Today's fast-paced world craves your attention every minute. It demands efficiency and success, and often pushing yourself to the last limit to achieve it. However, as known, there's a yin to every yang. Slow lifestyle manifests itself as a counter movement to our hectic lives.
Read MoreFrom Absent Friends to This is Home: Your Culture Guide to May
Do - Howard Hodgkin: Absent Friends | National Portrait Gallery. Absent Friends is the first exhibition of portraits by Howard Hodgkin (1932-2017), one of Britain’s greatest artists. Hodgkin’s paintings are characterised by rich colour, complex illusionistic space and sensuous brushwork. The role of memory, the expression of emotion, and the exploration of relationships between people and places are all fixations. The exhibition surveys Hodgkin’s development of a personal visual language of portraiture, which challenges conventional forms of representation. Until 18th June 2017.
Howard Hodgkin - Going for a Walk with Andrew.
See - Loewe Exhibition | Liberty. To coincide with London Craft Week, Liberty will host a pop-up showcasing LOEWE: This is Home, direct from Salone de Mobile, Milan’s International Furniture Fair. Curated by LOEWE’s creative director Jonathan Anderson, the exhibition will house a category spanning collection of inimitably designed products, each obscuring the lines between decorative and functional. Coalescing inspiration from various art disciplines, the display offers an exploration of novel forms for the interior, articulated through a mix of materials, hands, techniques and cultural references. 2nd - 21st May 2017.
Eat – Clarette | Marylebone, London - The heiress of the renowned Chateaux Margaux estate has just opened Clarette, the ultra-chic three-storey wine bar in Marylebone. The wine list in predominantly French, though there are wines from around the world so there is certainly something for everyone. There is also a selection of sharing plates available to complement the wines. 44 Blandford Street, London, W1U 7HS.
Read - Ibiza Bohemia | Assouline. From roaring nightlife to peaceful yoga retreats, Ibiza’s hippie-chic atmosphere is its hallmark. This quintessential Mediterranean hot spot has served as an escape for artists, creatives, and musicians alike for decades. It is a place to reinvent oneself, to walk the fine line between civilization and wilderness, and to discover bliss. Ibiza Bohemia explores the island’s scenic Balearic cliffs, its legendary cast of characters, and the archetypal interiors that define its signature style.
Visit - London Craft Week | London. This annual event showcases exceptional craftsmanship through a journey-of-discovery programme featuring hidden workshops and unknown makers alongside celebrated masters, famous studios, galleries, shops and luxury brands. 3-7 May 2017. Full programme at: http://www.londoncraftweek.com
From Japanese House to Centrifugal Soul: Your Culture Guide to April
Do - The Japanese House, Barbican. While away an afternoon weaving in and out of The Japanese House's ten individual, fully-furnished rooms and maze-like gardens. Rabbit chairs, sliding libraries and an outdoor cinema are just some of the details that make up Moriyama's remarkable domestic environment. Until 25th June 2017.
The Japanese House, Barbican.
Contemporary Living, Christie's South Kensington.
See - Contemporary Living: Art, Craft & Design (April 1st - 4th) at Christie's South Kensington, 85 Old Brompton Road, Kensington, London SW7 3LD. Christie's latest offering in collaboration with The New Craftsmen and Southern Guild features contemporary designers, craftsmen and artists. Open for just four days, the exhibition will change each day with pieces by Sebastian Cox, Georgia Campbell and David Krynauw.
The Marksman Public House.
Eat - The Marksman Public House. Recently voted Michelin Pub of The Year 2017, The Marksman offers menus inspired by the rich and diverse culinary history of London, focusing on the best of British seasonal food and drinks in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Mat Collishaw, The Centrifugal Soul.
Visit - Blain|Southern. In The Centrifugal Soul, Mat Collishaw’s forthcoming exhibition at Blain|Southern, the artist presents new sculpture, installation and paintings. Drawing on various forms of illusion, the exhibition explores ideas of superficial truth and the erosive effect of our primal urges for visual supremacy. From April 7th 2017.
Joan Didion.
Read - South and West, Joan Didion. Joan Didion has always kept notebooks of overheard dialogue, interviews, observations and articles. South and West offers a glimpse into her never before seen notebooks, offering an illuminating glimpse into the mind and process of a legendary writer.
Margaux and Joe, founders of The Other Naughty Piglet.
Sustainable Dining in London: The Other Naughty Piglet
Tell us about the ethos behind The Other Naughty Piglet & Naughty Piglets...
It is a philosophy... Be merry and happy like a naughty piglet...
We love that your menu is built around seasonal ingredients. How important is sustainability to you?
Very! We like to know where the product comes from. We work with suppliers who work in an organic way. We know how the cow is treated from the time of birth to the time of death. Same for the wines, we know most of the wine makers we promote, we like to know there's a soul, an ethic and a massive respect for the environment behind.
Tell us about your favourite dishes that are on the menu at the moment...
Definitely the XO linguine with cured egg (at the Other) as it is proper intense, complex and delicious.
The Other Naughty Piglet, 2017.
What was the inspiration behind the original Naughty Piglets?
We really wanted to have our own little restaurant, we felt ready to convey our own way. We knew exactly what we wanted and how we wanted it. Naughty Piglets was born out of a lot of love and passion.
Did you have a strong relationship with food and wine growing up?
Yes! Being sat at a table was a big part of my youth and so was Joe's!
"We know most of the wine makers we promote, we like to know there's a soul, an ethic and a massive respect for the environment behind."
What are the most basic staples you think every home cook should have in their kitchen pantry?
A good knife and a proper dry store (pepper corns, maldon salt, amazing olive oil etc)
Natural wines are always going to throw out different fruits, styles and clarity; your list is a shrine to Natural wines, have people in London taken well to this style of wine?
Yes, definitely! Natural wine has been around for a long time now, the trend was about 5 years ago, now it is part of a culture, I think. I mean you can go to any Michelin restaurant around the globe, over half of their wine list is about natural wines, they just don't shout it as it can be quite controversial. I personally like to take a stand (whereas I did not when we first opened NP) after meeting many wine makers in the last seven years, and seeing their dedication to the terroir, their passion, their hard work, the purity of what they do, I think everyone should know more about it. People care so much about what they put in their plates, why wouldn't they care about what they have in their glass?
The Other Naughty Piglet, 2017.
Do you see fine Natural wines having longevity to match the likes of some Bordeaux and Burgundy?
Yes of course. Not all of them, but surely some. Prieure saint Christophe, Michel Grisard in Savoie, Chateau le Puy in Bordeaux and many others, If you think about it, a few decades ago, this is how they used to make wine, the idea of being a control freak in the winery is newer than natural wine...
"People care so much about what they put in their plates, why wouldn't they care about what they have in their glass?"
How do Natural wines handle being open for those on the by the glass list?
Let's not forget that natural wine is "wine" essentially! Some don't last and are badly made, some are fantastically made and last once opened, in conventional or natural wine making....
The Other Naughty Piglet, 2017.
Do you have any exciting plans or events coming up that our readers might be interested in?
We are thinking of doing a collaboration with another chef for the Evening Standard food festival event in July and we will be doing wine dinners with a special wine maker each time in the next 6 months.
The Other Naughty Piglet
At The Other Palace.
12 Palace St, Westminster,
London SW1E 5JA
From The Rise of Modernism to Venetian Chic: Your Culture Guide to March
Visit: Degas to Picasso, The Rise of Modernism - Ashmolean Oxford: The exhibition presents over 100 works from a private collection that has never been seen in Britain before. The exhibition plots a course from Romantic artists such as Ingres, Gericault and Delacroix via the dramatic artistic transformations of Van Gogh and Cézanne, to the radical experiments in Cubism by innovators such as Picasso and Braque. Until May 7th 2017.
Read: Venetian Chic, Assouline. Francesca Bortolotto Posait knows her way around Venice. Join her to visit artist's studios, elegant Ventian friends and palaces' secrets. To have her as a guide is to experience firsthand her affection for the private side of the mythic city whose daily visitors outnumber its population. Photographer Robyn Lea makes this book a revelation of the Venice of dreams.
Eat: L'Antica Pizzeria, Stoke Newington. The world's best pizzeria has landed in London. The family run restaurant opened in Naples in 1870 and it is widely recognised as the city's best by the locals. 125 Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington, London N16 0UH.
Do: Wolfgang Tillmanns, Tate Modern. From intimate still-lifes and portraits, to images that address vital political issues, explore the photographs of this Turner Prize winning and groundbreaking artist. Until 11th June 2017, Tate Modern.
See: Hamlet, Almedia Theatre. This well-known tragedy will be directed by Robert Ick and have stunning set design by Hildegard Bechtler. Andrew Scott will take on the title role of Hamlet in the Almedia theatre's new production. Until 8th April 2017.
Burberry Makers House.
Henry Moore at Burberry Makers House: Inspiration & Process
Burberry will show their exquisite February collection next to the key works that inspired the collection by Henry Moore at Makers House from the 21st February 2017 until the 27th February 2017.
Visitors to Makers House will enjoy more than 40 works by the British sculptor, including Draped Reclining Mother and Baby, Torso with Point and Mother and Child: Block Seat.
The exhibition, titled Henry Moore: Inspiration & Process will also be accompanied by events, workshops and performances at Makers House. This is a wonderful opportunity to see Burberry’s stunning collection alongside the catalyst that facilitated its creation.
From Josef Frank to Travels with Chufy: Your Culture Guide To February
Go - Do Ho Suh: Passage/s | Victoria Miro Gallery. The exhibition will feature new fabric sculptures conceived especially for the gallery, including a walk-through configuration of Hubs, and a range of work on paper. The exhibition will be the first presentation of Suh's work in London since Staircase-III was displayed as part of Tate Modern's Collection Displays in 2011.
See - The Fashion & Textile Museum, Josef Frank Patterns, Furniture, Painting. In the first ever UK exhibition, explore the work of artist and designer Josef Frank. Don't miss the chance to see Frank's stunning designs and colourful brand of modernism. 28th January - 7th May 2017.
Eat - Aquavit, St. James's Market. The critically acclaimed and 2 Michelin starred New York restaurant has arrived in London. Aquavit London is a fresh concept that combines signature dishes with sophisticated design, all in contemporary Nordic style. In our opinion, this stunning restaurant would be the perfect place to celebrate Valentine's Day.
Visit - Condo 2017. Condo is back again this year with a collaborative exhibition by 36 galleries across 15 London spaces. From 14th January - 11th February 2017. (http://www.condocomplex.org)
Read - Travels with Chufy, Sofïa Sanchez de Betak | Assouline. Travel and style influencer Sofía Sanchez de Betak invites readers on a journey to off-the-radar hideaways and secluded retreats where those in the know seek unforgettable experiences. From the savannahs of Kenya to the glacial bays of Iceland to the soaring mountains of Patagonia, Betak shares her favorites: settings where wildlife and adventure abound, the lines between a hotel and its surroundings are blurred, and visitors are welcomed like old friends.
David Hockney: Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) (1972).
Exhibition: David Hockney at Tate Britain, London
As we finally reach the edge of winter and step into some (hopefully) Spring like weather, there are an array of exhibitions coming up that are set to inspire. Most importantly, the upcoming David Hockney exhibition that is opening on the 9th February at the Tate Britain. The display will bring together an extensive collection of Hockney's most famous works, celebrating his achievements across six decades in painting, drawing, photography, print and video.
As his 80th birthday approaches, Hockney continues to change his approach and way of working, having experimented with new technologies throughout his career. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a selection of unforgettable works, from his extraordinary portraits to the azure blue LA swimming pools, all the way through to his Yorkshire landscapes and some pieces that have never before been seen in public - this will be, quite simply put, the exhibition of the year in London.
David Hockney: Red Pots in The Garden (2000).
David Hockney: More Felled Trees on Woldgate, 2008.
David Hockney, Tate Britain
From 9th of February 2017 until 29th of May 2017
From Swing Time to Zaha Hadid's Confetti: Your Culture Guide to January
See – Australia’s Impressionists, The National Gallery. Break away from the darkness of winter for the sun-filled landscapes of the Australian Impressionists in the first UK exhibition of its kind. Until 26th March 2017.
Visit – Zaha Hadid: Early Paintings and Drawings, Serpentine Sackler Gallery. Don’t miss the chance to see the rarely seen drawings of the visionary architect Zaha Hadid. The exhibition is housed in the Serpentine Sackler Gallery extension that was completed by Zaha Hadid in 2013. Until 12th February.
Eat – Kricket, Soho. If you have already tried their amazing Indian small plates, you’ll be pleased to hear that Kricket is opening their second restaurant in a larger space with the same delicious food. Opens January 5th. 12 Denman Street, Soho, London, W1D 7HH.
Read – Swing Time, Zadie Smith. Start the new year right with a great book. We seem to love everything that Zadie Smith releases, but her latest is a brilliantly written treat.
Do – Chinese New Year. Whether you celebrate at home or in the main parade in Central London, see in the Year of the Rooster surrounded by colour, friends and dragons.
From Love of Hair to Fear and Love: Your Culture Guide to December
Hair by Sam McKnight, Somerset House.
Art House by Assouline.
Eat - Noble Rot Wine Bar & Restaurant. We love the Parisian style wine bar and restaurant Noble Rot. Head over to enjoy their vast wine list, served with a succinct, seasonal British menu. 51 Lamb's Conduit Street, WC1N 3NB.
See – Hair by Sam McKnight, Somerset House. Is there anywhere more inviting than Somerset House at Christmas? Enjoy an afternoon at the Hair by Sam McKnight exhibition celebrating McKnights 40 year career. Until 12th March 2017.
Visit – Claridges. December is the time to treat yourself. Don’t miss the spectacular room-size Christmas installation designed by Sir Jony Ive, Chief Design Officer at Apple and Marc Newson, one of the world’s most influential industrial designers in collaboration with renowned British set designer Michael Howells.
Do – Design Museum. Following a five-year building project, the remarkable new Design Museum in Kensington has opened its doors. The current exhibition ‘Fear and Love: Reactions to a Complex World’ will occupy the space at the museum until 23rd April 2017.
Read - Art House, Assouline. Art House takes readers on a breathtaking visual tour of five residences designed to house six hundred works of art, including masterpieces by Marcel Duchamp, Andy Warhol, Donald Judd, Louise Nevelson, Diane Arbus, and Frank Stella.
London Design Museum in Kensington.
