What To Do This Weekend 17.01.20

EAT SOMEWHERE NEW: THE CONNAUGHT GRILL

Well, not entirely new, but still… After 20 years away, the Connaught Grill is back. Its open kitchen – with that eponymous wood-burning grill – is led by world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. His menu of British produce showcases dishes such as wagyu beef and spit-roasted organic chicken, served alongside an extensive wine list from the hotel’s own cellar. The Connaught Grill used to be heralded as one of the best restaurants in London; get yourself down there to find out if it still deserves the accolades.
 
Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1K 2AL

Visit The-Connaught.co.uk

BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE: OLYMPIA LONDON

If sunbathing by a pool isn’t your thing, this is the event to provide you with some inspiration for your next holiday. The Adventure Travel Show features talks from experienced travellers like Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Benedict Allen and Reza Pakravan. Whether you’re into hiking mountain trails, cycling around Europe or fancy a motorbike tour, there’s a seminar or exhibition stand that can help you.
 
Hammersmith Road, Hammersmith, W14 8UX; 18th-19th January

Visit AdventureShow.com
 

FEAST ON FONDUE: LE PONT DE LA TOUR

For this month only, French restaurant Le Pont de La Tour has opened a cheese room. In a cosy hut on its Alpine Terrace, guests can sit down for three courses of fondue, delivered by a private waiter who will top up your drinks as you soak up the views of the London skyline. Lunch and dinner sittings each cost £50pp.
 
36 Shad Thames, Tower Bridge, SE1 2YE; until 31st January

Visit LePontDeLaTour.co.uk

DE-STRESS: BLAKES HOTEL

Wellness is to the fore this month and South Ken’s Blakes hotel is running a series of events in collaboration with Breathpod and OTO CBD. Hour-long classes offer a high-intensity breath work session to a unique soundtrack of mind-expanding vibrations. The idea is to let go of negative habits and relieve stresses and anxiety, supported by an expertly blended CBD-based refreshment made with natural botanicals and purified water. The Friday evening class will certainly be more peaceful than post-work drinks.
 
33 Roland Gardens, South Kensington, SW7 3PF; 17th January, 7:30pm-9pm

Visit BlakesHotels.com 

FOR FOOD & MUSIC GO: MADISON

Rooftop hotspot Madison restarts its ‘Madison Unplugged’ events this month. Emerging and accomplished artists host private performances and there are also Soul Sundays. This weekend, enjoy a three-course Sunday lunch (and half a bottle of wine) with three hours of music supplied by Kristin Duo, who’s worked with Sting and Clean Bandit. A great place for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
 
New Change, St Paul’s, EC4M 9AF

Visit MadisonLondon.net
 

GO SEE THIS FILM: JUST MERCY

Starring Michael B Jordan and Jamie Foxx, Just Mercy is a powerful legal drama about lawyer and activist Bryan Stevenson. Harvard grad Stevenson (Jordan) wants to make a difference to the most alienated members of society, fighting for social justice and freedom for those who are wrongly imprisoned. This is when he meets Foxx’s character, Walter McMillian, a man from Alabama who is sentenced to death for murder. The film highlights some of the issues with the American justice system in a gripping, honest portrayal of a remarkable true story.
 
Various locations; from 17th January

Visit WarnerBros.co.uk

TRY A ROWING CLASS: THE ENGINE ROOM

A newcomer to the London fitness scene, The Engine Room in Marylebone runs a host of high-intensity rowing classes designed to give you a full body workout. Rowing is one of the best forms of exercise, as it uses nine major muscle groups across the body. The Engine Room says you’ll burn up to 1,000 calories a class. With its four different classes on offer, an app to track your progress and a range of longer-term packages, it looks a good place to beat the mid-January slump and get active.
 
St Bedes Hall, Albany Street, Marylebone, NW1 4EE

Visit TheEngineRoomLondon.com