Events
London Design Biennale
Somerset House
1st-25th June 2023
An interactive, musical and kinetic exhibition of design and design-led innovation from across the globe. Bake bread, witness an AI Robot, get inside a space pod, find inner peace and visit a virtual garden. 40+ designers worldwide respond to the theme – The Global Game: Remapping Collaborations.
The River Stage
National Theatre
Every Friday-Sunday from 9th June to 2nd July 2023
A free outdoor festival with a whole host of incredible acts on the South Bank, from live music, family workshops and comedy to dance, drag and club nights. This is complimented with London’s longest banqueting table serving seasonal street food specials such as Korean bao buns, Sicilian-style pizzas and wildly flavoured ice cream.
Open Air London Symphony
Trafalgar Square
10th June 2023
Hear London’s oldest symphony orchestra conducted by Sir Simon Rattle in a free open-air concert in one of the world’s most iconic public spaces, Trafalgar Square. At the heart of the programme is the world premiere of Eloise Gynn’s new work, Light Dancing, specially commissioned for the concert.
Exhibitions
Saint Francis of Assisi
National Gallery
Until 30th July 2023
Come face-to-face with one of history’s most inspirational and revered figures in the first major UK art exhibition to explore Saint Francis of Assisi’s life and legacy. Presenting the art and imagery of Saint Francis (1182–1226) from the 13th century to today, this exhibition looks at why this saint is a figure of enormous relevance to our time.
Serpentine Pavilion 2023
Hyde Park
From 9th June 2023
Erected each year and situated in Hyde Park, the Serpentine Pavilion is undoubtedly the world’s most innovative design of the year. This year’s pavilion is designed by French-Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh and derives from the aspiration to create a sustainable kinship with the land through food and our primal relationship to the Earth.
Yevonde: Life and Colour
National Portrait Gallery
From 29th June 2023
An exploration of the life and career of Yevonde, the pioneering London photographer who spearheaded the use of colour photography in the 1930s. This exhibition tells the story of a woman who gained freedom through photography – as she experimented with her medium and blazed a new trail for portrait photographers.
Our Theatre Recommendations
Bleak Expectations
Criterion Theatre
A much-loved BBC Radio 4 comedy that has been joyfully adapted for the stage. Nominally a parody of Dickens (Bleak House/Great Expectations), it’s a Victorian mash-up in which a young Pip Bin and his sisters Pippa and Poppy scrape through their absurd lives in a thoroughly ridiculous fashion. Intelligent, witty and knowing, it certainly delights audiences of all ages. And each week of performances will see a different big-name comedian take on the lead role – Stephen Fry, Sue Perkins, Jo Brand and the like.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Globe Theatre
If you’ve never been, seeing a play at The Globe is a unique and remarkable experience. It’s an exact replica of Shakespeare’s original open-air theatre, and the atmosphere there is quite extraordinary. The actors interact with the audience – particularly in this show, in which Michelle Terry, the theatre’s Artistic Director, stars as Puck. Do dress appropriately though when you go – there’s no roof, and you’re in the UK.
The Play That Goes Wrong
Duchess Theatre
A supposedly amateur drama group attempt to put on a murder mystery: unfortunately, as the title suggests, everything goes wrong. Crowned as the longest-running comedy in the West End, the play’s particularly skilled visual comedy guarantees a thoroughly good laugh and is perfect for Norman Wisdom and Tommy Cooper fans.
New Restaurant openings
Gaucho
Covent Garden
Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, the new location of Argentinian steakhouse Gaucho pays tribute to its roots, returning to London after a decade of regional expansion. Situated in an extension of the historic Royal Opera House, Gaucho is a vibrant addition to one of London’s most culturally significant areas.
The Portrait Restaurant by Richard Corrigan
National Gallery
The Gallery’s reopening will also see the much-loved Portrait Restaurant return with acclaimed chef, restaurateur and star of BBC’s Great British Menu, Richard Corrigan. Situated on the top floor with panoramic views of London, the restaurant interiors will feature sculptures from the Gallery’s Collection, while menus will focus on the very best of seasonal ingredients from the British Isles.
Bossa
Mayfair
Alberto Landgraf, chef patron of two-Michelin-starred Oteque in Rio de Janeiro, ranked 47 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, is bringing some Brazilian flavours to London. Bossa features an open-plan kitchen, banquette and bar seating. The menu will be a “vivid and contemporary” exploration of Brazilian food.
