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| Wed 7 May, 2014 |
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| The Culturist |
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| London’s cultural highlights this MAY |
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As London’s on the cusp of summer (or so we hope), things are hotting up on the culture front. There are fashion exhibitions to see, experimental operas to take in, and festivals to party at. On the food front, there’s a new take on surf n turf, Viajante’s replacement is throwing open its doors, and it's time to grab tickets to Chilli Chilli Bang Bang. But if you’re itching to get outta town, last minute flights to Ibiza, Venice and NYC are on the itinerary. Wherever you end up, we hope you have a good one! |
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SEE:
PRADASPHERE |
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You’ve seen the launch party photos on Instagram, now hightail it to Harrods for Pradasphere, a retrospective honouring the directional work of Miuccia Prada herself. The exhibition takes over the department store’s fourth floor, showcasing iconic pieces from the Prada archive (we still dream of the SS/11 banana skirts), plus a screening room playing the label’s short film collaborations with Wes Anderson and Ridley Scott. There’s a pop up Milanese café created by Marchesi, and, should you want to shop, a capsule collection, too. |
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May 2-31
87-135 Brompton Rd, SW1X 7XL
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EAT:
BEAST |
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The crew behind Burger & Lobster is at it again, expanding their empire with the launch of Beast in Marylebone. Sticking to the ethos of tightly edited offerings, Beast is all about a fixed menu, with a surf n turf main of Norwegian King Crab and Angus beef steak, plus starters, sides (think roasted beetroot, braised fennel and a smoked tomato salad) and dessert, for £75. And to drink? A 150 bin wine list, and an uber curated selection of spirits (read: one vodka, one gin and one cognac). Choose your own adventure this is not. But they do take bookings. Hooray! |
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Open now
3 Chapel Place, W1G 0BG |
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DRINK:
SOHO GRIND |
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It’s finally here! Caffeine hotspot, recording studio and UJ fave the Shoreditch Grind has come to Beak Street, throwing open the doors to the Soho Grind this month. You know the drill: an all day and late night Espresso Bar (with a custom blend developed especially for W1), alongside a hidden speakeasy with a killer cocktail list, Italian-inspired sandwiches, aperitivo and small sharing plates. Plus, in keeping with the Shoreditch outpost’s music ethos (DJ Kaz James is co owner after all), the Soho Grind will release a series of exclusive playlists via their website, curated by friends of the Grind. Flat white, anyone? |
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Open now
19 Beak Street, W1F 9RP |
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LAST CHANCE:
IMS, IBIZA |
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It’s May, so it’s time to decamp to the White Isle. Following on from the whirlwind of IMS Engage in la la land, IMS Ibiza is bringing together EDM’s heavyweights to talk everything from the future of electronic music to emerging markets. Plus, there’s the IMS legends dinner in honour of Nile Rodgers, and live talks and performances from the likes of Jamie Jones, Seth Troxler, Eats Everything and Pete Tong. If you’re in the industry, grab a delegate badge now…we’ll see you there! |
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May 21-23
Hard Rock Hotel, Playa Den Bossa |
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EAT + DRINK:
TYPING ROOM & PEG AND PATRIOT |
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After Nuno Mendes vacated Viajante, everyone was left wondering who (and what) would replace him in the Town Hall Hotel. Well, wonder no more. Say hello to The Typing Room, the new restaurant backed by the uber busy Jason Atherton (he’s just opened City Social). Chef Lee Westcott will be in the kitchen- with a focus on refined European cuisine, expect dishes including mackerel with passionfruit or pine-smoked pigeon. Meanwhile, mixologist Matt Whiley (The Talented Mr Fox) will be helming the Town Hall’s new bar, The Peg and Patriot. True to form, the drinks are adventurous, like the Salt Beef Sazerac and Marmite Vodka Martini. |
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May 16
Patriot Square, E2 9NF |
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OPERA:
TRIPTYCH |
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Now for some opera - with a twist. In his first stage commission, YBA Gavin Turk has designed the set for Triptych, a new work from experimental company Opera Erratica. The three-piece performance, divided into a tragedy, a comedy and a piece about nuns, explores obsession, alienation and the desire for human connection, with the five singers accompanied by video and electronic music. Not one for the purists, then. |
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May 17- June 7
34-36 Hereford Road, W2 5AJ |
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BOOK AHEAD:
MORE FESTIVAL, VENICE |
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This year sees the Venice Biennale of Architecture, curated by maverick and master Rem Koolhaas, and to celebrate More Festival is throwing a four-day extravaganza. The festival is a heady mix of parties, disco BBQs, and sets by Daniele Baldelli, Midnight Magic, Pillowtalk. Visits to the architecture pavilions, and boat trips from the heart of Venice to the islands of the Laguna are included too. Get in the mood with this year’s festival mix and book now. |
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Book tickets here
June 5-8 |
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FESTIVAL:
DRIFTERS |
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For those after instant gratification, here’s a festival closer to home…in Essex. Hear us out: Osea island- last year’s insider hangout and this year’s hot ticket (a private, 400 acre idyll) is playing host to the Drifters Festival. The brainchild of the team behind Rum Kitchen Ping and Love Brunch, the festival’s line up is currently shrouded in secrecy, but we do know there will be opulent accommodation (think cottages with four poster beds and private butlers). There will be a Rum Kitchen BBQ and Ping Pizzeria on hand, a juice bar and yoga classes for the health conscious, secret gardens and bespoke cocktails. Grab tickets now for a dose of bank holiday hedonism. |
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Book tickets here
May 23-26 |
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INTERNATIONAL:
NEW YORK CALLING |
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We’re feeling the pull of the Big Apple these days…and for good reason. First up, Frieze New York is in town, with talks from Pussy Riot, installations from Darren Bader and Koki Tanaka, and food by Momofoku. Don’t forget PULSE, either - the contemporary art fair is on at the same time (but there’s a free ferry between the two events…easy!). Then there’s the inaugural month-long Red Bull Music Academy Festival: think a talk by D’Angelo, a street party with Larry Levan, and Hudson Mohawke’s first live show. And don’t even get us started on June. With Outkast, Phoenix and Jack White on the line up, Governor’s Ball here we come. |
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by NN |
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2014 Urban Junkies. All rights reserved.
Reproductions of any portion of this website only with our express permission. Urban Junkies is a free daily mailer. All listings and features are editorial: We do not receive any payment from venues, artists or promoters. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information listed but we cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.
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