Words: Zoe Dickens
Can you feel it? The temperature is marginally above arctic, the cherry blossom is starting to appear, the sun is occasionally shining. Spring is almost here – and that means a great new season of events is about to kick off in the capital. From fine vegan dining for those still holding fast to their New Year’s resolutions to the perfect outing for Mother’s Day, here is our pick of the coolest things to do in the capital this month…
The exhibition: Kimono: Kyoto to the Catwalk
Image courtesy of Getty/V&A
When: 29th February – 21st June, Where: Victoria & Albert Museum, Kensington, What: World renowned for curating exhibitions that interrogate the intersection of culture, fashion and history, the V&A will continue that tradition this spring with its latest blockbuster show, Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk. The first major exhibition in Europe to showcase the traditional Japanese garment, the show will trace the evolution of the kimono from the social significance it held in the 17th century to its adoption by Western designers and recent resurgence on couture catwalks. As well as rare early examples of the kimono, the exhibition will feature a design created by Alexander McQueen for Björk, Star Wars costumes based on the kimono and examples created by Yves Saint Laurent, John Galliano and Yohji Yamamoto., Visit: vam.ac.uk
The show: Comedy at Milroy’s of Spitalfields
When: 4th March, Where: Milroy’s of Spitalfields, Spitalfields, What: Call yourself a whisky aficionado? Then you’ll already know all about Milroy’s of Spitalfields – the East End institution offering one of London’s largest whisky selections. We’re talking more than 300 bottles of the amber nectar hailing from the US, Japan, Sweden, South Africa, Australia and, of course, Scotland. So how to improve this startling offering? Throw in some great comedy obviously. Once a month, Milroy’s teams up with an esteemed distiller to present three comedians ‘paired’ with three whiskies and three highballs. The next event will celebrate International Women’s Day and see Scottish distiller Aberfeldy present award-winning comedians Catherine Bohart, Sarah Keyworth and Thanyia Moore., Visit: milroys.co.uk
The classic: Swan Lake
When: 5th March – 16th May, Where: Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, What: Ballet veteran or curious newbie, it’s impossible not to love Swan Lake. A timeless story of good and evil set against Tchaikovsky’s iconic score with sumptuous costumes and draw-dropping scenery – count us in. The Royal Ballet revives its celebrated production of the classic ballet at the Royal Opera House this month with principal Francesca Hayward (fresh from her role in Cats) and first soloists Fumi Kaneko and Mayara Magri all making their debuts at Odette/Odile., Visit: roh.org.uk
The Mother’s Day outing: Tea for Scoundrels at Cahoots
When: From 6th March, Where: Cahoot’s, Soho, What: Public service announcement: 22nd March is Mothering Sunday in the UK. Don’t let it go the way of your doomed attempt to find a restaurant for Valentine’s Day and book early. If you’re on the look out for something a bit different this year may we suggest Cahoot’s new Tea for Scoundrels. Available on Friday and Sunday afternoons, visitors to the post-war Underground themed cocktail bar will be presented with a mysterious crate. Crack the codes and solve the clues to unlock a decadent afternoon tea complete with cocktails, sandwiches, cakes, scones and petit fours., Visit: cahoots-london.com
The culture: Affordable Art Fair
When: 12-15 March, Where: Battersea Evolution, Battersea, What: The Affordable Art Fair does what it says on the tin – gathers together some of the world’s best galleries offering art works that aren’t astronomically expensive. Ideal for those dipping their toe into collecting, you won’t find Rembrandts or Picassos but you will find a huge range of pieces from exciting new artists at prices that won’t break the bank. There’s also a programme of workshops and talks, covering subjects from zine making and portraiture to oil painting and collaging, as well as music from resident DJ Eddie Otchere., Visit: affordableartfair.com
The restaurant: Ian Marber at Dinings SW3
When: From 14th March, Where: Dinings SW3, Knightsbridge, What: Turned your Veganuary commitment into an actual lifestyle change? We can only applaud. Of course, it helps that the choice for vegans has never been more varied and this month Dinings SW3 will become the latest to join the ranks of London’s best vegan restaurants. Masaki Sugisaki, executive chef at the venerated Izakaya-style restaurant, has teamed with nutritionist Ian Marber to create a whole menu of plant based dishes in the restaurant’s signature Japanese-meets-European style. As with all Dinings SW3’s fare, the dishes are low waste, nutritionally balanced and celebrate fine produce and ingredients. Book your table to sample tofu steak with spicy miso and asparagus, green tea soba noodles with wasabi, spring onion, kizami-nori and mushroom sauce and a pavlova of grapefruit and fresh wasabi sorbet., Visit: dinings.co.uk
Staying in? Here’s what to watch on Netflix in March 2020…
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