London: Tea Time in Wonderland

On the Donegall Quay in Belfast, you will suddenly face a giant fish, 10 metres long, a surprising art work by John Kindness. A beautiful palette of blue, reminding of British china plates, each scale a tile showing a different illustration on the history of the city, from the Tudor till now. Newspapers, advertisements, engravings or paintings… like a mini-museum under the sun.

Sculptures that just call to be touched and caressed, playing on a geometry inspired by the perfection of nature. I so would like to see rain zigzaging through the patterns, creating cascades and moss colouring this maze in green.

Fitzwilliam Museum
Trumpington St
Cambridge
CB2 1RB
Until March 31, 2013 -  free

Look. This is my secret weapon for challenging weeks. You know, those when files build a China wall around you. This perfect butter and honey flajack, with a layer of caramel, another of chocolate, sprinklend with hazelnuts and pistachios take all the trouble away, one bite at a time. Of course, you have used more than your calorie allowance but yes, it is that good, even if it seems simple enough. Stock on those at Prêt-à-manger. And to burn the extra energy, choose in the week-end ideas below!

That’s art baby:
* On Thursday, dress 1930ies style to see the Mondrian exhibition.
* Friday, the late evening of the V&A celebrates Persia.
* A musical sculpture in Canary Wharf? Now that will make you love modern art.

Yummy time ahead:
* A speakeasy behind a sex-shop in Soho, how intriguing!
* The food market on Southbank will be all about chocolate this week-end.
* Indulge at the chocolate lab too. They even do brunches.
* The best Sunday idea ever -  a roast with a “Make your own Bloody Mary” option. And a kids club!

Take the little ones along:
* The Harry Potter studios are opening on Saturday – magic!
* Dimanche, sortez les cerfs-volants.On Sunday, go and fly a kite.

Out of the ordinary:
* Try Kicktable - an amazing way to discover new skills or share yours.
* Revise your London ABC.
* Kensington Palace has reopened, even more magical than before.

There used to be a plane there, which ironically died of pollution. It was replaced by an everlasting variety, a sculpture by the French artist Pierre Vivant. The lights change constantly, of course, underling the constant activity in Canary Wharf. Strangely hypnotising, worth the detour.

Traffic Light Tree, Heron Quays roundabout, Canary Wharf, London E14

When I’m tired, I snack. And I feel pretty tired at the moment. And so I have become addicted to pop-corn. I can’t escape it, it is everywhere!

At work, I fall for Tyrrell‘s crunchy treats (yes, yes do more than just crisps).

Before heading to a long meeting, I find energy in Meltcafe‘s wasabi ones. I hope it makes me look fiercer too.

My best reward would be Joe & Seph’s gourmet versions. My favoutite remains the caramel, macchiato and whisky.

There’s also one to put in your handbag: Wild Trail does bar ones, with pieces of apples, apricot…

Next on my list is this Shoreditch cinema‘s interesting jazz corn.

Any advice? Let me know! Meanwhile…

* A new way to recycle: fridges put together as a cinema screen.

* Celebrate Friday with a free music concert at the Scoop.

* Take a beer masterclass.

* Anish Kapoor reflects the City.

* Go and see the Spitafields Market new sculptures.

* Spring clean and declutter those shelves.

* Did you know it is mango season? Here is where to find the best ones.

* Pretend you are Mozart. Yes, in the street.

* Southbank will celebrate too, it is a whole party next week at Borough Market.

* Baranis will be joining too. There will be petanque, delicious treats and a themed cocktail.

* Maille is opening a pop-up in Spitafields. Boutique by day and underground restaurant at night. Made even bubblier by the excellent Mrs Marmite Lover.

Al Weiwei had already intrigued us at the Tate Modern by filling the Turbine Hall with sunflower seeds.

No one knows where the artist is today – the guess is: political prisonner. Makes you shiver.

An even better reason to discover his latest work in the Somerset House courtyard. Quite contemporary against the neutral stone buildings.

Those 12 bronze faces represent the animals of the Chinese zodiac. The level of details, form veins to minute teeth, proves quite fascinating. Inspired by the ones decorating the fountains of Yuanming Yan, a former Imperial palace in Beijing, they bring a nice irony. Meant for an elite, they will now delight the most ecclectic crowds.

Those are free to come and see, just aside the fountains now reopened for the summer. If you come with kids -  just plan a change of clothes, they happily rush in!

Somerset House
Strand
London WC2R 1LA
Until June 26, 2011 – free. More works can be seen at the Lisson Gallery.