What To Book In London This January
LEARN TO MAKE DOUGHNUTS HERE: Bread Ahead
To kick-start the new year, Bread Ahead’s owner and founder Matthew Jones is set to host the ‘Ultimate Doughnut Experience’, a masterclass where he’ll let guests in on the secrets behind the bakery’s most-loved sweet treat. Hosted at Bread Ahead’s newest venue in Wembley, attendees will learn the various stages of creating and filling doughnuts during the 90-minute experience. All guests will receive a signed copy of the Bread Ahead recipe book Bakery School and a box of four doughnuts to take away – plus plenty of sampling along the way.
Olympic Way, Wembley, HA9 0NP; from 18th January
Visit BreadAhead.com
HAVE A HISTORICAL DINNER HERE: Dinner By Heston
Inspired by Last Supper in Pompeii, the current exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, Heston Blumenthal and Ashley Palmer-Watts have created a foodie interpretation of this final meal. Using the carbonised and organic remains of food unearthed by archaeologists, ‘Taste History – Last Supper in Pompeii’ is inspired by the rich food culture of this ancient town and how food played an integral part of daily life. Taking place at Dinner By Heston in London, the special menu includes an authentic Pompeiian bread made with heritage spelt flour and grano arsso, a burnt wheat flour from Puglia, and a modern take on libum, a dessert based on baked fresh cheese curds.
66 Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA; from 7th January-31st March
Visit DinnerByHeston.co.uk
HAVE A FLOATING LUNCH HERE: The Grand Duchess
Paddington restaurant The Grand Duchess has just started serving Sunday lunch with a difference. Hosted aboard the 40-capacity static barge, the menu features a selection of sharing mains and one-off single serve fish specials, served alongside live music from local musicians. Varying week to week, the seasonal seafood experts will be dishing up the likes of fish pie; rabbit, pork and langoustine stargazy; and rolled lamb saddle with celeriac and anchovy gratin.
Sheldon Square, Paddington, W2 6PY; 12th January
Visit LondonShellCo.com
HEAD TO THE CIRCUS HERE: Roundhouse
Following sell-out performances across Europe and the UK, NoFit State Circus’s Lexicon has arrived in London. Guests will be entertained by moments of wild abandon, as the company takes to the air riding flying desks, juggling flaming torches and performing aerial acrobatics involving ropes and trapezes. The high-octane performance will showcase an array of contemporary circus skills, presented in No Fit State’s signature playful style, all set to atmospheric music from a live band.
Chalk Farm Road, Camden, NW1 8EH; until 18th January
Visit Roundhouse.org.uk
GET ARTY HERE: London Art Fair
London Art Fair returns later this month, bringing museum-quality modern and contemporary art to the capital. The fair connects the best galleries from around the world, showcasing works from both internationally renowned and emerging artists. The event also provides expert insight into the contemporary art market through talks, tours and screenings – perfect for beginners. Last year London Art Fair launched Platform, a new section focusing on a single theme or discipline. For 2020 it will focus on different artists working in textiles and the growing appreciation of the medium as a beautiful and collectible art form. A great spot to get inspired.
52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH; 22nd-26th January
Visit LondonArtFair.co.uk
BOOK INTO A SUPPERCLUB HERE: Quo Vadis
Quo Vadis has announced the line-up for part one of 2020’s ever-popular ‘Quo Vadis & Friends’ series. Now in its fourth year, the series sees chef proprietor Jeremy Lee invite his friends from some of the most revered kitchens in London and beyond to join him in Soho. Black Axe Mangal will return for a fourth time on 25th January for a Burns Night party. In February, QV welcomes the freshly Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms from Canterbury; March brings Clerkenwell Italian Luca to the table; Berenjak makes the trip from just around the corner in April; and food writer and presenter Thomasina Miers will head up the kitchen in May. Get in there quick – these always sell out.
26-29 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 3LL; 25th January
Visit QuoVadis.com
CELEBRATE BURNS NIGHT HERE: Rex Whistler
This Burns Night, Rex Whistler at Tate Britain is hosting its annual evening of art, food and bagpipes in celebration of Scottish poet Robert Burns. On 25th January, the evening will begin with a glass of champagnes and a tour of Scottish artworks, led by two expert Tate guides. Head chef Alfio Laudani will carry the haggis into the dining room on a silver salver as a Scottish piper kicks off proceedings in true style before the four-course Scottish feast is served. The menu will contain all traditional favourites including cullen skink; haggis, neeps and tatties and venison wellington; followed by a trio of Scottish cheeses and Scottish tablet.
Millbank, Westminster, SW1P 4RG; 25th January
Visit Tate.org.uk
GET IMMERSIVE HERE: Secret Theatre Project
Fresh from a sell-out run in Hong Kong, Secret Theatre Project is returning to London with new immersive theatrical show The Invitation. Described as “Eyes Wide Shut meets Seven” and featuring a dining option as part of the theatrical experience, The Invitation will transport guests to a masquerade party with a dark secret in a five-star hotel, where guests will don disguises and become part of a narrative of action, murder and intrigue. After purchasing a ticket, guests will be given a password to enter as well as an address and a set of instructions. Everything is not what it seems as each guest gradually learns of the role they’ll play in determining the fate of this arcane world.
8 Patriot Square, Bethnal Green, E2 9NF; from 28th January
Visit SecretTheatres.com
BE A VIP HERE: Square Root
Square Root is an east London soft drinks company, using the finest quality fresh fruit and botanicals to make seasonal sodas, tonics and non-alcoholic fizzy drink alternatives. To make Dry January that little bit easier, the team is hosting four masterclasses at Kerb Seven Dials Market. The event includes: a drink of your choice from the Square Root menu on arrival; a hands-on negroni syrup making, straining and bottling class; ginger beer tasting; and dinner from Club Mexicana, the much-loved vegan street food trader. Guests will get to take home their bottle of negroni syrup, a recipe book and a Square Root goodie bag. The team is giving all SheerLuxe VIPs 2-for-1 tickets for the masterclasses. Not yet a member? Sign up using the link below.
Earlham Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9LX; 9th, 15th, 22nd and 29th January
Visit SheerLuxeVIP.com
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