Lucian Freud Exhibition – National Portrait Gallery

In terms of the art world, 2012 got off to a cracking start. First up was the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition at the National Gallery, followed closely by the David Hockney at the Royal Academy (which is still on until 9th April). But team ELLEuk is most excited about the wonderful exhibition of the late Lucian Freud. The National Portrait Gallery has curated over 100 of his works which, drawn from museums and private collections from all over the world, will take over the whole ground floor of the gallery. Spanning more than 70 years, the collection ranges from his most famous works and signature portraits, which are breathtaking to see up close, to many which have never been shown before.

Tickets are £14 and can be booked here.

Address: St Martin’s Place, London, WC2H 0HE

Pick Me Up Graphics/Illustration fair – Somerset House

No sooner has Somerset House finished with London Fashion Week, than it’s turning around to get ready to showcase more great talent in the capital. March 22nd will see the opening of its third annual 'Pick Me Up' graphics and illustration fair: some of the artists showing will be the Print Club London (who'll be talking people through the whole journey of the print process) and the People of Print, who’ll be setting up hands-on workshops, while YCN will also be relocating their Rivington Street shop. Whether you’re exhibiting, browsing or buying, though, you certainly won’t leave without a ton of inspiration.

Address: Strand, London, WC2R 1LA

Mother’s Day – Macdonald Bath Spa

Here’s a date to put in your diary this month: Sunday 18th March – Mother’s Day. If this year you fancy treating your mum to something really special, the Macdonald Bath Spa are offering a special three-course Mother's Day lunch for £27.50 each in the Vellore restaurant. With two AA rosettes under their belt, a host of subtly flavoured classic dishes on the menu and elegant, neo-classical surroundings, it'll definitely be a meal you won’t forget. If you can make a weekend of it, then the hotel also a multi-million pound refurbished spa to check out and 129 stylish suites (some of which come with their own butler). And that’s all before you’ve hit the boutique shopping in Bath itself...

Read our full review of the Macdonald Bath Spa

Jugged Hare – Chiswell Street

To our minds, there’s always room for another gastro pub in London, and this is one that we're really excited to try out. Brothers Ed and Tom are opening the doors to the Jugged Hare on Monday 12th March. The menu will include the likes of suckling pig, spring lamb, haunch of venison and seasonal, game, meat and fish served up in gorgeous, Grade II-listed surroundings, with antique whisky barrel tables, light fittings by Tom Dixon and its own walk-in wine room. If it’s a touch more glamour that you’re after, then March 3rd sees the complete revamping of the bar at Hawksmoor Spitalfield. The original steak restaurant just got even more upmarket with some seriously cool design features such as dark wood tabletops taken from old chemistry labs, a polished brass wall, brass caged ship lights and lots of deep blue leather. All in all, for epicures, east London has got it sussed.

Address: The Jugged Hare - No.49 Chiswell Street, London, EC1Y 4SA

Read our full review of Hawksmoor Covent Garden

South by South West Festival – Tucsan, Arizona

With the first signs of spring making a very welcome appearance, our minds are turning to the best festivals around the world. The South by South West Festival is the first to kick off proceedings this month. Held in the sunny climes of Tucsan, Arizona, with over 2,000 music acts from all over the globe performing, it’s known to be melting pot of styles and a great place to get to listen to the hot new bands before they make it big and crack America. ELLEuk will, of course, be on hand to shoot the best street style looks at the festival - and don’t worry if you haven’t booked yet, there are still some tickets available...

Like our pick of the best things to do in March, but want to know what else is new? Check out our pick of the best new London restaurants in 2012.