From a Whisky Den to Sir John Soane’s by candlelight, it’s time to get cultural

A glimpse into the typical UJ diet: eat, drink, party a little; work hard, gym hard, shop harder still; maybe drink and mange some more for luck. But as the art needle leaps enthusiastically into the red zone this week, maybe it’s time to nudge the ol’ social life back towards the cultural corner that we’ve been skimping out on. Naughty us.

Frieze have just confirmed details of this year’s Art Fair including a slew of new international talent to enjoy. A brand new gallery is opening up in Hoxton (dubbed the Hoxton Art Gallery, surprising us that no one had snapped the name up already). And there’s a huge Tracey Emin show coming to the Hayward (we’re all over the interactive message board with Emin herself), so clearly the creative juices are mulling throughout the city.

Of course not all of us have days off to spend meandering through our favourite art galleries, so how’s about a little late night inspiration with the annual Museums at Night event, featuring candlelit tours of Sir John Soane’s Museum, music, movies and cocktails at the National Portrait Gallery, and a Victorian Soirée over at the Courthauld?

But if you prefer your art more potable, then fret not, for the lovely folks at the Scotch-house, Balvenie, have created The Whisky Den – an interactive installation celebrating all that’s artistic and creative about their whisky–making, from furniture made of cask staves to plenty of tasting opportunities, all within a virtual whisky barrel.

Well, we didn’t say the art had to rule out the boozing completely.

INFO
Museums at Night
May 13
At galleries throughout London

The Whisky Den
May 9 - June 5
34 Tavistock Street, WC2E 7PB

Tracey Emin: Love Is What You Want?
May 18 - Aug 29
Hayward Gallery, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX

Hoxton Art Gallery
Launches May 19
64 Charlotte Road, EC2A 3PE

Paul Smith “A Bigger Splash”

Longing to chuck it all in and escape to white sands and crystal blue waters? Well join the club. And if like us, you’re still here in town, check out the new Paul Smith exhibition for inspiration, celebrating the most exciting places in the world for a splash and our recent UJ x Paul Smith swim guide.

To be in with a chance of joining us for a drink at the invitation–only launch this Wednesday, hit the Like button on our UJ Facebook page and tell us why you want to come along. We’ll contact the winners by Tuesday afternoon – so dive–in now!

Food-Off

For the final instalment from our new Trendcaster, the UJ x Sony competition winner turns her trend–focused eye to London’s gastro–horizon, taking in all manner of forthcoming culinary hotspots. Take a read to see what’s cooking this summer.

Click here to read the full feature.

SEE – London’s hoodies take on aliens in ‘Attack the Block’. Ritzy Cinema, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, SW2 1JG. Various times.

SIP – moonlight cocktails in the courtyard at 51 Buckingham Gardens. 51 Buckingham Gate, SW1E 6AF. 12pm-10pm.

SAVE – on your summer staples at the Pringle Sample Sale. The Courtyard, 255a Pavillion Rd, SW1X 0BP. 10am-7pm.

SHOP – for your preppy paraphernalia at the Hilfiger Pop–Up shop. Covent Garden, East Piazza, WC2E 9DD.