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

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

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

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

After building a loyal following with a residency at the Compton Arms, chef Dara Klein has opened her first permanent restaurant on Columbia Road. Tiella Trattoria & Bar champions simple, soulful Italian cooking shaped by Dara’s Italian roots, New Zealand upbringing and impressive experience at Brawn, Trullo and Sager & Wilde. On the menu: panelle with caper mayo, puntarelle alla romana, orecchiette with cime di rapa and pangrattato, chicken Milanese with green apple, celery and fennel, plus bay-leaf panna cotta with blood orange.

109 Columbia Road, Bethnal Green, E2 7RL

Follow @Tiella_Trattoria

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

Visit BatterseaPowerStation.co.uk

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

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

If you’re looking for ways to lose a few hours with the family, the Science Museum's latest is a shout. Discover the beauty – and fragility – of the world’s largest wetland at this free photography exhibition. Featuring 60 powerful images by documentary photographers Lalo de Almeida and Luciano Candisani, the show explores the Pantanal’s extraordinary ecosystem and the growing impact of human activity.

The Studio, Level 2, Science Museum, South Kensington, SW7 2DD; 6th February-31st May

Visit ScienceMuseum.org.uk

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

Fancy seeing London from a new angle? Alexandra Palace’s roof walk promises 360º views stretching up to 25 miles. Daylight climbs let you take in the city in all its sprawling glory, while after-dark sessions add a thrilling twist as the skyline lights shimmer below. The walk is fully guided, safe and surprisingly meditative once you’re at the top.

Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, Muswell Hill, N22 7AY; opens 14th February 

Visit AlexandraPalace.com

Behind the Pass peels back the curtain with restaurant critic Jimi Famurewa hosting a frank conversation with chefs Tomos Parry (Brat) and Adriana Cavita (Cavita). On Monday 23 February, the trio will discuss ambition, burnout, and what it really takes to survive the high-stakes world of fine dining. Tickets include a gin cocktail.

Sir Devonshire Square Hotel, 5 Devonshire Square, Spitalfields, EC2M 4YE 

Visit EventBrite.com

Soho Calling brings London’s next big musical names to life across six venues, including The 100 Club and 21Soho. Over 30 emerging acts perform in one night on Wednesday 25th February, giving audiences a front-row look at talent before it hits the mainstream. Past editions have helped launch artists like Tom Aspaul and Monster Florence, proving organisers a sharp ear for rising stars. Grab an all-access wristband and hop between venues to catch as much music as your feet can handle.

Across Soho

Visit SohoCalling.com

Ronnie Scott’s is opening a, purpose-built 140-capacity room upstairs. Expect pristine acoustics, a Yamaha grand piano and a genre-spanning programme covering gospel, soul, hip-hop, musical theatre, vocal jazz jams and emerging talent nights. Even better? Backstage areas will be opened to the public for the first time.

47 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4HT

Visit RonnieScotts.co.uk

One of London’s hottest dining rooms is now open on Sundays. Sessions Arts Club’s Sunday Sessions invite guests to settle in by the fire for relaxed afternoons of exceptional seasonal cooking and occasional chef collaborations. Head chef Fenella is on hand with produce-led menus – count on dishes such as shoulder of lamb, duck liver with orange and tarragon, and rhubarb trifle. This weekend also marks the launch of the restaurant’s Sunday Residency Programme, with London-based cook and food writer Jago Rackham kicking things off (followed by Trinity’s Adam Byatt later in February). More big names will be announced throughout this year.
Sessions Arts Club, 24 Clerkenwell Green, Clerkenwell, EC1R 0NA

Visit SessionsArtsClub.com

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