London: Tea Time in Wonderland

What sound represents spring the best to you? Birds chirping happily? I would say the ice-cream van returning to the neighbourhood. Right after school or on clue for dessert. This cheerful music that stays in you head the whole evening. Children rushing to their parents (well, the one with a wallet nearby), then to the ice-creams. Flake, sirup or both, that is the question! Kids laughing. Even if it is only 09 degrees outside. I once saw the ice-cream van serving treats as it started snowing. Spring is weather resistant my friends. Looking for ideas to put sunshine in the week-end? Scroll down!

That’s art, baby!
* Loved The King’s speech? It is now played on stage at  Wyndhams theatre. Don’t miss this!
* Try the Polaroid workshop at Rough Trade on Saturday.
* Have a look at Bernard Cohen’s futuristic art -  the level of detail is quite hypnotising.

Take the little ones along:
* Take them to the Crafty Fox Market -  there will be lovely workshops there. Lots of hints on the website.
* Passez-y! Roots & Shoots is a real piece of countriside hidden in the city – they are having an open day on Sunday, do go and discover it.

Yummy time ahead:
* On Thursday, get a free Austrian lunch on Soho Square.

Out of the ordinary:
* For 6 weeks, a free music festival settles in St Pancras. Might be worth making a detour!* Add a little touch of crazyness on Thursday and play musical bingo.
* Did you know there is a scooter club in London? 300 of those will drive through the city on Saturday, leaving from the London Eye.
* (Re)discover Wandworth. or see Spitafields a different way.
* Go treasure hunting on Saturday.
* See the city from a different angle with this tour by Occupy London.

A little bit of spring, of blue skies, of sun – oh, how you long for the week-end… Get on a bike, escape, ride along the Thames, sit under a tree. From a dream to another, I somehow ended up on Beg Bicycles – a vintage and romantic style, very inspiring. This, my friend, calls for a picnic…

St Patrick’s special:
* See life in green on Saturday at the Water Poet: yummy Irish treats, lots of Guinness to celebrate St Patrick’s day and the match Ireland-England.

* The Roundhouse also has planned a fantastic afternoon of Irish music.

* Do it at least one in your life -  wear everything green you own then go and see the parade on Sunday. Then party on Trafalgar Square.

* Still on Sunday, why not listen to gaelic songs?

Yummy time ahead:
* Yo Sushi fan? Don’t forget their birthday this Thursday, at their Soho location. The plates will be 97p each, quite a deal!

* Sunday, stop at Gino and try their ice-creams. Inspired by the Japanese festival for cherry trees in bloom, they have created a green tea-white chocolate flavour. And a miso-caramel one. If you’d rather have something a little more classic, why not go for the peach-champagne?

* Plan your next pub crawls.

Take the little ones along:
* It’s spring at the Somerset House -  the yard will be blooming with 10000 sculpted daffodils.

* Take them to an opera they are sure to love – Alice in wonderland with absolutely wow costumes.

Out of the ordinary:
* Thursday evening, go and listen to the Philharmonia Orchestra for free.

* Friday evening, indulge in a regression evening. DJ and childhood game. Well, an adult version of them.

* Order a pizza and kayak your way to it.

* On Saturday, sing French songs on Trafalgar Square with 9 free concerts throughout the day.

* Street art lover? Did you know there is now a London app?

* Another London -  every Monday evening, you can visit the London library.

* Kings Cross station reopens on Monday -  beautiful curves. Don’t miss it!

There is something in the air. A softness, a lighter texture, a cheerfulness. Makes me feel like walking along a beach, breathe in the salty air, listen to the waves, maybe fly a kite. What about you? Doing anything nice this week-end? You can also fish in the ideas below!

That’s art, baby:
* Make a little detour to see those East London pictures of yesteryear.

* A new artistic venue, in a lorry container. Oh, and linked to a pizza bus, of course.

Yummy time ahead:
* A delicious idea to start the week-end -  every Saturday, there is a homemadefood market in Hackney

* To celebrate St David’s day -  Wales’ patron -  the Real Food Market on Southbank will put lots of Welsh favourites on their stalls.

* In Chinatown, you are gonna melt for those new treats on skewers. And they’re chep too!

* Caffeine alert. Oh, and there too.

Out of the ordinary:
* Before the Louboutin exhibition starts at the Design Museum at the end of the month, the iconic creator has redesigned the whole Concept Store and the surrounding windows.

* Hoorray, the Barbican week-ends are back! There will be urban stories, poetry, digital graffiti, live music and much much more.

* Oh! A new pop-up cinema. Saturday, if you have an appetite for it, you can go and see dracula. In a church, of course. No obligation to take a necklace of garlic along.

* The dancing theatre is inspired by the 1920ies this week-end.

Does not ring a bell? Oh, but you do know this artist. You admire his work each time you step in the V&A: this huge octopus like glass chandelier is one of his creations.

The Halcyon gallery has quite a few of his sculptures on show at the moment and I have been wowed by those. Photos are not permitted and those on the website do not reflect how impressive the colours and shapes are. The glass seems to have a life of its own, a movement, a will to bloom into flowers, fly towards the sky or burst into flames at the top of the stairs. Such expression and strength in a material which could shatter so easily!

The sight makes you wonder whether you have opened the door to another dimension. Shouldn’t there be an intriguing music in the background? Are those goin to move any minute? Those are made for spectacular places and appear regularly in sumptuous botanic gardens, taking their place naturally in luxurious flora. As in the Kew Gardens Victorian architecture a few years back. If you fancy a full size feel, make a detour to Park Lane and gasp at the Torchlight Chandelier, just in front of the Dorchester. Particularly beautiful at night, it seems to control the whole space.

Contemporary, yes. Lovecraftian, almost. Out of this world, really.

Halcyon Gallery
Chihuly - until March 31, 2012. Free.
144 – 146 New Bond Street
London W1S 2PF

The most beautiful flowers are those blooming forever. On greyish days, I dream in front of this paper lace work by Rob Ryan. Of escapes to the seaside and spring valleys. A few seconds of sweetness before reality kicks in. Somehow, it proves even more efficient than chocolate.

That’s art baby:
* Rediscover Picasso at the Tate.
* Add a touch of surrealism with Chihuly.

Take the little ones along:
* Saturday, learn how to make 3D pancakes. It’s free.
* Also on that day, try the apple wassail at Camden’s Natural Reserve.
* The Duck Tour now proposes a James Bond theme.

Love, Love, Love:
* Victoria & Albert, a royal love -  fabulous animations.

Out of the ordinary:
* Saturday, go clue hunting in Shoreditch.
* Or sing at the pub. At the Coach & horses, it has become a tradition every Saturday. They even have a piano.
* Prepare your own potions.
* A little London love.
* See a movie. On a roof. In a theatre made of reclaimed material form the olympic park.
* Camelias are in bloom at the Chiswick House – gorgeous!

I love, in the British language, the expression Paint the town red. Fits London so well. This colours is already pretty iconic but oh, my, in this pre-Valentine-day period, it seems it is the only one around…

That’s art, baby:
* Rediscover the Sunday times mythical pictures at the Saatchi.
* Get your own pop-up London. To get it from Amazon, click here.
* London artist add a touch of blues to the capital.

Yummy time ahead:
* Pssst -  get your coffee at Salt and get a breakfast treat free this week, from Thursday to Sunday.
* Taste the Chelsea Physics Garden’s honey.
* Liquorice and sweets fans, rejoyce.
* It’s the last straw (almost) in Soho.
* The new fun way to eat cake is here.
* Gospel, brunch and a view.

Take the little ones along:
* Sing along the Gruffalo.
* At the Somerset House, the kids craft workshops will be about mirrors and marble effects.
* Kids have their own festival on Southbank.

Love, love, love:
* You probably do not know her yet. Lili Bé is one of the most talented froggies I know and she illustrates London and life with a smile. In French, but still, take a look at those limited edition posters and tell me you do not fall for it. I would love to have this a a bag too. Don’t you?

Out of the ordinary:
* The end of the world is getting nearer.
* Let your heart beat for flamenco.
* Find love heart sweets irresistible? Well, at the Jewellery school on Sunday, you can make you own charm one.

An Argentinian dream with Midnight Tango. Such a glamourous, seductive dance. Dresses seem to be flying around the dancers. And when the music speeds up, so does your heart, and so do the heels on the stage. Exceptional skills, not only of  Strictly Come Dancing’s Vincent and Flavia but of the whole troup. Do go and see it.

That’s art, baby!
* Knitting obsession.
* Step back in David Lynch‘s world.
* Redefine art.
* A poetic page.

Yummy time ahead:
* A special one for meat lovers.
* A suivre, donc! Try Pierre Hermé‘s new macaron: Jardin enchanté (Enchanted garden). Lime cream, a heart of cherries, a touch of Espelette chilli to wake up the tastebuds. There will be a different edition on the garden theme every month – do not miss any!

Love, love, love:
* Add some glitter with Tatty Devine on Thursday.
* 50 romantic ideas in London.

Take the little ones along:
* Get those roller skates out and spend a disco time with the family.
* Re-celebrate the Chinese New year.
* The Somerset House too has craft workshops for kids this week-end

Royal London:
* Discover Queen Elisabeth II’s life through Cecil Beaton’s pictures of her. At the V&A until April 22, 2012.

So British:
* The best pubs in London? Click this way. Cheers.
* This week-end, your pint could also be rock’n'roll.

Out of the ordinary:
* Daniel Radcliffe fan? Meet him Thursday evening.
* Walk through Dickens‘ world (free, no need to book)
* Street art gets colourful with Jimmy C.
* London plays the high tech card (yeah, it seems we have a budget for that)
* Saturday, see the best slices of Bollywood movies.
* Meet the London clowns and tip your hat to Grimaldi.
* Follow the street art. Litterally.
* Tropical extravagance at Kew Gardens.
* After the Chinese New Year, the Russian one. This will be on Sunday and on Trafalgar.
* Snowdrops are already blooming at the Chelsea Physics Garden.

A tiny art gallerie has opened in Covent Garden. They have fascinating representations of cities, black & white and suddenly a rainbow of tints, as if the colours were the ones telling the story. Have a look at the Delicate Mayhem Gallery, 3 Russel Street next time you are around. Nice to see some art in that neighbourghood!

That’s art, baby:
* Facebook inspires street art.
* Rainbow of colours with David Hockney.
* 21st century art: 3D printing.

So British:
* Become a cricket fan.

Sing it:
* Keep a coin for the juke box.

Take the little ones along:
* Street art: follow Stik around.
* Sunday, robotic camera workshop.
* In honour of the musical Mathilda, Roald dahl fans will not resist the stupendous afternoon tea.

Yummy time ahead:
* Hate detoxing? Oh but it can be quite fun at The Botanist et au Chiswell Street Dining Room.  Until February 12, you can sip  on Lemon Aid (white tea sirup and apricot infused gin), de Green Business (vodka, cucumber, basil, spirulina) et Hazy Days (gin, green apple liqueur, fresh ginger, goji berries). We promise those are filled with good things for you!

Out of the ordinary:
* This Thursday evening small is beautiful and fun at the Wellcome Collection.
* Still on Thursday, stop at the Imperial War Museum for a free movie.
* Nostalgic touch -  see a silent movie at the Barbican.
* Note the London tips of the fantastic Luiz Hara.
* Galop at the O2.
* You might think it is Halloween with this coffin exhibition.
* Discover Three Mills Island.
* The Take-away shop proposes to share… anything from anedotes to skills vis London histories and craft. I tip my hat to that.

How about doing something different before the year is over? Like, maybe, not just buy the Big Issue to have a clear conscience but stop and chat, ask whether they would like a coffee, make it just a little bit more human than erasing them from your mind after walking past. Or join an Unseen Tour, strolls through London led by homeless guides who therefore know the neighbourhoods like the back of their pocket. Even the most blasé will learn fabulous facts from them. You can also take part in a Sock Mob – volunteers go round with sandwiches and socks, chat with homeless people, try to cut through the isolation, a few minutes that can make a difference. Christmas is not just about buying gifts but sharing, even with total strangers.

The Christmas touch:
* Last week, Santas were racing through London. This Saturday, they will be skating in Hyde Park.
* See a festive movie in a deconsecrated church, all decorated for the occasion. Even better, it is for a good cause.

That’s art, baby:
* Not pop TV but punch TV.
* For the Andy Warhol fans -  the last chapter.

Yummy time:
* Your mouth will water at the only sight of this Sunday Roast.
* Warm up with a flamed cocktail at the One Aldwych. And check in on Four Square too – you will get a mini mince pie crumble with your drink.
* Test a mozzarella bar.
* Now, here is a fab idea-  an afternoon tea with a selection of mini-cocktails rather than just a normal sized one.

Take the little ones along:
* Inspired by Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, the London Museum proposes kids workshops.

Stocking fillers:
* Pop-up boutique + theatre = fun
* Add a little Beatles touch.

Hum along:
* Join the Xmas carols at the Borough Market.
* Dance, rock and twist at the Royal Festival Hall. It’s free!

A touch of magic:
* Share. At least your time and help prepare community meals.
* Don’t follow the trend, get a hula hoop and dance yourself happy.
* A stroll through London. Christmas-themed. Yep. In a kayak.

My advice of the week? Go for a Christmas afternoon tea at the Mandeville hotel. They had already won my heart (and my stomach) with their traditional version and I fell for that one too. Tangerine tartlet with a touch of gold, light but delicious Stollen the best scones in town, mince pies to die for, cupcakes decorated as a Christmas tree, a brownie teaxture to the chocolate cake with a touch of mint… What better way to celebrate the season before, during or after a shopping session? Even better, match it to one of theur fantastic cocktails -  the Via con me is a drink-it-up tiramisu version and the Dragonfly is very Turkish Delight like… You will be back for more!

‘Tis the season to be jolly:
* The Xmas tree dresses up in Legos at St Pancras.
* Don’t forget the Pudding Race!
* Woodlands get enchanted.
* Celebrate Xmas with a Swedish touch -  gorgeous food and drinks, ski lodge atmosphere and soft furs…

That’s art, baby:
* Open space and green!
* Robots invade the Science Museum.

Yummy time:
* Shhh -  a secret place for Whisky lovers.
* The Real Food Market gets festive.
* Learn to cook Tudor style at Hampton Court.

December, your best excuse to do some shopping:
* Do your shopping at this night market. Chinese lanterns and DJ – what a lovely atmosphere!

Out of the ordinary:
* Turn back the clock and head for a sensational Victorian evening.
* Brave the cold.
* Fingercross for a chance to see the Cointreau Cabaret.
* Beat that winter-blues with a ray or two of light.
* Discover Mrs Marmite Lover’s London.