What To Do This Weekend 07.11.24

For the conclusion of Heckfield Place’s 2024 supper series, it has pulled out the big guns. Prolific chef and restaurateur Jackson Boxer – the creative mastermind behind Brunswick House and Orasay – will join Owen Seamark, head chef at Heckfield Place’s Hearth, for an evening of open-flame cooking, using the best produce from the venue’s biodynamic farm. There will be poached leeks served with crab, fried capers, brown butter and chamomile vinegar; roast chicken stuffed with pork and truffle farce alongside a leafy green salad; and grilled potatoes with mushroom hollandaise. The three-course menu is £95 a head, including a welcoming drink.

Heckfield, Hook, RG27 0LD; Thursday 14th November 

Visit HECKFIELDPLACE.COM 

The Royal Shakespeare Company and Wise Children's staging of Hanif Kureishi’s 1990 novel The Buddha of Suburbia at the Barbican is a vivid representation of what it was like for a mixed-race teenager growing up in London in the 1970s. Yet, its themes of class, sexuality, racism, and intersectionality resonate even more powerfully today. The play follows Karim, who is eager to escape the dullness of Beckenham to pursue a glittering life in the big city. Warm, lovable and supercharged, the play is full of relatable coming-of-age moments.

Beech Street, Barbican, EC2Y 8DS; until 16th November

Visit BARBICAN.ORG.UK

Luxe fragrance house Diptyque has teamed up with British artist Lucy Sparrow to create a holiday collection that will be available to shop during a takeover at its New Bond Street flagship. Over 2,000 exclusive felt creations – from charming Christmas decorations to larger statement pieces – will fill the space, each handmade in Sparrow’s iconic style.

107 New Bond Street, Mayfair, W1S 1ED

Visit DIPTYQUEPARIS.COM

Friend of SL Samantha Cusick is setting up a clothes and accessories thrift shop in her studio space. Joined by top names in the hairdressing and beauty world, such as Adam Reed, Zoe Irwin, Keeks Reid and Michelle Sultan, Samantha will be selling a range of vintage and luxury wardrobe pieces. Expect to shop brands like Balenciaga, Loewe and adidas. Tickets cost £10.

14-17 Old Broad Street, Bank, EC2N 1DW; Saturday 10th November

Visit STA-STUDIOS.COM

While Halloween may be over, spooky is a way of life for Tim Burton. The Design Museum is now hosting a major exhibition celebrating his whimsical, gothic films like Corpse Bride, Edward Scissorhands, Dark Shadows and Beetlejuice. The showcase goes beyond cinema, offering an up-close look at his work as an illustrator, painter, photographer and author, as well as some cool collaborations with costume designers. 

224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG; until 21st April

Visit DESIGNMUSEUM.ORG

Event season is fast approaching. If you’re looking to freshen up your partywear, Sister Jane is having a sample sale this Friday and Saturday at the Music Room in Mayfair. You’ll be able to browse a selection of past-season stock, including one-off samples and signature styles, with up to 75% OFF. Look out for pretty gingham maxi dresses and floral blouses, as well as relaxed two-pieces from sister brand Ghospell and premium line Dream Sister Jane.

58 Davies Street, Mayfair, W1K 5JF; Friday 8th & Saturday 9th November

Visit CHICMI.COM

For Remembrance Day this year, the Tower of London will come alive with Poppy Fields, an immersive sound and light show honouring both world wars and the lives that were lost. In partnership with Luxmuralis, Historic Royal Palaces will transform the fortress with projections of photographs, documents and artwork.

City of London, EC3N 4AB; 8th-16th November 

Visit HRP.ORG.UK

After finding success at its Canary Wharf outpost, Kricket is bringing its Sunday lunch offering to its flagship Brixton location. The menu makes the most of the group’s signature Anglo-Indian flavours – the pièce de résistance is a whole charcoal-grilled tandoori chicken. Swap the roasties for pink fir potatoes and the Yorkshire pudding for black garlic and dried chilli raita, and you’ll get an idea of the spread on offer. The bloody maharaja is a must-order.

41-45 Atlantic Road, Brixton, SW9 8JL

Visit KRICKET.CO.UK

Known for its vibrant, luxe-maximalist aesthetic, House Of Hackney is holding a sample sale from this Friday. Attendees can enjoy up to 70% OFF fabrics, wallpaper, cushions and candles – all in a wide range of signature prints. There’s no need to book a ticket, but a £2 entry fee will be donated to Hackney Foodbank, a charity that supports people living in the London borough.

The BOX, 4-6 Ram Place, Hackney, E9 6LT; 8th-14th November

Visit CHICMI.COM

In the run-up to Christmas, the National Theatre has a history of taking on a beloved children's classic. This year's show is Ballet Shoes, based on the 1936 book. The story follows three sisters – Pauline, Petrova and Posy – who turn to ballet to support themselves after their adopted father doesn’t return from an expedition. Under the watchful eyes of their guardians and some unexpected lodgers, they try to chase their dreams. But can they keep their family together in a world not built for ambitious girls? The cast features familiar faces like Pearl Mackie (Doctor Who) and Grace Saif (13 Reasons Why) with direction by Katy Rudd, known for her success with The Ocean at the End of the Lane at Duke of York’s Theatre.

South Bank, SE1 9PX; 23rd November-22nd February 

Visit NATIONALTHEATRE.ORG.UK

Nightwear and shirting brand If Only If is spending this week showcasing its full AW24 collection at a pop-up in Notting Hill. If you want to get ahead on your Christmas shopping, the range will feature nightdresses and accessories, including new homeware additions like quilts and hot water bottles. The team will also be hosting guest brands Bias Editions and Clove at Home. Look out for its festive workshop with cool stationers Scribble & Daub, taking place on Friday 8th November at 10.30am.

2 Blenheim Crescent, Notting Hill, W11 1NN: until 10th November

Visit IFONLYIF.CO.UK

Until the end of the month, Jo Malone London has transformed its Covent Garden store into an immersive Christmas pop-up. The gold-toned space sees visitors step through the entrance – which is framed by towers of presents – to try their luck on the prize wheel and step onto a festive-ready set for a photo moment. There’s also the opportunity to explore the brand’s festive scents and buy presents for everyone on your shopping list.

11 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8HN; until 24th November

Visit JOMALONE.CO.UK

This weekend sees the launch of the Cult Beauty Playground, an immersive beauty event filled with exciting products and experiences from the likes of Vieve, SIMIHAZE, Summer Fridays and Medik8. Designed to encourage experimentation, the Shoreditch activation allows guests to discover this winter’s most talked-about products, explore curated ‘edit boxes’ and have fun with the brand’s bespoke beauty vending machines. There will also be the chance to win prizes.

Protein Studios, 31 New Inn Yard, Shoreditch, EC2A 3EY; 9th-10th November

Visit CULTBEAUTY.CO.UK