

400 Oxford Street, London, Mayfair, W1A 1AB

Visit Sojo.uk

GRAB A BARGAIN:

Smart Works Fashion Sale

The SmartWorks fashion sale is returning to The Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. On Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th February, the venue will be filled with pieces from your favourite brands at purse-friendly prices. Not only can you snag a steal, but you can support a good cause: 100% of the proceeds will be going directly to SmartWorks – a British charity that supports unemployed women to get on the job ladder and fulfil their potential. Tickets are £5 for entry.

91 Brick Lane, Tower Hamlets, E1 6QR

Visit Eventbrite.com