Words Charlotte Cox
This weekend, if it’s not a pop-up, we’re just not interested (well, unless it’s a Rebel Wilson film, in which case we’re ALWAYS interested). Cue London’s very finest culinary and cultural happenings…
ART: Magnificent Obsessions: The Artist As Collector
It's always fascinating to find out what tastemakers choose to buy for themselves – see What ELLE Wears for proof. And here's a chance to do just that with the leading talents of the art world. In this blockbuster exhibition at The Barbican, 14 major artists, including Damien Hirst and Peter Blake, display their own personal collections – letting you see the works that actually hang in their homes, without the pesky breaking-and-entering charges.
Until 25 May; £12 Barbican Art Gallery, Silk Street, ECY 8DS barbican.org.uk
FOOD: Bunny Chow Pub Pop Up
So, how do you improve upon a full English breakfast, a slow-cooked lamb curry and a piri-piri pulled pork? You serve them in a bread case, duh. Cult street food truck Bunny Chow have been spreading this simple truth on the pavements of Soho for years, but now they’re taking up temporary residency in the area’s Sun & 13 Cantons pub. Which is great, because how do you improve upon a meal in a bread case? You have it alongside a pint of micro-brewery beer, duh.
Until 22 May
21 Great Pulteney Street, London W1 bunnychow.com
DRINK: Little Nan’s Cocktail Den
Now, we bet your nan’s living room is mighty fine, but does it have endless cocktails served in teapots, prosecco on tap and unlimited popcorn and pick ’n’ mix? Does it?? If your answer is yes, what a childhood you must have had. If no, then book yourself into Shoreditch’s quirkiest new pop-up bar, where you get a two-hour slot to enjoy all of the above, amid all the chintz, china and cheesy decor you could ever want from your grandma’s house – minus the need to field awkward questions about ‘that boy you’ve been courting’.
Until 15 August; from £35, including unlimited cocktails, popcorn and pick ’n’ mix
The Basement 26 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3NZO littlenans.co.uk
FILM: Pitch Perfect 2
Here at SFTW, we not above admitting it when we have a girl crush. And our love for Rebel Wilson runs deep. Not only did she own the May ELLE cover but she completely owns this, the funniest comedy of 2015, which follows all-girl a-cappella group the Barden Bellas as they take on the international stage. Worth seeing for the opening scene alone, in which Rebel (aka Fat Amy) accidentally flashes her lady parts to Barack Obama. We exaggerate not.
In cinemas from 15 May
DRINK: Gin Mare Botanical Garden
Not technically something for the WEEKEND, but this pop-up involves gin, glorious gin, so we’re happy to make allowances.
Next Wednesday and Thursday, The Hoxton’s courtyard space will be transformed into a slice of (gin-soaked) Mediterranean heaven, with botanical-themed twists on classic cocktails served amid appropriately floral surrounds. G&Ts come with Mango, an onion gimlet comes with Parmesan cordial and, for classicists, there is the ‘perfect martini’. Drink enough of them and you’ll believe it IS the weekend. Promise.
20-21 May
The Hoxton Hotel, 81 Great Eastern St, EC2A 3HU hoxtown.co
THEATRE: Peter Pan at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
You do believe in fairies, don’t you? Well, you just might after an evening in the magical Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park, kicking off its summer run this weekend with a reimagining of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale. Captain Hook, Lost Boys, Tinkerbell, Wendy et al, brought to life in an enchanted wooded setting? Perfect for big kids who never grew up – kinda like a certain someone.
15 May-14 June; from £48
Regent’s Park, nr Baker St Station openairtheatre.com
FOOD: House of Peroni
To eat Michelin-starred Sicilian cuisine on a traditional piazza, you’d have to go to, er, Sicily, right? Wrong. Because for the next four weeks, the renowned Accusio Craparo is leaving his Modica base to bring his unique take on Italian food to east London. More accurately, to the House of Peroni pop-up, which also features award-winning Italian-themed molecular mixology, immersive art installations and special events. After the next four weeks? You’d have to go Sicily, yeah.
Until 10 June; free admission
The Boiler Room, 152 Brick Lane E1 6RU thehouseofperoni.com
SHOPPING: Browns Labels For Less Pop Up Sale
Do you need to read on past the name of this event? Really? For it is exactly what it sounds like: a flash sample sale by London fashion institution Browns, selling high-end pieces for low(er) end prices – up to 80% off, in fact. Names include Céline, Chloé, Dior, Stella McCartney... Seriously, WHY are you still reading? You already know you're going.
15 May, 10.30am-8pm
Music Rooms, 26 South Molton Lane, London W1K 5LF brownsfashion.com
FOOD: FEED at Ceviche Old St
And what better way to end our pop-up special than with a three-day glimpse at the future of food? At FEED, dining goes digital. You arrive, you input data via an intuitive app, and a computer algorithm creates a bespoke Peruvian-inspired menu based on your personal ‘taste story’. Then the crack team of chefs, overseen by Martin Morales, step in to make it a reality. Because computers aren’t quite THAT good. Yet.
18-20 May; £50 Ceviche Old St, 2 Baldwin Street, London EC1V 9NU cevicheuk.com
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