Tue 2 December, 2014 The Culturist London’s cultural highlights this DECEMBER The end of the year comes with some surprises. Eggs and cereal are taking centre stage, The Birdcage is back and we’re swapping our usual festive destinations for sunnier locations. Plus, we’ve got an exhibition in Paris, a new clubhouse, and a birthday party. Happy December! EAT I: Bad Egg And suddenly, eggs are du jour. The self-proclaimed ‘egg pervert’ Neil Rankin (of Islington’s Smokehouse) will be taking charge of the menu at new diner, Bad Egg. Expect a split between baked eggs and hashes (think North African-style eggs, eggs with sambal, and chaat masala hash) and tacos, slaws, ribs and burgers. Sounds eggcellent (sorry). December 8 City Point, 1 Ropemaker Street, EC2Y 9AW EAT II: Cereal Killer cafE From eggs to cereal. The UK’s only cereal cafe opens this month. Come here between the hours of 7am and 8pm for 100 varieties of the breakfast staple, from stock standard Corn Flakes to harder-to-find Strawberry Pops. Plus, expect 20 different toppings and 12 different varieties of milk. Not enough? There will be vintage TVs playing ‘toons. Welcome to kidulthood. December 10 139 Brick Lane, E1 6SB INTERNATIONAL: THE Miami Beach Edition In perfect EDITION timing (remember their launch during LFW last year?), the EDITION Miami Beach officially launches tonight during Art Basel. Not there? We say ditch the cold and book in for a toes-in-the-sand Crimbo break. Book a room with direct beachfront views, or alternatively, go big pimpin’ and book a private bungalow. Three words: Miami, NYE, bungalow. Yes! 2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140 DRINK I: Draft House Birdcage Old stalwart boozer The Birdcage is back but it’s slightly different. Part of the Draft House group, karaoke has been replaced by live entertainment via local buskers, and trendy craft beers and cocktails (thanks to Max Chater of Bumpcaves) are now its USP. But, it’s still an east-end pub so expect a hearty pie and mash menu with low-key vibes. Opened November 30 80 Columbia Road, E2 7QB PARTY I: LOVE BRUNCH IS TURNING 5 LOVE BRUNCH IS TURNING 5! And to celebrate, they’re throwing a festive daytime knees up this Saturday at MODE in Notting Hill. Happy birthday LB, time flies! To get into the birthday mood, press play. December 6 Tickets MODE, Acklam Road, W1 SQZ SHOP: Beyond Retro Old Street Christmas Pop Up It’s awful right? Go on… Christmas jumper shopping, we’ve missed you. Swap diamantes for snowflakes and logos for reindeer and get stuck into the knitwear on offer at The Beyond Retro Christmas Pop Up Shop in Old Street. Think turtlenecks, 3D designs, and even fairy lights; there are no rules here. Less style – more smile. Until 20 December Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 11.30am-6pm, Old Street, EC1Y 1BE INTERNATIONAL II: A Retrospective at the Paris Pompidou Centre If you’re heading over the channel, make note of the Jeff Koons exhibition at the Pompidou Centre. The first major retrospective in Europe looks back at his 35-year career, meaning big, shiny objects, inflatables and kitsch everywhere. 26 November – 27 April Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France CHECK OUT: Kerb THE Clubhouse   Another month, another food market, but we’re not complaining. This December we welcome Kerb THE CLUBHOUSE. The street food collective have found a winter roof in Hackney Wick, and it sounds fun. Taking over an old mirror factory, the new digs will be pumping every Friday and Saturday night until March with food vendors (Bleecker St. Burger, Fundi Pizza, and Crabbieshack…), bars and, of course, DJs. Word on the street is they’re also getting ready for NYE. Watch this space. Launching December 5 and 6 105 Monier Road, E3 2PS DRINK II: Bar Humbug: A PatrÓn Christmas Carol Pop-up Now for some tequila soaked Christmas cheer. The Townhall Hotel, courtesy of Patrón Tequila, will be recreating Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but not as you know it. Instead, expect the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future to take you on an immersive tequila-infused journey: think shots, cocktails, DJs, party food, and 80s party tunes. Oh, and we hear there’s a laser light dance floor. 9 December – 11 December £20 The Townhall Hotel, Patriot Square, Bethnal Green, E2 9NF Casting Call: Love at first sWIPE SPONSORED LISTING   This one is for the sharers out there; if you’ve always wanted to be on a Channel 4 documentary, listen up. The upcoming one-hour programme, 'Love at First Swipe?' about mobile dating apps is looking for people to share their experiences, good and bad… So, whether you’re looking for hook ups, or your soulmate, or going from one dating disaster to another, we'd like to hear your stories. Please get in touch by email dating@rizeusa.com.   PARTY II: MONARCHY AT OSLO Diaries out: Thursday December 4, UJ faves, Monarchy are headlining at Oslo. Expect fun tunes from the electro synth duo and a big night out. 4 December £8 1A Amhurst Road, Hackney, E8 1LL by CS The Ruling Class Sponsored listing BAFTA Award-winning James McAvoy returns to Trafalgar Transformed following his Olivier-nominated, critically acclaimed performance in Macbeth. McAvoy plays the role of a lifetime as a possible paranoid schizophrenic with a Messiah complex, in this anarchic cult comedy. Directed by Trafalgar Transformed Artistic Director Jamie Lloyd, this razor-sharp satire pushes the boundaries with its wit, energy and mix of hilarity and horror. A must-see - expect Downton Abbey on acid! The Ruling Class, Trafalgar Transformed, 16 January-11 April. Tickets from £29.50. Seven Dials and St Martin’s Courtyard Christmas Shopping Night Out Sponsored listing ‘Tis the season! Seven Dials and St Martin’s Courtyard are getting into the festive spirit by throwing a neighbourly Christmas Shopping Night Out. In addition to a 20% discount on over 120 brands, there’ll be the unveiling of the new light installations, providing a unique mood to each street. And with live music, in-store DJs, and MasterChef winners Tim Anderson and Tom Whitaker providing free food, there’s an excess of everything, except the price. Seven Dials and St Martin’s Courtyard Christmas Shopping Night Out, Thursday, December 4. 5pm-9pm. 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