Words by Charlotte Cox
Flowers in the sky, four-day birthday bashes and the Crystal blimmin’ Maze! Oh weekend, how you spoil us…
FILM: 10 Cloverfield Lane
So it always was that movie sequels would never live up to the original. But it seems director/producer JJ Abrams didn't get the memo. Because after the small matter of Star Wars: The Force Awakens (you may have heard of it) comes this, his surprise follow-up to 2008 monster cult classic Cloverfield. And it's good. REALLY good. In a claustrophobic, super-tense, three-people-stuck-in-a-bunker-after-a-'Really Bad Thing'-has-happened kind of a way. Oooh...
Out 18 March, cinemas nationwide
FOOD: Bobbi Brown Afternoon Tea at Balthazar
This new foodie experience is a beauty. Quite literally. Because Covent Garden brasserie Balthazar has looked to Bobbi Brown for inspiration for its new afternoon tea, taking the brand’s best-loved products and turning them into quirky confectionery. So Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner becomes a chocolate and blackberry sachertort; Shimmer Bricks become Champagne-infused rhubarb squares; and as for Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks? We have just one word for you: macaroons. YES. Throw in Bobbi’s Party Cocktail, a tequila/gingerbread liqueur combo, and this is one makeover we thoroughly approve of.
Until 29 September; £25-£35
Balthazar, 4-6 Russell Street, London WC2B 5HZ
POP-UP: The Crystal Maze
Will you start the fans, PLEASE! We guarantee that anyone who knows the significance of those words will a) have harboured a lifelong ambition to go to the Aztec Zone; b) be thinking that a primary-coloured boiler suit is actually a really good look; and c) be beside themselves at the prospect of this, London's immersive new pop-up. After all, it's your chance to go to the CRYSTAL MAZE! Yes, you can win crystals, meet Mumsie, grab gold and silver tokens, be treated to footage of Richard O Brien in his prime... But no, you must not mention Ed Tudor Pole. Got it? Good. To the Crystal Dome!
16 March-18 Sept; £50 pp
EXHIBITION: Floral Cascade at St Christopher’s Place
This weekend, we’re bringing you flowers. And not from the supermarket, either – this weekend, we’re bringing you flowers from THE SKY. Well, more accurately, floral artist Rebecca Louise Law is. Because for four days, fashion’s favourite florist (who has worked with Hermès, Jimmy Choo and Mulberry) is filling boutique shopping centre St Christopher’s Place with petals, installing a suspended spring veil that will shower you with flowers from above. What’s more, there will be flower-pressing masterclasses and 20% off shopping at selected stores. Blooming marvellous.
16-20 March; free
St Christopher's Place, London W1U 1ND
NIGHTLIFE: Number 90’s Birthday Weekender
How to celebrate a birthday, by canal-side Hackney venue Number 90: 1. Don’t settle for just a party. Have a Weekender, cramming superstar DJs, record label showcases, live art installations, limbo competitions and a ‘glitter camp’ into four huge days. 2. Add liberal amounts of specialist cocktails and craft beers. 3. Keep yourself sustained with succulent sliders, superfood dishes and Sunday lunches. 4. Have a piñata. Because you’ve got to have a piñata. 5. Invite EVERYONE.
17-20 March; free
Number 90, 90 Main Yard, Wallis Road, Hackney Wick
FOOD: Sosharu
Hello, our name is ELLE, and we are teppanyaki-holics. It’s been 10 days since our last yakitori… But there’s no chance of staying on the wagon now. Star chef Jason Atherton (Pollen Street Social, City Social, Social Eating House) has made sure of it. His eighth London restaurant, Sosharu, or ‘Social’ in Japanese (well, if you’ve got a theme…) is modelled on a Tokyo izikaya (gastropub) and serves up stunning dishes to match: tempura, temaki and yaki-grilled meats are all present and correct. There’s also a very swish cocktail bar right downstairs… Hey, if we couldn’t give up the sashimi, there’s no chance with the sake.
Now open
Sosharu, 64 Turnmill St, London EC1M 5RR
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