February Agenda: What To Do In London This Month
Dance After Dark
Anyone Can Dance
For anyone who likes their club nights adventurous, global and slightly unpredictable, the Barbican is opening its brutalist doors to late-night dancing with a new series that kicks off with Eastern Margins on Friday 20th February. Expect genre-hopping lineups spanning hyperpop, techno, rap, bass and left-field club sounds, featuring artists like Nick Cheo, KOLLIN, Jianbo and MEYY.
Barbican Centre, Silk Street, Barbican, EC2Y 8DS
Visit Barbican.org.uk
Learn Something New
Hawaiʻi: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans
The British Museum’s major new exhibition explores centuries of connection between Hawaiʻi and the UK through more than 150 objects, from feathered royal cloaks to contemporary artworks shaped by Native Hawaiian voices. At its heart is the 1824 visit of King Kamehameha II and Queen Kamāmalu to London, opening up a wider story of diplomacy, creativity and exchange. Many works have never been shown in the UK before, making this a rare chance to see Hawaiian history and culture presented on such a scale.
British Museum, Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3DG; until 15th May
Visit BritishMuseum.org
Find Inspiration
Monument to the Unimportant
Cakes, cables, lamps, toilets and everyday clutter become unlikely stars in this playful group show at Pace Gallery. Featuring works by David Hockney, Urs Fischer, Rachel Whiteread, Claes Oldenburg and more, the exhibition explores how ordinary objects can become extraordinary when viewed differently. Spanning six decades of art-making, it’s funny, thoughtful and occasionally surprising. Free to enter and easy to dip into, it’s ideal for a quick cultural hit.
5 Hanover Square, Mayfair, W1S 1HQ; until 14th February
Visit PaceGallery.com
See Some Hockney
Some Very, Very, Very New Paintings Not Yet Shown In Paris
Annely Juda Fine Art has opened its new Hanover Square space with a heavyweight debut: brand-new works by David Hockney, many made within the last year. Expect vibrant iPad drawings, atmospheric night skies and fresh experiments from one of Britain’s most beloved artists.
16 Hanover Square, Mayfair, W1S 1JP; until 28th February
Visit AnnelyJudaFineArt.co.uk
Take The Kids
Planetarium Go!
A pop-up planetarium has opened in Battersea Power Station with a huge 360° screen, immersive sound and reclining seats. Short films explore everything from our solar system to distant galaxies, and it’s all designed to be accessible, visually spectacular and genuinely awe-inspiring.
Power Station Park, Battersea, SW11 8AX; until 1st March
Eat With A Stranger
No Such Thing
Book a slot, turn up at the allotted Battersea café, and you’ll be given a free lunch – plus a stranger to share it with. Created by theatre collective Quarantine, No Such Thing turns everyday conversation into something more intriguing. You’ll chat for 30 minutes using a gentle prompt menu that moves between personal, political and observational.
Various cafés around Battersea Arts Centre; 16th February-13th March
Visit BAC.org.uk
Eat Sri Lankan
Tamila x Broadwick Soho
Broadwick Soho has teamed up with Tamila for a limited-edition takeover at Bar Jackie. The star dish sees slow-cooked masala lamb layered onto crisp pinsa romana, then topped with onion, coriander, ginger, mint, chillies and coconut oil. Crossover drinks options include a Desi Spritz and spiced Tamil Negroni.
20 Broadwick Street, Soho, W1F 8HT; until 1st March
Visit BroadwickSoho.com
Try New Traders
Seven Dials Market
Seven Dials Market is welcoming three fresh food concepts. Hoko brings Hong Kong-style wonton soups and café classics, Bask Street Boys serve Basque-inspired tortillas, while family-run Masa Tacos mixes traditional Mexican recipes with seasonal British produce.
Earlham Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 9LX
Visit SevenDialsMarket.com
Drink Natural Wine
Stable Wines
Islington’s newest wine hotspot comes from the team behind Goodbye Horses. Here, they’re focusing on zero-zero wines – nothing added, nothing taken away. Upstairs is a bottle shop centred around a striking oak counter, while downstairs hides a candlelit bar and dining space with arches and quiet corners.
344a Essex Road, Islington, N1 3PD
Visit StableWines.com
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