A Valentine's date doesn't have to be anything extravagant. Sure, a fancy meal is nice and all, but St Valentine's Day is really about giving quality time to your favourite people, whether that be a partner, pals or a situationship that you're trying to turn into something a bit deeper. This year V Day falls on a Saturday, which means there's an awful lot of time to fill. But, like we said, that doesn't have to involve big spending.
At next month's event, you can expect talks from Liang-Jung Chen, a London-based artist interested in material culture as they work across several mediums. After going viral with their UK indefinite leave to remain project, which was a thrilling piece of screen-recorded performance art within Microsoft Excel, Liang-Jung will be joining the stage to elaborate on how that project came about whilst introducing their versatile practice.
If you fancy lunch in one of the City of London's ancient livery halls, it's possible. Livery Halls are usually only open to members or hired out for events, but the Livery Hall of the Worshipful Company of Butchers, near the Barbican, holds monthly(ish) public lunches. Guests are welcomed with a drink reception from 12:15pm on the Ground Floor, before ascending to the Great Hall, where lunch is served at 1pm.
Studio Ghibli is heading to London this winter with the arrival of Maison Ghibli, an official pop-up shop dedicated to the legendary Japanese animation studio. Opening in Knightsbridge for a limited run, it's the first time Londoners will be able to browse a fully curated selection of Studio Ghibli-certified merchandise in a standalone space. Fans of Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Kiki's Delivery Service can expect shelves filled with plushies, minifigures, stationery, homewares
It's now much less than two months until Christmas. And while we've only just got past Halloween and Bonfire Night London is fully preparing for the festive season. Pantomimes are being announced, ice rinks are open for bookings and choirs across the capital are warming up their vocals ahead of some magical carol concerts. But Christmas doesn't truly start in London until its thousands of glimmering Yuletide lights are set aglow.
Stock up on Eggos, dust off your trucker cap and remember how young you were when it all started because Stranger Things is back in a big way. The fifth and final season of the Duffer brothers' Netflix sensation is hitting the streaming in three spooky bursts from November 26 to January 1. And, needless to say, there are big plans to mark the finale with events and pop-ups across London - and worldwide.
Taking over Borough Hall in Greenwich, Tokyo Nights will feature Sumo (involving four former professional wrestlers) sushi dining, and sake, in a space designed to evoke the streets of Tokyo. The Dohyō (the ring) will be at the heart of the action, with different dining options available, from a premium ring-side menu to more relaxed balcony seating. The team behind Tokyo Nights has worked on events including Grand Expedition, Chambers of Flavour and Secret Cinema, and includes Tokyo-based, London-born artist David Sharibani, aka Lord K2, who has had behind-the-scenes access to sumo stables and the Kokugikan arena in Tokyo.
On both Saturday (June 7) and Sunday (June 8), the DLR will be closed from both Bank and Tower Gateway to Canning Town and Lewisham. Furthermore, there will also be no service between Canary Wharf and Stratford.
