Words: Zoe Dickens
We here at Gentleman’s Journal are of the opinion that February is a pretty great month. Pay day is closer than ever, the memories of January’s sobriety are fading and, if you try really hard, you can almost feel the whispers of spring around the corner. It seems that many of London’s venues are in agreement because there’s a huge amount going on in the capital this month. From some of 2020’s cultural highlights to Michelin-starred dining and a brand new workout spot, here’s are the coolest things to do in London this month.
The play: The Visit
When: From 1 February, Where: National Theatre, South Bank, What: Based on Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s classic tale of revenge, this adaptation by Tony Kushner transports the story to mid-century New York and features Lesley Manville as ruthless heiress Claire Zachanassian. Also starring The Matrix’s Hugo Weaving, The Visit follows the incredibly beautiful and impossibly rich Claire as she returns to her impoverished hometown and teaches the locals that prosperity is possible – for a terrible price., Visit: nationaltheare.org.uk
The gym class: Barry’s Bootcamp, St Paul’s
When: From 3 February, Where: Barry’s St Paul’s, What: Barry’s Bootcamp continues its world domination this month with the opening of a new location in St Paul’s. If you’ve been to any of its other five London locations, you’ll know the drill: this is a HIIT class in which you go hard or go home. Half treadmill, half strength training, this is the full body workout for those who want to see results fast. In addition to its signature ‘red room’, the St Paul’s space will also come complete with a physio room equipped with cryotherapy chamber, as well as a Fuel Bar for post-workout shakes and snacks., Visit: barrys.com
The skill: Cocktail masterclass at the London Edition
When: From 8 February, Where: The London Edition, Fitzrovia, What: There’s nothing like a warming whisky cocktail on a cold winter day but, if your mixology skill level is more gin and tonic than Old Fashioned, then we recommend you sign up for some classes. Luckily, the members club-style Punch Room at the London Edition hotel is on hand to help. Every Saturday afternoon in February its award-winning team will be hosting a series of masterclasses showing you how to perfect the art of its signature punches and even mix your own bespoke version., Visit: editionhotel.com
The exhibition: Shaken, Not Stirred
When: 13 February – 24 March, Where: Box Galleries, Chelsea, What: We’re sure it hasn’t escaped your notice that there’s a new Bond film on the horizon. To celebrate the release of No Time To Die, West London’s Box Galleries will be hosting an exhibition exploring the influence of literature and cinema’s most famous super-spy on 20th and 21st Century art. Featuring works from the likes of Helmut Newton, Simon Claridge, Douglas Kirkland, Russell Young and Michael Turner, the exhibition will offer an immersive dive into the world of Bond via photography, illustration and screen prints. The final night of the exhibition will also see the posthumous launch of Bond: Photographed, a review by famed photographer Terry O’Neill, who has captured every Bond actor in their roguish, suave charm., Visit: boxgalleries.com
The restaurant: Gymkhana
When: From 18 February, Where: Gymkhana, Mayfair, What: Any foodie worth their Himalayan pink salt has availed themselves of Gymkhana’s Michelin-starred take on Indian classics. Sorely missed while it closed for refurbishment this winter, it will be to sighs of great relief that it reopens its doors this month. So what’s new? An interior redesign inspired by the mansions of Kolkata and Pondicherry has resulted in a ground floor with the atmosphere of an Colonial members club while the basement and private dining vaults feature the lively colours and traditional artworks of north India. The menu will still have all your old favourites, while new additions include game bird baida roti with girole achaar and Bombay Gymkhana Club vegetable cutlet with masala ketchup. There’s also a new cocktail menu designed to showcase Indian ingredients and Gymkhana’s in-house tonic., Visit: gymkhanalondon.com
The show: Sheekey Secrets
When: From 24 February, Where: J Sheekey, Mayfair, What: London’s favourite seafood restaurant meets some of its most prolific acting talent as the fifth series of Sheekey Secrets returns this month. Sticking to its tried and tested format, each instalment in the series will feature a candid discussion with a stage or screen legend to be enjoyed over a three-course meal featuring some of J Sheekey’s finest dishes. Previous guests have included Tim Rice, Celia Imrie and Alison Steadman, while the first event in the new series will offer insights from the great Judi Dench. We predict another sell-out show for the Dame., Visit: j-sheekey.co.uk
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