What To Do This Weekend 09.01.21

FLIP THROUGH SOME INSPIRING PAGES: A Perfect Planet

Packed with over 250 full-colour images and including a foreword by David Attenborough and stills from the BBC series' (of the same name) spectacular footage, A Perfect Planet explores life on Earth – something that is becoming increasingly precious. Focusing on four key natural forces – global weather systems distributing fresh water to all corners; marine currents delivering nutrients to the deepest reaches of the ocean; solar energy warming and electrifying everything it touches; and volcanic activity fertilising the earth's surface – author Huw Cordey reveals new levels of the living world. From Arctic wolves prowling moonlit landscapes or wood frogs frozen in winter and magically thawing back to life, to flamingos flying thousands of miles to a vast volcanic lake in Africa to breed, he shows readers time and again how animals are perfectly adapted to whatever the environment throws at them – and why we must do everything in our power to protect the balance. 

Available at Waterstones.com

INDULGE WHILE STAYING HEALTHY WITH: Dirty Vegan

If you’ve pledged to eat less meat in 2021, it can be hard tracking down healthy, plant-based food which still feels indulgent come the weekend. Enter Dirty Vegan – the sister to London’s favourite New York comfort food brand, Dirty Bones, which has partnered with Beyond Meat®, Vida Bakery and MEDA CBD Drinks to create an exclusive, plant-based kit. The Ultimate Vegan Comfort kit will be available for nationwide delivery for just £42 (serves two) from 4th January 2021 and includes everything needed to make a Dirty Vegan spread: two vegan chilli cheeseburgers (Beyond Meat patties) with vegan American cheeses, vegan buns, relish, pickled jalapenos, jalapeno dressing, red onions, gherkins and skinny fries. Drinks to accompany this kit include a bottle of Espresso Medatini and two cans of MEDA Functional CBD drinks. Each box also includes instructions and recipe cards so you can prepare the ultimate Veganuary feast.

Visit GetDirtyAtHome.com 

TAKE IN SOME CULTURE WITH: English National Ballet At Home

Theatre go-ers missing their regular trips to London’s West End should consider a three-day rental package from English National Ballet’s at-home on-demand viewing service. For as little as £3.50, viewers can pick from a range of titles – including classics like La Sylphide and Le Corsaire – to watch at home. Those with more modern tastes can choose to see works from world-renowned choreographers like Akram Khan, while mega-fans are sure to enjoy a behind-the-scenes look as the company prepare to take to the stage in Paris. Productions can all be streamed to a device of your choosing, with zero subscriptions or ongoing fees required. 
Visit OnDemand.Ballet.org.uk

TUNE INTO THIS NEW RELEASE: Fortnum’s Tea With Rosie

London institution Fortnum & Mason has partnered with English actress Rosie Fellner to launch a quintessentially English interview series. ‘Tea With Rosie’ is available to watch exclusively across Fortnum & Mason’s social channels – with Rosie in character as the quirky and comedic Rosie Lee (think Mary Poppins crossed with Alice in Wonderland with a dollop of Carrie Bradshaw), inviting some of the nation’s biggest personalities (and tea drinkers) into Fortnum’s for a chat over a cup of the nation’s favourite. The first of three tongue-in-cheek episodes sees Rosie interview music icon Boy George over afternoon tea. Talking about fashion, frolics, and of course tea, expect laugh-out-loud moments, as well as fascinating insights into Boy George’s life and career. Just head to the brand’s IGTV channel to watch now.

Follow @Fortnums on Instagram

CATCH THIS LIMITED THEATRE PERFORMANCE: War Horse

For only a few weeks until 21st January, the National Theatre has made its ground-breaking production of War Horse available on its at-home streaming service. At the outbreak of World War One, Albert’s beloved horse is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. Though still not old enough to enlist he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home. Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Nick Stafford, in association with ​the award-winning Handspring Puppet Company, the play opened to huge critical acclaim in 2007. Existing subscribers to National Theatre At Home can enjoy the play immediately, while non-members can opt to rent access to the production as a one-off. 

Visit NTAtHome.com

ORDER IN VIA: sketch At Home

Available to order for collection from sketch, 9 Conduit Street, Monday to Sunday, 11am-8pm, those keen to sample the sketch At Home menus should place their orders 24 hours in advance, before 6pm the day before. Choose from a range of options, including a la carte, festive specialities and afternoon tea, as well as a full vegetarian set menu, ideal for those looking for a plant-based option. With prices starting at £49 for set menus, most kits come with starters, mains and desserts, as well as an optional wine pairing for an additional fee. Those with a larger appetite can also opt to add on side dishes for an extra £5 each. 

Visit Shop.Sketch.London