March

March is an exciting month as there is lot’s going on, the days are getting longer and sunnier with spring on the horizon. It’s time to get outside and embrace the warmer weather. To help inspire you we have a round up on all the different things to get up to this month in and around London.

Tom Daley’s Banana and Blueberry Pancakes

5th March - Pancake Day

Have your frying pans at the ready because Pancake Day is just around the corner. If you’re looking to perfect your pancake toss at home or venture out to explore some yummy treats check out the previous blog post for inspiration. If you live in the Greenwich area of you fancy a good giggle, check out the Flippin’ Good Pancake races at Greenwich market on the 2nd and 5th March. For more info just click here.

7th-10th March - The Affordable Art Fair - Battersea

The Affordable Art Fair returns to Battersea Park this month. Whether you know your Hockney’s from your Hirst’s, or are simply looking to dip your toe into the world of contemporary art. Friendly, expert gallerists will be on hand to help you choose the perfect piece to suit your space, taste and spend. Discover an array of original artworks from their curated collection of living artists, all priced between £100 and £6,000, and find that perfect piece to bring your home to life! For info click here.

WOW Festival

8th March - International Women’s Day - WOW Festival at the Southbank.

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. To mark the day why not attend WOW festival.

WOW festivals began in the UK in 2010, launched by Kelly at Southbank Centre London, where she was Artistic Director, to celebrate women and girls, taking a frank look at what prevents them from achieving their potential, raising awareness globally of the issues they face and discussing solutions together.

This year WOW presents an incredible line-up of events to mark the launch of The WOW Foundation and begin the countdown to 2020 – the 10th anniversary of WOW. The programme includes two very special conversations, including on Friday 8 March – International Women’s Day – with Angela Davis, and with Naomi Klein on Saturday 9 March, as well as two full afternoons: WOW: What Now? and WOW: What Next? led by Jude Kelly – and more. For more info and tickets click here. Source: Wow Festival Southbank.

Source - Blue Plant II at the O2.

17th March - St Patricks Day

On the 17th March it is St Patricks Day, the pubs will be full to the brim and the rugby will be on. But if you want to do something a bit different why not check out what is happening at the O2 on the 17th March. We were all obsessed by Blue Planet II and now you can relive the best bits of the action as the show is going on a UK concert tour and it hits Londons O2 this St Paddy’s Day. Stunning film sequences from the series will be screened alongside the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra playing live, featuring music by Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea and David Fleming for Bleeding Fingers Music. And if you thought the programme looked epic on your telly, just wait until you get a look at it on the state-of-the-art 200sqm 4K Ultra HD LED screen…it’s going to be epic. For more info and tickets just click here.

The London Coffee Festival

The London Coffee Festival- 28th-31st March

Returning for 2019, the London Coffee Festival is the UK’s largest coffee and artisan food event, a celebration of London's vibrant coffee culture featuring gourmet coffee, speciality tea, artisan food, demonstrations from world-class baristas, live music and a comprehensive ‘lab’ seminar programme that will educate even the keenest of coffee lovers. 

The festival is once again the flagship event of UK Coffee Week. Highlights include the Latte Art Live workshops where you can learn to craft milky masterpieces, home barista workshops and a brand-new multi-sensory, guided and meditative coffee tasting experience. For info click here. Source - London Coffee Festival

The Gloria

With the warmer weather and longer evenings just around the corner, it’s time to get out of hibernation and explore again. It’s also Mother’s Day on the 31st so if you’re looking somewhere new to treat your mum look no further. Here are our top picks of restaurants and bars to check out this month.

The Gloria - We all have dreams and fantasies. Today, one of our wildest ones at Big Mamma is coming true (spoiler: it’s not taking pizza to the moon ). Since the beginning, we’ve always wanted to open in London, the most exciting city with the craziest vibe.
So meet Gloria, a 172-seat traditional Italian trattoria in the middle of Shoreditch.
Joyful and lush by day, it also gets funky with a buzzing atmosphere and house made playlists.

For info and reservations click here.

EartH Kitchen

EartH Kitchen - Earth kitchen is situated in the recently launched music and arts venue Earth (Evolutionary Arts Hackney), a former art deco cinema in Dalston’ bustling Stoke Newington road.

The kitchen was established by Auro Foxcroft, founder of Village Underground and EartH, and Chris Gillard, who previously helmed the St. John Group as Executive Chef.

EartH Kitchen reflects Head Chef Chris’ passion for using the best available ingredients in line with the changing seasons. Restaurant Manager Toni Castillo, also formerly of St. John, will be running the floor and curating the wine list with a European focus, while the cocktail list will make the most of seasonal ingredients.

For more info and reservations click here.

BBQ Dreamz

BBQ Dreamz - Fresh from their triumph on My Million Pound Menu, where they secured investment from Draft House founder Charlie McVeigh, street food faves BBQ Dreamz will be popping up at MEATLiquor Kings Cross for a six-week residency. The 11-course tasting menu will consist of dishes that featured on the show, including grilled satay duck hearts (in homage to co-founder Lee Johnson’s auntie who runs a skewer stall back in the Philippines), their signature lechon kawali, adobo glazed chicken wings with lime aioli, and sour papaya noodle salad, with calamansi lime-spiked Bloody Marys on offer too (plus other drinks from the MEATLiquor bar). For more info click here.

DND

DND — Do Not Disturb. Is the cocktail bar hidden in the basement of the Vintry and Mercer Hotel in the City of London — it is the place for a clandestine drink in the City. Hand-beaded images of Ziegfeld Follies girls line the walls, beckoning guests into this secret bar through a darkened entrance tucked back on Garlick Hill.

February

You may be suffering the winter blues but we have a hit list of things to do this month that is sure to lift your mood.  It may be the shortest month but its jammed packed. From Super Bowl parties, Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, new exhibitions and festivals there is plenty of fun to get stuck into…

Chinese New Year London

The Year of the Pig

Marking the turn of the lunar year, the Chinese New Year has been celebrated for centuries in China. Also known as Spring Festival and Lunar New Year around the world, this colourful celebration starts on the last day of the last month in the Chinese lunar calendar and ends on the 15th day of the first month with the spectacular Lantern Festival.

In 2019, Chinese New Year falls on 5th February and celebrates the Year of the Pig. The main Chinese New Year events take place in London’s Chinatown, the West End and Trafalgar Square on 10th February. to find out more info click here.

The Valentine’s Party

The Valentine’s Party

After an alternative Valentines Day this year? Why not escape to a surreal and exotic underground society where madness and love collide, for a bohemian party overflowing with drinking and debauchery. Safe from prying eyes, guests will be welcomed into a seductive bordello, complete with a roster of outrageous performances, wayward rogues and beautiful temptresses. Enter a whispering world designed to feed your fantasies, and be snared by seduction and allured by intimacy in the ultimate lavish setting. As the clock chimes midnight, lost hearts and souls will meet on the dance floor in the Ballroom of Romance where infatuation, obsession and eccentricity intertwine. Throughout the night, entertainment will include risqué burlesque, theatrical performances, live bands, masquerade dances and sensory, interactive visual delights. So don your finest attire and come join and celebrate the darker side of love where scandal and desire are the order of the day.  For more info and tickets click here.

The Heartbreak Hotel

Heartbreak Hotel, a week-long festival in east London, will explore the many aspects of heartbreak, including self care and the journey back to love.

Exploring the reality of heartbreak and understanding it as a collective experience, Heartbreak Hotel Festival is the very first of its kind. Taking place from February 8th to February 14th, you can expect an array of visual art; from installations and photography, to spoken word and drag and burlesque performances. For more info and tickets click here.

V&A

Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams

Something for the fashion lovers out there.

"There is no other country in the world, besides my own, whose way of life I like so much. I love English traditions, English politeness, English architecture. I even love English cooking." Christian Dior

Spanning 1947 to the present day, this exhibition will trace the history and impact of one of the 20th century’s most influential couturiers, exploring the enduring influence of the fashion house, and Dior’s relationship with Britain. To find out more info and tickets click here. FYI, tickets are selling fast so be quick to book your chance to see this stunning exhibition.

Kew Gardens

Orchids: Celebrate the colour of Colombia

Escape the dreary winter with Kew's annual festival of orchids. 

This year, Kew are celebrating Colombia, the world's most biodiverse country, through a spectacular ensemble of orchid-laden displays along a curated route.

Their flagship display is a carnival of animals, depicting a toucan in flight, a hanging sloth and a swimming turtle. They will bring to life the breath-taking rainbow river Caño Cristales and Colombia's incredible forests - complete with life-sized jaguar!

A surprise around every corner, you'll spot hundreds of colourful butterflies suspended from the glass ceiling and a floating golden-yellow display to honour the legend of El Dorado. 

Colombia has 4,270 species of orchids alone. Together with its sprawling landscape of tropical beaches to snow-capped mountains, Colombia is the perfect inspiration for our vibrant festival.  For more info and tickets click here.

RE:IMAGINE

Get out and dance this February.

REIMAGINE is known for it's mind-blowing revisits of classic albums, with your favourite records being interpreted by a 16-piece orchestra. February sees two hip-hop goliaths getting the REIMAGINE treatment as Dre's '2001' and Biggie's 'Read To Die' get outings on the XOYO stage. Set to be two of the best events in London in February, you won't want to miss out.  For info and tickets click here.

Super Bowl Party at the Clapham Grand

Super Bowl LIII

Home to the BIGGEST SUPER BOWL screening in London for the last 10 years, 2019 is no different! 

Catch every moment on the biggest HD Screen in London - 24ft wide to be exact - along with two 8ft x 6ft HD screens and six 50 inch plasma tv’s thrown in for good measure too. Trust us, there isn’t anywhere where you can’t see a screen and be part of the action!

Combine this with a vast array of standing and seating options across the main auditorium, VIP Boxes and Balcony Bar and you have the ideal location for all your viewing needs. For more info and tickets click here.

Kalifornia Kitchen - CBD Latte

You may have seen our interview with Chloe co-founder of The London Botanists back in January. As we explore CBD oil and how it can be incorporated into our day to day life. We wanted to suggest a few London hot spots where you can try some CBD oil infused treats.

1. Kalifornia Kitchen

2. Glow Bar Ldn

3. Farmacy - High Tea

January

Happy New Year! We love this time of year! With a fresh start and renewed optimism, we have a feeling 2019 is going to be even better than 2018. As we wrap up the festive season and get stuck into winter, we have some great suggestions of what you can get up to. Whether you’re off the booze for dry January, looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle or you just want to explore some new spots we’ve got some great ideas for you.

Secret Cinema

Secret Cinema - Sign up quick

We love secret cinema - their lastest offering is Casion Royale. The first round of tickets might have sold out but they’re releasing more in the new year. So sign up to be the first to get your hand on them. Not sure what to expect ? Well …

The world of espionage has changed and they need your help more than ever. Should you accept, you will receive your mission briefing, including; alias, target location and further classified information. Are you ready to enter a world of high stakes, sophistication and deception? Operate in the shadows or be in the heart of the action where the risks are great, but the rewards are greater. The time has come to find out if you have what it takes.

Lino

Lino - New spot to check out

Housed in a converted Linoleum factory in the square mile, Lino are taking a new approach to drinking and dining in the city. They re-use, re-love and re-imagine. From salvaged light fittings to sustainably sourced materials – they give overlooked pieces a chance to shine. They bake, ferment, pickle and cure onsite. They mix old classics and shake up new combinations. They make the most of seasonal shrubs, herbs, fruits and veg - everything they serve is inspired by what’s available.

Alcotraz

Escape Alcotraz

Inspired by Hollywood Movies and TV that have brought to life America’s most infamous prison, Alcotraz is London's first immersive theatrical cocktail bar. From the orange jumpsuits upon entrance, to the real metallic cells, Alcotraz becomes the perfect backdrop to enjoy a drink within an epic yet intimate environment. When convicted to Alcotraz, inmates are taken into an exciting world of mischief as they are instructed by notorious bootlegger, Clyde Cassidy to smuggle-in liquor to be used to make delicious, bespoke cocktails. You won’t find a set menu of drinks here…after all, it is prison! Alcotraz creates a range of tailored cocktails every night based on the liquor you bring and your tastes. Just make sure The Warden doesn’t catch you. Luckily, our Guards are on your side and have creative ways of hiding contraband.

Lose your mind in a million balls

The incredible Ballie Ballerson is like no other bar you’ve ever been to. A world famous venue featuring over ONE MILLION balls, it will magic you right back to the fun of the playground like a ball pit time machine. Whether you’re being a baller in our VIP section, drinking Dibbie Dabbersons on the dance floor, or making a name for yourself in one of the ball pits, it’s an experience that will keep you smiling for hours and have your Insta feed begging for more.

The nudge

Open fire realness

Nothing beats an open fire at this time of year. And if you don’t have one of your own, why not head out and explore some great pubs that have roaring fires at the ready. The Nudge has put together a list of pubs across the capital to check out. Find the perfect spot to warm up in after an afternoon walk in some London’s parks. A couple of our favourites are Richmond Park and Primrose Hill.

Design Museum

Learn a new skill - how to make fermented and naturally preserved foods with artist and food-designer Inês Neto dos Santos.

Can eating bring us closer to our bodies? Can it help us engage with the world? What can it teach us about who we are, where we come from or where we’re going?

Led by artist and food-designer Inês Neto dos Santos, this one-day workshop provides a hands-on introduction to the art of fermentation and other natural preserving methods. Over the course of the day, you will be introduced to the history, health benefits and methods of these techniques, before using a range of ingredients to create your own edible stories to take away at the end of the workshop.

Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the Design Museum’s current exhibition Home Futures and to learn more about Inês’ ongoing project Fermen-Tour.

Pscyle

Get in gear for 2019

Psycle is a premium boutique fitness brand that offers a collection of class based workouts across London. Their immersive, energetic workouts are designed to help clear your mind and transform your body alongside a passionate community of like-minded individuals. With four different workouts and a team of highly knowledgeable instructors, Psycle classes harness the transformative power of movement to help every individual optimise their fitness and wellbeing.