Something For The Weekend: 9 - 12 April

SHOPPING: Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair

Ever had occasion to say: ‘Oh this? It’s actually vintage…’? Feels just grand, doesn’t it? Well, here’s your chance to nonchalantly vintage-name drop a whole lot more, thanks to this whole market given over to unique pre-loved pieces. For one day only, The Urdang Academy in Clerkenwell will be filled with over 50 stalls selling quality vintage apparel, jewellery, bags and textiles. Look out for classics by the likes of Ossie Clark, Jean Muir and Paul Bibb. Bragging rights assured.

£4
April 12

The Urdang Academy, The Old Finsbury Town Hall, London EC1R 4RP

FILM: Lost River

Why see this? We have two words for you: Ryan. Gosling. Now, now, would we really be that shallow? We are merely admiring of the man’s artistic talents is all we mean. When the star of modern classics such as Drive and Lars And The Real Girl steps behind the camera for his directorial debut – in which he also stars, alongside real-life partner Eva Mendes and Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks, no less – it’s a film we’re going to want to see. What’s that you say? He’s also pretty to look at? Well, there is that…

At selected cinemas from 10 April  

EXHIBITION: Hermès: Wanderland

Can’t quite stretch to a silk scarf and a Birkin bag? Well there’s more ways than one to immerse yourself in Hermès, darling. Inspired by la flânerie (that’s ‘the art of urban wandering’, mes amis) this 11-room exhibition brings together surreal mixed-media landscapes by prominent French artists and to-die-for bags, scarves and watches by the design house. Warning: may leave you (ahem) ‘wandering’ how to save up for the Birkin after all.

9 Apr-2 May
Free
Saatchi Gallery, Duke Of York's HQ, King's Road, London, SW3 4RY
saatchigallery.com  

EXHIBITION: Vivienne Westwood: Cut From The Past

You might not think that punk rock’s designer-in-chief would have much in common with 18th century Rococo artists. Well you’d be wrong, and this is the exhibition that proves it. Bringing together Dame Viv’s most seminal pieces from the 1990s and earlier designs from her ‘Cut, Slash and Pull’ days, then displaying them amid the Georgian grandeur of Danson House, the influence of the era is clear to see. ‘The 18th century is the high point of art and culture,’ Westwood once said. We reckon her take on the period gives the original a run for its money.

Until 31 May
£8
Danson Park, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8HL
bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk/dansonhouse/vivienne-westwood/

THEATRE: Carmen Disruption

Whether you’re a fan of Bizet’s Carmen, British playwright du jour Simon Stephens, or just a night at a theatre with a damn fine bar (it really is), you need to get to The Almeida’s latest production. In a new reimagining of the classic opera, its characters are recast as disparate souls – a rent boy, a cab driver, a banker and a heartbroken student – all searching for love, truth and meaning on the streets of an opulent modern city. Bleak and beautiful, it’ll give you plenty to discuss over a drink at that bar…

Fri 10 Apr-23 May
£9-£36
Almeida Theatre Islington, London, N1 1TA
almeida.co.uk

FOOD: Ottolenghi, Spitalfields

It has long been our aim in life never to be too far away from an Ottolenghi meringue. And that dream has been brought that bit nearer this week, with the launch of a brand new restaurant and deli in London’s Spitalfields. All the trademark essentials are there: fresh salads so delicious you won’t believe they’re actually good for you; intricate cakes and pastries that are definitely NOT good for you (but are oh, so worth it); and – yes – meringue mountains bigger than your head. There’s also a spacious restaurant serving up the bold Mediterranean flavours we love, a cocktail list imported from Ottolenghi’s high-end NOPI outpost and a new grab-and-go section that means there’s no excuse for a sad supermarket sandwich ever again. Oh, and did we mention they do meringues?

Open now, 50 Artillery Lane, Spitalfields, London E1 7LJ


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