From street food (delicious) to London Cocktail Week and the release of Gone Girl (gripping), there's no excuse for staying in this weekend
Words by Helen Kelly
SHOPPING – Best of Britannia
Forget having to endure the business of Oxford Street this weekend. Instead head to Best of Britannia, a pop-up department store with a difference.
Every item on offer - from midi skirts to glass bowls, leather satchels and even bicycles has been made in Britain.
Tired from all that shopping? Not to worry, take a break and enjoy the delicious food and drink also on offer.
bestofbritannia.com, The Farmiloe Building, EC1M 4BE
FOOD – Bread St. Sessions
What do you get when you mix bold Korean ingredients with American diner classics? Mouth-watering sliders and pork ribs, of course.
Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street kitchen is collaborating with street food traders to serve you delicious and diverse dishes.
This week, it’s the turn of Busan BBQ and you won’t be disappointed.
gordonramsay.com, Bread Street Kitchen, EC4M 9AJ
FOOD – The Cake and Bake Show
Has Great British Bake Off made you want to have a crack at that old recipe book? If so, the Cake and Bake Show is the place to be this weekend.
Take a pastry class, watch a decorating demo, or listen to top chefs offer their baking tips and tricks, before tasting everything from bread to meringues.
Mouth watering? We thought so.
thecakeandbakeshow.co.uk, Earls Court One, SW5 9TA
FILM – Gone Girl
Adapted from the popular novel by Gillian Flynn, get wrapped up in the highly anticipated film version of Gone Girl.
When Amy Dunne goes missing, suspected dead on the day of her fifth wedding anniversary, all eyes are on husband Nick.
Directed by David Fincher who brought you The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and starring Rosamond Pike and Ben Affleck, you know it’s going to be intense.
ART – Portraits
Didn’t you know oil paints and photographed portraits are so last year? It’s all about the graffiti style portrait now.
The Graffiti Life Gallery has gathered a handful of talented artists to put an urban, contemporary spin on a number of portraits, including Henry VIII (yes, that’s right).
It’s art with a twist.
thegraffitilifegallery.co.uk, The Graffiti Life Gallery, E2 6EH
DRINK – London Cocktail Week
For one week, London’s finest bars are joining a celebration of the city’s cocktail culture.
From pop-ups to masterclasses, DJ sets and £4 cocktails, what’s not to love? Well, it gets better. Head to Seven Dials, where you can sip and shop after a long day at work or join a cocktail tour to finish the week in style.
londoncocktailweek.com, Various London locations
FESTIVAL – Elefest
How does a three-day festival of film, music, art and food sound?
Elefest is returning for it’s 12th year and celebrates the diverse, local communities around Elephant and Castle.
Be sure not to miss the solar-powered cinema and Maccabees DJ set. Guaranteed fun.
elefest.org, Various Elephant and Castle venues
EXHIBITION – Terror and Wonder: The Gothic Imagination
Take a trip over to the dark side at the British Library and explore all things gothic.
The mysterious and macabre genre, which has had a strong influence on fashion, film and art, is examined in a fascinating exhibition that features over two hundred rare gothic objects, including drafts of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Watch out for ghosts and ghouls.
bl.uk, The British Library, NW1 2DB
THEATRE - The Backstage Tour
You don’t want to miss ‘The Backstage Tour,’ which runs for one night only.
Based on the contemporary world of show business, art and celebrity culture, this satire is unlike any theatre production you’ve seen before.
It’s witty, full of suspense and will have you on the edge of your seat all night.
hoxtown.com, The Hoxton, Holborn WC1V 7BD
MUSIC – Vance Joy
Heard of James Keogh? If not, that’s because he goes by his stage name Vance Joy and this weekend the Australian singer is taking over the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
His stripped back performances, which are nothing short of beautiful are not to be missed, while his summery pop hit will have you singing along by the chorus.
o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, W12 8TT
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