What to see
“Fragile Beauty”
Elton John and David Furnish are displaying their collection of photography at the Victoria & Albert Museum until Jan. 5. A self-portrait of Robert Mapplethorpe from ‘85 is on display, as well as a still life the photographer took of a poppy in ‘88. Other notable photographers in the exhibition include Nan Goldin, Herb Ritts, Tyler Mitchell, David LaChapelle and more.
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“Barbie: The Exhibition”
Mattel’s most famous doll celebrates her 65th birthday at the Design Museum with numerous fashion collections, vehicles, houses and more on display. There are sightings of Mattel’s first-ever doll, released in 1959; the Day to Night Barbie from 1985, and the bestselling Barbie of all time —Totally Hair Barbie —from 1992, which sold more than 10 million units.
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“Zanele Muholi”
More than 260 photographs from South African visual activist Zanele Muholi are on display at the Tate Modern until January. Each piece of work documents and celebrates the lives of lesbian, gay, trans, queer and intersex communities from her motherland.
Where to eat
Dovetale at 1 Hotel Mayfair
The two Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers leads the kitchen at Dovetale, the restaurant based inside 1 Hotel Mayfair with a delicious menu that even includes a light take on a Sunday roast by swapping the heavy side dishes for a Caesar salad, heritage tomato salad and fluffy fried potatoes.
Before joining Dovetale, Sellers worked under Tom Aikens in London, Thomas Keller in New York, and Rene Redzepi in Copenhagen.
Apricity
Chef Chantelle Nicholson’s restaurant Apricity in Mayfair is one of the city’s few Michelin Green Starred places that brings sustainable and eco-friendly practices at the forefront. The menu features hand-dived Loch Fyne scallops; tempura courgette flower; Cornish pollack and more.
La Petite Maison
La Petite Maison, otherwise known as LPM London, has become a dining hot spot with regulars including the Beckhams, Stella and Paul McCartney, Harry Styles and Claudia Schiffer. The French restaurant with a Mediterranean and Italian twist already has locations in Dubai, Miami, Hong Kong, Doha, Las Vegas and Mykonos. The menu is famed for snails with garlic butter and parsley; a creamy potato gratin with cheese; marinated lamb cutlets with aubergine caviar and pine nuts; and for dessert, a French toast with spice ice cream.
What to watch
“Hadestown”
The Broadway “Hadestown” musical by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and director Rachel Chavkin has made its London debut at the Lyric Theatre on West End, retelling the story of two couples, the young couple Orpheus and Eurydice, and King Hades and his wife Persephone. The cast features American actor and singer Zachary James, who plays Hades; Gloria Onitiri as Persephone; Dónal Finn as Orpheus and Grace Hodgett-Young as Eurydice.
“Mean Girls”
The Plastics — Regina George, Gretchen Wieners and Karen Smith — are back and everything is pink, and somewhat fetch, at the Savoy Theatre where “Mean Girls” is running. The three girls run North Shore High until a home-schooled newbie, Cady Heron, joins, changing The Plastics’ trajectory from “It” girls to school enemies.
Where to treat yourself
Soulstice
Now that Mercury is out of retrograde, there’s no better time to get some spiritual clarity at Soulstice in Primrose Hill. The upstairs space sells crystals, sage, candles and more, while the space downstairs hosts everything from crystal alchemy sound baths and astrology chart readings to tarot readings.
House of Astrid & Miyu
The jewelry brand Astrid & Miyu has a new flagship on Carnaby Street where shoppers can take advantage of a full suite of services, including creating bespoke chains; welded bracelets and anklets; piercings; tattoos; engraving and monogramming jewelry boxes.
The Spa at 45 Park Lane
The Dorchester Collection’s Spa at 45 Park Lane ticks all the boxes of an uber-luxury spa day out: a 20-meter pool that’s Park Lane’s longest swimming pool; a personal training room; a hair care menu from Carol Joy London and a treatment menu from Dr Uliana Gout. It’s no wonder supermodel Naomi Campbell is a regular.