Letters from London
This month’s MUST hear, see, eat, buy in the country’s capital…
Compiled by Nina Hervé
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Must Eat
Circus, Endell Street, Covent Garden – If you’re looking for a bit of glamour this Christmas, look no further than Circus. Boasting a stylish and surrealist décor created by iconic British designer Tom Dixon, Circus combines a sophisticated cocktail bar with a quirky cabaret restaurant. Opening earlier this year Circus’ emphasis has been on great quality and service with an innovative concept of live acrobatic and burlesque performances whilst you dine on the Pan-American cuisine.
For more information check out…
www.circus-london.co.uk
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Must Buy
Christmas Market @ The Social, Little Portland Street
This December, The Social play host to a weekly Christmas market every Saturday in the upstairs bar. Pop-up shops from the likes of Rough Trade, Faber & Faber, David Shrigley, Le Gun, Postcarden and Caught By The River will be offering plenty of ideas for stocking fillers. As shoppers browse through the vendors’ wares, poetry readings and signings will be taking place by Faber authors and poets, festive DJ sets a-plenty from special guests of Rough Trade and temporary tattoos from David Shrigley. Make sure you stop by for a mince pie and a glug of mulled wine.
Saturdays in December, 1pm – 6pm. More information www.thesocial.com
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Must See
Fantastic Mr Fox, Little Angel Theatre Group
Here’s something to take the kids to this Christmas. The Little Angel is a magical children’s puppet theatre hidden in a back street of Islington and is a hub of passionate puppeteering activity. It’s gained a great reputation for its wonderful productions and the latest one is Roald Dahl’s story, Fantastic Mr Fox. The production has sold out at the theatre group’s own 100-seat venue but is now touring and can be seen at Royal Albert Hall and Jackson’s Lane theatre in Highgate.
For more information check out…
www.littleangeltheatre.com
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Must See
High Society, Wellcome Collection
Now here’s a compelling subject for an exhibition: mind-altering drugs. ‘High Society’ looks at the role in history and culture of narcotics across the ages and continents. From ancient Egyptian poppy tinctures to Victorian cocaine eye drops, Native American peyote rites to the salons of the French Romantics. The show explores how drugs were first discovered and how they have been fetishised and demonised over the centuries. More recent works include a recreation of Joshua White’s fabled lightshow, which brought a “psychedelic” vibe to gigs by bands of the Sixties.
For more information check out…
www.wellcomecollection.org
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Must Do
Ice Skating at Somerset House
The grand 18th century courtyard at Somerset House provides this 900 metre-square rink with one of the most impressive skating backdrops in town. Whether it’s a daytime or late night skate, a variety of different sessions are taking place. This year’s Christmas Tree is decorated by Tiffany & Co and ties in nicely with the ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ Saturday sessions which include an early stint on the ice plus a post-skate cupcake, hot chocolate for children and a glass of champagne for adults. ‘The Nutcracker Hour’ is a skating session to music from Tchaikovsky’s Christmas ballet ‘The Nutcracker’. ‘Big Ice Dance Lunchtime Workouts’ feature a 15-minute warm up with members of English National Ballet, followed by a chance to practice dance skills. On until 23rd January.More information can be found at
www.somersethouse.org.uk
