What To Do This Weekend 13.2.25

Opening at the Garrick Theatre this week is a bold, funny and unfiltered new play. Nicola Walker and Stephen Mangan, who previously played a fractured couple in The Split, reunite to tackle another troubled relationship in Mike Bartlett’s latest work, Unicorn. Directed by James Macdonald – who helmed the acclaimed Cock revival – Walker and Mangan star as Polly and Nick, a couple attempting to spice up their marriage by inviting in a third, Erin Doherty’s Kate, into the mix. 

Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Road, West End, WC2H 0HH; until 26th April 

Visit UNICORNTHEPLAY.CO.UK

For three days only, With Love, Marilyn – an award-winning musical cabaret tribute to the iconic Marilyn Monroe – comes to Arches London Bridge. Celebrate the life, songs and magnetic charm of Hollywood’s ultimate star, as Sydney Smith Martin performs a stunning selection of Marilyn’s biggest hits, including ‘I Wanna Be Loved By You’ and ‘Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend’. Directed by Erin Sullivan, with new orchestrations by Broadway’s Henry Aronson (Rock Of Ages, Tommy), this show recreates the atmosphere of a dress rehearsal for a performance Marilyn never gave. 

8 Bermondsey Street, London Bridge, SE1 2ER; until 15th February

Visit MARILYNLONDONBRIDGE.CO.UK

If you're over the winter blues and craving a taste of warmer days, Kew Gardens has just the thing: the return of its beloved Orchid Festival. All this month, the garden will be transformed into a tropical paradise, showcasing one of the world’s largest botanical collections. This year’s festival celebrates the natural beauty of Peru, one of the planet’s most biodiverse countries. Don't miss the Orchids After Hours event to enjoy an evening in the glasshouse with entertainment from London-based artists, celebrating Peruvian music and culture.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE; until 1st March

Visit KEW.ORG

People love Big Mamma’s restaurants – not just for the food, but for the Insta-worthy, Italian-inspired interiors. Now, its charity flea market is back, taking over the terrace of Circolo Popolare in Fitzrovia this Sunday. From 9.30am, you’ll find a treasure trove of quirky Big Mamma goodies, from hand-painted Sicilian crockery to vintage Italian furniture and candles. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds will support Casa Italiana, London’s oldest Italian social club, which is facing closure. Tickets must be pre-booked.

Circolo Popolare, 40-41 Rathbone Place, Fitzrovia, W1T 1HX; 16th February 

Visit EVENTBRITE.COM

Carnaby’s lively pasta spot Pastaio has teamed up with supper club host Ana Da Costa for the latest instalment in its tiramisu series. Inspired by Ana’s famous Pandan Crack Pie, this twist on the classic features coffee-soaked savoiardi, pandan mascarpone cream and a dusting of pink raspberry powder. For every tiramisu sold, £1 goes to World Central Kitchen.

Pastaio, 19 Ganton Street, Carnaby, W1F 9BN; until 28th February

Visit PASTAIO.CO.UK

Still finalising your Valentine’s or Galentine’s plans? Angelina Dalston is popping up at The Columbia Hotel in Lancaster Gate for one night only on 14th February, marking both Valentine’s Day and the restaurant’s sixth anniversary. Set in the grand Bayswater Suite – a former opium house and Air Force officers club – the evening pairs live jazz from Ronnie Scott’s regulars Jazz Dynamos with a special four-course omakase menu bringing back some of Angelina’s most-loved dishes. The menu opens with nori, focaccia and shrimp nduja, followed by scallop with truffle soy butter and caviar. A bright dish of blood orange, radish and wakame leads into chicken karaage with red prawn, before truffle scarpinocc and ribeye with crab and daikon. Panettone with kinako rounds off the evening. The menu is £64 a head, with an optional £45 wine pairing.

95-99 Lancaster Gate, Paddington, W2 3NS; 14th February

Visit SEVENROOMS.COM

Joia is bringing rooftop romance to Battersea Power Station this weekend with a series of al fresco movie nights, following intimate suppers in the restaurant below. Start with Henrique Sá Pessoa’s standout Iberian dishes, from beef pica pau and glazed aubergine to arroz de marisco with bomba rice, red prawns, mussels and clams. Then head upstairs to snuggle up under the stars as The Notebook, Romeo & Juliet, Pretty Woman and Dirty Dancing play on the big screen. Tickets are £80 for a chair or £90 per person for a sofa for two, plus service charge.

Joia, Art'otel London Battersea Power Station, 15th Floor, 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, SW11 8BJ; until 16th February 

Visit  JOIABATTERSEA.CO.UK

Following the success of last year’s Hearth Supper Series at Heckfield Place, 20th February sees Max Rocha, chef-owner of London favourite Café Cecilia, join forces with Heckfield’s culinary director Skye Gyngell and Hearth’s head chef Owen Seamark. In celebration of Rocha’s new Café Cecilia Cookbook, guests are invited to an intimate evening at Hearth, Heckfield’s open-fire restaurant. The three-course menu (£95 per person) will showcase Rocha’s Irish roots alongside the finest seasonal produce from Heckfield’s organic Home Farm and biodynamic Market Garden.

Heckfield Place, Heckfield, Hook, RG27 0LD; 20th February

Visit HECKFIELDPLACE.COM

Scrambling for a last-minute Valentine’s Day plan? The Bloomsbury has relaunched its partnership with AIRE Ancient Baths, offering guests exclusive access to this luxurious spa as part of its AIRE Sanctuary in the City package. Perfect for couples, the experience includes a 90-minute rejuvenating bath session at AIRE, energising wellness drinks, in-room skincare from Malin + Goetz and an overnight stay at the hotel. Guests staying at The Bloomsbury can also enjoy an exclusive 15-minute massage upgrade when booking one of AIRE’s 45-minute restorative treatments, including the Ancient Relaxing Massage, Love Connection or Escape Together.

16-22 Great Russell Street, Fitzrovia, WC1B 3NN

Visit DOYLECOLLECTION.COM & BEAIRE.COM

Ixchel, the Mexican restaurant and tequila bar on the Kings Road, is launching the city’s first Mexican-style Sunday roast – a bold, flavour-packed twist on the tradition, perfected by chef Ximena and her team. Take your pick from: braised lamb shank, half-grilled chicken adobado or a mighty 450g T-bone steak marinated in chilli and coriander – great for sharing. Vegetarians are covered with roasted cauliflower in a rich vegetable jus with salsa macha. Plus, every dish comes fully loaded with crispy potatoes, roasted vegetables, queso fundido and mini corn jalapeño bread.

33H King's Road, Chelsea, SW3 4LX

Visit IXCHELLONDON.COM

Luxury fragrance house Diptyque is opening a new boutique in Canary Wharf – its first in the bustling business hub. The space takes its inspiration from a Parisian apartment, echoing the charm of Diptyque’s original boutique at 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain. An open-plan design invites visitors to explore, while celebrating the brand’s rich cultural and artisanal heritage. This Canary Wharf debut follows a string of successful 2024 openings, including Maison Diptyque on New Bond Street, plus new locations in Covent Garden and Marylebone High Street.

RP260, Cabot Place, Canary Wharf, E14 4QT

Visit DIPTYQUEPARIS.COM

For one night only, Greek-inspired spot GAIA is teaming up with French skincare brand Caudalie to make your evening extra special – every female guest will receive Caudalie’s iconic Beauty Elixir to mark the occasion. The Valentine’s Day menu is designed for sharing, with decadent dishes like oysters, tuna caviar, lobster Salad and GAIA’s signature chocolate mousse. The surprises don’t stop there. A limited-edition GAIA chocolate bar will be gifted to diners, with one lucky couple discovering a hidden golden ticket inside – winning a complimentary lunch or dinner at GAIA.

1 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, W1J 8NE; 14th February

Visit GAIA-RESTAURANTS.COM

The Portrait Restaurant by Richard Corrigan, in partnership with Searcys, is launching its Art & Champagne series – an exclusive blend of iconic art and exceptional champagne. Each event starts with a private, after-hours tour of the National Portrait Gallery, led by storyteller Daniel Hausherr. Then, it’s up to the restaurant for a champagne masterclass with Searcys’ expert Martin Dibben. Sip your way through a selection of top-tier bottles while discovering the secrets behind their flavours, from crisp and citrusy to rich and refined. First in the series? A Celebration of Love on Saturday 15th February – an evening of legendary love stories, sparkling wines crafted for romance and a toast to timeless passion.

National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, WC2H 0HE

Visit THEPORTRAITRESTAURANT.COM

This International Women’s Day, Wild by Tart is serving up a night of food, stories and inspiration. The evening will bring together some of the most exciting women in the food industry for a cause that matters. Expect a delicious, one-of-a-kind menu with each course created by the panellists and paired with wines from female-led vineyards, thanks to Graft Wine. As you dine, hear the personal stories behind each dish from culinary stars Ravneet Gill, Ravinder Bhogal, Noor Murad, Amelia Christie-Miller and host Gemma Bell. It’s more than just dinner – it’s a celebration of talent, resilience and the power of women in food. Plus, a portion of ticket sales will go to Smart Works, helping women across the UK get back into work with confidence.

3-4 Eccleston Yards, Belgravia, SW1W 9AZ; 6th March

Visit WILDBYTART.COM

This Valentine’s Day, cool venue The Social is turning up the heat with a special disco on Friday 14th February – and there’s a legend behind the decks. Plastician, a true pioneer of the UK underground, is back in the basement. From early dubstep and grime to UK funky, disco, 80s boogie, funk and hip-hop, his sets are always an unpredictable, high-energy ride. Whether you're out with your date or celebrating Galentine's with your friends, expect big tunes, top vibes and plenty of grooves to keep you dancing until 1am. 

5 Little Portland Street, Soho, W1W 7JD; 14th February 

Visit THESOCIAL.SEETICKETS.COM

To mark the release of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Gü is bringing a heartwarming experience to the heart of London. Inspired by Bridget’s ultimate dream guy, Mark Darcy, visitors to the mirrored billboard will be greeted with personalised, heartfelt compliments drawn from the beloved franchise. And to make it even sweeter, you can enjoy full-sized samples of Gü’s indulgent Zillionaire Cheesecake. 

Arch 195, Dirty Lane, Borough Yards, SE1 9AD; 15th February 

Visit GUDESSERTS.COM

Warm, elegant and cosy, Motcombs in St John’s Wood is a great pick for a Valentine’s dinner. For the occasion, head chef Rafal Novak has curated a three-course tasting menu. Start the evening with a lobster bisque amuse bouche, followed by your choice of king prawns in kataifi pastry, duck breast with fig brûlée and sweet potato gnocchi. Finish on a sweet note with a dulce de leche cheesecake with clotted cream. The spot’s in-house sommelier will be on hand to suggest the perfect wine pairings. To ramp up the romance, Motcombs has also partnered with Blossom Atelier to create stunning floral displays and a live band will set the mood with a romantic soundtrack throughout the evening. The menu is £65 per person.

Motcombs St John’s Wood, 3 Circus Road, NW8 6NX; Until 15th February 

Visit MOTCOMBSRESTAURANTS.CO.UK

This February, Claridge’s and Hotel Il Pellicano have joined forces to bring a taste of Tuscany to Mayfair with a week-long residency at Claridge’s Restaurant. Chef Michelino Gioia and his team will serve up Italian classics using the finest Tuscan ingredients, while barman Federico Morosi mixes up his iconic cocktails. Expect dishes like Maremma-style ravioli, shrimp risotto with ginger and lime, veal cheek with chianti sauce and turbot with stuffed escarole and anchovy sauce. Of course, no meal is complete without tiramisu to finish. For the ultimate aperitivo, the bar menu features Morosi’s signature cocktails, including the Teller Negroni, Pelican Martini and the Dana Patsy Spritzer.

Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR; until 22nd February

Visit CLARIDGES.CO.UK