Discover our pick of things to do in London this week: 13 - 19 March 2023.

Explore London

Soweto Kinch/London Symphony Orchestra at Printworks

Experience the multi-talented artistry of Soweto Kinch, as he takes the stage to perform his latest album, White Juju, at the iconic Printworks venue in South London. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to witness one of the final shows at Printworks before its temporary closure for refurbishment. On 16 March, Kinch's quartet will join forces with the London Symphony Orchestra for a full and powerful performance of his highly praised and politically charged album.

Date: March 16 2023. Location: Printworks, Surrey Quays Rd, London SE16 7PJ. Price: from £24.50. Book now.

Unheard Opera: a musical journey into the 18th Century

Join the National Archives for a one-of-a-kind musical experience featuring the rarest gems of 17th and 18th century music. In this special evening of discussion and opera, immerse yourself in the delightful arias found amongst the personal effects of Jan Bekker Teerlink, a Dutch merchant ship officer aboard the captured vessel Henriette in 1803. These papers offer an unprecedented glimpse into the cultural milieu of the late 18th Century, providing a rare opportunity to revel in music that has remained unheard for over 200 years. Be transported back in time as you revel in the works of acclaimed composer Stanislas Champein himself and also enjoy the masterpieces of more renowned composers such as Gluck and Thomas Arne, who remain popular even today. Don't miss out on this unique chance to experience the musical wonders of a bygone era! The performance will be followed by a display of the original documents and a wine reception.

Date: Thursday 16 March Time: 6pm – 8.30pm Location: The National Archives Bessant Drive Richmond TW9 4DU Price: from £4-10 . Book now

Daunt Books Festival 2023

Daunt Books is hosting a two-day festival that promises to be an enjoyable experience for book enthusiasts of all ages. The event will be held in their charming Marylebone store and will feature an impressive line-up of guests, including Ravinder Bhogal, Jessica J Lee, Chris Power, Jennifer Higgie, Lucy Jago, and Magalene Abraha, who will lead a series of talks and activities. Attendees can also indulge in snacks from nearby establishments. The festival offers a choice of purchasing individual event tickets or a 2 day pass. Click here for the full programme.

Date: 16 March – 17 March 2023 Location: Daunt Books Marylebone, 83-84 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4QW. Price:  from £7 per event or 2 Day Pass for £60 (access to all events).

Soul restore x Sound Healing at the Mandrake

Experience deep relaxation and healing with The Mandrake Sound Healing this Sunday. Immerse yourself in a restorative orchestration that benefits your physical and emotional well-being. This practice alleviates negativity, induces a meditative state, and realigns your internal frequency. Led by expert sound healers, you'll enjoy a powerful meditation featuring gongs, crystal bowls, and percussion instruments. Can't make it this weekend? The Mandrake hosts sound healing every Sunday this month.

Date: 19 March 2023 (Every other Sunday in March). Time: 4pm Location: The Mandrake, 20-21 Newman Street London W1T 1PG. Price: £35. Book now.

 If Only My Breath is Free at Chelsea Theatre

If Only My Breath is Free delivers a poignant message about human rights and social justice. Through the lens of second-generation Windrush youth, the production sheds light on the injustices and struggles faced by those who are often marginalised in society. The play follows the experiences of Shelley Anne, whose grandmother's identity and home in Ladbroke Grove are threatened, and Godwin, a young graduate who fled Uganda in the wake of political turmoil and human rights violations. Together with two fellow volunteers and a coordinating pastor, their stories interconnect, worlds collide, and hearts are forever changed. Featuring an exceptional cast including Tanjiana Bryan-Hesse, David Dacosta, Olayinka Sobitan-Solomon, Mwenya Chisanga, and Stella Saltibus, this emotionally charged production promises to be an unforgettable evening of theatre. 

Date: 18 March 2023. Time: 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Location: Chelsea Theatre, 7 Worlds End Place, Kings Road, London, SW10 0DR. Book now.

London St Patrick's Day 5k

Be part of the excitement at the third annual London St Patrick's Day Run by the London Kilt Run in Hyde Park Corner! Lace up your sneakers and complete a scenic 5k lap around the perimeter of Hyde Park, following the trail closest to the fence line, before returning to the Lodge Cafe. After the run, join fellow participants at an Irish-themed bar to socialise and cheer on Ireland as they play in the Six Nations. Don't miss out on this opportunity to celebrate Irish culture and have a great time!

Date: 18 March 2023. Time: 3pm. Location: Lodge Cafe 1 London Hyde Park Corner London W1J 7NT. Price: from £18. Book now.

Mother’s Day

Mother's Day is fast approaching, and we've got you covered with a carefully selected range of events in the city that are sure to make it an unforgettable day.

Flower bouquet workshop

Peony Belles is hosting a bespoke bouquet workshop where you can create a unique bouquet using fresh and dried flowers. You'll learn the art of hand-tying a beautiful bouquet that is far superior to anything store-bought. During the workshop, you'll also learn how to wrap and present your creation in a lovely flower box. Refreshments and nibbles will be provided, and all materials will be supplied. The workshop has a maximum capacity of 10 guests, so be sure to book early to secure your spot. It's a great opportunity to make a personalised gift for Mother's Day that your loved one will appreciate.

Date: 18 March 2023. Time: 6pm-8pm. Location: Better Things, 105 Dartmouth Road London SE23 3HT. Price: £33.22. Book now.

Belmond: Mother's Day Afternoon Tea

Surprise your mother with a truly memorable Mother's Day experience aboard the British Pullman. Be transported to a world of timeless elegance as you step aboard the beautifully restored carriages at London Victoria Station. Savour a traditional afternoon tea, featuring sandwiches, pastries, and scones, all elegantly served on bespoke china. Indulge in Veuve Clicquot champagne and soak in the stunning views of Greater London and the Weald of Kent from your plush armchair. End the journey with memories of an unforgettable experience aboard the British Pullman.

Date: 19 March 2023. Time: departs at 12:20pm, arrives back at 4pm. Location: London Victoria Station, Victoria St, London SW1E 5ND. Price: from £400 per passenger. Book now.

Whittard of Chelsea's Blend with Love - Mother's Day Tea Masterclasses

Whittard of Chelsea, a British tea, coffee, and hot chocolate company, is offering a limited edition Blend with Love masterclass for Mother's Day where customers can learn about tasting and blending tea. The event will take place from Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 March at the Holmes Hotel in Marylebone, London. Participants will be led by Whittard's tea experts through an immersive tea tasting experience, learn to create their unique blend, and enjoy tea and biscuit pairings. You’ll get to take home their unique blend in a personalised tea caddy, a recipe card, and a goodie bag worth over £37.

Date: 16 – 19 March.Time: 2pm or 4pm (sessions run each day for 1.5 hours each). Location: The Laboratory Room, Holmes Hotel London, 83 Chiltern Street, London, W1U 6NF. Price: £20 per person (including booking fee).

Click here for more Mother’s Day things to do in London.

Arts & Culture

Opening this week

Souls Grown Deep Like the Rivers: Black Artists from the American South

Souls Grown Deep Like the Rivers: Black Artists from the American South is a poignant exhibition that will feature a collection of approximately 64 works by 34 artists, spanning from the mid-20th century to the present day. These talented artists have created unique and thought-provoking pieces that reflect the South's complex history, including the inhumane practice of enslavement, the segregationist policies of the Jim Crow era, institutionalised racism, and the Civil Rights Movement. The exhibition showcases both the subjects and materials of these works, which resonate deeply with the region's legacy. This exhibition is a testament to the powerful and enduring impact of these artists' creativity.

 Location: The Gabrielle Jungels-Winkler Galleries
, Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, London, W1J 0BD. Date:17 March – 18 June 2023, Price: from £13.Concessions available. Book now.

The Ugly Duchess: Beauty and Satire in the Renaissance

The exhibition will focus on Quinten Massys' painting, An Old Woman, and its original context as an early work of secular and satirical art. The exhibition will examine the Renaissance's attitudes towards older women and the currency placed on women's youth and appearance, and showcase a broader visual tradition that derided and vilified older women. An Old Woman will be displayed with her male pendant, An Old Man, and two related drawings after Leonardo da Vinci that show the same unmistakable face. The exhibition will highlight Massys' pioneering work in capturing the emergence of the grotesque as a subject for painting and illustrate his shared interest with Leonardo da Vinci in the comic, expressive, and subversive potential of distorting the human face.

Location: Room 46,The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London,WC2N 5DN. Date: 
16 March-11 June 2023 
Price: Free. Book now.

#FLOFAVOURITES THIS WEEK:

Rites of Passage

Rites of Passage presents a compelling collection of works from eighteen contemporary artists who share a history of migration. Curated by the talented Péjú Oshin, this exhibition invites visitors to explore the concept of ‘liminal space’ through a diverse array of works that defy linear narratives, delve into the physical, mental, and spiritual realms, and transcend cultural boundaries. The exhibition promises to offer a thought-provoking experience that examines the rituals associated with transitional events, providing a unique perspective on this fascinating phenomenon.

Location: Gagosian Gallery, 6-24 Britannia St, London WC1X 9JD. Date: 16 March– 29 April 2023. Price: Free.  

Serge Attukwei Clottey: Crossroads

The Simon Lee Gallery is showcasing a solo exhibition of Serge Attukwei Clottey's new and recent works called Crossroads. Clottey, a Ghanaian artist, explores the connection between his Ghanaian identity and Western culture, using found materials from the streets of Accra, Ghana. The exhibition features plastic works made of discarded Kufuor gallons that pay homage to the region's rich history of sculpture, as well as oil paintings rendered on duct tape and corkboard, which extends upon the legacy of West African portrait photographers. The works in the exhibition were created between Accra and Los Angeles and explore Ghana's complex history with international exchange and migration while contemplating notions of subjectivity, identity, and home.

 Date: until 15 April 2023. Location: 12 Berkeley Street,London W1J 8DT. Price: Free.

Curator tour : “Jesus Died For Us, We Will Die For Dudus!”

Join ICA for a special curator-led tour of their latest exhibition, “Jesus Died For Us, We Will Die For Dudus!”. This insightful tour provides an introduction to the artist's practice and a unique perspective on the exhibition. You'll be guided through the exhibition, while engaging in thought-provoking discussions about the themes and ideas being explored.

Date: 16 March 2023. Time: 6pm – 6.45pm. Location: Institute of Contemporary Arts, The Mall, London SW1Y 5AH. Book now.

Joy Yamusangie: Remember Me 

Tiwani Contemporary presents a solo exhibition of the incredibly talented artist Joy Yamusangie. The exhibition will delve into the intricate workings of memory and explore the measures we undertake to establish an enduring legacy within the annals of history. Through a captivating array of new paintings, vignettes, and events, Yamusangie's thought-provoking pieces will evoke moments of euphoria, vulnerability, and even sorrow, where the notion of "remember me" is likely to emerge. With a firm focus on illustrating speculative, euphoric spaces, Remember Me promises to be an unforgettable showcase of this artist's incredible talent, highlighting the artist's fascination with illustrating speculative, euphoric spaces.

Date: 8 March – 2 April 2023 Location: Tiwani Contemporary, Gallery 6, 4 Cromwell Place, London, SW7 2JE. Price: Free. Book now.

Hallyu! The Korean Wave

Experience the dynamic and colourful popular culture of South Korea at Hallyu! The Korean Wave. The exhibition offers the opportunity to explore the rise of the Korean Wave through cinema, drama, music, and fandoms. See K-drama props, posters, photography, sculpture, fashion, and energetic videos of Gangnam style! Discover the historical context of the Korean Wave, from a war-ravaged country in the late 1950s to a leading cultural powerhouse by the early 2000s.

Date: until 25 June 2023 Location:  Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL. Book now.

Tour of Mansion House

Embark on an engaging tour of Mansion House with an expert City of London Guide. Delve into the 18th century public rooms and catch a glimpse of the impressive Harold Samuel Collection in this one-hour exploration. With a maximum of 40 people per tour, you'll have the opportunity for a personal and intimate experience. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to discover the rich history of Mansion House. If tickets sell out this week, worry not! Tours happen weekly on Tuesdays at 2 pm, but be sure to pre-book your tickets as there will be no on-the-door sales.

Date: Tuesday 14 March 2023 ( weekly tours) Time: 2pm Location: Mansion House, London, EC4N 8 BH. Price: £ 9.50. Concessions available. Book now.

Lynda Benglis

The exhibition at Thomas Dane Gallery showcases the works of Lynda Benglis, an artist with a career that has spanned over 50 years. Benglis uses materials in unconventional ways to express fragility through solid materials and solidity through fragile materials. The exhibition includes new bronze sculptures that reflect distortions of the surrounding space and wall sculptures made of polyurethane that appear to float. Benglis' works are a consequence of her surroundings and evoke memories and emotions from her experiences. Her art explores sensory experiences and pushes the boundaries of painting and sculpture.

Date: until 29 April 2023. Location: Thomas Dane Gallery
, 3 Duke Street, St James’s, London SW1 6BN. Price: Free.

Last Chance

Grayson Perry: Posh Cloths 

Grayson Perry's captivating textile works are showcased in two exhibitions at Victoria Miro Gallery in London and Venice. The London exhibition displays Perry's diverse range of tapestries from the past eight years, including new pieces, exploring his signature themes and subjects. Perry's playful reinterpretation of traditional tapestry art elevates contemporary British life narratives with politics, consumerism, history, and art history. Witness Perry's mastery in weaving different societal elements in his art at the London exhibition.

Date: until 25 March 2023 Location: Victoria Miro, 16 Wharf Road, London N1 7RW. Price: Free.

Sasha Huber: YOU NAME IT

Sasha Huber's YOU NAME IT exhibition showcases over a decade of visually arresting artwork that sheds light on how colonial histories are imprinted into the landscape through naming and acts of remembrance. Inspired by the Demounting Louis Agassiz campaign, the exhibition aims to heal colonial and historical traumas through her visually arresting portraits, created by symbolically stitching wounds together with a staple gun.

Date: until 25 March 2023 Location: Autograph, Rivington Place, EC2A 3BA. Price: Free.

Pop-up & Venues

Pitzhanger Shop

We adore browsing through gallery shops, and this week we had the pleasure of visiting the Pitzhanger Shop while exploring the Anthony Caro: The Inspiration of Architecture exhibition at Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery. The shop is a treasure trove of homeware, accessories, and prints that draw inspiration from Pitzhanger and its exhibitions. Not only do they have an impressive selection of products available on-site, they also offer the convenience of online shopping and a Click & Collect service. Location: Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery,  Ealing Green, London, W5 5EQ.

What’s On It at the South London Gallery

Experience a vibrant celebration of London's youth culture at Who's On It, curated by the city's very own young creatives. This incredible event is completely free and features an array of exciting elements including live music, fashion, spoken word and visual art The main gallery of the South London Gallery will be transformed into a bustling street market, with up-and-coming designers, artists, and jewellery makers, offering a range of exciting elements to explore.  Don't miss an appearance from FLO London The Shop at this event!

Date: Saturday 18 March 2023, 3-9pm. Location: 65-67 Peckham Rd, London, SE5 8UH. Book now.

#FLOFavourite: Pick of the week

Free activity of the week

Opening up architecture

The Royal Institute of Architects are offering an incredible free workshop, designed to open doors for aspiring 15-19-year-old architects. This exceptional event offers an array of exciting presentations from top architects, exploring sustainability and the role of architects in addressing the climate crisis. In addition, participants will engage in practical and hands-on activities led by artists and built environment professionals. You'll also have the chance to meet and network with like-minded peers, professionals, creatives, and academics, making this an unmissable opportunity to kickstart an architecture career.

Date:  18 March 2023. Time: 4pm-8pm. Location: RIBA 66 Portland Place London W1B 1AD. Price: Free. Book now.

Food of the Week

Maggie Jones’s

Maggie Jones's is a hidden gem nestled in a charming cul-de-sac in the heart of Kensington, London. The restaurant has been a favourite among locals for over 50 years, offering a cosy and rustic atmosphere that's perfect for an intimate dinner with loved ones. Maggie Jones's serves up generous portions of classic Anglo-French cuisine that are beautifully cooked and sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied. The menu offers a range of dishes to suit all tastes, and the wine list features a selection of wines to complement your meal. The restaurant is named after the pseudonym used by the late Princess Margaret for incognito dining, adding to the allure of this romantic spot. With affordable prices and friendly service, Maggie Jones's is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in London. Location: 6 Old Ct Pl, London W8 4EP. Instagram: maggiejonesrestaurant

Interview of the week

We had a chat with Adam Blackwood.

Adam Blackwood is the founder of Private Drama Events.  Private Drama Events are creators of immersive experiences and otherworldly events. In 2002 they were established from the heart of London’s live performance scene to create experiences that put brands centre stage like never before. Think immersive productions aboard luxury trains, bespoke parties in Royal Palaces and opening ceremonies that are broadcast worldwide. Click here to read the full interview.

Cause of the Week

Our cause of the week is The Kids Network. The Kids Network provides invaluable support to children during a pivotal period in their lives - the transition from primary to secondary school. Through the help of local volunteer mentors, the organisation assists children who may be encountering additional obstacles in their young lives. Collaborating with primary schools throughout London, The Kids Network identifies students who could benefit from a one-on-one mentoring relationship. These volunteer mentors not only provide a sense of stability but also facilitate a fun and secure environment for their mentees to explore their identities and express themselves freely. Click here if you would like to explore volunteering as a mentor.

In Review

Brillant Jerks at Southwark Playhouse

An engrossing examination of tech culture, Director Katie-Ann McDonough brings to life Joseph Carlton’s work Brilliant Jerks, the story of a successful taxi hailing app told through three compelling narratives. Click here for our full review.