What To Do This Weekend 13.02.21

GET INTO THE VALENTINE’S MOOD: To All The Boys: Always & Forever

The third – and final – instalment of this popular romantic comedy hits Netflix on Friday night – just in time for the most romantic day of the year. This time around, senior year of high school takes centre stage as Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) returns from a family trip to Korea and considers her college plans – with and without her long-time love Peter (Noah Centineo). From the trailer, we’ve already seen Peter has been accepted to Stanford, and Lara Jean is waiting for her results. But during a class trip to New York, she begins to see herself heading there for university instead. At the end of the sneak peek, it's revealed Lara Jean didn't get into Stanford after all. So, what will happen to cinema’s favourite couple? 

Available on Netflix from 12th February

BOOK A FRONT ROW SEAT TO SOME WORLD-CLASS BALLET: La Fille Mal Gardée

Available to stream until 28th February 2021, Frederick Ashton's La Fille mal gardée (The Wayward Daughter) is one of the choreographer's most joyous and colourful creations. Inspired by his love for the Suffolk countryside, the ballet is set on a farm and tells a story of love between Lise, the daughter of Widow Simone, and Colas, a young farmer. Performed here by Natalia Osipova and Steven McRae of the Royal Ballet, you’ll be able to enjoy elements of national folk dance, from dancing chickens and a maypole dance to the famous Lancashire clog dance performed by Philip Mosley. Available to watch on demand, and at close to two hours in length, a ticket will set you back just £2.50. 

Visit ROH.org.uk 

TREAT YOURSELF WITH: Napoli Gang

From the same team behind Gloria Trattoria and Circolo Popolare, Napoli Gang is launching a one-off special to celebrate Valentine’s Day. For one day only, on the 14th February, you can treat yourself and your partner to a tangy and crispy lemon pie, topped with a layer of pink meringue. The perfect indulgence after a meal of burrata stuffed with basil pesto; crispy arancini balls filled with truffle and mozzarella; and the brand’s famous pizzas, everyone who places an order will also find complimentary condoms included in their delivery. 

Available on UberEats and NapoliGang.co.uk

REVIST THIS MODERN CLASSIC: Bridget Jones’ Diary – Anniversary Edition

Winner of the 1997 British Book of the Year, Bridget Jones went on to become a multi-million copy selling international phenomenon and spawn three blockbuster movies. But it’s still hard to believe the original novel turns 25 this year. To celebrate, publisher Pan Macmillan has released this new version of the much-loved classic, complete with additional extracts from Helen's early journalism, a selection of the original Independent newspaper columns and hilarious restaurant reviews featuring the real-life inspirations for Jude, Shazzer, Auntie Una, Mum and Daniel Cleaver. 

Available here

INDULGE IN SOME VALENTINE’S COCKTAILS: Coupette 

East-end bar Coupette has created a bespoke cocktail hamper and teamed up with Beam Suntory to devise three resplendent bottled cocktails, just in time to elevate your at-home Valentine’s Day. Priced at £27, the kit comes complete with an Apricot & Tea, a Rhurbarb & White Chocolate and Strawberry & Rose pre-mixed cocktail. If you want to take things to the next level, Coupette have also put together the ultimate Valentine’s hamper. Costing £40, you’ll receive a 20cl bottle of Moet Chandon, two champagne flutes, a teddy bear, a rose, a couple of coasters, chocolate hearts and a special edition 350ml bottled Strawberry Adonis cocktail. Great for a last-minute surprise.

Visit CoupetteShop.com

TAKE A TOUR OF THIS LONDON ART EXHIBITION: Emma Cousins at White Cube

Available to view online until 9th March 2021, Bermondsey gallery White Cube has put its exhibition of work from figurative painter Emma Cousin online. As part of the gallery’s Introductions series, you’ll be able to view a range of Cousin’s figurative paintings, featuring dynamic, carnivalesque scenarios that explore the space between realism and fantasy, felt experience and communication. Responding to the limitations of language when used to articulate the complexities of human experience and emotions, Cousin considers how we might interact without it, in pre- or post-linguistic states. Those looking for more should check out the other online exhibition with Rachel Kneebone, available until 14th March 2021.

Visit WhiteCube.com  

CATCH THIS HYPED-UP NEW RELEASE: Soulmates

People are raving about dystopian show Soulmates – the cast of which includes some familiar names, including Charlie Heaton (Stranger Things) and Sarah Snook (Succession). Set 15 years into the future, science had made a discovery that changes everyone’s lives – a way to find your soulmate. People who want to need only take one simple test to be met with one of three responses. The first is who their soulmate is – which offers them the chance to pursue that person – the second tells them their soulmate hasn’t ‘tested’ yet, while the third – devastating – option informs them their soulmate is no longer around. Thankfully – or rather, not – there’s an ominous church claiming to be able to help those whose soulmates have already passed on. Made up of just six episodes, each will tell a story about the cost of finding true love. Chilling. 

Available to watch on Amazon Prime now

BOOK INTO THIS VIRTUAL WELLNESS EVENT: February Within Virtual Retreat

February Within is the first online experience from Retreat Within – a three-day virtual event exploring stillness, wisdom and magic. Cultivated to take place under February’s new moon, the programme will guide you through a range of experiences – think tea ceremonies, sound bathing, crystal healing and more, all from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a quiet and comfortable space. Brought to you by Jasmin Harsono of Emerald x Tiger and Natasha Anderson of Higher Self, they’ll seek to create space and clarity for attendees, as well as the chance to rebalance their wellbeing under the energies of the new moon. A portion of ticket profits will go to Centrepoint, too, a charity that aims to end youth homelessness in the UK.

Visit RetreatWithin.co

DOWNLOAD A NEW PODCAST: On My Last Eggs 

Rachel New is literally on her last eggs – translation, she’s in the wild throws of perimenopause like millions of other women around the world. In this ground-breaking podcast, she lifts the lid on the messy, confusing journey, with the help of experts and conversations with other menopausal celebrities along the way. Having only launched last month, this new show is only four episodes in – giving you ample chance to catch up before new episodes are released every Monday. It’s worth starting from the beginning to, if just to hear The London Clinic gynaecologist Amanda Tozer explain the difference between perimenopause and menopause, and what exactly women should expect. 

Listen here

LEARN FROM EXPERTS IN THE ARTS: Bush Theatre Masterclasses

The Bush Theatre has announced two new masterclasses offering an insight into theatre by leading practitioners Trish Cooke, Nathan Bryon and Katie Mitchell. Participants will be able to attend the online masterclasses from the comfort of their home via Zoom, with the sessions aiming to develop skills in writing and directing for all levels and abilities. This Thursday at 5pm, Trish Cooke and Nathan Bryon will lead Writing in Different Forms to share their tips on writing for the theatre, while Katie Mitchell will host An Introduction to Directing on 25th February at 3pm. Here, attendees will pick up some of the basic skills necessary for theatre directing, as well as guidance through the steps a director take from getting job to the final performance. Online tickets are now on sale via the Bush Theatre box office and are priced at £20. 

Visit BushTheatre.co.uk