What's on in London this week: 20-26 February 2023
Discover our pick of things to do in London this week: 20 - 26 February 2023.
Explore London
Stylist Network: How to build a business that thrives in 2023
To address the pressing issue of the rising cost of living, Stylist has teamed up with Buy Women Built, a leading advocate for women founders committed to promoting women-led brands, to kick off their first event of the year, which will focus on unpacking the challenges of establishing a business in 2023. This event promises to be a valuable resource, featuring expert insights, stimulating panel discussions, and ample opportunities for networking and sharing personal experiences with fellow entrepreneurs. It's a must-attend event for entrepreneurs seeking to stay ahead of the curve, or those thinking about creating a new business. Date: Tuesday 21 February 2023, 6pm-9pm. Location: 180 Strand, Temple, London WC2R 1EA. Price: £25. Book now.
Image: Javier Camarena as Count Almaviva and Gyula Nagy as Fiorello in Il barbiere di Siviglia, The Royal Opera © 2016 ROH. Photograph by Mark Douet.
Out-Spoken at the Southbank Centre
Out-Spoken is a captivating fusion of live music and spoken word poetry, offering an exceptional platform for celebrating the diversity of voice and performance. Presented in partnership with the Southbank Centre, this monthly event showcases a stellar lineup of the UK's hottest poets and musicians. In February, audiences can look forward to breathtaking performances from acclaimed poets Alycia Pirmohamed, Will Harris, and Sarah Howe, each of whom has won prestigious literary awards, including the Forward Prize and TS Eliot Prize. The night is hosted by the award-winning Joelle Taylor, who has won both the TS Eliot Prize and Polari Prize, while Sam 'Junior' Bromfield spins the very best in reggae, soul, and R&B to set the perfect mood. Don't miss out on London's premiere night of spoken word poetry and music!
Date: Thursday 23 February 2023. Location: Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. Book now .
Image: Out Spoken, Southbank Centre
The Barber of Seville at the Royal Opera House
Experience the captivating story of Rosina, who finds herself falling in love with the enigmatic Lindoro, and enlists the help of her trusted local barber to escape the clutches of her guardian, Dr. Bartolo. With all the enchantment of a classic romantic tale, indulge in heart-melting serenades, absurd disguises, and a magical ending just beyond reach. The Barber of Seville boasts an exquisite score, featuring the lively and upbeat Overture, as well as Figaro’s famous aria, Make way for the servant who does everything (Largo al factotum). Bursting with mischief and humour, Rossini's beloved comic opera promises an evening of joy and delight, not to be missed at the Royal Opera House before its closing on March 6 2023. Date: until 6 March 2023. Location: Royal Opera House, Bow St, London WC2E 9DD. Price: from £5-205. Book now.
Gin To My Tonic Festival 2023
The highly anticipated Gin To My Tonic Festival is returning to London this Friday for an unforgettable experience celebrating the art of craft gin and distilling. With over one hundred and twenty unique craft gins and spirits from both the UK and abroad, this festival is a gin fanatic's dream come true. Discover new and lesser-known gins and enjoy an array of tasting samples from exhibiting distillers while having all of your burning questions answered. Even if you're not a gin enthusiast, there's no need to worry - there will be a wide selection of vodkas and rums available for you to indulge in. Make sure you secure your tickets to this gin-filled event! Date: 24 -25 February 2023. Location: Wyndham Pl, York St, London W1H 1PQ. Price: £16.50. Book now.
Pancake Day
Our pick of places to get some scrumptious pancakes this Pancake Day:
Image: © Duncan Kidd
Milk Balham
Milk, a stylish Australian café, is conveniently located just a three-minute stroll from Balham station. Renowned for its mouthwatering brunch menu, the standout dish is undoubtedly their buckwheat pancakes.
Location: Milk , 18-20 Bedford Hill, SW12 9RG. Website: milklondonshop.uk.
Sunday in Brooklyn, Notting Hill
Treat yourself to the unparalleled flavour of authentic New York City-style pancakes, available at Sunday in Brooklyn, an American restaurant in the heart of Notting Hill. Location: 98 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 5RU. Website: www.sundayinbk.co.uk.
WAVE (We Are Vegan Everything)
Looking for delicious vegan pancakes? Look no further than We Are Vegan Everything café, a hidden gem located in East London.
Location: 11 Dispensary Lane, Hackney, E8 1FT. Website: weareveganeverything.com.
The Breakfast Club
Experience the ultimate pancake experience at The Breakfast Club - a beloved spot among Londoners. Their classic pancakes are the ultimate oldie but always a goodie - you wont be disappointed. Location: 5-9 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HG Website: thebreakfastclubcafes.com.
Click here for our full list of where to get pancakes in London.
Arts & Culture
Image: Mike Nelson, MAGAZIN Buyuk Valide Han, 2003
Mike Nelson: Extinction Beckons
Opening this Wednesday at Hayward Gallery, Extinction Beckons is a must-see exhibition featuring the immersive installations and sculptural works of British artist Mike Nelson. With his captivating art, Nelson masterfully transports viewers into imaginative worlds that strikingly reflect our reality.
Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Date: 22 February – 7 May 2023. Price: from £15. Book now.
KUMIHIMO: Japanese Silk Braiding by Domyo
Experience the intricate art of Japanese silk braiding at KUMIHIMO, the UK's first major exhibition dedicated to the ancient practice. Hosted by Japan House London, the exhibition delves into the rich history of the craft, spanning over 1300 years. Discover the wide-ranging applications of kumihimo, from fashion to science and engineering, that continue to inspire modern-day creatives.
Location: Japan House London, 101-111 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA. Date: 23 February – June 2023 .Price: Free . Book now.
“Jesus Died For Us, We Will Die For Dudus!”
The ICA's latest exhibition, "Jesus Died For Us, We Will Die For Dudus!", is R.I.P Germain's first solo show in the UK. The immersive installation is thought-provoking, exploring cultural gatekeeping within Black culture and how it is misunderstood by the wider (white) world. The exhibition is part of the ICA's 75th Anniversary celebrations showcasing emerging artists.
Location: The Mall, St. James's, London SW1Y 5AH. Date: Wednesday 22 February – Sunday 14 May 2023. Price: £5/Concessions available. Book now.
Rafael Peìrez Evans: Dust Bathers
Dust Bathers is an innovative installation by Rafael Peìrez Evans, known for his work Grounding where he left 29 tonnes of carrots outside Goldsmiths College. In this interactive exhibition, visitors can participate in dust bathing, a natural behaviour of moving in dust to promote healthy skin or mark territory.
Location: QUEERCIRCLE, London, Building 4, Design District, 3 Barton Yard, Soames Walk, SE10 0BN. When: 23 February – 16 April 2023.Price: Free.
Image: Peter Doig, Alpinist, 2022.© MTotoe
Morgan Stanley Exhibition: Peter Doig
The exhibition showcases a captivating ensemble of paintings, all crafted since the artist's relocation from Trinidad to London in 2021. The collection of works presented at the exhibition are deeply intertwined with the places where the artist has resided and created, including the UK, Canada, and Trinidad. Alongside the new paintings, you will also find a series of prints, masterfully created by Doig in response to the poetry of his late friend and collaborator, Derek Walcott.
Location: The Courtauld Institute of Art, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 0RN Date: until 29 May 2023. Price: from £14. Other concessions available. Book now.
Jon Rafman – Minor Daemon: Volume 1
180 Studios present the UK premiere of Minor Daemon: Volume 1, a cutting-edge film by Canadian artist and filmmaker Jon Rafman. Through mesmerising 3D animation, it vividly portrays the anxieties of our modern techno-society.
Location: 180 The Strand, London, WC2R 1EA, Date: 2 February – 25 March 2023. Price: £10/Concessions available. Book now.
Action, Gesture, Paint: Women Artists and Global Abstraction 1940 – 1970
Experience the powerful and inspiring works of international women artists who pushed the boundaries of gestural abstraction in the aftermath of the Second World War. Entitled Action, Gesture, Paint: Women Artists and Global Abstraction 1940-70, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the creative practices of both celebrated figures like Lee Krasner and Helen Frankenthaler, as well as emerging talents like Bertina Lopes and Wook-kyung Choi.
Location: Whitechapel Gallery, 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX. Date: 9 February – 7 May 2023. Price: from £16.50. Concessions available. Book now.
Vogue x Snapchat: Redefining the body
Prepare to be transported to the cutting-edge intersection of fashion and technology, as the Vogue x Snapchat collaboration presents Redefining the Body, an immersive augmented reality experience curated by none other than British Vogue Editor, Edward Enninful. This exhibition showcases six of the world's most renowned fashion brands and designers, including Dior, Kenneth Ize, Richard Quinn, Stella McCartney, Thebe Magugu, and Versace, utilising innovative digital experiences to elevate and transform their clothing designs.
Location: 84-86 Regent Street, London, W1B 5HB. Date: 18 February – 5 March 2023. Price: Free.Book now
Last Chance to see
Mark Denton: The Shit Show
Image: Mark Denton: The Shit show, Jealous Gallery, February 2023, © MTotoe
Transformed from creative doodles into a bold collection of artworks, The Shit Show exhibition showcases Mark Denton's remarkable progress and artistic talent. Drawing from his extensive personal archive, the exhibition features a multitude of previously unseen pieces, including Denton's early works which reveal his unbridled passion to make an impact on the world. Location: The Jealous Gallery, Jealous East, 53 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3PT. Date: until 26 February 2023. Price: Free.
Click here for more last chance exhibitions to see in London this month.
Pop-ups & Venues
The Courtauld Shop
Image: The Courtauld Shop, February 2023, MTotoe
We were absolutely delighted to discover the Courtauld Shop during our visit to the Morgan Stanley Exhibition: Peter Doig last week. This hidden gem is filled with carefully selected treasures that are sure to impress. We highly recommend taking the time to browse the beautifully curated collection. Among the standout items are a hand-painted lampshade by Jane McCall of Bloomsbury Revisited, and a stylish collection of ceramics designed by the talented Hiroaki Takei and Yuta Segawa. The selection is truly exceptional, and it's safe to say that this shop has quickly become our new favourite, and we can't wait to return to discover more hidden gems! Location: The Courtauld Institute of Art, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN. Website: shop.courtauld.ac.uk.
Samples, Seconds and Sale Bonanza by Salad Days Market
Get ready for a shopping extravaganza! On 25 - 26 February 2023, Salad Days Market is hosting a massive discount event, featuring a lineup of small businesses including our very own FLO London The Shop. This exclusive pop-up promises samples, seconds, and sale items that you won't want to miss. We'll be there on Sunday 26 February 2023, come say hello and snap up some amazing deals.
Date: 25 – 26 February 2023 - 11am til 4pm. Location: Gipsy Hill Brewery Taproom, SE27 9SF. Website: saladdaysmarket.co.uk.
Image: Victoria & Albert Museum, © MTotoe
#FLOFavourites: Pick of the week
FREE ACTIVITY OF THE WEEK
Victoria & Albert Museum: Friday Lates
The V&A will be having their first Friday Late of 2023 this Friday! This Friday Late, curated by HOME by Ronan McKenzie, invites you to step into their multi-sensory experience underpinned by connectivity and tranquillity. HOME have brought together movement artists, painters, illustrators, designers and poets to bring to life what it means to feel through others. Expect to embrace your different senses and immerse yourself in activities such as life drawing, an open mic and a scent and soundscape installation.Whilst there you can also visit the Museum’s current three exhibitions: Africa Fashion, Hallyu! The Korean Wave , Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance.
Location: V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL. Price: Free(Exhibitions require additional free). Website: vam.ac.uk
Food of the week
KIN Cafe, Fitzrovia
Image: KIN Cafe, Fitzrovia, February 2023, MTotoe
This week, we had the pleasure of dining at KIN café for lunch. Situated in the heart of Fitzrovia, just a short stroll from Oxford Street, KIN is a delightful casual eatery that specialises in mouth-watering plant-based cuisine. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan or neither, their menu has an abundance of delicious options to choose from. If you're looking for a lunch that is both healthy and scrumptious, then you have to try KIN's amazing salad selection. From the roasted broccoli salad to the spiced aubergine salad, there are so many options to choose from. The flavours are so fresh and satisfying, we can't recommend it enough!
Location: 22 Foley St, London W1W 6DT. Website: kincafe.co.uk. Instagram: @kin_cafe.
Interview of the week
We had a chat with Joey Li and Thuta Khin
Image: Thuta Khin and Joey Li, Leiho
Joey and Thuta are the founders of Leiho. Leiho means 'How are you' in Cantonese and sometimes that's all we need to tell someone to show that we care! With a combined background in marketing, film, media and charitable work, they have been working on their social enterprise together since 2019. Click here to read the full interview.
CAUSE OF THE WEEK
This week, our featured cause is Herts for Refugees. We had the pleasure of interviewing Joey Li and Thata Khin of Leiho, who have been tirelessly supporting the charity by providing much-needed socks and underwear to refugee camps. The charity is currently raising funds for their upcoming Turkey and Syria donation drive, which aims to support various organisations providing aid to those in need. Click here to donate.
Upcoming events
Moving Murder Mystery on Belmond British Pullman Trains
Image: British Pullman, Belmond Trains
Immerse yourself in the ultimate luxury train adventure with the British Pullman's new and enhanced Moving Murder Mystery experience. Promising to revitalise and reimagine this acclaimed journey, the first of its kind will launch in March 2023 and run bi-monthly until the end of the year. Click here to read more.
Location: Victoria St, London SW1E 5ND. Date: from 19 March 2023 (Click here for more dates). Price: from £485.
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 from 3 pm onwards, featuring stalls from up-and-coming designers, artists and jewellery makers. 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.
