What To Do This Weekend 27.02.25

Many have taken on Chekhov’s The Seagull, but few have nailed it. However, the play is in capable hands with this new adaptation by Duncan Macmillan (People, Places & Things) that’s directed by Thomas Ostermeier (An Enemy of the People). The duo promise to deliver a fresh take on the timeless themes of vanity, power and artistic sacrifice. Cate Blanchett returns to the stage as Arkadina, a celebrated actress whose larger-than-life presence dominates both the spotlight and her personal life. The cast is star-studded, with Tom Burke as her writer lover Trigorin, and Emma Corrin as the infatuated young actress Nina.  

Silk Street, Barbican, EC2Y 8DS; until 5th April  

Visit THESEAGULLPLAY.CO.UK 

Famed for its exquisite materials and distinctive designs, Fermoie is a staple in every top interior designer's little black book. If you're planning a home refresh, now's the perfect time – the brand is having a clear-out to make way for its 2025 collections. Head to Battersea Arts Centre for an exclusive fabric and accessories sale, with over 500 rolls of studio trials, end-of-line pieces and overruns at up to 70% OFF – plus ex-display and photoshoot curtains, archived cushions and lampshades ripe for the picking. 

Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, Battersea, SW11 5TN; 1st-2nd March 

Visit FERMOIE.COM 

Joining the ranks of local favourites like Milk Beach, Carmel, and the buzzing new kid on the block, Don’t Tell Dad, Pyrá is the latest star in Queen’s Park’s ever-evolving dining scene. At the helm is head chef Mattia Caddeo bringing a bold, fresh spin on Mediterranean cuisine. Inspired by the flavours of Greece and Spain, Pyrá blends fire-grilled specialities with tapas-style sharing plates, all served up in a warm, stylish setting. Expect dishes like grilled octopus skewers, veal chop with a rosemary crust, paella arancini, pil pil prawns, stuffed peppers and Basque beef short rib. And for a show-stopping centrepiece? Choose from a whole leg of lamb (pre-order 24 hours ahead), whole sea bass baked in a salt crust or a mighty 1kg Galician ribeye on the bone. Desserts are just as indulgent and made for sharing — think Ferrero Rocher baklava and a rich Basque cheesecake for two. 

A-8A, Lonsdale Road, Queen’s Park, NW6 6RD 

Visit PYRALONDON.COM 

In a setting straight out of an Agatha Christie novel, guests can now get stuck into a murder mystery on board the British Pullman. Travelling back to the 1930s, guests are invited to experience One Way Ticket – a thrilling adventure created in partnership with Private Drama Events. Your journey begins at Victoria station, where the iconic vintage carriages await. From the moment you step inside, champagne in hand, you’ll be swept into an era of luxury. As you indulge in a five-course lunch paired with fine wines, the plot begins to twist. Whispers ripple through the carriage, tensions simmer and danger hides behind every corner. Can you crack the case before dessert is served? If you miss this one, more murder mystery journeys are just around the corner.  

Victoria Station, Victoria, SW1V 1JU; 28th February 

Visit BELMOND.COM 

James Graham is the playwright everyone’s talking about. Early last year, he scored another hit in his near hometown of Nottingham with Punch, a gripping true story of violence and redemption that has transferred to the Young Vic. Based on Jacob Dunne's book Right from Wrong, the play follows Jacob, who kills a promising young paramedic with a single punch, and his victim’s bereaved parents as they help him turn his life around. With sensational reviews from Nottingham, this powerful tale highlights the devastating consequences of one reckless moment. 
 
Young Vic, 66 The Cut, Waterloo, SE1 8LZ; until 26th April  
 
Visit YOUNGVIC.ORG 

Chef residencies may be popping up all over the capital, but this new East London spot is one to watch. Câv – the brainchild of Chris Tanner (Dram) and Edwin Frost (Oranj) – opens this weekend, taking over the former Japanese Canteen space. Blending cocktail bar cool with a rotating kitchen residency, it promises a bold, ever-evolving dining experience. First up is Tasca, a nod to Portugal and Spain led by chef Josh Dallaway (of Bruno and Oranj fame) and sommelier Sinead Murdoch. The menu offers playful twists on Iberian classics, including the jambon beurre gilda, pork and prawn cachorrinho (Porto’s classic hotdog) and the indulgent bikini – a Barcelona-inspired brioche sandwich stuffed with tomme de chevre cheese and Iberico ham, drizzled with smoked maple syrup and served with salted goat’s milk ice cream. The wine list is forward-thinking – 80% female-founded and with half the bottles hailing from Portugal and Spain. Sinead champions winemakers using sustainable farming methods, with natural and low-intervention wines taking centre stage. 

255 Paradise Row, Bethnal Green, E2 9LE 

Follow  @TASCA.LONDON & @CAV255.LONDON 

Step back into F Scott Fitzgerald’s tale of flamboyance, excess and yearning love with the Tony award-winning musical now on a limited run at the London Coliseum. Fresh from its sell-out success on Broadway, and produced by acclaimed Korean musical producer Chunsoo Shin, it will transport audiences back to elusive millionaire Jay Gatsby’s Long Island mansion and its riotous parties, with rip-roaring dance numbers, and a jazz and pop-influenced score.

London Coliseum, St Martin's Lane, West End, WC2N 4ES; 11th April-7th September

Visit LONDONGATSBY.COM 

Just a short trip from London, Heckfield Place has firmly established itself as a dining destination worth knowing. This weekend, in partnership with Morningside Music Bridge, it presents a wholesome afternoon of classical music – imagine a soulful blend of fine dining and world-class performance. Morningside Music Bridge is a global platform for exceptional young musicians, bringing together talent from across the world. Six of its rising stars – Timothy Chooi and Zofia Olesik on violin, Emad Zolfaghari on viola, Maciej Kulakowski on cello and Lukasz Byrdy on piano – will take to the stage to perform beloved classical pieces, including works by Carlos Gardel, Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann. Tickets are £165 and include a welcome glass of sparkling Heckfield Reserve or cordial, another during the interval, and a three-course dinner in the Assembly Room, accompanied by half a bottle of wine per guest.

Heckfield Place, Hook, RG27 0LD; 2nd March 

Visit HECKFIELDPLACE.COM 

Pull&Bear has landed at Selfridges with an exclusive pop-up, spotlighting limited-edition collections crafted in collaboration with two of the British Fashion Council NEWGEN’s rising stars – Chet Lo and Johanna Parv. Part of the Canvas for Creativity initiative, the pop-up fuses innovation, streetwear and high fashion, offering around 30 striking pieces – from Chet Lo’s futuristic pleats and bold structures to Johanna Parv’s urban-functional designs with a transformative twist. Catch the collections on Selfridges’ third floor, while they last.

400 Oxford Street, W1C 1JS; until 3rd March

Visit PULLANDBEAR.COM & SELFRIDGES.COM

Yoxman at Wilderness Reserve is back for its 2025 season in Suffolk. From Friday 7th to Monday 10th March, guests are invited to an exclusive dining experience set on the 8,000-acre estate, alongside some of the world’s most celebrated Michelin-starred chefs. This spring, culinary heavyweights Simon Rogan, Nathan Davies and Dan Cox take centre stage, curating an immersive weekend of extraordinary gastronomy. Your ticket unlocks a full programme of events – from a sparkling champagne reception and a lavish gala dinner to intimate moments mingling with the chefs. Expect Michelin-starred meals and luxury downtime at the Wilderness Bamford spa.

Wilderness Reserve, Suffolk; 7th-10th March

Visit YOXMAN.COM

Ottolenghi’s right-hand woman and flavour maverick, Ixta Belfrage, is teaming up with Rambutan for the next chapter of Rambutan & Cousins – a one-off dinner series celebrating London’s vibrant cooking with a Sri Lankan twist. For one night only, Ixta will blend her Brazilian roots with the bold flavours of Sri Lanka in a specially curated set menu (£60pp). Expect standout dishes like goraka-grilled pork with jaffna moqueca sauce, tropical lagoon prawns with plantain and prawn oil and a zingy green papaya salad with ripe papaya vinaigrette. 

10 Stoney Street, Borough Market, SE1 9AD; 2nd March

Visit RAMBUTANLONDON.COM